Problem:

A homeowner in Rockaway Park, NY contacted Zavza Seal with a concern that many basement apartment owners share. Noise from the main floor and outdoor environment was disrupting the comfort and privacy of the tenant. The basement apartment included two sections: a main living area and a storage room, totaling about 725 square feet.

The homeowner wanted a solution that would reduce noise transfer while also improving the overall insulation quality of the space. The existing ceiling had little to no sound mitigation. This caused conversations, footsteps, and general household activity to easily travel between floors.

The homeowner wanted:

• Better soundproofing between floors
  
• A more comfortable living environment
  
• An insulation option that was safe, environmentally friendly, and effective
  

They reached out to Zavza Seal for a high quality, professional fix they could rely on long term.

Solution:

Our team performed a comprehensive soundproofing and insulation installation specifically designed for basement ceilings.

1. Cutting Access Ports

We began by cutting small access ports across the ceiling in both areas of the basement. This gave our team safe and efficient entry points to install insulation into the cavity above the ceiling.

2. Installing Dense Pack Soundproofing Insulation

To maximize noise reduction, we installed “Dense Pack Sound Proofing” insulation. This material is crafted for sound mitigation and provides excellent absorbency for airborne and impact noise.

The insulation used is:

• Environmentally friendly
  
• Fire resistant with a Class 1 fire rating
  
• Water and moisture resistant
  
• Gold Certified, contributing to healthier indoor air quality
  

This step dramatically improved both the acoustic barrier and the energy efficiency of the basement apartment.

3. Patching, Taping, and Compounding

Once the insulation was installed, our team patched every access port. We taped and compounded the work areas, restoring the ceiling to a clean and even surface.

4. Optional Sanding and Painting (Client’s Choice)

The homeowner selected the option to have the ceiling sanded and painted after the compound dried. We returned once curing was complete and applied a smooth finish using the client’s preferred paint.

Important Note About Soundproofing:

Soundproofing is a balance of science and craftsmanship. Many factors affect noise levels and noise perception. Sounds may originate inside or outside the home, and each person experiences noise differently. While dense pack insulation significantly reduces sound transmission, full noise elimination can never be guaranteed.

Zavza Seal always commits to using the best materials and best practices to reduce noise as much as possible.

Results:

The Rockaway Park homeowner now has a basement apartment with noticeably improved sound control and a more stable indoor temperature. The upgraded insulation also contributes to lower energy consumption and a healthier indoor environment.

This project delivered:

• Improved acoustic comfort
  
• Higher insulation performance
  
• A cleaner, restored ceiling
  

A more private and enjoyable basement living space