If you have a basement to soundproof, you have to do it. No questions asked. But you probably don’t know how to soundproof a basement ceiling, right? After reading this guide, you’ll know for sure. On top of it, you’ll understand the importance of soundproofing your basement.
There are many ways to soundproof a basement ceiling. But there are few that are the cheapest ways to do so. You can use green glue on cracks on the walls and the ceiling. You can get tons of rugs and carpets for your basement. And hire a professional to insulate your ceiling.
Out of all these incredible ways, this is the cheapest way to soundproof a basement ceiling.
Using Green Glue

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Green glue is the cheapest way to soundproof a basement ceiling. How do I know this?
I’m not the only one recommending this highly-effective way. Green glue is an acoustic compound which has many practical purposes. For starters, it’s popularly used to soundproof many projects. (Green Glue FAQs)
If you have an ordinary drywall ceiling, you can apply a thick coat of green glue. The true purpose of green glue is to reduce or prevent flanking sound. This is the sound that vibrates and travels through ceilings, not walls. Hence, using green glue for ceilings would be more appropriate.
You need to soundproof not the walls of the basement. But the ceiling itself. If you want to prevent sound from going upwards into your home! This viscoelastic damping compound dampens any sound waves from traveling through the ceiling.
The best way to make the most of green glue is to apply it in between two soundproofing materials. Thanks to its eco-friendly and human-friendly nature. It works well with drywall, vinyl, and plywood. Along with any other soundproofing material such as cement board, MDF, or OSB!
Does It Really Work?

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To understand how green glue works for soundproofing a basement ceiling. You need to first understand how sound travels.
The sound is nothing but a wave energy. This travels through walls, ceilings, and other surfaces in the form of vibrations.
So you can say that sound is vibrating air molecules. The energy passes through the air with the help of ceilings or walls. And the sound transfers with it.
Taking this into consideration, green glue turns that sound energy into heat. When you coat a layer of green glue in between layers of other firm material. Like vinyl, plywood, or drywall. The polymeric nature of the glue absorbs the vibrations. Turning them from mechanical energy into plain heat!
This dampens any sound transferring through the ceiling. After all, isn’t sound but something that can be quantified and transmitted?
How to Install Green Glue into Your Basement Ceiling?

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Once you decide which green glue product to use, you need to know how to install it. The application of this can be simple. But only after you read through the following information!
Green glue is most effective when coated in between two firm layers. Say you’re using drywall to outline the construction of the basement ceiling. You will need to hang the first layer of drywall.
For soundproofing, a drywall ceiling is ideal. Cause it reduces noise accumulation tremendously. On top of which, it has incredible fire-resistant properties. The only downside to drywall is that it’s prone to cracking or breaking in case of any accidents.
Moving forward, once you hang the first drywall layer. You can either coat the hanging drywall layer with green glue. Or manually apply the glue coat on top of the second drywall layer.
Make use of expert tools such as a compound application gun. It makes the coating process faster and easier. Especially for someone who doesn’t know much about construction. Also, you want to make sure you evenly distribute the glue across the board.
The ideal drying time for green glue is 20 minutes tops. But just to be on the safer side, assume you have 15 minutes to get everything done. Before starting the installation process, make sure you have all your screws in place. After applying the green glue and hanging the second drywall. The glue should turn to complete solid after a week.
Only after will you notice noise reduction and an improvement in your basement. The thicker the coating of green glue, the longer it takes to dry up. In fact, some basement ceilings take about 30 days to enhance effectiveness.
Soundproofing with Green Glue, Cellulose, and Double Sheetrock
Cheapest Way to Soundproof a Basement Ceiling – Some Important Tips

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- 1Do not use green glue unless you want to hang two firm layers of drywall or plywood from the ceiling. Green glue only works when it’s in between two layers. If you want to add the number of layers (most probably of drywall) for better soundproofing. You can coat green glue in between each additional layer. This should boost soundproofing and durability.
- 2Do not join the final layers with an adhesive. Use screws or nails to secure the entire foundation. Green glue doesn’t fill in space. You must make sure the layers are secured firmly with the help of screws.
- 3The thinnest layer for green glue has to be at least 0.5mm thick. The thickness is based on your personal preference. Anything below 0.5mm is not enough to soundproof a basement ceiling.
Final Words
What are your thoughts on the subject? After reading this guide on the cheapest way to soundproof a basement ceiling! There may be multiple ways to soundproof a basement including the walls. But soundproofing the ceiling is not the same anymore.
And green glue is the latest and cheapest invention to prevent sound from moving upwards.
Why do you need to soundproof your basement ceiling?
It may be because you want to start your own school band. Or you’re building a nursery for your kid. And you want to make sure their screaming and shouting doesn’t disturb your daily routine.
Maybe you’re a music enthusiast and you don’t want to wake up the entire house. While you listen to your favorite records in the basement!
Whatever your reasons are, soundproofing is never a bad idea. And this guide should help you make the wisest and cheapest decision.
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