How to Soundproof Your Basement the Right Way (Ottawa Homeowners Guide)

Whether you're building a legal rental unit or just want peace and quiet between floors, soundproofing your basement is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.

At R&G Walls, we’ve helped Ottawa homeowners create quiet, comfortable basement spaces using proven methods that block sound—not just cover it up. Here's everything you need to know to do it right.

🔍 Why Soundproofing Matters

• Prevents noise transfer between the basement and main floor

• Creates privacy for tenants or guests in a legal suite

• Makes home gyms, offices, or media rooms more usable

• Adds value and comfort to your home

💡 Bonus: Soundproofing is often required by code for legal secondary dwelling units in Ottawa.

Diagram illustrating an independent wall treatment for soundproofing, featuring layers including sound shield plasterboard, sound plank, high-performance acoustic membrane, and acoustic rock wool, supported by resilient bars and a brick wall.

🔧 Best Ways to Soundproof a Basement

1. Insulate Interior & Ceiling Cavities

Use Roxul Safe’n’Sound (mineral wool insulation) between floor joists and in partition walls. It absorbs mid- and high-frequency sounds.

2. Add Resilient Channel to Ceilings

This metal channel separates the drywall from joists, reducing vibration and sound transfer. We install these on ceilings before drywalling for optimal effect.

3. Use Soundproof Drywall (Optional Upgrade)

Products like QuietRock® or double-layered drywall with Green Glue between them can greatly reduce noise transmission. Ideal for shared walls in legal suites.

4. Seal All Gaps & Penetrations

Sound escapes through even the smallest gaps. We use acoustic caulking around outlets, pipes, lights, and drywall seams to block leaks.

5. Install Solid-Core Doors & Weatherstripping

Hollow-core doors let sound right through. We recommend solid-core doors with drop seals for bedrooms or unit entry doors in basements.

🧱 R&G Walls Soundproofing Packages Include:

• Safe’n’Sound insulation (walls and ceilings)

• Resilient channel ceiling installation

• 5/8” drywall or QuietRock upgrades

• Acoustic caulking and gap sealing

• Optional double-layered drywall with Green Glue

• Paint-ready finish for ceilings and walls

📌 We can also work with your electrician or HVAC installer to avoid breaking soundproof assemblies post-install.

🎯 Common Basement Soundproofing Projects in Ottawa:

• Legal basement apartments (STC-compliant ceiling assemblies)

• Home gyms with noise reduction underfoot and between floors

• Media rooms and game rooms for immersive sound

• Teen rooms or in-law suites with added privacy

🏆 Why Choose R&G Walls?

We don’t just install drywall—we build smart, comfortable spaces that feel good to live in. Soundproofing is one of the most overlooked upgrades, but one of the most appreciated when done right.

✔ Expert soundproofing + clean finishing✔ Solutions for legal suites, offices, gyms & more✔ Serving all of Ottawa: Kanata, Orleans, Nepean, Barrhaven & beyond

📞 Call or text 613-869-7391 to discuss your basement soundproofing project today.