Sound resistant Room

[Fret]

I am looking for a way to increase the sound resistance of the ceiling in my basement. I already have some R19 insulation to put up but I was wondering what the best thing would be to put over that? Of course I want it to look decent but if it could contribute to the sound resistant as well then all the better. My wallet isn't going to allow for sound proofing but of course that's always desirable. I do have access to some free carpet that I could just attach to the crossbeams. Basically I am wondering if there was a better way to go that wouldn't be as expensive as multiple layers?

 

[frederic]

Carpet is a mediocre sound insulator at best. However, its much better than flat surfaces such as wood and/or sheet rock if you are trying to isolate your room from external rooms.

If you have enough carpet, I'd recommend stapling the carpet to the studs before putting up the sheet rock, then a layer on top of the sheet rock (use significantly longer staples for the external, exposed carpet). From there, you can tune the room further.

Again, carpet is better than nothing, but its not an acoustical product. Shag rugs do more than "regular" carpets.

I am looking for a way to increase the sound resistance of the ceiling in my basement. I already have some R19 insulation to put up but I was wondering what the best thing would be to put over that? Of course I want it to look decent but if it could contribute to the sound resistant as well then all the better. My wallet isn't going to allow for
sound proofing but of course that's always desirable. I do have access to some free carpet that I could just attach to the crossbeams. Basically I am wondering if there was a better way to go that wouldn't be as expensive as multiple layers?

 

[Fret]

Actually I have noticed that the majority of my sound is coming through the floor on the opposite side of the basement (mostly from the A/C return) and not from the ceiling on my studio side. I am going to get the insulation up and listen some more. I have some acoustical drapes that I am going to put up for sound conditioning but I will also probably end up framing in and insulation the a/c ducts as well as finishing the wall in-between the two sides. I figured I would wait and see how much sound is coming through the ceiling after I finish the insulation in order to determine what the ceiling on that side will need.

 

[frederic]

!

Not sure how I missed your mention of A/C ducts, but there are solutions.

One is to cover the inlet/outlet ducts with sections of a wool blanket (or just put foam over it, but expect to change the foam every so often - it WILL get dirty). Another is to plumb into the ductwork several filter ducts, and space them 3", 4" and 6" apart (three filters) as to diffuse the sound going in and out. Of course if the ducts aren't convienent to get at, this option is null and void. A good friend of mine just wheels his bass amp in front of the duct on the wall. that works too !

Actually I have noticed that the majority of my sound is coming through the floor on the opposite side of the basement (mostly from the A/C return) and not from the ceiling on my studio side. I am going to get the insulation up and listen some more. I have some acoustical drapes that I am going to put up for sound conditioning but I will also probably end up framing in and insulation the a/c ducts as well as finishing the wall in-between the two sides. I figured I would wait and see how much sound is coming through the ceiling after I finish the insulation in order to determine what the ceiling on that side will need.

 

[Fret]

Actually I hadn't fully thought about the air ducts. I knew they would be a problem but I also knew that someone would have to have some good ideas.

I put up half of the insulation and it definitely looks like I am going to have to do more then just carpet. I will probably look at sheet rock and flex channel but will also probably be putting that off for a little while.

Thanks for all the input