I have read quite a few posts here and some info at various websites.
Here is my situation:
Basement finish project (basement will become a rental apt.)
1st floor structure: 2×8 @16″ with plywood and mostly carpet above
Basement slab-bottom of joist height: 83″ (yikes)
I am looking for my best bang-for-inches sound dampening ceiling solution. Insulation in joist bays seems likely, but what resilient channels/other solutions should I check out to maximize finished ceiling height? losing 1.5-2.5″ would be undesirable.
Please be specific regarding products/techniques including any insulation ideas.
Also, due to ceiling height issues I plan on installing mostly recessed light cans- is this a bad idea? Are airtight cans better for sound?
thanks in advance.
UPDATE: Local building officials are ok with 6’6″ ceilings.
Edited 2/2/2008 8:01 pm ET by areadan
Replies
Most building codes require a minimum of 84" foir habitable space. You may want to check w/the bldg. dept first.
tim
Look at Quietrock at quietsolution.com.
They have soundproofing drywall, plywood and other products. Here's a link to a document about use of their product in a floor/ceiling situation:
http://www.quietsolution.com/Multifamily__4_FC_100504_scn1.pdf
I've read a lot about their products, and have about $2000 worth in my garage that I'm installing in my home. They're also very helpful if you call with questions. They don't try to upsell you. In fact, I've found they will discourage you from buying any more of their products than will prove beneficial.
They'll also advise you of diminishing returns, too. For instance, I asked about installing two layers of one of their drywall products, and they told me that I'd be nearly as good off using standard 5/8" drywall for the second layer. They have all kinds of test results on their website and seem very concerned with making sure their products are used effectively.
I'd check into the quietrock as well, and/or the rubber sound insulation membranes that are being used and developed.
I haven't used any of them, but having used plenty of insulation and resilient channel to try to soundproof basements for clients who don't want to spend much extra cash, I can tell you that it only does so much.
It also depends on what you're trying to soundproof. It's going to be harder to block out people walking on wood floors above, than it is TV or voices below. The bass sounds will go through the connection points and framing members more than the treble sounds.
I get pretty jazzed when talking with acoustical engineers who can build basement recording studios, but I'm not one of them, so I'm only offering my tiny bit of knowledge (or possibly lack thereof).
Paul
Thanks for the responses. I checked out Quietrock and they suggest the 525 or 530 sheets that cost about $68 and $100 for 4x8 sheets. This is obviously a huge price difference from plain old drywall.
There are already furring strips installed, so I may go with Quietrock 525 unless anyone has a different idea.
just an idea.
poor man's way. what about sandwiching laminate floor foam underlayment between two layers of either 1/4 or 1/2 sheetrock
its designed to be a sound barrier and should be a good barrier between the two pieces to help block the sound.
I'm I way off ?
Edited 2/4/2008 5:25 pm ET by nash
I would wonder how a Mooney Ceiling might perform here?Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
If your hair looks funny, it's because God likes to scratch his nuts. You nut, you.
I would tear out the strapping and replace it with res. bar. Hang regular drywall on sound isolation clips attached to the bar and insulate with mineral wool batts.
Try googling this sound assembly. It gives you good results.
Mass loaded vinyl. Either "FineHomebuilding" or "The Journal of Light Construction" did an article on soundproofing last year. Are also web sited for accustical treatments and many, many, past discussions here about it.