Insulating basement apartment ceilings
#1
08-24-13, 10:13 AM
Insulating basement apartment ceilings
I am redoing a basement apartment in a duplex that I just bought. I will be living in the basement apartment once it is done. Right now I have all the walls and floor joists exposed. My biggest challenge is that the ceilings are only 6'6" high, so I have to conserve every inch that I can. I want to insulate and sound proof the best that I can between the upstairs and downstairs units. My only plan right now is to use R19 insulation between the joists and then use the thinnest sheet rock that will work. Is there any use in putting anything else in between the joists to absorb the sound? The floors in the apartment above are wood.
Also, what is the best product to use to fill small holes that might transmit sound? Thanks.
Also, what is the best product to use to fill small holes that might transmit sound? Thanks.
#2
08-24-13, 12:06 PM
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Wet side of Washington state.
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There are different schools of thought regarding soundproofing. I think that a very dense insulation, such as Roxul AFB or Safe and Sound, batts do a far better job than does spun fiberglass. You also want high density for any overall covering so the idea of using a thinner drywall is counter productive. Definitely use the metal "resilient channel" to decouple the drywall from the ceiling joists. Small holes should be filled with spray foam.
Remember, you need to maintain access to any electrical junction boxes or plumbing valves and clean-outs.
Remember, you need to maintain access to any electrical junction boxes or plumbing valves and clean-outs.
#3
09-05-13, 08:24 AM
Thanks for the reply. I am going to insulate the ceilings with roxul. However, due to the low ceiling heights I can not use resilient channels because I can't afford to lose even an inch. My other idea was putting up 2 layers of 1/4" Sheetrock with green glue in between the layers. Thoughts?
#4
09-05-13, 10:25 AM
Group Moderator
No, 1/2" sheetrock on the ceilings minimum if you have 16" on center joists, otherwise you need 5/8" rock if the structure is 24" oc.
Sheetrock on the ceiling will sag if it's not thick enough.
Sheetrock on the ceiling will sag if it's not thick enough.
