TrevorCorey123

Thanks everyone for the replies.  So my solution will be to go with an actual soundproofing company as my sanity and sleep is worth the cost. I misspelled it in previous replies, but the plan is now to go with a double layer of Rockwool soundproofing insulation, using resilient channels, and then a double layer of 5/8s drywall.

I am in an older building, which is great for the massive units that are rare in newer builds, but I guess they really skimped on soundproofing in the 90s. That or the renovation that's been done was lacking in it. 

On 6/3/2023 at 3:41 AM, Lacessit said:

Depending on how effective the management is, most condos have rules about excessive or untimely noise.

I am assuming the OP owns his condo, another argument for renting.

Blow-in insulation becomes a fire risk as it ages, it is usually paper fluff dosed with boric acid as a flame retardant.

The effectiveness of home insulation batts or rolls depends on its thickness. Materials designed for sound reduction are usually more dense than home insulation.

 

Yea blow-in seems not a great option here considering the fire risks.  The OP's parents own the condo and juristic is unfortunately unable to do much overall. They tell the person off but ultimately it's not remedied. 

On 6/3/2023 at 3:26 AM, daveAustin said:

Dunno how much a difference insulation would make as it’s mostly that low frequency boom that also comes down the walls through the solid concrete joists. Horrible sound and some places are especially prone. Always try to get top floor wherever I stay—booming feet and scraping chairs drives me nuts. Guess insulation would help (up against joists if poss), but carpeting upstairs floor would probably work better. ????

Yes you are right. It's all impact noise and insulation is less effective. I have done a lot of research though and considering there is no insulation no at all and probably the thinnest, cheapest drywall out there, a double layer of Rockwell sound insulation, with resilient channels and a double layer of drywall, *should* make a big difference. It's worth a try for my sanity anyway.  
Good point on the carpet. I will try to stay polite to the plonker above me and offer a new carpet for the area above my bedroom. 

On 6/2/2023 at 11:52 PM, poobear said:

I just went through this process in a house in Hua Hin and eliminated the recessed lights and insulated the whole ceiling with 6" of stay cool insulation. From months of research (madness) I learned you have to get rid of any holes  letting in  the noise, ie recessed lights, and replace with surface mounts https://www.lazada.co.th/products/sylvania-bravo-curve-led-rd-sur-12-lyfcargtak1w036-i2924562120-s10722915771.html?from_gmc=1&exlaz=d_1:mm_150050845_51350205_2010350205::12:19668221003!!!!!c!!10722915771!520995963&gclid=CjwKCAjwpuajBhBpEiwA_ZtfhbkAms7a_wTgGl46hnl0_R3yJXq9esmHzZ2T223YF51dV8VjyT6y-BoCw0AQAvD_BwE 

 

I used these syvania lights and am very happy with them. Next you could insulate   above the ceiling and then the most important would be to put the thickest sheet rock you can find. The less holes and more density between you and the noise the better.

 

There is no guarantee that insulation will work and would suggest lookin on the net for the best remedy for your situation. One thing for sure is you will need to get rid of the recessed light both to close up the holes and to make full insulation possible.  I wish you good luck. The noise in my place was driving me mad and eventually I just sold and moved

Thanks very much for your detailed response! I have found Rockwell insulation that is supposed to be the best, as well as a double wall of drywall. I think I will just go with a soundproof company after all. I found one that will do it for about 1500-1800 per sqm, included everything. I also remeasured the room and realized my conversion was off so the SQM I need to cover is less than originally anticipated.

It's funny you live in Hua Hin because I visit there frequently and often think "this wouldn't happen if I made the move to HH to a secluded pool villa!"

2 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Yes he definitely seems to try and do that. Thanks, I will do some more research and looking in my ceiling. 

 

2 minutes ago, couchpotato said:

Thanks a lot for the reply.

The only real option you have is to use the insulation batts, which come in many varieties and thickness. The gypsum ceiling can be cut open at various points to accommodate this. If you use a good ceiling guy, you won't even notice the repairs after they finish. This would be the most cost effective way.

That's probably the way I will go. Do you know if the ceiling guy would have to drill in and install aluminum framing?  Silly question but I am not familiar with concrete construction as everything is wood where I come from ????.
 

 

Of course you could also ask him to be quiet. (maybe give him a 1000 baht a month--cheaper than insulation).

I wish I could do this. The guy is a bit of a nob and seems to be running laps in his place until 2 am most nights. 

 

 

I am looking for the best way to soundproof my condo ceiling. 

I have been having many issues with my neighbor above me with banging and impact noise and keeping me awake. I had reached out to some soundproofing companies in Bangkok to soundproof the ceiling and was quoted at over 50k baht (for 20 SQM). I have since actually looked in my ceiling through a light fixture hole and realized there is actually not insulation at all. It's just the thin drywall suspended ceiling, about a 2 foot gap, and then my neighbors concrete floor.

I am now thinking that maybe I don't need the premium sound insulation but I can just use the typical home insulation which costs a lot less, and then finish with thicker drywall. I don't mind spending money, but if I can do my entire condo (100SQM) for 50k rather than just the bedroom, that would be great.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for this and suggest types of insulation to use or their personal experience? I was also looking into blow in insulation but not sure if that exists here.
I am not really DIY illiterate but, insulation is not something I have so much experience with. 

Thanks and have a good day.