I have been reading information about resilient channels, and even some of the FAQs, but what I am trying to do is just something basic. Much of the information deals with really trying to soundproof to the max, such as using a double layer of drywall with the resilient channel, when I am just looking for a basic, reasonable solution for soundproofing the ceiling.
I am in the process of finishing my basement (1000 sq. ft finished, 500 unfinished). The reason for finishing it is to give my boys (12 and 16) a place to hang-out with their friends. It is going to have a home theater system to watch movies, plus a game room (air hockey, foosball, pool table). The reason I am considering soundproofing is to keep their loud noises and music from being too annoying above.
One friend used 4x8 sheets of sound-board to finish his basement which I was at first considering. In visiting a friend of a friend's house, he introduced me to resilient channel, which began me on the search to learn more.
The home has 3 levels. The basement, the main, and the bedrooms. The basement is accessed by a door on the main level. The stairs go down 1/2 flight where there is a landing. Turn left on the landing and the stairs take you down the remaining way. There is not a door at the bottom.
There are some restrictions I have to deal with in soundproofing in the basement. The basic ceiling height is 7' 8". Underneath the heating ducts it is more like 6' 8". I don't mind losing 1/2" height under the 7' 8" ceiling using either sound board or resilient channel, but underneath the heating ducts I consider that precious space. Also I don't want to use a double-layer of drywall. In between the ceiling joists there are various obstacles, including wiring and vents.
Around the heating ducts there is a wood frame to hang the drywall to. When I installed the frame I did put soundboard between the frame and the ducts. There is empty space between the 2x2s around the ducts that it might make sense to fill with something.
So now the questions. Based on the above configuration:
- What should I do for soundproofing?
- Will it matter much if I do anything?
- Will the use of resilient channel on the ceiling be of enough benefit over soundboard, or will they be about the same?
- What should I do about the area underneath the heating ducts?
- Should I put anything in the area between the joists (Silent-Floor Type)? Insulation? Foam? Just leave alone?
- Should I put anything in the area between the 2x2s around the duct work?
Finally, if resilient channel is the answer for the high ceiling, I have some other questions based on my reading about it. They are:
- Do you keep the drywall on the ceiling from touching the edges of the frame (leaving a little gap) or does it matter?
- Do you keep the drywall on the walls from touching the drywall on the ceiling or does it matter?
- So you need to fill in the gap between the drywall on the walls and ceiling (assuming there is one) with anything?
- Can you tape the joints and corners as normal?
- Anything I miss?
I guess you could say I am looking for the installation steps on the ceiling for the resilient channel (although I have read some, things are not always clear).
Looking forward to hearing back.