How to Reduce Noise From Noisy Upstairs Neighbors

Table of Contents

What You’ll Learn (and Why It Matters)
Key Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Step-by-Step: How to Soundproof a Ceiling From Upstairs Noise
Alternative Option: Soundproofing From the Floor Side (If Your Neighbor Is Willing)
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)

Noise from upstairs neighbors is typically caused by sound and vibration traveling directly through the ceiling assembly. Footsteps, dropped objects, voices, and music all move through shared framing, making ceilings the primary weak point in most apartments, condos, and multi-family buildings. This guide focuses on ceiling-side soundproofing strategies that reduce both airborne and impact noise.

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

Understand why ceiling assemblies transmit upstairs noise
Know when ceiling removal is recommended for best results
Use isolation clips to reduce impact noise
Evaluate when floor-side soundproofing is an option
Choose a solution that works within shared-building constraints

Skill

Handyman

Article Read Time

8–10 minutes

Build Time

1–3 days

Key Tools and Materials You'll Need

Key Tools

Drill and driver bits
Measuring tape
Utility knife
Caulking gun

Key Materials

rsic-1 clips in red from different angles

RSIC-1® Resilient Sound Isolation Clips

$4.50

RSIC-1® Retro Resilient Sound Isolation Clips

$7.00

Choose options

UnderBlock™ Rubber Floor Underlayment

From $206.99

Choose options

Acoustical Sealant Caulk

From $19.99

Before You Start: Choosing the Right Approach

For best results, removing the existing ceiling drywall is recommended, as it allows direct access to the joists for installing isolation clips and adding insulation. This approach delivers the highest reduction in both impact and airborne noise from upstairs neighbors.

If removing the ceiling is not an option, RSIC-1® Retro Clips can be installed directly through the existing drywall and into the joists. While this retrofit approach may not perform as well as a full ceiling rebuild, it still provides meaningful noise reduction and is often the only practical option in occupied spaces.

One final note before we begin: no canned lights. They are essentially a hole in your ceiling. If you already have canned lights, you must remove the existing drywall and build a light box out of drywall around each can box. We prefer track lights or flush mounted lights.

Step-by-Step: How to Soundproof a Ceiling From Upstairs Noise

The following steps walk through the complete process for reduce noise from noisy upstairs neighbors.

Step 1: Prepare the Ceiling

If you are using standard RSIC-1® isolation clips, remove the existing ceiling drywall and fill the joist cavities with insulation to reduce airborne sound transmission.

If you are using RSIC-1® Retro Clips, the existing drywall stays in place. Seal any gaps or cracks, extend electrical boxes if necessary, and carefully locate joist positions, as the clips must be drilled through the drywall directly into the framing.

Step 2: Screw RSIC-1 Clips Into the Joists

For standard RSIC-1 clips, screw the clips directly into the exposed joists according to the recommended spacing pattern. Proper placement ensures consistent isolation across the entire ceiling surface.

When using RSIC-1 Retro Clips, the clips are installed through the drywall and into the joists, making accurate stud location critical. Each clip must be securely fastened to maintain load capacity and isolation performance.

Step 3: Snap in the Hat Channel

Snap 25-gauge hemmed-edge hat channel into the isolation clips, running perpendicular to the joists. The hat channel creates a new mounting surface for the drywall that is mechanically separated from the structure above.

Ensure channels are fully seated in each clip and spaced evenly to support the drywall without creating rigid contact points.

Step 4: Install the Drywall to the Hat Channel

Install 5/8" drywall into the hat channel. Using thicker drywall adds mass, which improves resistance to airborne noise such as voices and television sound. You should leave about a 1/8" gap around the perimeter to be sealed later.

Fasteners should be properly spaced and should not short-circuit the system by contacting framing behind the channel.

Step 5: Seal Around the Perimeter

Seal the entire perimeter of the ceiling with acoustical sealant where drywall meets walls. This step prevents sound from flanking around the ceiling assembly through small air gaps. Airtight construction is critical for soundproofing performance and directly impacts the final STC rating of the system.

With that said, again, make sure you do not have any canned lights installed.

Alternative Option: Soundproofing From the Floor Side (If Your Neighbor Is Willing)

If your upstairs neighbor is willing to participate, treating the floor above can reduce impact noise before it enters the structure. Installing an isolation layer such as UnderBlock Rubber Underlayment beneath their flooring helps absorb footfall vibration.

This approach is especially effective for hard surfaces and is covered in more detail in guides on how to soundproof tile floors and how to soundproof floors under hardwood. Because access depends on your neighbor, ceiling-side treatment is usually the more reliable solution.

Which Solution Is Right For You?

Feature	RSIC-1® Sound Isolation Clip
Airborne Noise Reduction	High
Impact Noise Reduction	High
Ease of Install	Moderate
Cost	$4.50/clip
	Shop RSIC-1 Sound Isolation Clip

RSIC-1 isolation clips are ideal when you need a solution that does not rely on changes in the upstairs unit. By decoupling the ceiling, they reduce both vibration and airborne sound regardless of flooring type above.

Experience Matters: Why Second Skin?

25+ Years
in business

3,500+
5-star reviews

Used By
Professional installers and DIY enthusiasts

Made in the USA
Headquarters in Charlotte, NC

Featured In
Redfin, Garage Gym Reviews, Family Handyman, Breaking Muscle

Quality Guarantee
Expert help with premium products

Need Help or Have Questions?

FAQ

Why don’t acoustical panels stop upstairs noise?

Acoustical panels treat echo within a room but do not decouple the ceiling from the structure or block sound traveling through ceilings or floors.

Will this completely eliminate footstep noise?

It will significantly reduce it, but some low-frequency vibration may still be perceptible depending on building construction.

Does this work in condos and apartments?

Yes. These methods are commonly used in condo and apartment buildings where shared ceilings transmit noise.

What if the space above is an attic?

Different strategies apply, which are covered in how to soundproof an attic floor.

Can I do this without removing drywall?

Yes, by using RSIC-1® Retro Clips, though performance may be slightly reduced.

Have Questions?

Call

us at 1.800.679.8511

Fill Out

our contact form and we'll be in touch

Best Sellers