How to Soundproof an Existing Ceiling

Table of Contents

What You’ll Learn (and Why It Matters)
Key Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Step-by-Step: How to Soundproof an Existing Ceiling (Ceiling Side Solution)
Step-by-Step: How to Soundproof an Existing Ceiling (Floor Side Solution)
Alternative for Airborne Noise Only
Which Solution Is Right for You?
Experience Matters: Why Second Skin?
Need Help or Have Questions?
Helpful Guides You May Want Next

What You'll Learn (and Why It Matters)

Retrofitting an existing ceiling for sound isolation is a common challenge when footfall, voices, music, or other noise is transferring between floors. The right approach depends on whether you can work from above (floor side) or below (ceiling side), and whether you're trying to block structural impact noise, airborne noise, or both.

By the End of This Guide, You’ll Be Able To:

Decide whether to treat the ceiling side or the floor side of the assembly
Install RSIC-1® Retro clips with hat channel and drywall for maximum isolation
Roll out rubber underlayment on the floor side as an alternative path
Apply Green Glue with added drywall when only airborne noise is the issue

Skill

Contractor

Article Read Time

8 minutes

Build Time

1–2 days

Key Tools and Materials You'll Need

Key Tools

Drill/driver
Drywall lift (recommended)
Utility knife
Tape measure
Caulk gun
Level

Key Materials

RSIC-1® Retro Resilient Sound Isolation Clips

$7.00

rsic-1 clips in red from different angles

RSIC-1® Resilient Sound Isolation Clips

$4.50

Choose options

UnderBlock™ Rubber Floor Underlayment

From $206.99

Green Glue™ Damping Compound (Drywall, Subfloor)

$399.99

Shop Ceiling Soundproofing Material

Before You Start: Choosing the Right Approach

Sound travels through ceilings in two main ways. Airborne noise (voices, TV, music) is measured using an STC rating. Impact noise (footsteps, dropped items) is measured using an IIC rating. Airborne noise travels through the air and vibrates the ceiling surface. Impact noise physically vibrates the structure, which then radiates sound into the room below.

If you’re serious about reducing both structural and airborne noise, we strongly recommend removing the existing drywall and installing isolation clips rather than attempting to retrofit over the existing ceiling. Decoupling the drywall from the joists using RSIC-1 clips provides significantly better structural noise control than surface treatments alone. If you're planning a full rebuild, review this guide to learn how to build a soundproof ceiling before starting.

Step-by-Step: How to Soundproof an Existing Ceiling (Ceiling Side Solution)

If you need to retro fix your ceiling, here is our recommended steps to follow when soundproofing an existing ceiling.

Step 1: Install Insulation

If you don’t have insulation, fill the new cavity between layers of drywall with your choice of batt insulation. Insulation can improve STC rating but has minimal impact on IIC rating.

Step 2: Install the RSIC-1® Retro Clips

Attach RSIC-1® Retro clips through the drywall by screwing them into the joists. Make sure to review the RSIC-1® Retro install guide for placement depending on your joist spacing.

Step 3: Snap in Hat Channel

Snap in 25 gauge hat channel to the clips. Ensure channels are straight and evenly spaced.

Step 4: Screw in Your Drywall and Seal It Up

Screw 5/8” drywall into the hat channel. Leave a 1/4" gap around the perimeter and seal that gap with acoustical sealant.

Key Tip

RSIC-1® Retro clips can support up to two layers of 5/8" drywall at standard installation spacing.
Do not install canned lights or cut holes into the ceiling. Any penetrations will substantially reduce the performance of your new soundproof ceiling.

Step-by-Step: How to Soundproof an Existing Ceiling (Floor Side Solution)

If you have access to the floor side of the assembly and can remove the finished flooring, this is a great way to keep your drywall intact while getting meaningful soundproofing results.

Step 1: Expose the Subfloor

Expose the subfloor and clean it as necessary.

Step 2: Roll Out Rubber Underlayment

Roll out UnderBlock™ rubber underlayment over the subfloor at 100% coverage, all the way to the edges. Butt the seams tightly together. Gluing down is not necessary but can be done with a rubber adhesive like Mapei.

Step 3: Add Plywood if Needed

If tile, thin flooring, nail-in wood, or carpet (with tacking strips) are going over it, install a plywood layer to provide a sturdy surface that you can nail into if needed.

Step 4: Install Finished Flooring

Install finished flooring according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, leaving about a 1/4" gap around the perimeter.

Step 5: Seal the Edges

Seal the perimeter gap with acoustical sealant.

Alternative for Airborne Noise Only

If your problem is strictly airborne noise — not structural impact — Green Glue with an additional drywall layer may be sufficient.

Basic process:

Apply Green Glue to the back of new drywall.
Mount it over the existing ceiling surface (must be smooth).
Stagger seams from the original drywall layer.
Seal perimeter edges, outlets, and joints using acoustical sealant.

This method improves airborne sound control but does not meaningfully reduce impact noise on its own.

Which Solution Is Right for You?

Feature	RSIC-1 Sound Isolation Clips (Remove Drywall First)	RSIC-1® Retro Sound Isolation Clips	UnderBlock™ Rubber Underlayment	Green Glue + 5/8” Drywall
Structural Noise Reduction	High	High	High	Low
Airborne Noise Reduction	High	High	Medium	Medium–High
Retrofit	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Best For	Maximum performance during renovation	Existing ceilings without full demo	Footstep and impact noise from above	Voices and TV noise only
Ease of Install	Moderate	Moderate	Easy–Moderate	Easy
Cost	Medium	Medium	Medium	Low–Medium
	Shop RSIC-1®	Shop RSIC-1® Retro	Shop UnderBlock	Shop Green Glue

The RSIC-1® Retro ceiling-side approach and the UnderBlock™ floor-side approach both handle structural impact noise well. Green Glue is a lower-cost option when only airborne noise is the issue.

Experience Matters: Why Second Skin?

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in business

3,500+
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Used By
Professional installers and DIY enthusiasts

Made in the USA
Headquarters in Charlotte, NC

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Quality Guarantee
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Need Help or Have Questions?

FAQ

Will insulation alone stop footstep noise?

No. Insulation improves airborne noise (STC) but has minimal impact on structural impact noise (IIC).

Can I install isolation clips without removing drywall?

Yes, using RSIC-1® Retro clips. However, removing drywall and rebuilding the ceiling provides better long-term performance.

Do I need two layers of drywall?

Two layers improve performance. RSIC-1® clips are designed to support up to two layers of 5/8" drywall.

Does Green Glue reduce impact noise?

No. It is effective for airborne sound only.

What happens if I install recessed lights?

Cutting holes into the ceiling significantly reduces performance by creating sound leaks.

Do I need to seal the perimeter gap?

Yes. Leaving a 1/4" gap and sealing it with acoustical sealant prevents flanking noise paths.

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