Basements are often used as a place to watch TV, listen to music, play video games, or, most importantly, a home office. And if the noise level is too high, it can disrupt the people trying to use the basement. Soundproofing can help to keep the noise level down so that people can use the basement without being disturbed by the noise from upstairs.
There are different ways that you can soundproof a basement apartment. The most common way is adding extra insulation to the walls and ceilings. This will help to soften the sound and keep it from echoing in the room. You can also add some soundproofing panels to the walls or ceilings.
So, this article is for you if you are looking for a way to soundproof your basement apartment. I will share some of the best methods for soundproofing a basement apartment.
Identifying the Noise First for a Solution
Three types of noise can affect a basement. They are:
- airborne noise
- impact noise
- noise that travels through the ground.
Airborne noise is created by things like people talking or music playing. Impact noise is made by people walking, running, or things hitting the building. Noise that travels through the ground is caused by cars driving or trains.
Basements are usually affected by noise from the ground as they are underground, called impact noise. Impact noise comes from things like cars driving or trains running. It can also be caused by people walking or running because the noise travels through the ground to the basement.
So, for a perfect solution, you need to know what kinds of sound you are getting in your basement.
How to Soundproof Basement Apartment Cheapest Way
There are a few things you can do to soundproof your basement apartment cheaply. Let’s talk about those.
Rugs or carpets
To reduce the sound in the basement, Rugs or carpets are the best for absorbing the sound waves. The waves hit the carpet and spread in all directions. This carpet or rug minimizes the intensity of the waves that hit the floor and walls. The carpet also helps to muffle the sound.
Sealing
If you seal the holes, it will help to keep the sound from entering and exiting the space. It will also help to keep the temperature consistent in the room. Additionally, sealing the holes will help reduce dust and pests entering the space so that you will get a calm and quiet place to work.
Acoustic insulation
Another way to soundproof a basement apartment is to add acoustic insulation to the walls and ceiling. Acoustic insulation reduces noise transmission. The materials of it absorb sound waves such as fiberglass or cotton.
The best way to add acoustic insulation to a basement apartment is to use batt insulation. Batt insulation is a type of insulation that comes in panels. It is made of fiberglass or cotton and is installed between the studs in the wall or between the joists in the ceiling. The insulation should be installed on the walls and top of the basement apartment, as well as on the floor of the apartment above.
Acoustic foam
Acoustic foam is a type of insulation that reduces sound transmission. It is a porous material product that absorbs sound waves. Acoustic foam can be inaugurated on the walls and ceilings of a basement to help reduce the noise level.
Establishing the foam in the right places is essential to get the best results. You should install the foam in the corners and around the room’s edges. You can also install it in the middle of the room.
Soundproof materials
The cheapest and most effective way to soundproof a basement is to use mass-loaded vinyl. MLV is a heavy vinyl that can block sound. Many people use it in recording studios to prevent sound from escaping and keep the sound inside. MLV is available at most home improvement stores.
Another way to soundproof a basement is to use soundproofing tiles. Soundproofing tiles are available at most home improvement stores.
Green Glue
It is said that Green Glue is a soundproofing material to soundproof a basement most cheaply. It is a viscous material applied to the walls and ceilings’ surface. It dries to a flexible, adhesive film that seals the surface and helps to prevent the transmission of sound. Green Glue can soundproof a basement after applying it to the walls or ceiling.
Soundproof paint
Soundproof paint is specialized to reduce the sound that travels through walls, ceilings, and floors. It is a first-rate option for people who want to soundproof their basement, as it can help to decrease the amount of noise that travels through the floor and into the basement. Soundproof paint is available in various colors, so you can choose the one that supremely matches your decor.
How do I Soundproof My Ceiling in the Basement?
For soundproofing your ceiling in the basement, you can follow some of these steps,
The first way is to add insulation to the roof. This will help to absorb the sound and prevent it from bouncing around the room.
Add a layer of drywall to the ceiling. This method will also help to absorb the sound and block it from jumping around the room.
Install acoustic panels or tiles to the ceiling. This will also help absorb the sound and prevent it from bouncing around the room.
Inaugurate sound barrier between the ceiling and the floor. This process will help to block the sound from traveling up and down between the floors.
Finally, install a soundproof ceiling panel or a soundproofing membrane to the ceiling. This will help to absorb the sound and prevent it from bouncing around the room.
Related FAQs
Well, there is no standard answer to this, as the cost of soundproofing a basement apartment will vary depending on the space size, the materials needed, and the work required. However, on average, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,000 to soundproof a basement apartment.
There are different methods for soundproofing a basement apartment, but some of the most common include installing soundproofing insulation, installing acoustic panels, and using a soundproof door.
The benefits of soundproofing a basement apartment include reducing noise pollution, improving sleep quality, and increasing the privacy of the space.
Conclusion
Basement apartments can be great for several reasons. They’re often cheaper to rent than apartments on higher floors and offer more privacy and noise insulation than apartments with shared walls. However, if your apartment is in a basement, you may find it’s not as quiet as you’d like. Basement apartments can be prone to noise from footsteps, appliances, and other building residents.
Hopefully, the above tips will guide you on how to soundproof a basement apartment. And eliminate all the annoying noise in your basement apartment to ensure peace.
