Insulation ceiling joist in basement

Hi, I'm getting ready to insulate my basement in NJ... The upper level noise is very loud in basement, I am putting in a drop ceiling, but not sure how much it will deaden sound from upstairs.. Can I put insulation between the floor joist? I plan on putting in recessed lights in drop ceiling, will the insulation interfere with the lights? Should push the insulation all way into the joist, or stapel it on bottom? Please send any and all info, need some advice....Thanx alot

Ron

 

Yes, you can insulate between the joists. It's pretty cheap, and it will help some, especially on high frequency sound (but not too much on those low frequency footfalls). I'd use those springy wire insulation supports to hold up unfaced insulation between the joists.

If the insulation will come into contact with the cans, simply buy IC rated cans. They only cost a buck or so more.

 

That sounds good, just curious though what does IC stand for?
I should try to get insulation as high as I can though rite? I plan to try to keep it as tight to plywood flooring upstairs as possible rite?

Thanx for quick response

 

Rons26,

I have attached 4 sites that may give you more information than you want but the reading is good and provides alot to the improvements that you want to acheive.

http://www.soundproofing.org/

http://www.usg.com/Design_Solutions/..._construct.asp

http://www.naima.org/releases/sndctrl.html

http://www.soundproofing.org/infopages/soundwalls.html

Hope this helps!

 

IC = Insulation Contact. The alternative is Non-IC.

 

About the only thing that stops low frequency sound (such as footfalls) is mass. Lots of it.

In addition to the excellent sites that Doug gave you, you may want to check out the Home Theater Construction forum on www.avsforum.com -- even if you're not building a home theater there's lots of info there about soundproofing a room (and doing it right).

 

Do not crush insulation. Use as thick as posible. DO NOT CRUSH.
Crushing will take away all the effects you are trying to accomplish. Hang loosely. Make sure that the insulation is wide enough to fill entire space between joists. Also install insulation in the corect direction. Foil side that is if that type of insulation is used. Wire supports across the joists under the insulation works well. At the store they will show you what you need to have to insulation. There are more optons designed for noise only if heat insulation is not a corncern. and other options do work very well. Just ask for noise insulation material. If the space above you is heated in the winter and cooled in the summmer, then insulation to reduce heat transfer should not be needed. Use material for sound which will also produce some R value.