How To Insulate Basement Ceiling For Sound: Pros and Cons

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Insulating the basement ceiling makes your basement a better workplace. Because it will maintain the temperature and block the noise inside it.

But as you know we have a variety of insulation available in the market. So what is the better one to use?

What process do you need to follow to insulate your basement ceiling? How much will it cost you?

According to a study of Metro Homes, using insulation in the basement will reduce the heating cost by 20 to 30 percent, especially in the winter season, and block/reflect the noise outside.

So that you can save up to 17 to 23 percent on your electricity bills after using it.

That’s why I think this is a better choice. Good work!

But I know you are confused about the types of insulation, how to install them, and the downsides of them.

That’s why I have prepared this article and I have already covered them in it.

You can simply read the complete article and at the last, you will get a clear idea. What should I do and what not?

So first let’s understand what are the types of insulation materials. That you can use in your basement for better soundproofing and insulation.

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Types Of Insulation To Use Basement Ceiling

Understanding the types of insulation helps you check which insulation material is best for you to use in your basement.

If you use it then definitely you will get a better experience.

1. Fiberglass Insulation

If you are related to the insulation industry then I am pretty sure you have heard about fiberglass insulation.

Because this is much reliable and effective insulation material.

Generally, fiberglass is made with small particles of glass and recycled glass. That provides up to 3.3 per inch of r-value.

Whether you are living in very cold or hot places and near to the heavy traffic place this will easily cut all the things down. So that you can save your electricity bill.

Commonly fiberglass batts insulation is used in insulation but there is another format that is called roll fiberglass insulation. But while insulating the basement ceiling, the batts insulation works well.

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2. Spray Foam Insulation

If you are not convinced with fiberglass then spray foam insulation is also a better material to block noise and maintain the temperature inside your basement.

Generally, spray foam is a mixture of two main chemicals isocyanate and polyol resin. That helps it to expend 30 to 60 times after spraying on a place.

That’s why it will easily work as an air barrier and easily fit in any cavity such as ceiling, walls, window, and more.

Additionally, it provides maximum r-value and STC so that you get a better experience.

Usually, spray foam comes in two types: light density and medium density and you can use any of them according to the size of the cavity.

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3. Blanket Insulation

Generally, blanket insulation is not an ideal way to insulate your basement and it will not work effectively.

It is specially made for soundproofing, not for insulation. So if you focus only on soundproofing your basement then you can go with it.

Otherwise, you need to find another.

Usually, blanket insulation costs you around 50 cents to $1 that’s why many people use this.

But if you are living in a moderate place and your budget is not large. Then you can insulate your basement ceiling with blanket insulation.

Additionally, you don’t need to put lots of effort into it. It will easily apply to your ceiling.

Now you may get an idea of what type of insulation you can install on your basement ceiling. So that it will provide a better experience.

Next, you will understand how you can install insulation on your basement ceiling. Because I have already used it and I know what is the procedure for it.

Also, I have already consulted with a professional so that I can provide better content.

Literally, after installing it I noticed the big change in temperature and noise in my basement.

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How To Insulate Basement Ceiling: Step By Step Process

Insulating the basement ceiling is not difficult to work to do. All you need is to just follow the important steps as they are.

So that you will not face any problem while installing. This is very simple so you don’t need to call any professional.

1. Select The Insulation

What do you think? Which insulation is better? That can provide better soundproofing and insulation.

As I have explained earlier that you have 3 major options to choose from fiberglass, spray foam, and blanket insulations.

Whether you choose any of them just keep in your mind that first analyze the budget and how much insulation you want in your basement.

This will help you define what type of insulation material is best for you. Suppose if you are living in a very hot or cold place then probably you need more insulation.

Then you can use fiberglass insulation because it is the best one to block outer noise and weather changes.

Or if you are living in a moderate place then spray foam and blanket insulation are ideal options to choose from.

Because first they both are very cheap and effective to use in moderate weather and second spray foam can fill in any size of the cavity.

So if you are planning to use spray foam then you can easily apply it to your basement ceiling whether you have a small or big cavity.

But I am going to use fiberglass insulation in this article.

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2. Making A Plan

What do you need to do next? How can you proceed with such things? Which things do you need to consider?

What tools are required for this work? When to start the procedure? Studies prove that making a plan makes things a lot easier to do.

I mean after making a plan for how you can insulate your basement ceiling will help you to understand the next step.

A perfect needs to be included in all the important things. That you are going to use while insulating your basement ceilings such as all the tools, insulating material, and security products.

So that you don’t need to wait for it. I know making a plan needs some time but this saves you lots of time while thinking about what to do and how to do next.

This becomes very crucial if you haven’t ever installed any type of insulation in the house.

Because while insulating for the first time then you don’t have any idea about its important instructions to make the insulation better.

That’s why while researching it you have a roadmap. Then you will get more help from it without any professional help.

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3. Measuring The Area

What is the exact amount of fiberglass insulation you need on your basement ceiling?

How many pieces do you need for this work? What is your fiberglass insulation size? After applying insulation on the surface it is very difficult to take out.

That’s why it is necessary to measure all the areas over which you are going to install fiberglass insulation.

Then after you need to check the exactness of your batts fiberglass insulation. So that you can understand how many pieces you need.

You can simply use a measuring tape for this work and note down all the measurements.

Because this will prevent you from wasting your money. Yes, this is totally right. Suppose if your basement ceiling is about 150 feet and your insulation size is around 72 inches each.

Then probably you need around 25 pieces of insulation to cover the whole ceiling. You also need to follow this strategy to calculate the exact pieces.

Then after you need to cover the insulation so that it can hold in place. So you can apply the same strategy while installing the cover.

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4. Fill The Cavity

Do you have a small or big cavity in your basement ceiling? Because this will help you identify how many pieces you need for this.

Also, you can easily cut fiberglass insulation to fit easily in the cavity. You just need to take the fiberglass batts insulation and then pull it back into the cavity.

Make sure to start at the top and pull it nice and tight easily. So that you don’t reduce its NRC and r-value capacity.

If the insulation is fluffy then it will provide better insulation and soundproofing.

So after compressing it then if the batts insulation is extra you need to cut it down to fit in the cavity.

Make it a little bit longer so that you get niche grip friction at the bottom. Just follow this strategy and cover the whole around the basement ceiling.

If you find any air condition lines then you need to split the insulation in the middle. And place the half stuck behind to the line then another half lay down at the front.

So that the r-value should not be compressed. If you use the whole insulate behind the AC lines then it will not work effectively.

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5. Cover The Insulation

Whether you are going to install fiberglass, spray foam, and blanket insulation you need to cover all of them.

Otherwise, they will not work for a long time and it looks very ugly also.

So after installing the insulation in your basement ceiling now you need to cover them with drywall. So that it will never be going out.

Let’s understand step by step how you can install drywall in your basement ceiling.

• Step 1. Same you need to make a perfect plan to execute.

• Step 2. Now measure the whole area where you are going to install drywall. This will help you to cut down the drywall.

• Step 3.  Cut down the drywall in a perfect shape and give labels to them such as window area, door area, and so on.

• Step 4. You can use a simple dimple bit to make the mudding process easier. While screwing the drywall then you need to install it.

• Step 5. Before installing the drywall you need to install any support so that you make the process easier.

• Step 6. Finally, just install all the drywall on your basement ceiling to cover the insulation by using screws and a simple bit.

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6. Cut Down All The Openings

Do you have a fan and light space on your ceiling? Do you want to leave space for this?

Then you can do this but before you need to measure the area of your lights and fan.

Then draw it on the drywall so that you can easily cut it down after installing it on the ceiling.

But keep in your mind that you draw perfect measurements of space. Otherwise, your drywall may waste.

So after installing it now you need to cut down space by using a saw or other cutting material you need.

Then carefully cut down the whole space and make sure not to cut the excess space. It will make the insulation less effective.

So when you cut down space. Then you need to cover the cutting space by using putty on it so that you can completely cover your basement ceiling.

Now your insulation work is finished. You have successfully understood how you can install fiberglass insulation in your basement ceiling.

That protects you from the outer weather changes and noise.

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Wrap Up On How To Insulate Basement Ceiling

Insulating your basement ceiling is not difficult to work that should be needed by any professional. You can do it by yourself like me.

Only in 4 to 5 hours, I install the complete fiberglass insulation in your basement.

As I have explained earlier that you can choose any of the 3 major options in insulation according to your need and budget.

Suppose you have understood how you can install insulation in your basement ceiling.

But do you know what problems you will be facing after it? What additional advantages will you also get after it?

Let’s understand.

Advantage Of Installing Insulation

1. If you have room right above your insulated basement ceiling then it will also maintain the big amount of temperature. So that you can feel comfortable.
2. If your basement is your storage space then you probably face dirt, dust, mildew, and more. That will spread right above your living area but when you insulate your basement then you can reduce this problem.
3. Soundproofing and temperature maintenance is the major advantage of fiberglass insulation.

Disadvantages Of Installing Insulation

1. After installing the insulation you will notice that your space becomes smaller.
2. It will reduce the airflow in your basement. So if you are an asthma patient then you may face the problem.
3. It will increase the cost as you need to improve the airflow. You need to install ventilation.

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FAQ: How To Insulate Basement Ceiling

Do you have faced any problems while insulating your basement? Yes, then you are not the only person.

Many people are also facing lots of problems. That’s why I have tried to give answers to 3 common questions.

If you don’t find yours then you can ask in the comment box. I will reply as soon as possible.