How To Soundproof a Concrete Ceiling? {3 Proven Ways}

Soundproofing a concrete ceiling might seem tough, but trust me, it’s not as hard as it sounds. Some folks make it sound more complicated than it really is.

Recently, I soundproof a concrete ceiling in my own hall, and guess what? It only took me about 1 hour and 25 minutes, and it was really simple and it can be just as simple for you once you know how to do it. 

So, in this post, I’m here to share my tried-and-true methods to make a concrete ceiling soundproof with you. These are the very methods I used to make my space peaceful and calm. Let’s get started.

4 Proven ways to soundproof a concrete ceiling

1: Decoupling a ceiling from a concrete slab

In my opinion, decoupling a ceiling from a concrete slab is the best way to soundproof a concrete ceiling.

This technique isolates the ceiling structure from the underlying concrete, and creates a gap between the concrete and the ceiling materials, preventing sound from traveling through the structure.

Step-by-Step Guide to Decoupling a Ceiling from a Concrete Slab:

Here are the steps that I have taken to decouple my ceiling from a concrete slab to make it soundproof and I recommend you taking the exact same steps:

Step 1: Assess Your Ceiling

Your very first step is to measure your ceiling’s dimensions.

Step 2: Gather Materials

Now, purchase the necessary materials according to your ceiling dimensions. Here is a list of things you will need in the process:

• Measuring tape and a piece of chalk
• Resilient sound clips or isolation clips
• C channels
• Screws or bolts
• Furring channels
• 5/8 drywall sheets
• Drywall screws
• Mineral wool insulation 

Step 3: Mark your concrete ceiling

Your next step is to measure and mark straight lines on the concrete ceiling you want to soundproof by leaving a space of 24 inches between each of them.

Once you’ve done that, go back to those lines and make little chalk marks every 16-24 inches along the lines. These marks will be where you’ll drill holes and attach the C channels.

Step 4: Drill holes and attach C channels to the concrete ceiling

Using a masonry drill bit, drill holes at each of the chalk marks you made. Now, take your C channels and line them up with the holes you drilled.

Use screws or bolts to secure the C channels to the concrete ceiling. These channels create a base for the decoupling system.

Step 5: Install Resilient Sound Clips

Attach resilient sound clips to all the “C channels” you placed on the ceiling in Step 4.

These clips provide a mounting point for the furring channels.

Step 6: Connect Furring Channels

Now, connect the furring channels to the resilient sound clips you’ve installed and double check that they are firmly attached, as they will support the weight of the drywall.

Step 7: Fill the gaps using mineral wool insulation 

For better sound absorbing from upstairs and make your concrete ceiling more soundproof, fill the gap between the furring channels using mineral wool insulation. 

Step 8: Attach 5/8 drywall sheet

Now, take the drywall sheet to the ceiling and using drywall screws, attach it to the furring channels with a gap of 16 inches between drywall screws. Once you installed the drywall sheets. You can go about painting or mudding and taping it.

The cost of decoupling a ceiling from a concrete slab depends on the size of the ceiling. A rough estimate for materials might range from $3.7 to $7 per square foot.

So it is somewhat costly but this way for soundproofing a concrete ceiling is the most effective approach and it is perfect for tackling both impact and airborne noises and it is the best way to make a ceiling soundproof from noisy upstairs.

2: Glue cork sheets to the ceiling

Cork is an excellent choice for soundproofing ceiling as it has natural sound absorbing qualities as mentioned by corksoluk.com. Gluing cork ceiling sheets to your ceiling is an affordable soundproofing technique that can provide you pretty good results.

But you need to be smart when choosing cork sheets, as not all of them do a good job at stopping noise. Some are just too thin to make a real difference.

That said, you should only use cork sheets that are at least 6mm thick as they can provide you a noise reduction of 23 db.

To soundproof your concrete ceiling using this method, all you have to do is put construction adhesive on the back of the cork sheet and stick it to the ceiling. Keep doing this until your whole ceiling is covered in cork sheets. It’s that easy!

3: Attach acoustic panels to the ceiling

Attaching acoustic panels to your ceiling is a simple and budget-friendly way to make a concrete ceiling soundproof.

These panels are designed to absorb sound, and their effectiveness is measured by the NRC (Noise Reduction Class) rating. Panels with higher NRC values, like 0.8 or higher are thick and so do an excellent job at absorption.

The great thing is that many acoustic panels come with a self-adhesive feature, which makes the installation super easy.

However, acoustic panels are primarily effective against airborne noises. If you’re dealing with impact noise, like footsteps from above, acoustic panels are not the best solution.

How to soundproof a concrete ceiling: FAQs

There you have it! These techniques will help you make your concrete ceiling soundproof and make your space quieter than even before! 

By the way, if you’re looking to soundproof your basement ceiling, check out this post: Ultimate Guide to Basement Ceiling Soundproofing

And if you’re on the hunt for the perfect way to soundproof a drop ceiling, don’t miss this highly recommended guide: https://soundproofaddict.com/how-to-soundproof-a-drop-ceiling/