One of the best times to soundproof a ceiling is during the construction phase. Ideally, you should place sound-absorbing material underneath the upstairs carpet as well as insulation and foam between the beams and drywall of your ceiling. You can remove the drywall and fill the gaps between the beams and your ceiling, but there are also methods of soundproofing that don't require major demolition. While not the most visually pleasing, they reduce sound traveling into your room.
Textured Spray
Apply an acoustic textured spray to soundproof your ceiling, which may not stop noise from bleeding through completely, but it will have a deadening effect. It's similar to the popcorn effect many ceilings already have.
Double-layered Drywall
Just one layer of drywall does not prevent sound from coming through the ceiling. Install an additional layer of drywall on top of the first. Aim for one that is slightly thicker than the original. Extra long screws are necessary for this project since they have to go through both layers to penetrate the studs.
Foam
Although this option is not the most aesthetically pleasing, you can staple foam to your ceiling, or you can also use glue. Foam effectively blocks sound from traveling through the ceiling by absorbing the sound waves. The foam can be as simple as a mattress pad or actual soundproofing foam available at most hardware stores. The soundproofing foam is more expensive.
For Ceiling Tiles
If you have ceiling tiles instead of a drywall ceiling, lift them off and fill the gap underneath the beams with pink insulation or foam. Another option is to add a layer of mass-loaded vinyl available at home improvement stores. Once you have done this, simply replace the ceiling tiles.
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