FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Want to reduce noise from 1st floor into 2nd floor bedroom

rmat9329 | Posted in General Discussion on December 3, 2013 10:44am

20 year old house has master bedroom directly over kitchen/dinet.    With all drywall and a ceramic tile floor in the kitchen, every noise in the kitchen area seems to get amplified and carries thru the floor up into the master bedroom.    Looking for ideas to reduce the noise coupled upstairs.    There are no plumbing runs, and only 2 heat ducts that run under the bedroom floor– the rest are hollow, with a few light fixtures.     The joist bays can be accessed by cutting holes in the bedroom floor (pull back the carpet)

Some ideas:  

1.  Fill or partially fill the joist bays with cellulose insulation (need to replace some can lights with insulation contact rated fixtures).    Is this OK to insulate between floors?    

2,  Same question but what about self expanding foam (open cell or closed cell?).    Only small holes needed to provide access to inject hte foam.

3.  Is there any type of carpet padding that reduces noise thru the floor (easy to replace carpet padding).

4.  Any other ideas to reduce the noise transmission from 1st to 2nd floor?

 

Thanks

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. calvin | Dec 03, 2013 06:13pm | #1

    rm

    There's a couple things that work marginally, but together might help.  First, some more specifics.

    The ducts-what kind, metal or flex?  Supply or air return-main trunks or branches?

    Some cans?  how many?   Soffits at the kitchen ceilings?

    Insulating between the floor/ceiling does help somewhat-breaks up the resonating sound which dampens it.

    Mass is your friend when trying to block sound transfer-and uncoupling direct connections don't hurt either.  So, adding mass to the ceiling in the kitchen or floor above would help-relay the carpet after installing a layer of 1/2" Homasote over the sheeting, for instance.

    Cross furring (strapping) the ceiling of the kitchen and hanging some sound reducing drywall or perhaps just using 5/8's.   Using resilient channel as the furring could do a little better job...........

    What kind of noise is bothersome?  pots and pans-dishwasher loading-usual kitchen noise?...........or talking?  A little consideration from the rest of the housemates can do alot to help out and it's cheaper.

    1. rmat9329 | Dec 04, 2013 02:59pm | #3

      More details

      Some additional details on the kitchen area.    There are 2 branch Metal heating ducts  that run to center wall then down to basement-- no coupling to kitchen directly.    Return air runs through the same center wall

      7 cans spread around 14 x 28 foot kitchen/dinet area.

      I concur that more mass makes for a quieter home-- our previous house was plaster construction instead of Drywall-- MUCH quieter.     On that house, I did see a marked reduction in street noise when we insulated the walls with blown in Cellulose so thought about that here.

      I could change a significant length of the heating ducts to flex instead of rigid metal without too much trouble.   Might help eliminate some echos and carrying noise from other locations.

      Seems that any noise comes through-- not specific to high or low frequencies.    Even people talking in low voices can be heard.

      Thanks  

      1. calvin | Dec 04, 2013 03:36pm | #4

        rm

        The air return, could be transmitting alot of the bothersome noise..   They used to have simple pipe that ran from the kitchen up to the maids qtrs.............didn't even have to yell.  If it's open to the upstairs (a given) then that is a prime source.

        Soffits that are not blocked (fire stopped) are another good source of magnified sound-they act like a drum-big expanse capturing the vibrations with a hollow behind it and nothing to block it except your floor.

        Insulating the ceiling above is a good measure-but those cans, air returns and soffits need to be considered.

        The more ambitious measures of adding mass and divorcing ceiling couplings might benefit alot if the other things are also taken care of.

        This will affect heating and cooling, but playing with the return air ducts might be tried as an experiment. 

      2. DanH | Dec 04, 2013 07:51pm | #6

        When you can hear voices clearly it usually means that there is some relatively direct connection, perhaps through the ducts, perhaps just cracks at the edges that allow sound through.

  2. DanH | Dec 03, 2013 06:48pm | #2

    The ideal fix is to treat the ceiling below, ideally installing resiliant hangers and then drywall.

    Cellulose is moderately effective, foam not so.  Foam is too light and stiff to be a good damping material (though judicious use of it to seal cracks may produce some significant benefit).

    Do double check that the heating ducts don't "communicate" between the kitchen and upstairs, and even if a duct doesn't run into the bedroom, if it's open to the kitchen it will pick up sound and carry it into the floor.

    If all else fails, turn up the radio.

  3. Piffin | Dec 04, 2013 06:12pm | #5

    noise

    1 loose the can lights - penetrations allow sound to pass thru.

    2 do furring 3/4" 90° to the joists, then second ply of SR, or one of the better ceiling boards made specicically for sound

    3 spray foam would be a great help. Every homeowner I have used this for re thermal insulation, remarks on how quite their home is as a side effect

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Scaled to Suit the Site

This thoughtfully designed home preserves the character of its neighborhood while maximizing space for a growing family through careful attention to scale, rooflines, and material choices.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data