Modern building materials and a huge amount of information on this topic allow you to solve the issue of sound insulation on your own, without the help of professionals.
The presented article will help you protect your apartment from extraneous noise with minimal effort and financial resources.
What materials are used for soundproofing
If you decide to protect your home from the penetration of extraneous sounds, first of all, you need to choose materials for these works.
First of all, you need to determine the nature of extraneous noise. Sounds that penetrate the apartment can be divided into two conditional categories:
- 1. Shock - occur during the operation of vibrating household appliances, when walking or falling objects on the floor. These sounds propagate through solid materials.
- 2. Air. These include: noise from musical instruments, TV, audio equipment, as well as loud conversations. These sounds are transmitted through the air and are clearly audible in Soviet panel houses.
Sometimes, it is enough to purchase stretch ceilings with sound insulation, which "stop" both air and shock sounds.
This is achieved due to the air gap between the main and stretch ceilings, the absence of a metal frame and the use of soft fabric that absorbs any noise. The main disadvantage of soundproof ceilings is their high price. At the same time, there is no guarantee that the installation of these structures will provide complete protection against extraneous noise.
When choosing a material for sound insulation, it is necessary to take into account not only the above criterion, but also the following factors:
- material thickness (no more than the space between the main and stretch ceilings);
- availability of documents confirming their quality and safety for health;
- sound absorption coefficient;
- flammability level;
- warranty period of operation;
- installation complexity.
All currently existing materials for soundproofing the ceiling can be divided into three groups:
- 1. Soft (fiberglass, various types of cotton wool).
- 2. Semi-rigid (slabs based on mineral wool).
- 3. Solid (compressed mineral and natural materials).
Sound absorption coefficient inversely proportional to the density of materials. For example, soft sound insulators with a minimum density of 10 kg / m3 have a coefficient of 0.95, and hard ones, with a density of up to 400 kg / m3 - 0.4.
Important point! Remember that high-density sound absorbers absorb low-frequency sounds best, while soft materials absorb mid- and high-frequency sounds best.
Considering all the above information, we can conclude that in order to select materials, it is necessary to determine the nature of extraneous noise, and then use an insulator, starting from its density and sound absorption coefficient.
If the sound insulation of the stretch ceiling in the apartment does not suit you, correct the situation using one of the following materials:
- mineral wool;
- expanded polystyrene;
- basalt fiber;
- acoustic membranes;
- slabs based on basalt fiber;
- natural materials.
In specialized retail outlets, you will be offered not only the listed options for sound insulators, but also other materials, each of which has its own disadvantages and advantages.
Preparatory work
If you have decided on the choice of an insulator, then you can proceed to the preparatory work.
The main purpose of these actions is to ensure reliable fixation of the material, as well as to prevent the occurrence of mold, fungi, etc.
A high-quality painted ceiling, without damage and cracks, does not require preparatory work, you can safely fix the sound insulator.
The damaged surface must be carefully treated, adhering to the following recommendations:
- 1. Areas with obvious defects are removed.
- 2. Using a hard brush, dirt, dust, small bumps, etc. are removed. (the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe ceiling is processed).
- 3. The ceiling and walls are primed (about 10 cm from the corner, around the entire perimeter of the room). This should be done 2-3 times, but each next stage of work is performed only after the previous layer of primer has dried.
- 4. After preparing the ceiling, you can proceed to the installation of guide profiles.
- 5. With the help of a building cord and a level, the places where the fixing elements of the stretch ceiling will be strengthened are determined.
- 6. Next, you need to cut the profile and in those places where it will be adjacent to the wall, glue the soundproof tape. This is necessary so that extraneous noise does not spread throughout the room through metal structures.
- 7. The next step is the installation of the profile using dowels.
- 8. Be sure to mark the places where the lighting fixtures will be installed. An electric cable is laid to them and the whole complex of works on the installation of lamps is carried out. At this stage, special attention must be paid to the electrical cable so that it does not sag, there is no insulation damage or potential short circuit threats.
If you figure it out, then you don’t need any special knowledge or experience to perform the preparatory work.
A grown man who knows how to use a level and knows how to drill holes in the walls is sure to cope with this task.
Mineral wool as sound insulation material
If you were already interested in what sound insulation of a ceiling under a stretch ceiling is, then you should know about the use of mineral wool as a soundproofing material.
This is a quality soundproofing with excellent performance, which is sold in hardware stores in rolls or plates.
The main advantages of the presented material are:
- relatively low cost;
- cotton wool does not burn;
- there are no difficulties during the installation process;
- additionally acts as a heater.
But there are also certain disadvantages: using wool as an insulator, you will not be able to install built-in lights, in addition, this material is very afraid of water.
Installation of cotton wool by the frame method begins with marking the ceiling for the subsequent fixation of a metal profile or wooden bars. Don't forget to put soundproof tape. This is necessary to exclude the transmission of sound through solid materials.
Between the elements of the frame, mineral wool is tightly laid and a vapor barrier film is attached. It will not only protect the wool from moisture, but also prevent debris from damaging the ceiling sheet.
Alternative option fixing the presented material - adhesive method. It involves the use of mineral wool boards, on which a special adhesive is applied. Additional fastening elements in this case are plastic dowels.
Among the specialists in this field of activity there are those who use only the frame method, other craftsmen prefer to glue the plates. In this case, subjective factors play a decisive role.
The use of expanded polystyrene to protect the apartment from extraneous noise
Unlike the previous material, expanded polystyrene has high moisture resistance, while it has excellent elasticity, reasonable cost and a long period of operation.
Installation of expanded polystyrene is quite within the power of anyone who knows how to work with their hands.
In order to strengthen presented material, you do not need to make a frame (another positive point), it is enough to use glue, dowels or liquid nails.
This insulator is designed to absorb shock sounds; it copes with other kinds of noise much worse than mineral wool.
Acoustic membranes and other modern soundproofing materials
Recently, the soundproofing of a stretch ceiling has been rapidly gaining popularity with the help of acoustic membranes.
The presented material is produced on the basis of natural components (natural material - aragonite).
Unlike expanded polystyrene and mineral wool, the thickness of which can reach 10 cm, this material is very thin - up to 4 mm.
The main advantages acoustic membranes are:
- High elasticity.
- The ability to absorb sounds over a wide range of frequencies.
- Ability to muffle impact noise.
- Environmental Safety.
- Does not lose its functionality in case of sudden changes in ambient temperature.
Main disadvantage of this soundproofing material is its great weight.
In order to reliably strengthen acoustic membranes, it is necessary to first make a metal frame or a structure of wooden bars.
Important point! The installation of this sound insulator cannot be carried out alone, due to its large weight, you will need at least one assistant.
The desire to use materials of natural origin, in almost all spheres of human activity, has become the reason for the manifestation of interest to cork insulators.
This is a very light, environmentally friendly material that perfectly performs its main functions - it protects the apartment from extraneous noise.
Installation of cork slabs carried out with the help of glue (light weight allows you to do this quickly and reliably). The main disadvantage of this material is its high cost, which is an order of magnitude higher than the price of other sound insulators.
Another type of environmentally friendly materials that you can purchase if a stretch ceiling with sound insulation does not protect well from noise is wood fiber boards. They are produced from the waste of woodworking enterprises, furniture factories, etc., without the use of synthetic ingredients.
The thickness of the plates rarely exceeds 2 cm, which makes it possible to lay them in two or three layers, overlapping the joints. Wooden sound insulators are not susceptible to deformation and are not afraid of the impact of adverse external factors.
For the installation of wooden plates, you can use ordinary plastic dowels. The joints between them must be treated with sealants or liquid nails.
In addition to the listed options that allow you to protect your apartment from noisy neighbors, recently soundproof materials have been increasingly used. on a fabric basis. They are made from polyester, treating it with substances that form a thin film.
Their installation is carried out without much difficulty, and the manufacturers of these products claim that the functionality of the material is preserved throughout the entire service life, even if you very rarely do major repairs in the room.
Another positive The use of fabric-based sound insulators is their ability to absorb noise, both outside and inside the room. If you're hanging out with friends or listening to loud music, your neighbors won't come running to ask you to be quiet.
A detailed analysis of the presented topic proves that soundproofing the ceiling in an apartment under a stretch ceiling will help you always feel comfortable in your home, without fear of unexpected "concerts" in neighboring apartments.
At the same time, in order to make high-quality sound insulation, you do not need to spend a lot of money or look for experienced specialists, you can do this task yourself.
Tsugunov Anton Valerievich
Reading time: 5 minutes
For apartment buildings, one of the most pressing problems is good audibility between neighboring apartments. The peace of the residents is often disturbed by too noisy or active neighbors, and the owners of the apartment must always control their behavior in order to avoid scandals and complaints. Sound travels best through floors. Soundproofing the ceiling in an apartment under a stretch ceiling will help solve this problem.
The device itself of this finishing element provides for a certain level of noise cancellation. For example, the disadvantage of a suspended structure is that the sound is well conducted by the frame elements. The soft fabric of the stretch ceiling and the air gap between it and the floor slab can muffle the sound from the neighbors by about 5 dB. If you use a special perforated film, which appeared not so long ago in the arsenal of installers of such coatings, then the effect will be more noticeable. True, the price of finishing also increases significantly. You can save money if you additionally place available noise-absorbing elements under the film. Moreover, such a modernization of the ceiling in an apartment under a stretch ceiling with your own hands can be done without any problems.
Types of materials used for sound insulation
Soundproofing under a stretch ceiling can be made using various materials. Before stretching the stretch ceiling, you need to complete their installation. Two types of materials can be distinguished:
- They reflect a sound wave, as a rule, have a solid mass and a dense surface - soundproof materials.
- Slow down the speed of the sound wave and quench it due to the large number of pores - sound-absorbing materials. Here the rule applies: the thicker the coating layer, the better the sound-absorbing properties.
The best result is a combination of two types of materials. In this case, a kind of sandwich is obtained: a layer with sound-absorbing properties is covered on both sides with sound-reflecting elements.
Sound insulation of the ceiling under the stretch ceiling can be carried out using the following materials.
It is recommended to paste over the structural elements of the frame in the place from the contact with the ceiling with a special damper tape. It will not allow sound to propagate through the profiles or bars of the crate.
Mineral wool loses its properties when moisture enters, so it is necessary to ensure good waterproofing of the ceiling from above, and a vapor barrier membrane must be present at the bottom. A solid ceiling layer of mineral wool will force you to reduce the height of the room by at least 10 cm.
If in the first place the task is to provide sound insulation, and not insulation, then you should choose mineral wool with the appropriate properties. You can focus on the name: "Shumanet", "Shumostop".
Cork, wood panels
Acoustic membranes
The most modern type of materials. Favorably distinguished by excellent soundproofing properties, small thickness, environmental friendliness and fire resistance.
There are only two negative points: these materials have a solid weight, so it is preferable to mount them on a rigid frame, and a rather high cost.
Acoustic membranes can be mounted on the ceiling with a special adhesive, there are also self-adhesive varieties of this coating. They can be used both in combination with other materials, and as the only way to protect against noise. It all depends on the characteristics of the room and the tasks to be solved.
Preparatory work
The quality and durability of the soundproofing of the ceiling under the stretch fabric will directly depend on the preliminary preparation of the base surface.
- The old coating should be removed from the ceiling.
- Carefully special sealants.
- Be sure to apply a primer with antiseptic properties: after installing the stretch ceiling, it will be problematic to detect and remove mold or fungus that has appeared in time. The primer will also improve adhesion when bonding soundproofing materials.
Subtleties of sound insulation under a stretch ceiling
The variety of soundproofing materials gives rise to many combinations and designs of the soundproofing layer. Each design has its own fastening algorithm. But for all, the following general points can be distinguished:
- Soundproofing must be securely fastened to avoid any of its elements falling onto the stretch ceiling.
- Before installation, the materials must be allowed to mature for at least a day in the room where they will be used.
- The noise-absorbing coating should form a single plane that does not protrude beyond the tension level of the canvas.
- All joints between elements must be carefully sealed. When laying in two layers, they must be shifted relative to each other so that the joints do not coincide.
When installing acoustic membranes, such as, for example, "Texound", adjacent layers are superimposed on each other. Then they are carefully cut with a knife, and the resulting even joint is sealed with a burner or a building hair dryer.
- Hygroscopic materials, such as mineral wool, must be reliably protected both from moisture ingress from the outside and from water vapor from inside the room. Therefore, it is necessary to have a waterproofing on the ceiling and a vapor barrier membrane between the material and the stretched canvas.
- When installing a frame structure, it is necessary to paste over its elements with a self-adhesive sound-absorbing tape.
- Before installing soundproofing, it is necessary to carry out all communications, remove the fastening elements of lighting fixtures. It is better to remove the wires in special corrugations.
It should be noted that luminaires built into the ceiling do not combine well with mineral wool insulators. There is a high probability that they will overheat and often fail.
Mounting methods
Sound insulation can be attached in three main ways:
- fit into the cells of the frame;
- stick to the surface of the ceiling;
- attached to special dowels in the form of fungi.
For reliability, it is recommended to combine these methods. So, if you glue slabs of material to the ceiling, then it would be useful to additionally fix them with fungi. Five pieces are enough: 4 are attached at the corners, and one in the middle of the plate.
You can easily live without friends, but you can't live without neighbors. And the moral and aesthetic satisfaction from a newly stretched stretch ceiling is easy to spoil with quick and very persistent musical trills from somewhere above. At such moments, it is easy to believe in the well-known saying that it is easier to hide from the devil than from noisy neighbors, but it is not necessary: if you properly soundproof the ceiling in an apartment under a stretch ceiling, then you can even make friends with them.
Sound waves in modern apartment buildings are born from every little thing and propagate quite freely if nothing is opposed to them. The air gap, which is located between the base of the ceiling and the stretched canvas, has certain soundproofing properties, but does not protect against noise as well as we would like.
There is only one way out - to choose a suitable material that successfully absorbs sound waves and, thereby, prevents their active propagation. 
What are the requirements for such materials?
- Noise reduction coefficient- the higher, the better, of course.
- Material thickness- to avoid reducing the height of the ceilings in the room.
- Ease and safety of installation- the noise absorber should not interfere with the installation of the canvas.
- light weight- a very important indicator in the case of stretch ceilings.
- Compliance with hygiene requirements- is confirmed by the conducted researches and the corresponding certificate.
The most common materials for soundproofing under a stretch ceiling
Mineral wool
One of the most popular materials used for soundproofing the ceiling in an apartment under a stretch ceiling. 
- does not rot
- does not burn
- easy to install
- additional protection from the cold
- affordable price
Of the other disadvantages, we note:
- hygroscopicity - under the influence of moisture it swells and can lose its shape, this problem is solved by using a special vapor barrier membrane.
- potential overheating of wiring - eliminates the use of currently popular recessed fixtures
Check out the following soundproofing brands: Shumanet BM, Rockwool.
Styrofoam
- light
- elastic
- moisture resistant
- democratic price
- elementary installation
On sale you can find both fairly thin plates of expanded polystyrene - only 20 millimeters, and 10 centimeters. In the latter case, you will be most protected from sounds coming from outside, but you will have to pay for this by lowering the ceiling level.
Manufacturers of this material are actively working to improve the sound absorption coefficient, but the fact remains: in a dispute with mineral wool in terms of the most important indicator (sound insulation), it loses to it outright.
Cork sheets and wood boards
- environmental friendliness
- excellent sound absorption
- low thickness cork sheets
- moisture resistance
- low thermal conductivity
Compared to cork sheets, wood-based panels are slightly cheaper, but at the same time they are inferior to them in terms of noise absorption coefficient. The thickness is also a little alarming - it reaches 20 centimeters.
For the installation of wood-based panels, dowels are used, and the joints can be quickly and reliably filled with any sealant.
Acoustic membranes
- thickness 3-4 mm
- density and flexibility of the material
- perfect isolation of high and low frequency sounds
- not afraid of high temperatures
- reliable flammability class
- environmentally friendly and safe for indoor use
True, it costs more than rolled mineral wool and basalt slabs. For example, acoustic slabs, which have a good reputation among repairers, TECSOUND will cost you about 1 thousand rubles per square meter.
In some cases, for sound insulation, a combined use of such membranes made of aragonite with fibrous mineral wool is observed. Let's drop a fly in the ointment in a barrel of honey: as a rule, acoustic membranes, due to their rather big weight, require support by a frame and are not as easy to install as some other noise absorbers that we have discussed above. 
Before fixing the soundproofing material, the ceiling surface should be prepared, ridding it of everything that could interfere with the correct fixing of the canvas or slab. To do this, completely remove the damaged coating, clean it with a very stiff brush from the debris that inevitably appears as a result of these actions, and then prime the surface again, carefully processing the corners and joints of the ceiling with the walls. If the coverage of your ceiling is perfect, then this moment can be safely skipped.
The wall profile used for mounting the stretch ceiling conducts noise well, so it is advisable to stick a soundproof tape on it before installation. After installation, you can safely remove the protective film and continue with the sound absorber sheathing according to the standard procedure.
There are two types of installation of ceiling soundproofing in an apartment under a stretch ceiling - frame and adhesive. Mandatory support by the frame requires the use of heavy-weight acoustic membranes, which we discussed above. In all other cases of installation of ceiling soundproofing in an apartment under a stretch ceiling, the final choice is up to you.
If a chandelier will be used to illuminate the room, then do not forget about the need to remove the hook through the soundproofing for the subsequent installation of the lamp.
Do not rush to immediately paste over the ceiling with the newly brought material - your desire to soundproof the ceiling in the apartment under the stretch ceiling as soon as possible is understandable, but you should still give the material some time for the so-called acclimatization.
When installing soundproofing in an apartment under a stretch ceiling, pay attention to the joints. Any soundproofing material requires close contact between adjacent plates and reliable sealing of joints. For the latter, any soundproofing sealants that are found in a wide range in building supermarkets are suitable.
Conclusion
Soundproofing the ceiling in an apartment under a stretch ceiling is just the first step in protecting your living space from extraneous sounds. In order to completely eliminate the dependence of your mood on the behavior of your neighbors, you also need to work hard on the soundproofing of the walls. However, this does not in any way negate its importance. As you can see, the industry offers a wide range of soundproofing materials that allow you to qualitatively protect you from excessive noise without any conflict with the stretch fabric. When choosing, you always sacrifice something: in the case of mineral wool, for example, the impossibility of installing built-in lights and lowering the ceiling level; in the variant with high-quality and thin acoustic membranes - weighting of the mounting structure. The choice of cork will require significantly higher material costs from you. Compare all the pros and cons of soundproofing materials we have given, make a choice and get to work!Soundproofing the ceiling under a stretch ceiling will help solve the problem of extraneous noise in the room.
But it is worth noting that it is possible to achieve the full effect of silence only if the stretch ceiling, floor and walls are soundproofed. But since the ceiling is the largest object of sound absorption, it is necessary to soundproof it first of all.
When choosing materials for soundproofing a stretch ceiling in an apartment, experts recommend focusing on the following criteria:
- sound absorption indicators;
- panel thickness (should correspond to the dimensions of the free space);
- combustibility indicators;
- laying method.
Important: before buying, be sure to check the certificates confirming the sanitary and hygienic safety of the panels.
Mineral wool - the best option for sound insulation
Mineral wool is the leader in popularity among consumers. Most often, soft fiberglass or basalt plates are used as a soundproofing layer.
Benefits of using mineral wool:
- do not support decay processes;
- do not burn;
- the porous structure of the material absorbs extraneous sounds as much as possible.
Flaws:
- high rate of hygroscopicity (mineral wool must be protected from moisture by a special membrane);
- limited possibility of mounting recessed fixtures (tightly fitting plates can provoke overheating of wiring and electrical appliances);
- the thickness of mineral wool sheets (from 50 to 100 mm) requires an underestimated installation of a stretch ceiling.
Noise insulation with polystyrene foam
Light weight, elasticity, moisture resistance and, importantly, affordable price make the use of expanded polystyrene panels attractive to the consumer. The panels are very easy to mount with liquid nails and fungus dowels, without using a specially mounted frame.
Advantages of polystyrene boards:
- high rate of noise absorption;
- special treatment with flame retardants minimizes the risk of fire;
- simple installation.
Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting that during combustion, the material emits dangerous, toxic substances.
Natural sound insulators
Cork, wooden acoustic panel - durable, safe for humans and the environment plates that reliably protect against extraneous sounds.
Advantages of natural sound insulators:
- plasticity of panels;
- minimum thickness;
- high rate of sound absorption;
- environmentally friendly, safe for health material.
Disadvantages of using wooden acoustic panels:
- installation requires certain knowledge and experience, as well as special glue;
- high cost of panels.
Cork Flooring Swatches
Acoustic membrane - modern noise protection
A modern material, the hallmark of which is a small thickness, environmental friendliness, resistance to fire and excellent sound-absorbing properties - these are acoustic membranes.
Among the disadvantages of using this material, it is worth noting: a lot of weight (sold in rolls), high cost and rather laborious, experience-requiring installation.
Features of the installation of insulation
According to the type of soundproofing material, the installation method is selected. So dense, inelastic panels (for example, foam) are fixed with special dowels. Soft mats (basalt slabs) are mounted using special guides. Rolled materials are attached to the surface with a special glue.
The process of installing sound insulation in an apartment using glue involves the preparatory stage of the primer. It provides better grip surfaces. When choosing an adhesive, it is important to carefully study the recommendations for use indicated by the manufacturer on the label.
Using the “mushroom” dowel fastening method, it is important to correctly calculate the distance between the fastening points (pitch). For rigid and dense panels, fasteners are fixed no more than 60 cm apart. Soft panels are fixed with dowels in increments of 40 cm.
Expert advice: for greater reliability, the dowels can be additionally coated with glue.
List of equipment and materials needed for arranging the ceiling
Pre-prepared materials, tools and equipment will help to carry out work on the arrangement of a stretch ceiling quickly and efficiently.
List of consumables:
- polyvinyl chloride film;
- wide tape;
- fixing profile;
- dowel;
- self-tapping screws;
- special glue (selected according to the type of soundproofing material).
List of required tools:
- level (laser or water);
- chopping lace;
- roulette;
- bowl;
- perforator and a set of drills;
- screwdriver;
- hammer;
- construction knife;
- ladder - stepladder;
- putty knife;
- metal scissors.
Basic works on the device of the ceiling with sound insulation
Strict observance of the sequence of works on the arrangement of a stretch ceiling ensures the quality and durability of the result.
- Preparatory stage. On the ceiling surface, all cracks and cracks are carefully sealed, paying special attention to the joints between the ceilings. Large gaps are sealed with mounting foam, smaller cracks are puttied. The surface of the ceiling is carefully primed.
- Soundproofing installation. Depending on the selected soundproofing material, the installation method is selected.
We fix soundproofing plates with glue
This technique is suitable for fixing low density panels. A special glue is applied to the prepared surface (sprayed with a spray can or distributed with a brush). Important: all work must be carried out in a well-ventilated area (glue releases toxic substances). The soundproofing material is pressed against the glued surface.
The stretch ceiling can be mounted as soon as the glue has dried.
Installation of panels using glue and dowels
This fastening method is used for medium density panels (not less than 30kg/m³). An adhesive composition is applied to the prepared surface and the plates are immediately applied (tightly fitting to each other). Further, each panel is additionally fixed with a dowel "fungus". To do this, a hole is drilled through the panel (up to 60 mm deep) and a fastener is driven into it. At least five dowels should be spent on each panel (one for each corner and in the center). Important: the dowel head must fit snugly against the panel.
Frame mounting
The soundproofing of the stretch ceiling in the form of rolled materials (basalt or mineral wool) is mounted using the frame method. To do this, the markings of the future frame (wood rails or profile) are applied to the prepared surface with a step corresponding to the size of the soundproofing material. Important: so that the panels do not fall out, the size of the frame sections must be reduced by 2 cm.
On the reverse side of the profile, an adhesive tape made of polyethylene foam is fixed.
With the help of dowels, a profile is attached to the ceiling according to the markings. If the thickness of the soundproofing material exceeds the dimensions of the profile, then the frame is mounted on special suspensions with an acoustic garter.
The final stage is the laying of soundproofing plates into the grooves.
Features of stretch ceilings with sound insulation
More recently, a new product has appeared on the building materials market - soundproof stretch ceilings. A distinctive feature of such structures is that the soundproofing material is laid under a special acoustic sheet. It has micro-perforations, thanks to which the problem of echo and extraneous sounds in the room is solved.
The installation process is quite laborious, requiring experience and skills. Wiring is laid on the prepared surface in special corrugations. A harpoon profile is attached along the perimeter of the ceiling. Next, sound-absorbing material is laid, a vapor barrier film and all layers are carefully fixed with dowels with pressure washers. All panels must be well pressed against each other. A decorative fabric is stretched over the vapor barrier. The result of the work is a perfectly flat stretch ceiling with soundproofing properties.
Are you planning large-scale repair work or finishing an apartment in a new building? Agree that timely equipped ceiling soundproofing in an apartment under a stretch ceiling, which is able to provide an acceptable noise level for a comfortable life, will help maintain peace and good relations with the upstairs neighbors.
Are you thinking about soundproofing, but do not know which option to choose? We will help you deal with this issue - the article discusses the best ways to soundproof the ceiling space.
It also provides the main stages of installation with step-by-step photos, recommendations and video tips from experienced builders on doing the work on their own.
Have you been dreaming of installing stretch ceilings in your apartment for a long time and have you heard about the need for soundproofing work? Or do you think that these are extra expenses that unscrupulous managers “push” you into, trying to make the most of the client?
Let's look at the feasibility of soundproofing under the construction of a stretch ceiling.
It is definitely needed in such situations:
- You constantly hear your neighbor cursing or talking on the phone with friends/relatives.
- At night, you wake up from the fact that the neighbor coughed or rolled over on the other side.
- You have too high ceilings in the apartment that you want to “lower” by stretching the PVC sheet on a frame fixed 20-25 cm below the ceiling plate.
- After installing stretch ceilings, you began to hear well what was going on with the upper neighbors.
Such problems will help to solve a competent soundproofing structure (ZIK) or, as installers and ordinary users call it, Shumka.
Initially, you need to understand that the soundproofing of the ceiling space is not able to cut off all the noise and sounds entering the apartment. It can muffle them, prevent reflections from surfaces, which will provide a comfortable noise level for the human body.
There is a division of noise into 2 main types:
- air;
- shock.
The first includes the sounds made by animals, as well as the cries and cries of children and the voices of adults. And to the second type - sounds from the impact of furniture, heels, perforators and others.
The main task of the ZIK, mounted under a stretch ceiling, is to reduce the level of airborne noise to a comfortable level.
If you have problematic neighbors who constantly drop or move furniture, wear high heels at 6 in the morning, then such soundproofing will not help here.
It will also be ineffective if the room has extremely low ceilings and there is no space for installing a good sound-absorbing layer of several types of materials.
Even the newest and most expensive material 5-10 mm thick, attached alone under a stretch ceiling, will not be able to solve the task of eliminating excessive audibility of extraneous sounds in the apartment.
Soundproofing options
You may have heard that stretch ceilings on their own do an excellent job of soundproofing - after stretching them, you will no longer listen to the news on your neighbors' TV? This is a myth - by itself, a tension structure with a PVC film or fabric is not able to cut off sounds.