Proper ceiling design reduces noise.
Noise is unwanted sound. Ceiling noise is a reflection of sounds that may come back as an echo or mingle with other sound sources to produce a background of white noise. White noise is resultant background noise that comes from a mix or blend of all noise together, raising the overall background level. It is this sound that causes sleeplessness and reduces the quality of life. It is an insult to our environment and our senses. The prevention of begins with construction.
Instructions
1. Seal and/or caulk any ceiling openings. Look for vents and ducts and any open spaces on the perimeters. Noise can get through wherever there is an air leak. Close the gaps and make your ceiling air and noise tight.
2. Install flexible ducts for air and heat. Avoid metal, because it conducts sound from place to place. Use the flexible duct to reduce noise from the ceiling vents.
3. Insert resilient pads around ceiling pipes and pack insulation on pipes to avoid transfer of flushing toilets and running water. Especially pay attention to plastic (ABS) pipes. Provide foam insulation to avoid water hammer. Foam-type insulation can be sprayed into place and when dry will keep vibration to a minimum.
4. Install ceiling insulation. The same insulation for heating will work to exclude noise. However, if the ceiling is made from a flat, hard, reflective medium, it will reflect sound and increase your noise level. The bigger the room and the more people, the greater the sound level. The insulation keeps overhead aircraft noise out if you are near a jet port. Another step significantly reduces interior noise. Add acoustical tile on the ceiling to absorb and cancel noise. Then noise will not be reflected and mix with other noise sources to increase the ambient background.
5. Acoustical engineers can assist in designing a ceiling as part of your home theater or a speaker convention room where sound projection may be a positive addition. They support these designs by taking sound measurements both in amplitude and frequency. You may consider several designs for audio and visual properties before the final ceiling configuration. Many times these decisions are based on a trade-off between sound projection and visual acuity.
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