Acoustical ceiling tile adhesive for soundproofing?

[Ro Maga]

Hi! We are trying to reduce sound transmission between our ground floor and the second unit apartment, both of which are completely finished. I'm taking both, transmission and impact sound. We've been considering drop ceilings but we only have 1.5-2" to spare before we drop below the minimum allowed ceiling height. While looking at our options, acoustical ceiling tile adhesive came up, which sounds like a perfect solution... if it works. We currently have finished ceilings, so we'd be mounting/ glueing the ceiling tiles right on the drywall. We also have Green Glue left from another job, and while that is not properly adhesive, it could add a little towards decoupling and hopefully sound reduction. Anybody with experience with this kind of application care to comment? Is this potential solution as much wishful thinking on my part as I think it is? Any other recommendations?

[Dave Van Horn]

Your idea may help a little but insulation is probably the best bet whether batt or blown in, anyway best of luck!

Dave

[Patrick Liska]

Do a search online, but my recommendation is to use a metal Z clip or hat channel, run the opposite direction of the existing joists ( apply right over the existing ceiling and fasten to each joist as it crosses it) then install another layer of drywall. the air space and separation help with the deadening the sound transmission. if you want to try and add some blown in insulation before you do that, as @Dave Van Horn has suggested, that may help.

[Michaela G.]

You might take a look at these. Prettier than drop ceiling tiles. But be careful about the glue you use. I used basic liquid nails, instead of their band, and it ate the styrofoam ;-) 

http://www.decorativeceilingtiles.net/

[Katherine Rossell]

If you end up trying this, let us know how it goes! I would be interested in trying something like this in our rentals.

[Ro Maga]

Thanks everyone!

Patrick Liska After 2 years of hearing the upstairs neighbor snore every night, we did exactly what you described in part of the Jersey City condo where we used to live (plus some Green Glue). It made a huge difference, but it was not a simple project. I'm trying to avoid doing that with this unit, but there may not be a way around it.