I'm currently renovating the lower level of my split-level home to create a mother-in-law suite for my aging mom. The big issue is soundproofing since we have no insulation between the floors, and you can hear everything from above. My contractor has recommended using spray foam insulation on the ceiling for soundproofing, but I'm hesitant. I'm worried about the long-term implications if I need to access the electric and plumbing that are already run through the ceiling. What are your thoughts on which insulation options might be best for soundproofing while still being practical for future access?
2 Answers
If you want something effective, try using Roxul insulation. You can hold it up with some brackets and then install a drop ceiling. It should do a decent job at keeping the sound from traveling between floors.
Honestly, I’m not a fan of spray foam for this kind of situation. Standard insulation might not do much for sound isolation either, so I’d recommend considering something denser like rock wool. You can pack that into the ceiling cavities to help with sound. Plus, if you add sound-deadening strips on the joists and use thicker drywall, it could really help reduce noise. It's a bit more work, but worth it in the long run.