If you live in an apartment building with thin walls, sound can travel easily from one unit to the next.
The sound of neighbors playing music or watching television can be heard through your ceiling and under your floorboards.
Also Read: How to Soundproof a Room Cheaply
There are a few ways to soundproof an apartment ceiling; some are more expensive than others, but all will provide better sound insulation.
In this article, we shall be discussing some of my most recommended methods to help soundproof apartment ceilings.
Ways On How To Soundproof Apartment Ceiling
The methods highlighted below won’t entirely make your ceiling fully soundproof. However, you’ll be able to reduce unwanted noise to manageable levels.
1. Seal All the Cracks and Gaps on The Ceiling
In this case, soundproofing acoustic caulk is a good option for soundproofing an apartment ceiling.
This type of caulking can be found at home improvement stores and requires no special tools or skills to install.
Any gaps in the drywall should also be sealed with some sound-deadening material like “Green Glue,” which is readily available online or in your local hardware store.
However, if you live in Scandinavian countries or other countries where green glue isn’t available, I would highly recommend you check out my latest article on some of the best green glue alternatives.
2. Attach Mass Loaded Vinyl to the Ceiling
It is easy to soundproof a ceiling by installing mass-loaded vinyl.
This type of soundproofing will reduce sound from the outside and make it quieter inside your home, apartment or office.
Mass-loaded vinyl has several benefits, including sound absorption, acoustical insulation, fire resistance, and can be used for other purposes in the room like covering walls or windows.
The material also offers an acoustic benefit that can help you live hard of hearing or have tinnitus due to its low-frequency noise reduction properties.
It’s important to note that soundproofing needs constant maintenance as any airflow around this wall will let sound through, so keep doors shut when running AC units nearby at all times if possible.
Mass-loaded vinyl doesn’t just help with sound absorption but also adds an extra layer of insulation which helps keep heat inside during colder months and cool air during warmer seasons.
This means you don’t have to worry about opening windows to let fresh air into space anymore – simply leave them closed.
3. Attach Acoustic Foam Panels
As soundproofing, acoustic foam panels can be used to create a sound barrier between the ceiling and your neighbor’s apartment.
The sound will simply reflect off of the soft surface rather than bouncing around inside your living space – so you’ll both get some peace and quiet.
Here are just a few things that need to happen for this type of soundproofing material to work correctly:
– First, measure how broad each side is on either end by measuring from wall (or door) to opposite wall or door
– Next, use these measurements to purchase enough rigid insulation sheets to cover all four sides on one section at a time.
This should cost about $60 – $90 total, depending on what size sheet you buy. Make sure you purchase soundproofing panels that are at least as wide as the space you’re soundproofing.
– You may also want to consider adding soundproofing gaskets or tape around any seams, if possible, which will help seal off sound from leaking in and out of your home.
– Finally, use these materials to cover each side of one section of your ceiling with acoustic foam sheets until it is completely soundproofed.
Repeat this step for all four sections of the ceiling separately so they are all done individually (that way, they can be removed easily without messing up other parts)
Can You Soundproof an Existing Ceiling?
In a word, yes. You can soundproof an existing ceiling, and it is not as difficult a project as you may think.
Although it will take some time and elbow grease, the end result will be well worth it.
The amount of money you spend on the materials is directly proportional to how much soundproofing insulation value you desire (in other words, how much decibel reduction), but it all depends on what you are willing to spend.