Airborne Noise From Above - Existing Drywall Not Removed

Primary Suggestion: Green Glue Compound Damping System

Here's what you will need:

• Green Glue Compound (1 tube per 16 square feet of ceiling)
• Another layer of drywall (5/8" recommended)
• Insulation for joist cavity if it is not already insulated (blown in before second layer of drywall is attached)
• Acoustical sealant for ceiling perimeter

Rating: Estimated at 46 STC.

Cost: Estimated at about $.95 per square foot per Green Glue Compound layer plus the cost of drywall (typically .25 cents per square foot) and plus the cost of labor.

DO NOT USE mass loaded vinyl, sound board, acoustic foam, specialty insulation, or any other similar product to isolate airborne noise from passing through your ceiling from the room above. These products are not effective enough to significantly improve isolation in your ceiling.

DO NOT USE resilient sound clips or resilient channel over existing drywall. This will cause issues with resonance (see Triple Leaf Effect) and degrade results significantly. If clips are still preferred and the drywall cannot be removed then you can make up for some of the loss due to the triple leaf construction by adding an R-6 or R-8 insulation between the existing drywall and the furring channel. A triple leaf GenieClip system with insulation performs at an estimated 48 STC. This is not possible with resilient channel so a triple leaf with resilient channel should be entirely avoided.