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Soudproofing Ceiling

Started by MatthewNYC80
about 9 years ago
Posts: 7
Member since: Apr 2011
Discussion about
I bought an apartment in a pre-war building. It is solid construction except the ceiling/floors are not very thick. I am learning to deal with the footsteps from my neighbor above, and am mindful of trying not to stomp around for my downstairs neighbor. The issue I am having is I can hear my neighbors TV. I can deal with hearing my neighbor walking around once in a while, but having to listen to talking (charlie brown muffled style) or car chases or music from someones tv which does not stop may drive me crazy. Is there any proven way to soundproof ceilings for noise like TV, music etc? I have read footsteps are difficult to solve for.
Response by hofo
about 9 years ago
Posts: 453
Member since: Sep 2008

Try using a 24" fan next to your bed so you can hear the white noise of the fan. That has worked for me blocking my down stair neighbor's TV sound.

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Response by Aaron2
about 9 years ago
Posts: 1705
Member since: Mar 2012

If your upstairs neighbor is running their TV sound through their stereo system, this may be an issue of sound transmission: the solution may be as simple as putting a bit of carpet padding underneath the speakers so they aren't in direct contact with the floor, or making sure the speakers aren't pushed tightly up against the wall. Does your building hard a requirement that a certain percentage of the floor be carpeted? Are your neighbors in compliance?

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Response by bramstar
about 9 years ago
Posts: 1909
Member since: May 2008

I like using a SleepMate white noise machine, which works very well. That said, you should not have to suffer from noise emanations from another apartment. Certainly do find out whether the neighbor is in compliance with house rules involving carpeting (typically buildings require 80% of floor space be covered, not including kitchens and bathrooms). But as Aaron mentions above, it could be that your neighbor has a sound system that backs directly to the floor or wall. If this is the case, sound-proofing your ceiling won't likely help. Perhaps have a friendly chat with your neighbor--some strategic padding behind or below the speakers might work.

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Response by 300_mercer
about 9 years ago
Posts: 10581
Member since: Feb 2007

This company offers many options. Most of them would involve dropping the ceiling a few inches. I would call them and ask for advice. There is also soundproof drywall which can be installed on top of your existing ceiling.

http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/

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Response by 300_mercer
about 9 years ago
Posts: 10581
Member since: Feb 2007

Another example. None of them will prevent the bass sound for which other posters have suggestions.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/QuietRock-Drywall-Panel-Common-1-2-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-Actual-0-5-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft/3069747

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