Walls and Ceilings - Drop ceiling for noise reduction

I have a client that has a multiple dwelling unit that has tenants in the basement complaining of the noise coming thru from upstairs. He wants me to install a drop ceiling in the basement to the existing plaster ceiling to reduce the noise from the upstairs tenants. He was told by someone??? that this would reduce the sounds from upstairs by 40%. I agreed to do the job, but on second thought was a little skeptical of this 40% figure. I should not take this job if it will not really improve the situation for his tenants. He wants to go with 2'x2' tiles using the snap in "Gridmax" system. No problem with me, but just looking to act in the clients best interests.

Does anyone know if an acoustic drop ceiling will actually cause a significant reduction in sound from one floor to another?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx
Jim

Jim, using an acoustical tile will reduce sound, but not when it is attached directly to the ceiling above. You will need to leave an air space and fill it with insulation. How much space will you have between the two ceilings?

Thanx for the reply.
The gridwork is actually going to attach directly to the existing plaster ceiling using the "Ceiling Max" system, because we cannot hang a suspended ceiling due to insufficient headroom.

Jim

I thought so. You won't realize an appreciable amount of noise reduction by attaching the grid to the existing ceiling.

I didn't think so either. I will advise him, but he tends to think he knows what's best.

Thanx again

Jim

I am reluctant, like you, to do jobs that I know will not benefit, look good, or in general not suit purposes for customers. I advise them. If they want to go forward, I make it a point to reiterate my points of concern, and do the job if they ask. Someone will make the money, and it may as well be me. Of course, if it is not structurally sound or violates code, I run.