For soundproofing the ceiling in an apartment, two design options are currently used - frame and frameless suspended ceiling systems.

We also note that there is a third, often the most successful option for soundproofing the ceiling in an apartment - insulation of the floor from the neighbor on top. Unfortunately, this option is most often not applicable for objective reasons. At the same time, it should be admitted that it is significantly cheaper, and for protection against impact noise, it is also much more effective. Therefore, if your neighbor from above is ready to meet you and the current SNiP "Protection against noise", we advise you to solve the problem from his side.

Frameless ceiling soundproofing systems

The most famous among modern materials for noise insulation of the ceiling on the Russian market is a frameless system for noise insulation of ceilings called ZIPS and stands for Sound Isolating Panel System. The sound-insulating structure in this case consists of a ZIPS sandwich panel, which has eight vibration-insulating mountings, and a finishing sheet of AKU-Line weighted gypsum board. A sandwich panel without gaps is mounted directly to the ceiling through vibration assemblies using special fasteners, and the drywall is screwed to the panel. The panels are joined together according to the "groove-comb" principle.

Depending on the thickness of the system (from 53 to 133 mm), the additional airborne sound insulation indices are 9-18 dB for floors with the original sound insulation of 50 dB. Note! It is extremely important to indicate the type of floor for which the additional airborne sound insulation values ​​were obtained, since various manufacturers talk about the "achievements" of their structures on load-bearing structures with their own sound insulation of less than 40 dB, where it is much easier to add 15 dB, let alone 10 dB. The main characteristics of the ZIPS systems - thickness and efficiency are given in Table 1.

Table 1 Comparison of frameless soundproof ceiling structures

* ΔRw - index of ADDITIONAL airborne sound insulation provided by the structure

A distinctive feature of ZIPS is the complete readiness of this system for quick and high-quality installation: vibration-insulating fastening elements incorporated in the design, a set of special fasteners for various types of floors and vibration-insulating gaskets. Therefore, the probability of error during the installation of the ZIPS systems is minimized. This is a good basis for the use of ZIPS for those who care about the end result, namely, a high level of noise insulation in a room. It is important that these systems have been produced for 17 years, and the total footage of isolated surfaces has already exceeded 2 million square meters. In early 2016, the manufacturer introduced the third generation ZIPS system - the ZIPS-III-Ultra model. The construction is only 55 mm thick, but at the same time provides up to 13 dB of additional airborne sound insulation.

Video about the soundproof panel system ZIPS-III-Ultra:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the high popularity of ZIPS in the market of modern materials for noise reduction, at present a large number of different manufacturers produce and distribute their sandwich panels that look very similar to ZIPS panels. Such products are made from combinations of various materials, but they lack the most important component for noise reduction - vibration-isolating attachment points. Only a structure containing vibration units really provides high acoustic performance of frameless systems for an additional level of noise reduction. In the absence of anti-vibration mountings, any sandwich system differs little from the Soviet version of an additional level of noise reduction in the form of dry plaster on gypsum beacons, and its effect does not exceed 2 - 4 dB.

Frame soundproof ceilings

Frame soundproofing systems traditionally consist of more elements than frameless ones. To obtain the declared acoustic effect, they must be correctly mounted, which significantly increases labor costs and the effect of the quality of installation on the final result. However, these systems also have an undeniable advantage: such solutions are based on gypsum plasterboard technologies widely known to every builder and, in fact, are a kind of "tuning" of well-known modern structures of gypsum plasterboard suspended ceilings. Another important advantage of frame ceilings is the ability to simultaneously use them not only to reduce noise, but also to level the surface of the ceilings.

The set of components that make up an effective soundproofing suspended ceiling in an apartment is a combination of both general construction and special sound-absorbing modern materials. So, in order:

Metal carcass. For the installation of frames for suspended soundproof ceilings, Ultra Steel metal profiles from Gyproc are used. The elements of the profile are produced in Russia, and the choice of this manufacturer is due to the high quality of the products. The metal frame is a general construction element of the suspended ceiling structure and is also used for ordinary claddings, partitions and ceilings.

In addition to this Album, the values ​​of additional sound insulation and structures of suspended ceilings with an indication of their thickness are given here, in table 2.

table 2 Comparison of modern frame ceiling soundproofing structures

* ΔRw - index of ADDITIONAL airborne sound insulation provided by the structure.

It should be noted that the effectiveness of both frame and frameless additional noise insulation systems is indicated by a two decibel "fork". Thus, the manufacturer sets a certain margin of safety for the results of their application, since laboratory values ​​(the upper value of the interval) are not always achievable on real objects, even with full compliance with the installation technology. This demonstrates the Acoustic Group's responsible approach to guarantees of acoustic performance for its branded products.

Good sound insulation means peace and quiet in the apartment. Various types of insulation, aimed at reducing the noise level in the room, help to achieve such conditions. To find out what materials for noise insulation of the ceiling are used in modern construction, let's look at the most popular ones today.

When choosing materials for sound insulation, it is necessary to take into account their effectiveness. This is due to the types of noise that must be absorbed. All arising noises are divided into two types:

• airborne noises are generated by vibrations of the air created by the mechanical action of any object, such as a closing door. They penetrate the room through cracks and even sockets;
• shock is formed from mechanical stress on the ceiling. A strong stamping of feet spreads across the ceiling of the lower apartment. But with poor sound insulation, it can be heard in an apartment located one floor above.

The maximum level of silence can be achieved by soundproofing not only the ceiling, but also the walls together with the floor.

Ceiling soundproofing structures

To lay materials for soundproofing the ceiling, you can make additional structures:

• mount a suspended ceiling on a metal frame. It is attached to the floor slabs with suspensions;
• install a stretch ceiling, which is fixed with special brackets around the perimeter of the room. Modern manufacturers offer a huge selection of fabric-backed or PVC stretch canvases;
• you can make a hemmed structure from any sheet material fixed to a metal frame on the ceiling.

When making any of the structures, it is necessary to leave a gap between it and the floor slabs for laying the sound-insulating material.

Arrangement of soundproofing without making a frame

By doing the soundproofing of the ceiling with your own hands in the apartment, you can avoid the time-consuming and costly process of making the frame. This method is suitable for installing sound insulation under a stretch ceiling. There are two ways to do this:

Division of soundproofing material by type

The structure of each material has its own characteristics, on which the percentage of noise elimination in the apartment depends. The right material can provide 99% silence protection. To understand the structure of the entire noise protection system, you need to know that in terms of functionality, materials are divided into two types:

• the structure of the sound-absorbing material in the base has a soft, porous or fibrous filler. The sound wave, passing through the material, is first decelerated and then completely absorbed. Such materials include slabs on felt, basalt and sintepon base, mineral wool;
• soundproof. Its functionality is exactly the opposite of the considered view. The dense and strong structure does not absorb sound, but reflects it away from itself. Such material is concrete, brick and other analogs.

The best noise protection effect is achieved by using both types of material together. It is a kind of sandwich construction with two outer layers of sound insulation and one inner layer of sound absorption.

Varieties of materials

Good self-made apartment soundproofing depends on the thickness and quality of the material used. Today, the consumer is offered a huge selection of well-known products and novelties, for example, membranes, cork and others.

Basalt wool

Basalt wool has a high degree of sound absorption due to the fact that it has a special structure of sound absorption, which differs from basalt panels for insulation. Materials with such a base include slabs from different manufacturers, for example, "Shumanet BM" or "Acoustic Butts". Plates are resistant to fire and decay. Their disadvantage is the release of small particles and an unpleasant smelling chemical. But this problem can be easily solved with the arrangement of additional sealing. The sound absorption efficiency of basalt wool is observed when using slabs with a thickness of 50 mm.

"Zvukanet Universal"

This type of insulation is made from fiberglass. The fourteen-millimeter filler is enclosed in a protective shell - a polypropylene membrane. After installation, the insulation does not require sealing, which reduces the complexity of do-it-yourself work and is cost-effective.

Minvata

Probably the very first and most widespread material can be considered mineral wool. In addition to absorbing noise, it reduces heat loss, is easy to install, and has a lower cost compared to other modern insulation. Mineral wool is available to the consumer in the form of a mat or a roll.

To lay it, you will need to construct a wooden frame on the ceiling with your own hands. Its slats should have a smaller pitch so that the cotton wool fits tightly under them. For reliability, the mineral wool is nailed or plastic umbrella dowels.

The disadvantage of mineral wool is that it is not resistant to dampness. So that it does not swell from moisture, waterproofing is laid under it, and covered with a film for vapor barrier on top. This is especially important in such rooms of an apartment as a bathroom and a kitchen.

Traditional styrofoam

A little outdated, but not inferior in popularity, the material is expanded polystyrene. It is also an excellent insulation material. And although it cannot be attributed to environmentally friendly raw materials, moreover, it is fire hazardous and emits toxic substances during combustion, expanded polystyrene is in demand. This is due to its low vapor permeability, ease of installation with your own hands without assistance.

Its structure consists of balls increased in volume from gas saturation, which gives them greater elasticity. Plates are produced with a thickness of 20 to 100 mm. Their noise absorption level is 23-25 ​​dB.

During installation, the slabs are fixed to the ceiling with polyurethane foam or liquid nails. For reliability, plastic umbrella dowels are used.

Wood based insulation

Environmentally friendly Izoplat and Izotex boards are made on the basis of wood fiber without the addition of bonding adhesives. Coniferous wood is used in their production. A slab thickness of 125 mm reduces sound transmission by 23 dB, and the decorative surface is available in four colors. Its edges have a groove-comb connection, which allows you to do seamless styling with your own hands. The slabs are fixed to the ceiling with glue or nailed with staples on a wooden frame.

What does the Isotex ceiling panel consist of?

Natural cork, thanks to its porous structure, reduces noise penetration at a low thickness. Plates are environmentally friendly, lightweight, but high cost. To protect your apartment from noise penetration, cork boards are glued to a plasterboard sheet, after which this sandwich is attached to a frame for a false ceiling with insulation inside. If the cork is simply glued to the ceiling slabs, then it will become the protection of the apartment located on the floor above. This is the peculiarity of the cork board.

Soft fiberboard boards, for example, "Softboard" are produced from wood waste without synthetic additives. The wood is split into fibers and dumped like wool. Finished plates with a thickness of 8-20 mm are fixed to the ceiling with plastic umbrella dowels.

Ecowool is an affordable insulator. Although it is made from recycled paper, the material is resistant to rotting and rodent damage. Ecowool is used when installing a false ceiling, simply sprinkling it on drywall up to 70 mm thick.

Natural fiber insulation

Natural and environmentally friendly materials include slabs made from felt, coconut and linen fibers. The insulation is recommended for use in children's, medical and residential premises.

Eco-friendly insulation and insulator Coconut, fire safety class G3-G4

Membranes

Recently, membranes are gaining popularity. The small thickness of the PVC sheet of 3 mm can reduce the noise level by 26 dB. It can be used as the main insulator when arranging a false ceiling or as a protective layer for a basalt insulator. Installation is easy with your own hands. The only drawback is a lot of weight, so 2-3 people are needed to work.

Ceiling soundproofing membrane

Liquid insulation

Easy-to-use liquid insulation is packaged in special containers, from which it is fed to the ceiling with an assembly gun. A good soundproofing effect is obtained when arranging a two-layer false ceiling. Liquid insulation is applied between two sheets of drywall, screwing the resulting cake to the frame with self-tapping screws.

Modern environmentally friendly insulation

Finally, I would like to pay attention to two more environmentally friendly and modern materials:

Having considered many types of noise insulation materials, I would like to add that this list may be far from complete, since progress does not stand still, and over time, new types of insulation will appear.

In contact with

Despite the beauty and practicality of a stretch ceiling covering, it cannot boast of high soundproofing characteristics. In apartment buildings, the problem of noise from neighbors is especially relevant. In this case, noise insulation of the ceiling is carried out before the installation of the stretch fabric. There are many materials on the market that are suitable for this purpose. All of them differ in their characteristics and installation features. We will consider the features of each sound insulator and the nuances of its installation, which will help the consumer find the answer to the question of how to make the ceiling sound insulation under a stretch covering.

The choice of soundproofing material

Even with the use of acoustic stretch panels, the protection of the apartment from extraneous sounds will be ineffective. If such canvases are used in tandem with insulators made of other materials, the sound absorption of the coating will increase significantly.

Today on sale you can find the following materials for soundproofing the ceiling:

• mineral wool and products based on it;
• expanded polystyrene;
• cork slabs and roll products;
• foam rubber;
• sound insulator Texound on a mineral basis.

Before installing any insulator, the base surface must be prepared. In addition, it is required to install baguettes for a stretch canvas, which will subsequently hide the sound insulator.

Ceiling preparation and installation of the supporting frame

The work on the preparation of the base surface depends on its condition:

1. Acoustic materials can be mounted on a high-quality painted ceiling surface without prior preparation.
2. It is better to completely remove loose basecoat and defective finishes.
3. After that, the ceiling is cleaned with a wire brush to the floor slabs and dust is removed.
4. The primer is applied in several layers. The priming coat is applied to the walls to a height of 15 cm. Before applying each primer layer, the first layer must be completely dry. If mold is present, use antifungal primers.

After preparing the base, the installation of load-bearing baguettes is carried out. To do this, along the perimeter of the room on the walls, the level of installation of the tension coating is drawn. To do this, use a laser level and a paint cord. The baguettes are cut to length and self-adhesive soundproofing tape is attached from their back side. After that, the profile is applied with a tape to the wall and screwed with self-tapping screws.

Then, on the basis, the places for the installation of lighting devices are marked. For this, special platforms made of plywood or OSB are mounted. The bases for the devices are mounted at the same level as the tensioning web and are mounted on perforated hangers. Power supply cables are laid to the places where lighting devices are installed.

Features of soundproof materials and installation technology

After preparing the base surface and installing the fastening moldings, sound insulation can be installed under the stretch ceiling. Since there are many acoustic materials suitable for these purposes, we will consider their features and installation nuances in detail.

Roll-up soundproofing MaxForte

Recently, turnkey ceiling sound insulation is often done using a new generation of roll insulator - MaxForte from SoundPro. This product, with a thickness of 1.2 cm, provides good protection against impact noise and airborne sounds. The sound insulator does not contain glue and can be used in frame and frameless insulation systems.

The advantages of the SoundPro brand MaxForte include the following:

• does not emit unpleasant odors;
• does not contain toxic components;
• moisture resistant;
• provides the maximum degree of sound absorption.

Features of MaxFrte from SoundPro:

• dimensions are 5 mx 1.4 m, and the thickness is 12 mm;
• roll volume - 0.1 cubic meters, and its area - 7 squares;
• weight of one roll - 16 kg;
• the color of the product is black and white.

A similar insulator is manufactured by EcoAcoustic. Plates made of synthetic padding polyester have maximum sound absorption. This is achieved thanks to the aerodynamic styling of the polyester fibers. The dimensions of the slabs are 1.2 mx 0.6 m, and the thickness is 5 cm. One package includes four slabs, with a total area of ​​2.88 squares. The density of the product is 1000 grams per square meter. The package weighs 3 kg.

Advantages of the EcoAcoustic sound insulator:

• suitable for rooms where allergy sufferers live;
• does not contain fiberglass and phenol;
• resistant to decay and moisture;
• not subject to damage by insects and mold;
• retains its original dimensions (does not shrink);
• provides maximum sound absorption.

Important! MaxForte is attached to the ceiling surface with dowels.

Mineral wool

It is better if the noise insulation of the ceiling in the apartment under the stretch ceiling will be performed not with ordinary mineral wool, but with modified products based on it - Shumostop K2 and C2 slabs, as well as Shumanet BM.

Shumanet slabs are made from basalt fibers. On one side, the product is reinforced with fiberglass. This ensures high rigidity of the material.

Sound absorber specifications:

• dimensions - 1x0.5 m or 1x0.6 m;
• thickness - 5 cm;
• density - 45 kg per cubic meter;
• there are four plates in the package;
• area of ​​one element - 2.4 m²;
• package weight - from 4.2 to 5.5 kg;
• volume - 0.12 m³;
• flammability class - NG (does not burn);
• average sound absorption - up to 27 dB;
• when immersed in water for a day, water absorption is no more than 3%.

Shumostop plates are produced in two varieties C2 and K2. Their characteristics are as follows:

1. Dimensions - C2 1.25x0.6 m, K2 1.2x0.3 m.
2. Thickness - 2 cm for both slabs.
3. Density - 70 kg / m³ for C2, 90-100 kg / m³ for K2.
4. The package contains 10 slabs.
5. Element area - 7.5 m² C2, 3.6 m² K2.
6. The weight of one slab is 11 and 8.8 kg, respectively.
7. Volume - C2 0.15 m³, K2 0.072 m³.
8. Average sound absorption - up to 27 dB for C2, up to 20 dB for K2.
9. Both materials are non-flammable.
10. Water absorption per day is 2-3%.

When using mineral wool boards, the price of ceiling sound insulation will be the most affordable. Usually, C2 and K2 products are used at the same time, because the fiberglass insulator absorbs noise better, and the K2 elements are not harmful to health. Therefore, first they are attached to the ceiling C2, and then K2. In this case, the damping of the sound wave reaches 46 decibels.

Installation features

The frame installation method involves the construction of a lathing on the ceiling surface. To do this, markup is done first. Then the guides are attached (their step depends on the width of the slabs). The frame is made from metal profiles or wooden bars.

When using steel profiles, they are additionally soundproofed. For this, self-adhesive tape is used. Depending on the thickness of the installed sound absorber, the frame is attached directly to the ceiling or suspended from it on perforated hangers. After assembling the frame, the acoustic boards are laid. They should fit snugly against the guides and fill their entire thickness. The material is laid without gaps, raspor.

The frameless installation method involves gluing the boards to the surface with gypsum or cement based glue, as well as glue sprays. The choice of adhesive mixture depends on the material of the surface to be glued. For a concrete ceiling, gypsum and cement-based mixtures are suitable. Additionally, dowel-fungi are used (5-6 pieces per plate). For painted surfaces, it is better to use spray adhesives (additional fixing with dowels is not required).

Important! If perforated tension sheets are used, then to protect against the ingress of mineral wool into the air, the insulator is covered with a vapor barrier film. To fix the film, use a dowel-fungus, double-sided tape or fastening with staples to the crate.

Expanded polystyrene

Sound insulation of the ceiling in the apartment under the stretch ceiling is performed using conventional and extruded polystyrene foam.

The characteristics for conventional (extruded) polystyrene foam are given below:

1. Percentage of water absorption per month - 4 (0.4).
2. Percentage of water absorption per day - 2 (0.2).
3. Vapor permeability - no foam (for extruded material it is 0.018).
4. Thermal conductivity - up to 0.05 (up to 0.03).
5. Sound absorption - up to 53 dB (up to 27 dB).
6. Density - up to 35 kg / m² (up to 45 kg / m²).
7. Strength - up to 0.2 MPa (up to 0.5 MPa).
8. Mechanical strength for static bending - up to 0.2 MPa (up to 1 MPa).
9. Operating temperatures - from minus 50 to plus 70 (75 ° С).
10. Flammability - G1-G4.

If you will use non-compressed self-extinguishing expanded polystyrene, then it is better to choose PSB-S class 35 or 25 products. The material is attached to the surface with liquid nails, cement-based adhesives or polyurethane foam. For additional fixation, a dowel-fungus is used. The same can be said for the fixing of extruded polystyrene foam.

The general advantages of all polystyrene foam include their low thermal conductivity, high degree of sound absorption, resistance to mold damage, and low weight. The lack of material is flammability and the release of toxic substances during a fire.

Soundproofing Texound

The Texound has a high sound absorption with a small thickness. This dense material absorbs and scatters sound waves well, because it has a high density.

Texound is produced in the form of rolls and slabs and has the following characteristics:

• density - reaches 1900 kg / m³;
• flammability - G2;
• average sound absorption - up to 3 dB;
• elongation under tensile loads - up to 300 percent;
• composition - polyolefins, plasticizers, spunbond, aragonite.

The insulator is available in different sizes and has the following advantages:

1. Resistance to temperature extremes (even withstands freezing at a temperature of -20 degrees).
2. The elasticity is similar to rubber.
3. The surface is not susceptible to fungal attack.
4. High moisture resistance.
5. Unlimited service life.
6. Can be used in combination with other acoustic materials.

Important! On sale there is a Texound with a self-adhesive base, on a felt pad, with a foil interlayer and ordinary.

Mounting options

There are three ways to install this noise isolator:

1. If Texound is used as an independent sound absorber, it is glued to the ceiling surface with a special glue (liquid nails or Sealant). The composition is applied to the ceiling and insulator. After a quarter of an hour, the cloth is applied to the base and pressed tightly. Due to its high weight, Texound is glued in separate sheets. Neighboring slabs are first laid with a slight overlap, then cut with a cutter and butted with their ends, followed by welding with a gas torch or a construction hairdryer. After that, the sheets are additionally fixed with dowel mushrooms, which are mounted in increments of 0.5 m.
2. The second method involves preliminary installation on the ceiling of mineral wool, laid in the openings of the lathing. After that, Texound is glued to drywall, which is then mounted on the crate. The joints are glued with a sealant or welded with a construction hairdryer.
3. In this version, Texound is first attached to the ceiling surface, as described in the first method. Then a frame is mounted from a wooden bar or a metal profile. Mineral wool is placed between the guides. The frame is hemmed with plasterboard or vapor barrier film. Installation of the tension cover is in progress.

Acoustic foam rubber

This is the most affordable isolator that has an impressive service life and is used both independently and in combination with other acoustic products. Due to its lightness, the foam rubber is glued to the base on silicone or double-sided tape. The thickness of the foam rubber boards is 25-100 mm. The relief pattern of the surface may also differ. There are special reliefs that are designed to dampen low-frequency noise.

Few lucky ones do not face the problem of noisy neighbors upstairs. They either live on the top floor, or have an apartment in a building with five-meter ceilings and thick walls, or they are just lucky and the neighbors live very quietly. From time to time, the rest have to wonder what kind of furniture the neighbors are now moving, why they brought a horse in the apartment and why they need to play violin on the morning of the day off.

But the problem can be solved. Soundproofing the ceiling in the apartment will help create silence and comfort in the house.

Peculiarities

Before throwing away the life-saving earplugs, it is worth studying the intricacies and features of the soundproofing process. Although its installation does not require colossal efforts, it should be carried out after preparation and taking into account all possible nuances of the work.

The main advantage of soundproofing is that noises from the upper floor will no longer interfere with a quiet life. The second obvious plus is that the surface of the ceiling will turn out to be smooth and beautiful. In this case, you can do the work yourself. This technology is simple enough that a person who has never done this in his life could equip soundproofing. Also, among the pluses, it is worth noting that the work takes place practically without dust and dirt.

The main disadvantages of using soundproofing materials are the time and financial resources that must be spent on installation work. In addition to the insulating material itself, you will need to install the lathing and stretch ceiling, and this is already a significant amount and the need to hire specialists to install the stretch ceiling. If the beauty of the lathing and soundproofing is of no interest to anyone and you can do it yourself, since this is a rough layer, then the ceiling stretch canvas is a decorative element. It must be assembled by professionals.

A serious disadvantage of sound insulation is that it "hides" exclusively in the system of a stretch or false ceiling. If for apartments where its height is normal or average it will pass imperceptibly, then in small apartments with a low ceiling an extra 10 cm of height, which will be taken away by sound insulation, is an unaffordable luxury.

If water gets from the neighbors' apartment on top of the sealant, the ceiling will be damaged. The material will swell and lose its properties, and the stretched canvas will sag. Repair will cost no less than installation.

You can use materials that do not absorb moisture. For example, extruded polyurethane foam. But, with its great thickness, it does not belong to the most effective in the fight against extraneous noise. On the contrary, if installed incorrectly, it only exacerbates the situation.

Also, when deciding to install sound protection, you need to take into account the types of noise that are in the house. By themselves, extraneous sounds are equally disturbing and annoying. But it is important to know their predominant type, since material with different properties is needed to eliminate certain sounds. Some will reflect sounds, others will absorb.

Noises are:

• Acoustic... This is an echo or reflection of sound from the walls of the room. This problem is typical of spacious apartments, rooms with arched ceiling vaults and high ceilings. This is a rarity in a modern panel house. But if a neighbor plays a musical instrument badly or listens to some kind of music, he will be heard without the arched vault.
• Air... The quietest type of noise as it is caused by vibrations in the air. These are the sounds of doors being opened and closed, voices, steps. They penetrate from a neighboring apartment in a difficult way: through cracks in the floor and walls, sockets, ventilation shafts.
• Drums. Continuous repairs from neighbors, the sound of a hammer, stamping - these are types of impact noise. Their source is mechanical impact on the floor or walls in the apartment on the floor above.
• Structural... These are sounds that propagate through the structural parts of the building: floors, ceilings, walls, ventilation.

The material from which the high-rise building was erected is also important. One can be denser and transmit less sound (this applies to a concrete structure with thick ceilings), the other is made of porous materials through which any noise passes freely (blocks), and the third is something in between (bricks).

In a modern panel house, the quality of the material can be different. In one case, the noise is almost inaudible, in the other it may seem that the walls and ceiling are literally made of cardboard, the sound insulation is so low. Solid brick is distinguished by a good indicator of sound insulation. It does not need a complex structure and a thick layer of additional insulation.

The situation is more complicated with monolithic-frame houses, where hollow bricks and porous blocks are used for internal partitions. They pass a lot of sounds. Here you will have to try to ensure that the soundproofing of the ceiling gives the desired effect.

Problem case - new panel houses... They have a large number of slots through which all sounds seep from above and from neighbors on the side and below.

Soundproofing the ceiling in such a house is indispensable. It is recommended to take care of both the walls and a high-quality floor screed.

With wood floors, contrary to the beliefs of many, there are enough problems. First, wood is a good conductor of sound. Secondly, if the floor is poorly installed, sound will seep through numerous cracks. Over time, wood floors will start to squeak, and worse than that sound is hard to imagine.

With a high ceiling height (4.5-5 meters), there are practically no problems with sound insulation. Such ceilings are usually found in houses of the old foundation, and in them all the walls and ceilings are so thick that the sound on the other side is unable to overcome them.

Another thing is the modern imitation of such buildings. In these, the problem with noise is relevant, and one of the common situations is acoustic noise. This does not affect the choice of insulating material. With five-meter ceilings, you can afford to mount a layer of any thickness. The features of installation work are more important here. It is already dangerous to carry them out on your own, and in order to get to the very ceiling, you will need to erect scaffolding.

Rooms with a height of about 3 meters are considered the best option. At such a height, you can carry out installation work yourself, and removed 10-20 cm from the height will not significantly affect the interior.

The most difficult case is “Khrushchev buildings” and rooms with a ceiling height of no more than 2.2 m. They look squat even without a stretch canvas and limit design possibilities. When a few centimeters are taken away from such a height, the ceiling begins to visually “press” from above.

The most effective (but least likely) option is to negotiate with neighbors and, at your own expense, lay a thin layer of soundproofing material on their floor. This is much more reliable than protecting yourself from noise only from your side.

Types of materials and their characteristics

Modern soundproofing materials are virtually identical to wall and ceiling insulation. All the same sheet, plate and spray materials are used as a means of protection against extraneous noise in the apartment. The use of foam rubber, wool of various origins is widespread: rolled mineral wool, ecowool, basalt or stone wool, based on fiberglass.

Often used materials like foam and its modifications in the form of foam and polyurethane foam (polyurethane foam). They are slabs that can be conveniently cut into pieces of the desired length and width. These materials tend to be thicker than others because they are coarse and porous. The exception is sprayed polyurethane foam, but it is rarely used in the arrangement of soundproofing the ceiling.

Glass can also be foamed. It is produced in the form of sheet material and in spray cylinders.

photos

Soundproofing products based on plant and natural raw materials are gaining popularity: cellulose, cotton, bamboo and coconut fiber. If ecowool is still risky to use under a stretch ceiling, since there is a risk of dust, then bamboo and coconut fiber with their unique properties can compete with cotton wool and foam. Literally healthy (antibacterial, dirt repellent, biostable), but expensive. At the same time, sound insulation is not the most effective.

Also, not the most effective material, but suitable for apartments in brick houses and private cottages, is cork sheets. The insulation turns out to be thin and saves in not the most deplorable cases.

The plasterboard layer improves the quality of the cork material, but in this case its advantage is lost - its small thickness.

As an alternative, manufacturers have started to produce composite self-adhesive materials. This is the so-called membrane sound insulation. Basically, the membrane sheets are glued to the ceiling like linoleum to the floor or very thick wallpaper. The composition contains felt and materials that reflect sound.

From modern means, liquid insulation is worthy of attention. It is applied to the working surfaces with a special gun, but is not used by itself, but serves as a "filling" in the layer between the drywall sheets.

Foam rubber

Foam insulation is practically the same as polyurethane foam insulation. This name has become a household name due to the fact that the main supplier of polyurethane foam was called "Porolon" during the Soviet era.

Of course, the insulation material differs radically from that thick, loose yellowish dust collector, which many imagine when the word "foam rubber" is used. Even its name is appropriate - acoustic foam rubber.

It is actively used for noise isolation in recording studios, large offices, restaurants and other places where silence is necessary for high-quality and productive work. The material is produced in the form of slabs of various sizes and shapes, its outer surface is embossed (wavy or "jagged").

The advantages of foam rubber are that it is easy to install (self-adhesive or on an adhesive solution), gives a good result, elastic and flexible, which allows it to be used on a ceiling with rounded corners. Easy to cut, does not collect dust.

Acoustic foam rubber isolates not only sounds coming from outside, but also coming from the room. The neighbors will be grateful for this isolation. The disadvantages are that it requires careful handling and is prone to burning. In the process, it emits toxic smoke and loses its properties under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Mineral wool

Often this material is chosen to make sound insulation and thermal insulation at the same time. But still, it is more intended for insulation than for achieving the decibel standards recommended by SNiPs.

Cotton wool reduces noise due to its structure of fibers, between which there are air spaces, and different thicknesses of the fibers themselves.

There are three types of wool: mineral, stone and glass wool. Each variety has its own characteristics, fiber size, technical characteristics.

All types can be used for noise insulation, but the density of the material must be taken into account. The higher it is, the more reliable the insulation will be. For example, cotton wool marked P-75 will be of little use, and PPZh-200 is able to solve problems with sound insulation for different types of noise.

Stone wool has the highest density. With an increase in density, the price also increases, but sound insulation is not the case when it is worth agreeing to half measures for the sake of economy.

The advantages of the material are that it meets all building codes, serves for a long time, does not accumulate dust, does not emit toxins, and is resistant to deformation and shrinkage.

The disadvantages include a thick layer of the entire structure as a whole, the instability of cotton wool to moisture, the need to use waterproofing. Without protection from water that can get on the cotton wool when a neighbor's apartment is flooded, the material will swell, become heavier, and lose up to 70% of its properties. Drying or replacing it will be a separate problem. Mineral wool shrinks over time.

Expanded polystyrene

The material is known as extruded (expanded) polystyrene. Its predecessor is Styrofoam, which everyone has seen at least once in their lives.

Styrofoam can also be used as a sound insulating material, but the result from the use of polystyrene and its derivatives cannot be called impressive. With a slab thickness of 40-100 mm, it still needs auxiliary materials that absorb and reflect noise.

Expanded polystyrene has some advantages. For example, it is suitable for insulation in rooms where the problem of noise is not as acute as in thin-walled panel buildings. It is lightweight and does not load the suspended ceiling.

It is possible to dispense with the installation of the frame in some cases. It also costs significantly less than mineral wool or acoustic foam, and is hydrophobic. If water flows from the neighbors from above, the material will not suffer and will not lose its properties. For these reasons, the ceiling is insulated with foam.

Penofol is used as an auxiliary element. Penofol is a thin reflective material based on polyethylene foam.

Such layering practically does not give results in terms of sound insulation. All materials are more focused on keeping warm in the room.

Cork cover

Many people choose cork insulation because the manufacturer promises serious noise reduction figures (about 20 dB). But if you think about it, the numbers are deceiving. And the point is not that the cork is not able to reduce the noise by such a number of dB, but that such a noise level does not exceed the sound of a human whisper or a ticking clock. This is nothing when it comes to regular stomping from above, continuous repairs and other unpleasant sounds.

But low efficiency is not so bad. The problem is that cork materials are capable of insulating against impact noise. That is, they drown out the sound only when the insulation is installed not under the stretch ceiling, but on the floor of noisy neighbors above.

In other cases, the effect is achieved only due to self-hypnosis and a small air gap between the stretch ceiling and cork sheets. If we have already opted for cork insulation, then it will be correct to combine it with other materials. For example, sheathe with plasterboard. This will increase the chance of finding the desired silence in the house.

The advantages of the material boil down to the fact that it is convenient for installation work. The cork backing is lightweight, easy to cut, easy to attach. The disadvantages of the material, in addition to the fact that it is almost useless in itself, includes its fear of moisture and the need to use waterproofing.

Acoustic membranes

Latest generation materials available on the market in the form of thin sheets, plates and belts. Sheets can be record thin - only 3 mm. Maximum - 15. Sheets are laid on the surface of the ceiling (floor, walls) and between materials. They help protect against impact noise. Ideally, the material should also be lined on the floor in the apartment where the noise source is located.

The tapes isolate such paths of extraneous sounds entering the apartment as ventilation pipes, drains, cracks, risers. They are aimed at reducing acoustic and airborne noise. Membranes are produced by several companies in Europe and Russia. Popular are Tecsound, Topsilent, Green glue, Zvukoizol, Shumanet.

Each manufacturer has its own secret. Most often, the material consists of several thin layers, has a large weight and high density. An acoustic sandwich is obtained by combining several layers of foam felt, polyurethane foam or polystyrene. It can also contain components of rubber, eco-fiber, foamed glass, stone wool, rubber, foam, plasticizers, mineral and plant components, reflective materials.

The advantage of the membrane is that it is a roll material of small thickness, which is glued to the ceiling or stretched under it and does not take up much space. This makes it possible to solve the problem with extraneous sounds and not lose precious centimeters in a small room with low ceilings.

Installation of thin roll material is simple and convenient. A special glue is provided for it, which is diluted like wallpaper. Some species have a self-adhesive backing. The disadvantages of the material are that with large differences in the height of the ceiling, it will first need to be leveled. If the rolls are skewed, they will become less efficient due to gaps in the web.

In addition, the material is heavy. Installation requires at least two pairs of hands. It also means that the base of the ceiling must be well finished and primed to increase adhesion. The price per roll is not the most pleasant. Membranes of European production cost about 8000-9000 rubles. 3 meters per roll.

Other options

There are a lot of alternative options for soundproofing the ceiling. In this case, both specialized and adapted materials are used. Since it is still closed from above with a decorative stretch ceiling, only the quality of the insulation is important, and not its appearance.

Materials used to arrange insulation:

• Granular elastic noise plastic. These are small balls of extruded foam with added rubber and an acrylic backing. Traditionally they are used as insulation for a "floating" floor screed, but when pressed, it is convenient to use it as a material for an interlayer between the stretch ceiling and the ceiling of the upper floor.
• Acoustic sealant. This is a liquid substance that does not cover the entire area of ​​the problem surface, but treats individual zones. These are seams, joints of plates, cracks through which extraneous sounds and vibrations penetrate into the room. The product is based on silicone resins and mineral additives. Compatible with any materials.

• Panels and underlays designed for insulation under flooring. They give the maximum effect if you put them in the neighbors' apartment from above, and then mount them under your ceiling. The silence will be almost like a library.
• Damper tape... It is a budget-friendly alternative to acoustic tapes for treating ventilation shafts, joints and cracks. It costs many times cheaper, and in terms of efficiency it is almost not inferior to them. In addition, the main purpose of the damper tape in repair is to prevent wall cracking, as a rule, after pouring a cement screed. And this is a very large load, which indicates the high density and strength of the tape.

• Drywall. Not used by itself. Usually acts as an intermediate component or, on the contrary, covers other materials on both sides. As a rule, it is combined with thin sheet materials or liquid insulation.
• Roll materials based on bitumen. They are petroleum bitumen, cellulose fiber or felt, modifiers. They are mainly used for floor insulation, but also suitable for ceilings. Due to their small thickness, but good efficiency, it is advisable to use them in rooms where space saving is important. Can be combined with other materials.

• Mastic to absorb vibrations and sounds. It happens on the basis of silicones, resins, bitumen, acrylic. It is applied in liquid form in several layers.
• Spray-on cellulose insulation. Eco-friendly and effective insulation, but has several significant drawbacks. This is the high cost of material and procedure, the need to use special equipment, and difficult dismantling.

• Sprayed PU foam... Has the same advantages and disadvantages as cellulose spraying. All materials applied in this way require pretreatment of the ceiling surface to improve adhesion.
• Sprayed glass fiber. The most expensive, but also the most effective of the sprayed options. If the financial issue is not acute, it is worth giving preference to it.

• Wood fiber materials... There can be several types of them. Plywood is cheap and cheerful, but not very effective, in contrast to softwood ecoplite. In difficult situations, when the noise level exceeds 25 dB, ecoplates will not be able to help. Also, they cannot be used in a room with a low ceiling - they will take away 10-14 cm in height. But the slabs have an important advantage: they already have a decorative surface on the front side. No false ceiling required.

Plates with different designs on the outside (imitation of the texture of wood in different colors) snap into place according to the tenon-groove principle, like parquet boards. This reduces the financial cost of finishing the ceiling and saves time.

• The third type is soft fiberboard... They are made from coarse wood fiber without any additives. The wood is split and then "dumped" like wool. It is used as a felt material, but it has a large number of positive properties. Among them are antibacterial properties and the ability to disinfect indoor air. However, pine needles can cause allergies.

For allergy sufferers, birch fibers or board material based on raw materials of coconut, flax and bamboo are more suitable. Such slabs can be mounted either on their own or under a plasterboard layer.

• Ecoplites from volcanic raw materials and glue... Particles of volcanic origin that have undergone special treatment (expanded clay, perlite fibers and others) are glued together using the safest glue - PVA. This soundproofing is recommended for use in children's rooms.
• Polyester hypoallergenic fibers... Polyester is also used in children's rooms and rooms where people with allergies or asthma live (the material does not accumulate dust).
• Multilayer cardboard filled with quartz sand. One "block" of such cardboard weighs about 10-15 kg, which makes it dense, and the density of the material is the key to its effectiveness in the fight against noise.

Installation technology

Soundproofing the ceiling with your own hands is a completely doable task. But this does not mean that you will not have to face some difficulties.

For example, one-handed installation of lightweight porous materials requires a flat work surface and preparation. And the installation of heavy roll materials such as acoustic membranes cannot be done alone. Although they are 3-15 mm thick, they weigh about 30 kg. Lifting such a weight with outstretched arms above oneself is not only difficult, but also traumatic.

Another important aspect is that only the ceiling finish with insulating material is considered partial. An effective system should cover all surfaces of the room area.

Since sound tends to pass through cracks in walls, ventilation and ceilings, and noisy neighbors can live not only on the floor above, you need to isolate the entire room as a whole. This is many times more expensive, longer and more difficult than finishing the ceiling, and also affects the useful and visual volume of the room.

But effective sound insulation is often not the one that is performed in your own apartment, but the one that is located in the same room with the noise source. Only understanding neighbors will agree to lay insulating materials on the floor in their apartment. Even at someone else's expense. All this does not mean that attempts to rid oneself of extraneous noise by soundproofing the ceiling will not work. They are capable of attenuating noise of 30 dB on average.

To understand what the result will be - minus 30 dB of noise - you need to listen to the refrigerator working in the kitchen, and then turn it off for 5-10 minutes. The difference will be felt right away.

The success of the event depends on two things: the correct choice of insulating material and quality installation. The type of house is considered a universal criterion for selection. In some cases, the height of the ceiling also plays a role, but here the decision must be made individually - is it worth sacrificing 10 cm of the height of the room or is it better to put up with extraneous sounds.

In a brick house, materials are needed to isolate air (acoustic) noise. The construction of brick high-rise buildings is not solid, so the percussive sounds die out as the apartment moves away from the noise source. The brick itself is worse at transmitting sounds. But they have a more common problem with airborne noise. Therefore, it is important to use lightweight, but multi-layer structures.

For example, sound insulation made of plasterboard and cork materials, alternating drywall with polyester blocks or wood fiber boards would be good protection. Drywall with polyurethane foam, mineral wool, liquid insulation is also suitable.

In a panel house and a monolithic house, the problem is the same - the propagation of shock noises practically throughout the house. If the neighbors started repairs from above, everyone will know about it. But the bottom and top floors come first. This is due to the fact that a monolithic house (as the name implies) is a one-piece structure in which all partitions and walls are of the same thickness. And if the slabs are also hollow inside, this is a double problem.

When choosing a material for sound insulation in a panel and monolithic house, it is important to take into account the thickness of the floors. If it is less than 220 cm (and this is often a phenomenon, in "Khrushchevs" - about 120 cm), first you need to eliminate this disadvantage by "building up" the thickness. Here, lightweight materials are suitable and the creation of "air" layers between the suspended ceiling and the ceiling finish. And after eliminating problems with insufficient floor thickness, a thin, but very dense material should be mounted.

The peculiarity of dense material is its high weight. Acoustic membranes, cardboard blocks filled with quartz sand, basalt wool, OSB slabs are suitable.

It is important to consider that soft materials predominantly absorb sound, while hard materials reflect. None of the materials perform these functions at the same time, so it is recommended to use layering. First, sheathe the ceiling with reflective materials, then mount the absorbing ones and reinforce all this with an air cushion between the stretch ceiling and the insulation.

From the point of view of installation technology, sound insulation on any surface can be frame and frameless.

Wireframe

It involves the construction of a frame made of steel (less often - wooden) profile, on which sound-insulating materials are laid. This technology can be afforded by the owners of apartments with a ceiling height of about 3 meters. Otherwise, the frame structure will "eat" a lot of usable area of ​​the room.

Installation is carried out in stages.

Calculation of materials

This is a difficult and responsible stage that includes several steps.

Step one - calculating the sound insulation index. It can be determined by the thickness of the partitions and finishing materials. It is better to consult a specialist, as it is easy to make mistakes. For self-measurement, there are such guidelines: in the daytime, an acceptable (does not mean "not annoying") noise level - up to 40 dB, at night - up to 35.

Overlappings between apartments of 200-220 cm plus a floor screed from neighbors on top are able to isolate noise up to 54 dB, provided that they are made conscientiously, in compliance with building codes and regulations.

For comparison, the cries of an adult and the cry of a child are 70-75 dB. No partitions according to SNiP will protect against them. It follows from this that for effective sound insulation it is necessary to "increase" the thickness of the ceiling at least to a resistance of 60 dB.

For an overlap with a thickness of 220 cm with a high-quality screed, one layer of cork and drywall will be enough from the neighbors on top. In a thin-walled panel house, more effort will have to be made.

An easy way to calculate the required protection is to listen to the sounds from the neighboring apartment. The sound of footsteps is about 30 dB, talking - 45, shouting - 70.

Step two - calculating the absorption coefficient. This procedure is difficult for a layman. It is recommended to select materials with a noise absorption coefficient between 0 and 1.

Step three - calculating the amount of materials... Here we are talking not about the thickness, but about the total amount of all materials. It is calculated quite simply. Measure the width, length and height differences of the ceiling. By multiplying the width by the length, you get the total area. Then this figure must be divided by the footage per roll or the size of the slab of slab material in order to calculate how many sheets or slabs are needed for the ceiling. The resulting number is rounded up, plus 10% of the stock material.

The length of the profile for mounting the frame must take into account the length of one strip and the step width. The width of the step through which the planks are mounted should be equal to 30-40 cm plus rubber for gaskets in the places where the plank is attached to the ceiling. This is an important point because metal conducts sound very well. Without rubber gaskets, the frame will only exacerbate the noise problem.

For hydrophobic materials, waterproofing must be provided. This material is also purchased by area size plus 25% for overlaps and wall allowances. A damper tape is needed for fixing to the wall.

Preparatory work

These include the choice of tools and materials, work surface treatment.

Required materials: steel profiles, hammer drill, fasteners, screwdriver, level, tape measure, putty, sealant, sound-absorbing fibrous materials (for crevices), elastic rubber gaskets, metal scissors, sound-absorbing and sound-reflecting material. Stepladders or stable high structures will be needed.

Preparing the work surface means removing old lime, paint, decorative materials from the ceiling. It is also important to make its surface as flat as possible in order to mount the frame without distortions.

For leveling, ready-made mixtures are used. It is important to take into account that before leveling, the ceiling must be primed in two layers for better adhesion to the substance, and then let each layer dry well. The leveling layer itself can dry from 1 to 3 weeks. It is impossible to mount the frame on a damp ceiling.

Processing cracks, risers and joints at the ceiling-wall interface

Processing of cracks, risers and joints at the ceiling-wall interface.

According to building codes, for high-quality sound insulation, there should not be a gap of even a few millimeters between the floor slabs. Otherwise, it creates an unobstructed path for sound to penetrate between rooms. In fact, this rule is often neglected.

The situation can be remedied if all cracks are cleaned of debris and dust and filled with a non-hardening sealant. Acrylic will do. Large gaps can be pre-filled with felt or wood fiber materials and then sealed.

The situation is reversed with risers. When building a house, they are supposed to be isolated from the overlap with a special nozzle, and the risers themselves from the nozzle - with a sealant. To save time and budget, the nozzle stage is skipped at almost any facility. Due to the temperature difference inside, the pipes of the risers expand and contract, gaps and cracks appear between the walls of the pipes and the masonry. This also reduces the effectiveness of the soundproofing. Such areas require filling with a non-hardening sealant. On top of the areas treated with sealant, you need to putty.

Along with sealing cracks, it makes sense to process sockets with electrical shields. They have no direct relation to the ceiling, but they are also sources of noise transmission. It is important to consider two points: the processing of gaps and cracks around the outlets is carried out only after a power outage, the materials must be non-combustible.

Installation of a frame from profiles

Performed step by step:

• Installation of soundproofing material. It has a small thickness and high density, and also levels the surface before installing the profile.
• Installation of anti-vibration suspensions. These are small parts on which the guide profile is attached. Either a vibration pad should be provided in the suspension structure, or they should be mounted on an elastic rubber pad. Step - from 50 to 90 cm.
• Installation of the guide profile. The profile closest to the wall is at a maximum of 15 cm from the wall. The step is determined independently - from 50 to 60 cm. It is attached to the hangers with 4 screws per 1 hanger. The guide profile can be extended in length.

• Installation of an auxiliary profile. It fits across the guides. The step is 40-50 cm. The exact distance is chosen in accordance with the sheet material, for example, drywall.
• Filling the profile with sound-absorbing material: cotton wool, plates, sheets.
• Installation of the frame. Basically, it is carried out from drywall in 1-2 layers. Sheet thickness - 10-12 mm. If two layers of drywall are mounted, then the joints should not match. In order to perform the separation of the joints, the sheets of the upper layer are laid in a different direction. The joints are sealed with an acrylic based sealant. They also close the seam at the points of contact between drywall and walls.
• If the structure touches the risers, then the pipes must be pasted over with damper tape or similar self-adhesive material.

Installation of decorative coating on the ceiling

For soundproofing without the installation of a steel or timber frame, the materials are attached directly to the ceiling surface. For fastening, dowels and screws, special fasteners with wide heads and elongated legs, glue are used.

Such insulation is used when the height of the ceiling does not allow taking away several tens of centimeters from the room, for example, in "Khrushchevs". The second case is the operational state of the house, which does not allow mounting a too heavy structure on the ceiling. The third - when materials and technologies were used in the house during the construction to protect against noise from the neighboring apartment, but these measures need to be strengthened with additional insulation.

Frameless

Frameless soundproofing is also installed in stages:

• The choice and calculation of materials is similar to the calculation for a structure on a frame... If you plan to lay sheets or slabs in two layers, then the amount of materials on the ceiling area doubles. Dowels for fastening panels are used only plastic, since steel will conduct sound and reduce the efficiency of the structure.
• Surface preparation. Many materials are glued with glue or have a self-adhesive backing, so it is especially important to treat the ceiling surface for frameless sound insulation. But before that, all differences in height and unevenness are eliminated. All preparation includes three important steps: cleaning the surface from paint, dust, decorative coating; expansion of cracks, blowing and filling them with a sealant, applying a leveling layer. After the leveling layer has dried, the surface must be primed in two layers.

• Installation of material. Several options are possible here. Can be glued to a self-adhesive backing, glue, or fastened to dowels with a (fungus) shaped head. It is wide, flat and with perforated holes and holds well cellular or fibrous slabs. The best option is to fix the products with glue, and for additional insurance, install dowels with a step of 90-100 cm.
• Joint processing... Plates and sheets do not adhere tightly to each other. It is recommended to seal the joints with damper tape or fill with sealant. You can layer materials in 2-3 layers.

• Thoroughly clean plaster, paint and whitewash from the ceiling surface. The better the work surface is prepared, the stronger the frameless insulation will hold.
• If the height of the room allows, choose a suspended frame, rather than frameless sound insulation.
• The best insulation, especially for the first floor, is not partial (ceiling only), but complete (walls, windows, doors).
• Avoid cheap materials. Good soundproofing costs good money. The budget material does not give the maximum effect.

• When choosing ready-made acoustic membranes, pay attention to the manufacturer's reviews and reputation.
• Prioritize weight and density over material thickness. 20cm foam is less efficient than 4cm wood-based panels.
• Combine materials for sound absorption and sound reflection.
• Improve the efficiency of sound insulation by sealing cracks, joints, processing cracks around outlets, risers, electrical boxes.

Ecology of consumption. Home: The "cardboardness" of many domestic buildings has long been a byword. So that the neighbors from above do not bother with the details of their life, it is recommended to arrange at least basic sound and noise insulation of the ceiling. And how to do it correctly for tensioning systems - we will tell you in today's instructions.

The "cardboardness" of many domestic buildings has long been the talk of the town. So that the neighbors from above do not bother with the details of their life, it is recommended to arrange at least basic sound and noise insulation of the ceiling. And how to do it correctly for tensioning systems - we will tell you in today's instructions.

Types of noise and methods of eliminating them

In the context of construction and renovation, noises are divided into two main categories: structural and airborne, the name corresponds to the path of their propagation. The sources of each type of noise are also usually different. Air is music, human voice, sounds of animals and working household appliances. Such noises are neutralized by damping air vibrations in a layer of porous, easily compressible material.

Structural noise, otherwise called shock or construction noise, occurs when various parts of the building structure are exposed to intense impact. Examples of such noise include bounce from a washing machine, clattering of heels, although the most notorious is the noise from a hammer drill or hammer drill. The propagation of noises of a structural nature is eliminated with the help of damper inserts at the junctions of one part of the structure to another, for example, between the ceiling and the armored belt of the wall.

In addition, in fact, even structural noise is perceived by a person as airborne, that is, at some point, a building transmits vibrations to the air. A secondary way of noise isolation can be the damping of this vibration over the entire area of ​​communication of walls and ceilings with the space inside the apartment, however, this method is considered more costly in terms of material consumption.

You should come to terms with the fact that it will not be possible to completely exclude the penetration of noise into the apartment from the outside, how not to achieve complete absorption of sounds that occur inside the room. However, it is quite realistic to bring the noise absorption of walls to the standards specified in SP 51.13330.2011. Thus, the optimal degree of sound insulation of walls is about 80–90 dBA for low-frequency noise (walking, impacts) and half as much for high-frequency noise (music, voice).

Does a stretch ceiling provide any advantages

When working with a stretch ceiling, we are faced with a flat canvas enclosed in a frame of a baguette profile. Unlike suspended ceiling structures, the only way to transmit structural vibration is through the attachment profile to the walls.

The propagation of low-frequency structure-borne noise through the ceiling is prevented by gluing a damper tape under the fastening profile. If this is not done, you can get a kind of speaker in the size of the entire room. Note that not all frequency ranges will be amplified through the ceiling, for example, high-frequency noise is damped due to the elasticity of the film.

With airborne noise and structural vibration of the floor, things are a little worse: the stretch canvas practically does not hinder their propagation and even enhances them. At the same time, the plane of the rough ceiling remains completely free for the installation of any kind of sound insulation of arbitrary thickness.

Dependence on the type of building

Structural noise removal work must be planned in accordance with the building structure. In a frequent case, the most attention is required for the nodes of the abutment of the walls to the ceilings and the features of the sealing of joints and technological cavities. In some cases, you can even come to the conclusion that surface mounting of sound insulation will not give the desired effect.

A classic example of this is a panel house with a single-layer ceiling with hollow slabs. In such buildings, acoustic resonance often occurs due to the rigid abutment of the slabs to the wall panels. The optimal way out is not considered to be the soundproofing of the ceiling, but cooperation with the neighbors from above in order to build their floor using floating technology.

Frame ceilings without filler can be modified by filling in polystyrene chips or sawdust, which will have a good effect on their sound absorption. In some cases, it is useful to re-seal load-bearing beams in walls or technological joints. For example, you can install damper pads and inserts made of porous incompressible material.

Choice of sound absorbing material

In ordinary cases, the installation of slab or roll materials on the rough ceiling helps to get rid of the noise of the neighbors from above, dissipating air vibrations until white noise with an acceptable intensity is formed. In this case, both special composite materials and conventional insulation materials such as mineral wool are used.

Soundproofing the ceiling with mineral wool

The advantages of special materials include their high efficiency, the disadvantages - the equally high cost. The best way to damp air vibrations occurs at the interface between two dissimilar media, for example, cardboard and mineral wool. The shape and size of the cells, the density of the materials, and the stacking order of the layers play a secondary role.

All these principles can be used when making your own noise insulation cake. However, you should avoid the advice of amateurs and understand that materials such as polyurethane foam, EPS, egg trays, cork and other "innovative" noise absorbers do not have any positive effect, and in some cases even exacerbate the situation.

The most suitable are felt, mineral wool with a density of 40-60 kg / m3, acoustic mineral wool, wool and coconut fiber. From specialized materials, roll Tecsound and AcousticWool mats can be cited as the most effective for noise insulation of ceilings.

Features of installation of noise insulation

By performing soundproofing of the ceiling when it is finished with a stretch canvas, you avoid the need to install a frame suspension system, which prevents the propagation of structural noise. All that is needed is to fix one or more layers of sound-absorbing material on the rough plane.

Separation of air media should be ensured first, since the direct transmission of airborne noise occurs most intensively. In general, wrapping the ceiling with cellophane helps, however, such actions require caution so as not to disturb the climate in the room. If the ventilation and insulation system requires free gas exchange through the interfloor floor, it is necessary to use vapor-permeable membranes.

In general, the sound insulation is fixed to the ceiling by means of disc dowels used in the wet façade system. Their length and installation pitch depend on the thickness of the material, its density and ability to maintain its shape. It is most difficult to install multi-layer insulation, where temporary fixation of the applied layers is required. Spot gluing or a structure that supports the cake until it is finally fixed can be used for these purposes.

In one of the most effective noise absorption pies, the concrete ceiling is pasted over with two layers of corrugated cardboard on silicate glue, then a temporary support system is assembled from the ceiling profile for the gypsum board. Acoustic cotton wool is placed in rows on the slats with mats of 60–70 mm, under which a felt carpet with a thickness of about 10 mm is placed. The denser material in the bottom layer allows for better noise absorption and fewer bindings.

Interfacing with soundproofing walls

When installing the soundproofing of the ceiling, it is important not only to tightly join the elements of the insulator itself, but also to achieve minimal interaction with the soundproofing of the walls. Stretch ceiling allows you to erect false wall cladding not to the ceiling itself, and this advantage should be used.

To be sure that there is no space left in the corner junction of the wall to the ceiling for the free propagation of airborne noise, the edges of the ceiling sound insulation must be wrapped and brought into a hidden plane just below the stretch coating level.

If there is a sound-absorbing filler behind the false wall, make sure that its upper open edge is even and the ceiling insulator will fit snugly against the wall. Special bonding in this place is not required, you just need to achieve tight packing without air gaps and make sure that the rigid surface of the sheathing is at some distance from the horizontally located insulation layer, that is, does not rest against it. published by