How to Muffle Walking Sounds From a Second Floor Condo

Pad Ceiling

• 1

  Apply Green Glue in a random pattern on the back of a piece of sheet rock or panel. Green Glue is a soundproofing adhesive available online and from retail outlets that sell studio equipment.

• 2

  Hold the sheet rock or panel flat against the ceiling until it sticks into place.

• 3

  Secure the sheet rock or panel into the ceiling with a hammer and ceiling nails within 15 minutes of applying the Green Glue. Don't allow the glue to dry before nailing the panel. Place a ceiling nail every 4 to 5 inches along the perimeter of the panel.

• 4

  Repeat the process until the entire ceiling is covered in sheet rock.

• 5

  Wipe any excess Green Glue with soap and water immediately.

Drop Ceiling

• 6

  Place a furring channel against one wall to set the perimeter. A furring channel is the track that goes against the wall to support the drop ceiling runners in place. Many codes require that there be at least a 7 1/2 foot head clearance.

• 7

  Nail the channel in place using a hammer and ceiling nails. (Most drop ceiling kits will include the nails.) Then set a level on top of the channel to make sure it is level.

• 8

  Line the additional perimeter channels with the first on all four walls, and nail them into place. Check each channel to make sure it is level.

• 9

  Extend a measuring tape perpendicular to the ceiling joists. Measure the total number of inches in the room. Divide that by the side ceiling panels you have purchased. For example, if your room is 120 inches wide, and your ceiling tile are 12 inches each. You will need to install 10 rows of panels, or nine rows of runners.

• 10

  Figure out the center of the room using the measuring tape. Insert the first runner into the tracks on the channels. Make sure the runner is going the same direction as the ceiling joists. This runner is the center runner that will help to stabilize the drop ceiling.

• 11

  Extend the length of the center runner so it is long enough to slide into the channel opposite its starting channel by joining the slots and tabs built into the ends of each runner with each other. Trim excess runner with tin snips.

• 12

  Slide additional runners into the channels, perpendicular to the ceiling joists, spaced according to your calculations.

• 13

  Extend the length of the runner by joining the slots and tabs built into the end of each with the next until the runner is long enough to slide into the center runner. Trim excess runner with tin snips.

• 14

  Repeat the process to install runners, evenly on both sides of the center runner.