The acoustics within your commercial property are important. You need to be sure that noise is minimised when possible. Not only should your walls and floors be soundproofed, but so should the ceiling. This is especially true if you have a commercial property with multiple floors. Before you have an acoustical consultant evaluate your noise levels, you need to make sure that you are aware of the most helpful tips that allow you to soundproof your ceilings effectively.
Hat Channels
One of the most popular methods for soundproofing a ceiling is with the use of a hat channel. A hat channel is essentially a lightweight metal material that will allow or a space between the wall and the ceiling. Having this additional space can make a big difference when you are looking to make it soundproofed. This means that all airborne impact will not be able to travel as effectively through the ceiling surface. This includes not only noise levels, but also movements.
The hat channels are essentially used to allow for a frame that the drywall can be attached to. This means that when you are looking to install hat channels, you must begin by removing the old drywall. Once the dry wall has been removed, you can then install the hat channels over the joists. Make sure that you install the hat channels over the joists in intervals to allow for more stability. You can then reattach the existing drywall or apply new drywall. It is preferred that you attach two different layers of drywall of varying thickness levels. One layer of dry wall should be thicker and the other should be thinner.
Ceiling Joist
It is also possible for you to also soundproof a ceiling by avoiding moving the existing drywall through the use of ceiling joists. Once you expose the existing ceiling joists, you have the ability to attach the new ceiling joists directly to the old ones without removing the drywall. It is possible to place some acoustic quilting material in between the two ceiling joists to allow for more soundproofing capabilities. This is a method that allows you to lower the ceiling by creating a false ceiling under the existing one.
Instead of having to remove any drywall, you will simply attach new drywall over the second ceiling joist that you installed. This is only a soundproofing ceiling method that you can use if you have additional space within the room to lower the ceiling.
For more help soundproofing your ceilings, contact local acoustical consultants.
Share10 February 2016
It is a lot of work being a psychologist. It takes a lot of emotional energy to listening to people's problems all day long, but luckily I know that I am making a huge difference to peoples lives. It helps me to remember how much difference I make to my patients when I feel burnt out. There is a lot of work in managing the different aspects of my practise but I know by optimising my business processes I will have more time and energy to spend on my patients. This blog has my tips on running an efficient psychological practise.