I'm working on insulating to cut down on sound transmission between floors, but I've got a drop ceiling below that feels a bit flimsy. I'm concerned about the insulation weight causing issues with the T-bar ceiling. I plan to use RockWool Safe N Sound, which is heavier, but I'm also considering Owens Corning QuietZone since it's lighter. Although I know drywall would be more effective, the people living downstairs don't want to go that route. I'm also treating my floor above with SonopanX and installing a floating floor on top. Here's the catch: in Canada, the insulation available to me doesn't come with the paper backing that many folks use to attach it to joists. What can I do to ensure the insulation stays where it needs to be without dropping onto the tiles or T-bars? Thanks for any tips!
3 Answers
You might also want to consider using some lumber or furring strips. Another approach is to take a lightweight wire and weave it back and forth across some screws between the joists. This way, you're not adding too much weight, but it can give your insulation the extra help it needs to stay put!
If you had insulation with kraft paper backing, you could staple it up from below, but I get that you can't do that in Canada. Your best bet might be to find some other forms of securing it, like the insulation supports mentioned. Just keep it tight between the joists, and it should stay up without too much trouble!
One solid method is to cut your insulation to fit snugly between the floor joists and then use insulation supports. These are basically wires that help hold the insulation up without letting it fall down. They work pretty well!
Yeah, it's a bummer about the backing. I'll definitely check out those support options!