soundproofing ceiling

Has anyone here had their apartments soundproofed?  I am talking about interior soundproofing, not windows.  I am not looking to make it absolutely quiet.  This is for an apartment I am going to be renting, not my dream home or a recording studio.  Just trying to reduce the footfall and talking noise.  Basically, as of now, I can hear when the tenants above are talking.  I spoke to someone at city spoundproofing and they said it costs around $40 sq. ft., which to me sounds pretty high.  Included in that price would be four layers of sheetrock (or some soundproofing board) and hanging the ceiling.  That sounds like the highest-end approach.  Would simply spraying some foam between the floor be helpful? This is a brownstone built in 1905 so I don’t think there is any sound insullation at all.  Any references or rough estimates would be greatly appreciated.  Lastly, after reading some of the other posts on this matter, a lot of people suggest the best (cheapest) solution is just to have the tenants above put down carpeting.  The floors in these apartments however are really nice oak floors, so thats not an option.

nintzk

in Soundproofing 12 years and 8 months ago

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bmichaelg | 10 years and 8 months ago

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Hi nintzk.. Who did you get your quote from and how did things go for you?

nintzk | 12 years and 8 months ago

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I just got a quote for sound insullation foam at $1600….opposed to the nearly $40K for ripping down the old ceiling and installing a double layer of quietrock detached from the beams above.  Obviously the second option would provide better sound insulation, but, if foam is at all helpful, that seems to be by far the better option.

Bklnite | 12 years and 8 months ago

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“the wood floors are too nice to cover” …. doesn’t make sense to me. Lots of leases have a requirement that tenants cover a percentage of floor area (in rooms other than kitchen, bathroom, etc.) and this would help a lot without costing you anything, as opposed to tens of thousands of dollars on sound proofing. I would want area rugs in my home no matter how nice the wood floors are. Quietrock on the cieling should also help.

Rick | 12 years and 8 months ago

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Half inch QuietRock is easier to handle than 5/8\. The weight of the material is like lifting cement. Not a big deal when doing walls but lifting it over your head is a true workout.  I plan to do it myself on a tenants apartment ceiling.  Two  layers of half inch is better than one sheet of 5/8.

mrohrmann | 12 years and 8 months ago

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you can use either or both depending on your set up, spray foam is obviously a bigger commitment, but both would work well. As some of the folks noted above check out what is needed to meet code and go above and beyond as much as you would like.

houseowax | 12 years and 8 months ago

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Lowe’s only sells 1/2″ QuietRock. I don’t know for sure ( maybe QR rates differently) , but I think all material between adjacent apartments has to be 5/8 to meet firs code. QR sells a 5/8″ product, but I believe it to be significantly more expensive than 1/2″ Anyhow I’ve heard good things about QR when paired with rock wool or sprayed in foam. Green Glue, OTOH, seems to have mixed reviews leaning toward unfavorable.I ahve no experience with any of these products but I’m looking to do the same soon so I’ve been researching. Here’s an idea: Rock Wool between joists, Homosote, Green Glue, then QuietRock. Also, Z-channel (not hat channel) is said to be VERY effective. Good luck- let us know what you decide and how it works out.

Rick | 12 years and 8 months ago

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A layer of Quiet Rock and green glue will help.  It will not be soundproof but will reduce the talking and walking noise. You can get it at Lowes. Anything more than that will be a larger project and much more expensive. I would think using Quiet Rock and getting a rug down on the floor above you should do the trick.

anonymous | 12 years and 8 months ago

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there is some soundproof & fireproof insulation you may have in Home Depot.I have been use that  and works fine but not 100 % it will reduce a lot.

bobjohn | 12 years and 8 months ago

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I will swear by resilient chanel. I could not hear my kid’s guitar amp at all. BTW, I would start with asking people upstairs to put some carpets on the floors.