Insulating basement ceiling-questions?

Question

I am redoing my basement and am wondeirng what is the best way to insulate the basement ceiling, mainly to cut down on noise. My house is fairly old and the hardwood floors we have upstairs creak very loudly when you walk on them, and can be heard through the basement. Would fiberglass insulation work to cut down on footstep noise? If i put two layers in the ceiling would that be better? Or if I carpet upstairs would that muffle the sound?

Answer 1

you need to address the problem at it's source.  Installing insulation will be marginal at best as the sound waves will still travel down the joists away from the source of the squeaking.  Installing pad and carpet will help upstairs to some degree, but not below.

Try to identify the exact, or as close as possible, locations of the squeaking floor boards.  Take some long shims ( 12" or so ), coat both sides with adhesive and gently drive them between the flooring and the joists until they are snug.  Repeat as necessary.  Allow to cure overnight and retest for squeaks.  If any areas remain, check to be sure there is not another source of the squeaking such as bridging being loose, straps for plumbing or ductwork being loose or a cracked joist.

Answer 2

We have carpet and insulation and it is still loud.  Actually fixing the squeaks did more good than any of it.  Try and find the worst floor boards,  nail them down to the joist.  We could never get them all.

Good Luck

Answer 3

USA   I agree with travelingsupervisor.  Get rid of the squeaks.

But, if you are not going to fix the problem:  Fiberglass and cellulose insulation do not really reduce noise.  Mineral wool is helpful, but it must fill the cavity, with a 1/2 or 3/4 inch air space on both sides.  Mass stops sound.  After installing the mineral wool, install one layer of cement board and a layer of gypsum board over that.  Stagger the joints.

Or, fix the problem.  Insulation by itself will not help.