How to Soundproof Ceilings

Guide to Soundproofing Ceilings

This guide will show you the best ways to soundproof your ceilings. Whether you are trying to block the noises of footsteps from above or conversation and TV noise, we will show you the simplest and most effective methods of soundproofing your ceilings. All these solutions can be used to soundproof ceilings with timber joists and concrete ceilings.

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 types will have timber joists.

What is the type of noise you are soundproofing against?

The two main noise types are impact (footfall and movement) and 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 is 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 soundproofing a ceiling is to use a combination of materials

The most effective method to soundproof a ceiling 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 structure, resulting in less sound transfer. Use the AcousticClips to increase the ceiling isolation/separation from the existing structure.
• Sound absorption—Increasing the ceiling sound absorption using acoustic insulation slabs and membranes will further increase the noise control of concrete and timber ceilings.

Acoustic ceilings with the highest level of noise reduction

The Acousticlip Ceiling Systems are the most effective ceiling sound barriers. The specially designed ceiling isolation clip system decouples the soundproof ceiling from the existing one. The solution is used on timber joists and concrete ceilings that require insulating against airborne and impact sounds.

The AcoustiClip System is used to create a complete acoustic ceiling system

• Decouples the ceiling
• Increase the sound absorption
• Incorporates high-density ceiling insulation
• Improves the sound-dampening
• Soundproof ceiling panels with mass-loaded vinyl

High performance acoustic ceiling systems for concrete and timber joist ceilings

More about ceiling soundproofing products

Our ceiling insulation products and soundproof systems offer exceptional noise reduction. The individual components used to create acoustic ceilings will increase the ceiling isolation and sound dampening ability against unwanted noises. Here are some of the best products to insulate ceilings for sound.

AcoustiClip – Decoupling sound isolation clip for timber and concrete ceilings

The Acousticlip decoupling sound isolation clip is fitted onto ceiling joists or concrete ceilings. The sound clips are screwed in place through the dual fixing points making these clips stronger than other clips which only have one fixing point. The clip combines steel for strength and antivibration rubber to absorb vibration sounds. The Acousticlip forms the base for the new ceiling, which isolates the ceiling structure from the new ceiling.

Acoustic Insulation – Slabs of high density sound insulation to add mass and sound absorption

Acoustic insulation slabs are a vital part of soundproofing ceilings. We use acoustic slabs for ceilings in all our soundproofing systems due to their density and sound absorption properties.

Due to the lack of mass and sound absorption, airborne sound will easily transfer through an untreated ceiling with timber joists. Acoustic insulation significantly improves the performance of a ceiling against airborne noise, reducing sound reverberation inside the joist cavity.

Most timber ceilings require 100mm of acoustic insulation between the joists. The recommended density to use should be 60kg. Noise reduction does not improve using higher density slabs inside the joist. It is more important to completely fill between each joist and not leave air gaps.

Noisestop 1 Plus Panel – Soundproof panel combing acoustic plasterboard and 10kg mass loaded vinyl

The Noisestop 1 Plus Panel is a slim soundproof panel used in wall and ceiling soundproofing systems. The board’s composition adds mass and sound absorption within 18mm, making this the most versatile soundproofing board.

The pre bonded layers of 12.5mm acoustic plasterboard and 10kg mass loaded vinyl makes these panel quick and easy to fit onto ceiling systems, unlike other solutions that require fitting separate plasterboard and awkward rolls of the acoust

Use our ceiling soundproofing guide to choose your solution for concrete to timber joist ceilings

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