How to Soundproof Ceilings

How to Soundproof A Ceiling

This guide will show you how to soundproof a ceiling. We have included soundproofing solutions for timber joist and concrete ceilings. Soundproofing ceiling options include soundproofing ceiling panels and acoustic ceiling systems. Soundproof against noisy neighbours or restore quiet in your home.

Are you soundproofing a concrete ceiling or a ceiling with timber joists?

Before you begin soundproofing your ceiling, you will need to check the construction of the existing ceiling; you will need to know whether it is a concrete ceiling or a timber ceiling with joists. Purpose-built flats usually have concrete ceilings, and most other properties will have timber joist ceilings.

Concrete ceilings typically reduce airborne sounds better than time joist ceilings due to the higher mass level in the material. To effectively soundproof a timber joist ceiling, you would need to add mass as part of the soundproofing solution using acoustic insulation between the joists or soundproof ceiling panels. Both ceiling types would use decoupling or isolation as part of a complete soundproofing solution. The article will explain how the elements work together to ensure the best soundproofing for your ceilings.

What is the type of noise you are soundproofing against?

The two main types of noise a soundproof ceiling solution will block are:

• Impact noise: (footfall and movement across the floor)
• Airborne noise: (TV and conversation)

Airborne Sound: Occurs when a sound transfers directly from a source to the receiver. Small holes or openings in the construction, along ductwork, or through ceiling cavities. Airborne noises include conversation, TV noise, music, and barking dogs.

Impact Sound: Structural vibration transmitted from the point of impact through a structure and experienced as radiated sound from a vibrating surface. It is commonly caused by an item hitting the floor from where the impact results in vibrations transferring through the building’s structure. The most common path for the noise is generally to the ceiling of the lower property or room. Impact noises include footfall, dropping items on the floor, and children running.

The best way of soundproof ceilings

The most effective method to soundproof ceilings is to combine products that add mass/density, increase sound absorption and create isolation. You will reduce sound transfer through your ceilings by combining acoustic insulation, sound isolation clips, and soundproof panels to form acoustic ceilings.

• Add mass/density: Adding materials to increase mass will reduce airborne sound transfer through the ceiling. To increase the mass and sound dampening of your ceiling, use acoustic insulation between ceiling joists and the Noisestop 1 Plus soundproof panel.
• Create isolation/decoupling: By isolating or decoupling the ceiling, you will reduce vibration through the ceiling structure, resulting in less sound transfer. Use the AcoustiClips to decouple the ceiling.
• Sound absorption: Acoustic insulation slabs, soundproof ceiling panels, and isolation clips will increase the ceiling’s sound absorption capability, blocking airborne and vibration noise from transferring through the ceiling.

How to soundproof concrete ceilings

Concrete ceilings already have high mass levels, which should block airborne sounds. However, not all concrete ceilings will stop the sound of conversation or TV noise; you can use soundproofing to reduce the noise for those ceilings.

Impact sound is usually one of the main concerns for sound transmission through concrete structures because impact and vibrations transfer through concrete. An independent ceiling isolated from the concrete will reduce impact noises through the ceiling. As with timber ceiling soundproofing, you don’t need to build a fully independent ceiling, which will significantly lower the height. You use the AcoustiClip isolation system to decouple the acoustic ceiling from the existing one.

Soundproofing a concrete ceiling

• Screw the AcoustiClips directly into the concrete ceiling. An alternative fixing method is to attach the Acousticlip into timber batten attached to the ceiling.
• Once the AcoustiClip decoupling clips are fitted, you clip the AcoustiChannel metal furring bar directly into the AcoustiClip.
• The AcoustiClip and channel create a shallow cavity to which you apply acoustic insulation, just as you would a stud frame or ceiling joist. The acoustic insulation stops sound from resonating inside the cavity.
• Now you can add the soundproof ceiling panels, fitting them directly into the furring channel with drywall screws.
• It is important to note that the soundproof panels should be installed with a small 2-3mm gap from any return walls, as this will reduce the chance of sound transferring via direct contact with the wall.

Fitting the soundproof boarding

• The first layer of boarding is a 15mm soundproof acoustic plasterboard (denser than standard plasterboard). This layer is screwed directly onto the AcoustiChannel.
• The second layer is slightly different as it is a single soundproofing panel that comprises two layers. The 18mm Noisestop 1 Plus Panel comprises a 12.5mm soundproof plasterboard bonded to a 10kg/m2 mass-loaded vinyl membrane. The panel is installed, so the soundproof membrane is sandwiched between the two plasterboard sheets.
• To ensure the ceiling’s acoustic integrity, we advise sealing with acoustic sealant between the edges of the panels and around the perimeter of the entire ceiling.

Soundproof ceiling panels

Ceiling soundproofing panels add mass to ceilings to reduce low-level airborne sounds like conversation and TV noise. Slim panels applied directly over an existing ceiling are an option to soundproof noisy neighbours or increase the sound insulation in your home.

If you don’t want to remove the ceiling, adding mass to low-mass ceilings, typically timber joist ceilings, is an option with soundproof ceiling panels. A combination of acoustic insulation slabs between the joists and soundproof ceiling panels will soundproof the ceiling against a good level of airborne sounds.

Noisestop 1 Plus ceiling soundproofing panel

Our soundproof panel range is suitable for installation onto timber joist ceilings, either as an over boarding system or directly onto exposed joists.

In our range of soundproofing systems, we supply the Noisestop 1 Plus Panel as part of a combination of products. We recommend using this panel with other soundproof materials, such as acoustic insulation or isolation hangers. Alternatively, our high mass and sound absorption panels, like the Acoustic Panel and Silent Panel, would be best used to overboard the ceiling

More about ceiling soundproofing products

Our ceiling sound insulation products and soundproof systems offer exceptional noise reduction. See the components that create these acoustic ceilings, which increase the isolation and sound dampening ability of the ceiling. Here are some of the best products for soundproof ceilings.

Ceiling soundproofing help and advice

We are on hand to provide help and advice on all things related to soundproof ceilings. Whether you need to soundproof your ceiling against a noisy neighbour or require guidance on Part E, we are here to help with all your ceiling soundproofing needs. Hopefully, you know what you are looking for and can head straight to our ceiling soundproofing product page to begin your soundproofing journey.

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