Are you planning large-scale repair work or finishing an apartment in a new building? You must admit that a timely sound insulation of the ceiling in an apartment under a suspended ceiling, which is able to provide an acceptable noise level for a comfortable life, will help to maintain calm and good relations with upper neighbors.
Have you thought about soundproofing, but don’t know which option to stop at? We will help you deal with this issue - the article discusses the best ways to soundproof the ceiling space.
It also shows the main stages of installation with step-by-step photos, recommendations and video tips of experienced builders on how to perform work on their own.
Do you need a soundproofing ceiling tension type?
Have you long dreamed of installing stretch ceilings in an apartment and have heard about the need for noise insulation? Or do you think that this is an extra waste for which unscrupulous managers who are trying to make the most money on the client "beat up" you?
Let's look at the feasibility of performing sound insulation under the design of a stretch ceiling - https://artpotolok.kiev.ua/raschet-stoimosti/.
It is definitely needed in such situations:
- You constantly hear a neighbor swearing 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 pulling the PVC canvas on the frame, fixed 20-25 cm below the ceiling plate.
- After installing the suspended ceilings, you began to hear well what was happening with the upper neighbors.
A competent soundproofing structure (ZIK), or as installers and ordinary users call it, will help to solve such problems.
Initially, you need to understand that the soundproofing of the ceiling space is not able to cut off all the noises and sounds entering the apartment. It can muffle them, prevent reflection from surfaces, which will provide a comfortable noise level for the human body
There is a separation 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, a punch and others.
The main task of the ZIK mounted under a stretch ceiling is to reduce the level of air noise to a comfortable.
If you have troubled neighbors constantly dropping or moving furniture worn on heels at 6 in the morning, then such sound insulation will not help.
It will also be ineffective if the room has extremely low ceilings and there is no place for the installation of a good sound-absorbing layer of several types of materials.
Even the latest and most expensive material with a thickness of 5-10 mm, alone attached under a stretch ceiling, will not be able to solve the task of eliminating the excessive audibility of extraneous sounds in the apartment.
High ceilings allow you to realize the most effective ZIK by installing a “cake” of 3-5 layers. Moreover, the rule applies here - the thicker the better
Soundproofing Options
You may have heard that stretch ceilings on their own perfectly cope with the problem of noise isolation - after they are pulled, you will no longer listen to the news on the TV of your neighbors? This is a myth - the tensile structure itself with a PVC film or fabric can not cut off sounds.
The stretch ceiling allows you to realize interesting design ideas, which will cost quite inexpensively. Moreover, you can order a color option or a canvas with 3D printing
But the reverse situation can very much happen - if the ceiling is fixed too low from the floor slabs, the reflection of sounds may occur, the so-called “drum effect”. Such reviews can be repeatedly found on the network.
And the only solution to this problem is to dismantle the canvas, fill the space with several layers of soundproof materials, and reinstall the stretch ceiling.
Sound absorption systems perform frameless and wireframe technology. Moreover, the latter can be carried out using vibration suspensions or according to the installation diagram self-supporting ceilingwhen the carcass is fastened counterclockwise between the walls.
The figure shows a schematic illustration of the design of a self-supporting ceiling of a German brand - Knauf P131 (P 231). It is made of superlists on one frame
And you can also use the simplest option - fix sound-absorbing mineral plates and pull a PVC cloth under them at a distance of 2 cm.
This option will allow not to worsen the living conditions after installation of suspended ceilings, avoiding the "drum effect". But with the absorption of noise from neighbors, you get a rather modest result.
Which technology to choose depends entirely on the characteristics of the premises and the expectations of the owner. The first is convenient and easy to install, takes up little space. But for the implementation of frame ZIK will require not only the experience of fastening profiles, but also more space under the ceiling.
As for the installation of the structure, then, having no experience in performing repairs, it is better to pay money to a company whose employees will perform professional installation in accordance with all the rules.
After all, if there is a violation of the technology of laying a soundproof cake under a stretch canvas, it will not work.
Material Overview
For reliable soundproofing of the suspended ceiling construction in the apartment, special materials will have to be used - with soundproofing and sound-absorbing properties.
The assortment presented on the market is very wide - here are also ready-made solutions of the type Knauf P 131 (P 231)sandwiches from several layers of materials of different densities. As well as certain types of materials that can be combined as you wish and taking into account the allocated budget.
Let us consider in more detail the most popular materials on the market.
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Soundguard or Sonoplat material is specialized, soundproof. Inside such a panel there is quartz sand, the weight of one is about 17 kg, dimensions 1.2 x 0.8. About one kilogram will go to one ceiling in a one-room apartment
ZIPS is a kind of sandwich made of gypsum fiberboard and staple fiberglass + finishing drywall sheets AKU-line 12.5 mm. Its design provides eight special vibration isolators made of Sylomer material
Mineral slabs of the type AcousticWool, Schumanet-BM, Shumostop, AkuLayt-NEO or other brand. The main thing is that the thickness is from 30 mm, and preferably 50 mm or more. And the density was from 40 kg / m3, and better - 50 or more
Fiberglass canvas ThermoZvukoizol about 14 mm thick. The installers also call this material a blanket for their external similarity. Sold in rolls and usually mounted directly on the ceiling plate with fasteners
This material (GVL) due to its structure is an indispensable element in the construction design. It is most often used in combination with gypsum plasterboard as the last layers of a “pie”. That allows you to get a working soundproofing system as a result
Tecsound self-adhesive membrane is a polymer viscoelastic material combined with acoustic felt. The thickness of the first is 4 mm, and the second is 10 mm. That allows you to very effectively cope with the absorption of sounds, especially air type
The Isoplaat slab (ISOPLAT) is a wood slab of coniferous wood fibers 12 mm thick. It is made without the use of harmful chemical compounds. Can be attached to glue, without additional preparation of the ceiling surface
Perforated acoustic fabric can be used independently or mounted under a stretch ceiling. The acoustic ceiling allows not only to improve sound insulation in the room, but also to improve sound comfort
Quartz Sand Panels
Soundproof mineral slabs
Sound insulation material ThermoZvukoizol
Gypsum-fiber sheet - GVL
Sound insulation membrane Tecsound
Still for the arrangement of sound insulation you will need a vibroacoustic sealant, a vibration-isolating gasket-tape and vibration suspensions.
The attention of customers is attracted by a rather interesting solution - RPG Comfort. This is a sandwich of wood fiber layer, expanded polystyrene foam, reinforced fiberglass mesh and polymer-cement composition.
Despite the claims of the manufacturer about the wonderful soundproofing properties, these boards must be used in conjunction with the blocks produced by this company in order to get a partition between rooms that meets the requirements of GOST in terms of sound insulation, but not ZIK.
Comfort RPGs from Ruspanel are not a specialized material for creating ZI designs. Moreover, their installation under a stretch ceiling will contribute to the creation of higher resonant frequencies
Also, do not choose foam materials in any design - this is a wonderful insulation, which is useless when arranging sound insulation.
No less critical acoustic engineers relate to such materials as cork, mounting foam, polyethylene foam, egg trays. Instead, they advise you to buy a special mineral wool - with soundproofing properties. Its thickness should be 40-50 mm, and density - not less than 40 kg / m3.
Soundproofing Installation Instructions
Having decided on the type of ZIK and the installation features, it remains to be decided: to do everything on our own or with the help of professional craftsmen from a company engaged in soundproofing.
If there is experience in performing repairs, then it is quite possible to start creating a ZI design. In this matter, it is important to choose the right materials and fix them, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Regardless of the option selected, it is important to prepare for the installation of the structure. That, in order to save, can be done on their own.
First we make an electrician - if you are not an electrician, then for these purposes it is better to invite a professional electrician. After all, sound insulation and suspended ceilings are installed for at least 7-10 years, until you want to make a new repair.
Many companies selling ZI materials recommend using special sealant, adhesive tape - all soundproofing. But the cost of this solution is not small, therefore, to reduce the cost of the general estimate, it is permissible to buy a neutral sealant, which in practice will be no worse
Then it is important to close all the joints between the ceiling slabs - this work can be done independently by yourself, even without special experience.
Cement mortar can be used to seal joints of ceiling slabs. Although sellers suggest applying expensive soundproofing sealant, the consumption of which can be quite considerable if there are significant gaps and holes in your ceiling.
Therefore, for problem areas, it is more expedient to use the “tow + solution” design, densely filling holes and sealing them with solution.
As for the sealant for processing joints of plates in the future, you can use neutral sealant instead of special equipment. It is neutral, because the basis of this tool can be acetic, acrylic and other, which may be completely incompatible with the metal.
When the ceiling is prepared, you can proceed with the installation of a suitable ZI design.
Option # 1 - wireframe technology
If the height of the ceilings in the room allows, then it is most effective to mount the frame ZIK under the tension canvas. This is a multi-layer suspended ceiling, assembled from materials of different densities, mounted on a frame of profiles.
Such a pie will not only provide decent sound insulation, but also will not allow the panel to become a “drum membrane”, re-emitting all sounds coming from the ceiling.
Consider the step-by-step installation process in the next photo selection.
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Around the room you need a frame. A vibration isolating tape, which is a mixture of rubber compounds, should be glued onto the profile. She goes beyond it to 18 mm. And then make a grid of profiles. Fastenings from guides need to be removed after all profiles are exposed
It is important to correctly determine the number and location of suspensions, following the recommendations of the manufacturer of a particular material. For example, an average of 32 pcs can go to a room 4.5 by 2.5 m - 4 rows of 8 pcs. This is important, because they will hold the suspended ZI design
The next layer is mineral wool with a density of ideally from 50 kg / m3 or not less than 40 kg / m3. You can also use environmentally friendly MaxFort cotton wool slabs with a density of 60 kg / m3, which is better, but also more expensive
We close the ceiling with gypsum-fiber and drywall sheet, fixing them with self-tapping screws. GVL - 10 mm, GKL - 12 mm. They need to be used in the kit, because the materials have a different structure and their density is different, which ensures the maximum noise suppression effect
Step 1 - Attaching the Metal Frame
Step 2 - placement and installation of vibration suspensions
Step 3 - laying mineral slabs
With the device ZI design, you can apply another set of materials. For example, first of all, directly to the ceiling, fasten ThermoSoundIsol. This is the material in bales - 14 mm fiberglass canvas. Mounted directly to the ceiling.
Then mineral plates laid in a metal frame. After them - soundproof panels with sand type Soundguard. This is a 3-layer corrugated cardboard with a thickness of 13 mm.
Soundguard panels can be cut with a conventional mounting knife thanks to the cardboard construction. It is important to immediately correctly mark the sheet in the desired areas, and after cutting the edges, process it with paper tape so that the sand does not spill out
The next stage is complete tightness. all joints must be lubricated with a vibration-proofing sealant that does not shrink. All seams and wall junctions too.
This is necessary in order to get a sealed structure that will work. You can use special equipment - vibroacoustic sealant. It is applied with a spatula, evenly distributed over the surface of the joint, capturing the plate, and glued on top with adhesive tape, paper.
It is important to wrap all profile structures and adjacent communications with a vibration damping tape, and preferably in 2 layers, including heating pipes passing next to the structure
Also, when arranging the pie, materials of different density should be used, from 3, and preferably 5 layers. Only one cotton wool will give a minimal effect.
After arranging the suspended ZI design, you can mount the tension fabric, departing from the suspended 2 cm. It is advisable to fix the frame for its installation even before the start of soundproofing work.
Option # 2 - frameless way
This method requires a more thorough preparation of the base, but fixing the structure is a little easier. For a frameless version of ZIK, you will need: a sandwich plate by type ZIPS-III-Ultra and mounting kit included. And also a type damper Vibrostek, sealant and drywall sheets, and preferably GKL + GVL.
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First you need to directly onto the ceiling, previously aligned, in which the interpanel joints are sealed and the damper is glued around the perimeter, attach a sandwich panel like ZIPS-III-Ultra. It’s not difficult, installation rules and mounting kit are included
The panels are laid simply - in their design grooves are provided to facilitate installation. They are attached to the ceiling space by means of special units - the design provides for 8 vibro-nodes where screw fixing screws are to be screwed
After completing the installation of the ZI panels, the joints between them will have to be carefully processed. To do this, it is best to use a sealant soundproof plan. This is, for example, Vibrosil
The last step is the installation of drywall sheets, the fastening of which is also performed on the screws that come with the kit. Then it is important to treat the joints of the sealant with sealant and remove excess damper along the edge, applying a soundproofing layer of sealant
Step 1 - laying sandwich plates
Step 2 - fixing the sandwich panels ZIPS
Step 3 - Insulation of joints between plates
Step 4 - Drywall Installation
After such a pie, you can safely mount a stretch ceiling made of PVC, fabric or an acoustic canvas and connect light bulbs, the installation locations of which were also designed and prepared in advance. It is important when mounting the canvas to retreat 2 cm, and no more, so as not to provoke a “drum effect” by too large a gap.
Option # 3 - easy attenuation
Alternatively, so that the stretch web does not become the membrane of the drum, for noise absorption, you can use the mounting of cotton on the "fungi". This method will not protect against existing noise, but will prevent the improvement in audibility after installation.
It is also good to build a frame from wooden bars or from metal profiles. And then lay mineral plates in it, additionally fixing them with “fungi”. Or glue on a special adhesive on a gypsum / cement base.
For the installation of a cotton pad under a tensile structure, it is better to use specialized plates - mineral, with a thickness of 50 mm and a density of 50 kg / m3
A good option - plates ACOUSTIC BATTS from Rockwool. It is a soundproofing dense stone wool slab. It is attached immediately to the ceiling, without the use of additional layers.
Also, as a noise absorber, you can fix a turnkey solution such as a self-supporting ceiling Knauf. For example, KNAUF P231. For its installation, you will need to read the instructions and strictly follow it.
You can find tips on installing a self-adhesive membrane under a tensile structure. This material is easy to attach on your own, you don’t even need to buy special glue - the manufacturer has already provided for everything.
But the effect of its installation in terms of sound insulation will be almost imperceptible. It is best to use such material in combination with others - mineral wool, for example, and sheets of drywall.
It should be remembered and understood that full sound insulation and stretch ceiling are incompatible things. Therefore, there is no need to hope for a miracle - the ZIK design is able to prevent the occurrence of reflected noise from the stretch web, and slightly muffle airborne noise
If the room is fully insulated walls, floors, ceilings, and the neighbor has the flooring correctly mounted on top, then comfortable conditions will be provided and stretch ceilings will only please. However, provided that all work was carried out efficiently and in accordance with the technology.
Video on self-installation of soundproofing materials for suspended ceilings:
Theoretical information on sound insulation and the optimal set of materials for its arrangement:
Video instruction for installing high-quality and expensive sound insulation by professional installers:
Having dealt with the popular materials presented on the building materials market and familiarizing yourself with the main methods of soundproofing, you can make sure that the right ZI design is installed under the suspended ceilings in your apartment. And if you want and have installation experience, you can do these works yourself.
Do you want to tell about your experience of noise insulation of the ceiling or to supplement the above material with useful comments and recommendations? Please write comments on this article in the block below.
If you still have questions about the choice of material and you want to clarify the nuances that we did not mention in this material, ask our experts in the comments section.
Part of the photo was taken from the MontazhzuServis company website: www.5752610.ru.