If you enjoy playing a musical instrument or entertaining friends in your basement, you’ll notice that the sound travels easily into the rest of your home. So, what’s the best way to soundproof your basement ceiling?
Here are the best soundproof insulation products for basement ceilings:
- Fiberglass insulation
- Acoustic ceiling tiles
- Drywall and acoustic sealant
- Soundproofing mounting clips
- Thick carpet and underlay
- Mass loaded vinyl
Let’s take a look at these products in more detail below so that you can make an informed decision.
Also read: Best Insulation Materials for Soundproofing And Acoustics
Best Soundproof Insulation for Basement Ceilings
If you’re sick and tired of excessive noise coming from your basement, the good news is that there are many soundproofing products available. Below are details of the best soundproof insulation products for basement ceilings:
1. Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is an incredibly effective sound insulator because it contains tiny glass particles that help trap the soundwaves in a room.
Since it’s not a solid material, fiberglass won’t block sound completely but does a good job absorbing it. Although people use fiberglass insulation primarily for temperature control, selecting one with a high NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) will be a more efficient sound insulator.
SmartSHIELD Reflective Foam Core Insulation Roll from Amazon.com comes in various lengths and thicknesses and forms an excellent sound barrier.
2. Acoustic Ceiling Tiles
Are you looking at finishing your basement’s ceiling and soundproofing it at the same time? If so, you should consider using acoustic ceiling tiles.
Acoustic ceiling tiles are commonly used in music studios to soundproof them and provide better sound quality in the studio. You can also line your walls with acoustic tiles for improved soundproofing.
Acoustic ceiling tiles are typically softer than regular ceiling tiles as they contain sound-absorbing fibrous material, such as cork, clay, wood, fiberglass, and sometimes even recycled newspaper.
If your basement’s ceiling is unfinished, you can install acoustic ceiling tiles by stapling them to the wood furring. For finished basement ceilings, installation is easier and involves gluing them onto the existing ceiling tiles.
It’s good to apply a stain sealer after the installation as acoustic ceiling tiles can gradually become yellow and reveal the tiniest damp stains.
Basements can be dark and dingy places, but acoustic ceiling tiles can help brighten them up as they reflect light and sound. They also come in a range of attractive patterns and shades of white.
An example of a suitable acoustic ceiling tile type for basements is TroyStudio Acoustic Wall Panel from Amazon.com. It comes in white, black, gray, camel, and water gray, and you can buy it per panel.
3. Drywall and Acoustic Sealant
Using drywall and acoustic sealant to soundproof a basement’s ceiling is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but the results can be impressive.
A popular acoustic sealant is Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant (available on Amazon.com). With its polymeric formula, the glue layer in your ceiling converts soundwave energy into heat energy, preventing the sound from traveling further.
If you’re interested in using this soundproofing method, you’ll need to remove your basement’s current ceiling tiles. Once done, you’ll need to replace it with two layers of drywall for ceilings and apply a layer of acoustic sealant in between.
The acoustic sealant, on its own, is an effective sound absorber, but when you add the two drywall layers, it improves the soundproofing.
4. Soundproofing Mounting Clips
Installing fiberglass insulation can be tricky, and you need to wear the correct protective gear so that you don’t end up with skin irritation and itching. If you don’t want to install fiberglass, acoustic ceiling tiles, or acoustic sealant, you should think about soundproofing mounting clips.
Soundproofing mounting clips are made from rubber, which absorbs sound well. You attach them to the ceiling’s joists and studs, and, since rubber doesn’t conduct soundwaves, the clips isolate any noise inside your basement.
Compared with other soundproofing methods, it’s quick and easy to install soundproofing mounting clips, and they’re widely available online and at DIY stores.
These Generic Soundproof Mounting Clips from Amazon.com come in a pack of ten and will likely be enough to soundproof your basement’s ceiling. The product works with metal, wooden, or concrete framing.
5. Thick Carpet and Underlay
If you don’t feel like messing with your basement’s ceiling but still want an effective solution for noise, replacing the carpet above the basement ceiling may be a great option. This method can be a double whammy if it’s time to replace the room’s carpet.
Choose luxurious carpet with a thick pile to absorb the basement sounds well for optimal soundproof effectiveness. For added soundproofing, choose carpet underlay material that is also thick and high quality.
6. Mass Loaded Vinyl
Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is another great soundproofing option for basement ceilings.
Check out my top picks for MLV Brands.
Unlike fiberglass, which only absorbs soundwaves, Mass Loaded Vinyl acts as a solid sound barrier as well, making it an excellent option if the noise level in your basement is usually high.
Mass Loaded Vinyl contains barium sulfate or calcium silicate metal particles to block sound, and its vinyl component gives it flexible and sound-absorbing properties.
You can buy Mass Loaded Vinyl in rolled sheets from most DIY stores or online, and it’s easy to apply. You can apply it above the ceiling boards if you have a dropped basement ceiling.
An excellent Mass Loaded Vinyl product is Arrowzoom Black Mass Loaded Vinyl Acoustic Barrier Sheet from Amazon.com. It’s been designed by sound engineers and forms a beautiful sound barrier for a basement ceiling.
Does Basement Ceiling Insulation Help Noise?
Basements make excellent places for home music studios, listening to music, and watching TV, but the noise can travel up into your house. If you insulate your basement’s ceiling, will it really help reduce the noise?
Basement ceiling insulation helps noise because it absorbs the soundwaves and helps prevent them from reaching your home’s upper floors. The extent to which the insulation absorbs the sound waves depends on the insulation’s thickness.
If you want to block sound from your basement completely, it’s best to opt for a product like Mass Loaded Vinyl, which is an excellent sound blocker.