In this blog, we’ll look at how much it costs to soundproof a ceiling based on material costs, labour costs, and the size of the room. What are the most cost-effective solutions, and how much do they cost? This is a look at how to soundproof a ceiling while getting the most bang for your buck.
One of the most irritating things to live with is noise, such as footsteps, fallen objects, music, and TV sound. Nevertheless, the law isn’t exactly clear when it comes to defending the right to peaceful enjoyment, and dampening your ceiling is typically the most practical remedy to a noisy upstairs neighbour.
However, while this has its own set of difficulties, determining the expense of soundproofing a ceiling or any other region is likely the most difficult.
How much does it cost to soundproof a ceiling?
The average cost of soundproofing a ceiling less than 50 square feet in the United States is $825. Nevertheless, depending upon the type of soundproofing materials you choose, the size of your ceiling, and the cost of labour in your region, this figure could be higher than $2000.The total cost depends upon the following things:
- The cost of Material for Soundproofing a Ceiling
- The cost of Labour
Choosing Soundproofing Materials for your Ceiling
Soundproofing a ceiling can be done with a variety of materials, and the final cost of your installation will be mainly determined by the kind you choose.
Let’s look at some of the best materials to use to assist you to choose the best choices and approximate how much that will cost to soundproof your ceiling.
Soundproofing Sealant
Ceiling cracks, in my experience, can be just as troublesome as any other surface in space. A soundproofing glue is a way to go if you want to take care of those cracks and fill up any gaps that are producing problems.
Green Glue is the market leader, but there are many other good solutions. This sealant could also be used to ensure that the ceiling and walls are completely sealed. The majority of the time, this is dealt with in other ways, but it can be a means to alleviate the problem entirely.
A soundproofing sealant can greatly improve a ceiling’s total STC rating. Not many people pay attention to every gap that may be appearing in the ceiling, but it just requires something minor to become a problem rather than an asset.
One tube of Noise proofing Sealant costs roughly $20, however buying in quantity can save you a lot of money. The cost of a six-tube box of acoustic sealant is $75.
| Materials Needed | Tools Needed |
| Green Glue | Dispensing gun |
MLV
A thin coating of flexible vinyl impregnated with little metal pieces is known as mass loaded vinyl. Its acoustic insulation properties are superb, making it a go-to for a range of outdoor and indoor soundproofing jobs.
Whenever MLV is utilised on a ceiling, it adds to the structure’s overall bulk. Because hefty and dense materials tend to reflect sound, this improves the effectiveness of your ceiling to block noise.
It also helps to keep the ceiling from vibrating, which makes MLV a great soundproofing material for low-frequency sounds like bass from a loud sound system or even footfall from an upstairs neighbour.
Mass loaded vinyl is particularly efficient in terms of STC. Anyone using a do-it-yourself technique to soundproofing should have it accessible for all sorts of surfaces.
It not only works on ceilings, but it also performs well on just about any other surface.
A cost of a roll of mass loaded vinyl varies between $25-$50
$90 or 0.5 pounds (100 SF)
$175 or 1 pound (100 SF)
$375 or 2 pounds (100 SF)
| Materials Needed | Tools Needed |
| Mass loaded vinyl | Ewrap Vinyl Wrap Tools Set |
Fiberglass Insulation
One of the most effective techniques to soundproof the ceiling is to use fibreglass insulation. When there are uncovered joists, there is an opportunity to put fibreglass batts to get it all in place.
Fibreglass is an excellent soundproofing material that costs between 60 cents and 70 cents per sq foot.
Fibreglass is without a doubt a tried-and-true insulating material, however, some people are allergic to it in general. When this happens, it’s possible that choosing a different, safer alternative is the best option.
| Materials Needed |
| fibreglass insulation |
Mineral Wool or Rock Wool Insulation
Mineral wool or Rock wool are two alternatives to fibreglass that a lot of people use. They both perform a lot better in assisting with not only sound management but also temperature control.
Many people seem to believe that mineral wool is a safer option than rock wool, which is never a bad thing to have on hand because there are so many ways to become overwhelmed with particular insulation.
Because of its composition, this form of insulation is effective at trapping airborne noise. The issue is that some people’s skin or even lungs become easily irritated when they use this alternative.
If something appears to be an issue, make careful to run tests out first. Mineral wool is especially useful for soundproofing when creating a room within a room. This method can be used on ceilings as well as any other portion of the house.
Soundproofing a wall with mineral wool insulation costs roughly $1 to $1.10 per sq foot. Rockwool is a little less expensive, at $0.62 per square foot.
Decoupled Ceiling
Adding a couple of layers of drywall is one thing, but decoupling the complete ceiling can significantly improve the STC rating.
Anyone aiming for an STC of 65 to 70 will consider the expense of decoupling and decide whether it is worthwhile. An insulated ceiling with a second layer of drywall is required to decouple the ceiling. Between them is a layer of Green Glue acoustic solution, which will aid in the entire soundproofing procedure.
After that, decoupling begins with the use of hat channels and durable sound snippets. The floor joists and drywall are not connected to the resilient channels. They can achieve so by utilising soundproofing clips.
After that, determine the number of robust channels required to hang from the ceiling by measuring the joists. Decoupling aids in the isolation of impact sounds and improves the efficiency of soundproofing. It is particularly powerful because it has all four aspects of soundproofing.
It takes time and is something best left to pros, but getting a better-sounding space may be worth the effort. The cost of a robust channel is approximately $170 for a bundle of 32 with each channel measuring 8.6′ in length.
Drywall
Drywall alternatives will considerably aid in the reduction of noise from ceilings. Most individuals, however, will argue that adding more than one layer is necessary because such an option can only accomplish so much.
Soundproof drywall exists because it is thick, affordable, and relatively simple to install without the help of an expert. Sheets of drywall can cost as little as $10, although they can cost more if they are designed expressly for soundproofing.
Ordinary 1/2′′ drywall may not appear to offer much in the way of soundproofing, but when combined with insulation or any other absorbent substance, it can be very effective.
I would always recommend using 5/8′′ drywall. In terms of soundproofing, the extra thickness makes a difference. There is enough room to place any form of insulation a person desires to get even greater soundproofing.
Using extra layers of drywall with a dampening compound in between will bring it closer to 50 STC. The use of an acoustic compound can improve the entire procedure without making it more complicated.
Acoustic Tiles
Acoustic tiles will be ideal for sound absorption, assisting with soundproofing in particular. Even though they are not identical, they do provide heft to the ceiling, which will help greatly.
There are many different types of acoustic tiles for ceilings, and strategically positioning them will maximise their efficiency. There are numerous aesthetically beautiful solutions for acoustic tiles now that so many people are focused on soundproofing more than ever.
Many folks can acquire the style they want while also getting the soundproofing properties they desire. This is fantastic news for those who have previously had to settle or use soundproofing material behind the tiles to improve their appearance.
Please remember that acoustic tiles alone are unlikely to provide sufficient soundproofing to meet the demands of most people.
Fabric, foam, or perforated wood are used to make the tiles. They may greatly help to smooth out a room, and when used in conjunction with a treated floor, they can drastically eliminate any echoes that can be quite bothersome. These acoustic ceiling tiles are often sold in groups of 12 or 16 for around $125.
| Materials Needed | Tools Needed |
| acoustic tiles | construction glue |
Getting an Idea of Labour Costs
If you choose to soundproof a ceiling yourself, the entire cost of your job will simply be the total price of the materials you choose. However, if you hire a handyman, the project cost will include labour, which can be difficult to estimate because it varies depending on location.
However, by looking at some employment figures, you may get a sense of the bottom line.
The national mean hourly rate for general repair and maintenance workers is around $20.17, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics. Because most contractors especially professionals charge more than the national average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 and $60 per hour, based on where you reside and the circumstances of your work.
Consider doing the simple things yourself, such as applying acoustic paint, if you want to save money on labour. It may also be beneficial to prefer independent contractors over employees of larger companies, as the latter’s pay rate is typically higher.
Conclusion
After reading this blog, you’ll be able to assess the overall cost of your ceiling soundproofing project and plan properly based on what we’ve discussed. Using a professional will increase the project’s price, however, doing it yourself will save you a lot of money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How much does it cost to soundproof a ceiling?
What is the most cost-effective method of soundproofing a ceiling?
Using bulk loaded vinyl is the most cost-effective technique to achieve effective soundproofing. It’s not only reasonably priced and available in bulk, but it’s also quite simple to install.
There is also no construction, so even folks who aren’t extremely handy will be able to use the material.
Is it less expensive to soundproof a new or existing ceiling?
When working with any form of soundproofing material, it is considerably easier to start from scratch when working with new construction.
That is because instead of focusing on improvements that will move things forward, a person does not have to fix any problems that may already exist. Soundproofing will be greatly aided if everything is done correctly from the start.
Why Does a Quieter Ceiling Make a Difference?
Even if a room is entirely soundproof from all other angles, a noisy ceiling will be a distraction. Rather than live with the noise, some options are both inexpensive and simple to apply.
Those on a budget who want to perform the work themselves can purchase all of the supplies they require without breaking the bank.
Is it possible to soundproof a ceiling?
The sound attenuation achieved by artificial ceilings is typically around 50%. This technique is costly, costing upwards of £1,500 for a single room, but it is the most effective.
Is a drop ceiling soundproof?
Acoustical drop ceilings can assist soundproof a space in two ways: by soaking sound waves and stopping them from bouncing around the room, or by preventing sound from passing to another room.
To make a room soundproof, what type of ceiling should be installed?
Gypsum is a hydrated calcium sulphate that is becoming a popular alternative for fake ceilings since it is lightweight, fire-resistant, sound-insulating, and cost-effective.
