How to Soundproof Ceilings Against Noisy Neighbours

How to soundproof ceilings against noisy neighbours

Noise from upstairs neighbours, footsteps, or a busy household can quickly turn your home into a stressful place. Soundproofing a ceiling is one of the most effective ways to reduce unwanted noise and restore peace. Whether you’re dealing with footsteps, voices, or music, this guide walks you through practical, proven ways to soundproof a ceiling.

Understand the type of noise you are dealing with

Before choosing the right ceiling soundproofing solution, it’s essential to identify the kind of noise coming through your ceilings:

Airborne noise: voices, TV, music
Impact noise: footsteps, furniture moving, dropped items

Airborne noise is usually easier to reduce, while impact noise often requires more advanced solutions.

How do you soundproof a ceiling against airborne noise?

The best method for soundproofing ceilings against airborne noise is to increase the mass and sound absorption of the ceiling. This advice applies mainly to ceilings with joists, as these tend to be affected by airborne noise transfer more than concrete ceilings, which are much higher in mass and density and therefore naturally block airborne sound.

The best method of soundproofing ceilings with joists against airborne noise

Increasing the ceiling’s mass and its ability to absorb sound is the best way to block unwanted noise in ceilings constructed with joists.

Sound insulate the cavity between the joists to improve the ceiling’s mass and absorption

Empty cavities between the ceiling and the floor above act as a drum, amplifying sounds and potentially enhancing noise transfer between the floors. Insulating the cavities between the joists will add mass and sound absorption, which are required to reduce airborne sound from passing between rooms through the ceiling. Fitting acoustic insulation inside the ceiling cavities will block and absorb noise, reduce reverberation, and eliminate the drum effect of the empty cavity.

Acoustic insulation between the ceiling joists adds mass and sound-absorbing properties, reducing airborne sound.

What’s the best acoustic insulation for soundproofing ceilings?

It is recommended that you use 100mm thick acoustic insulation slabs between the joists. It is not necessary to fill the cavity, as this could form a bridge through which sound can transfer between the floor and the ceiling below.

The best density to choose is 60kg/m³, as this provides the optimal level of sound insulation without spending money on more expensive densities that will not improve the overall level of sound insulation.

Recommended sound insulation slabs for soundproofing ceilings

Thickness 100mm
Density 60kg/m³

Add more mass and density to ceilings using soundproof plasterboards

The best plasterboard for soundproofing ceilings is specialist soundproof plasterboard. This type of plasterboard is denser than standard boards, which means it will block more airborne noise. Best practice for installing plasterboards to ceilings from an acoustic viewpoint and to meet fire regulations is to double-board the ceiling. Two layers of boards allow you to stagger the first joints on the first layer, making it harder for sound to transfer through. Reduce flanking sound between the ceiling and walls by ensuring the plasterboard doesn’t contact the walls.

Acoustic products that add mass to ceilings

Acoustic Insulation Slabs - Soundproof Insulation

£43 exc VAT.

Acoustic Plasterboard 12.5mm - 15mm Full & Half Size

£10.5 exc VAT.

Noisestop 1 Plus Panel 18mm - Soundproofing Panel

£29.95 exc VAT.

How to soundproof ceilings against impact noise

Soundproofing ceilings against impact noise can be more difficult if you can not access the floor above. Soundproofing against impact noise is better if you can stop the sound at the source and soundproof the floor. Unfortunately, if you can’t access the floor from above, then the best method of soundproofing the ceiling against impact noise is to decouple the ceiling from the joist.

Decoupling or isolating the ceiling stops vibrations from carrying the sound

When movement across the floor occurs, the sound vibrates down through the ceiling into the room below. Once it passes through the ceiling, it becomes a sound wave and is audible in the room below. To stop the vibrations carrying sound from the ceiling’s structure into the room, you need a break in the structure to prevent them from passing between the surfaces. Vibration is significantly reduced if surfaces are not connected.

Independent ceilings ensure the highest levels of sound insulation against impact sound.

Building a completely separate ceiling below the existing one is the best method to stop sound from passing between rooms through the ceiling. With no direct path from the existing ceiling to the new structure, sound will be significantly reduced, as it will be much harder for it to carry through two independent structures.

The drawback to building an independent ceiling is the potential loss of ceiling height. Independent ceilings can require a significant drop in ceiling height, depending on the room’s span. Larger rooms will need deeper joists, and rooms with relatively low ceilings will probably not be able to lose the ceiling height required for a completely independent ceiling.

The good news is that there are alternatives to an independent ceiling. It is possible to decouple a ceiling without losing significant head height and ensuring a high level of noise reduction using sound isolation clips.

Independent ceilings decoupled using sound isolation clips

You want to stop noise from coming through your ceiling, but you can’t build a new independent ceiling because of the amount of space you’d lose. The answer is to use isolation or decoupling clips attached directly to the ceiling joist. These specially designed brackets are designed to reduce vibrations that travel through the joist into the ceiling. Acting like a shock absorber in a car, the isolation bracket absorbs vibrations before they can transfer to the ceiling and then to the room below.

AcoustiClip sound isolation clip for soundproofing ceilings

Sound isolation clips for soundproofing ceilings

Sound isolation clips are fitted into ceiling joists to form the base of the new acoustic ceiling. As a shock absorber, the clip reduces sound that would otherwise vibrate through the ceiling’s structure. Once the decoupling clips have been fitted, a metal furring channel clip is installed, and the plasterboard ceiling is screwed directly into the furring channel. The new acoustic ceiling is decoupled and independent of the existing structure, using the AcoustiClip, significantly reducing sound transfer without sacrificing head height.

Featured sound isolation clips for ceilings

AcoustiClip | Sound Isolation Clip

£4.95 exc VAT.

AcoustiChannel 1800mm Metal Furring Channel

£4.45 exc VAT.

What are the options to soundproof a ceiling against noisy neighbours?

Soundproofing a ceiling can be done in two ways: with direct-to-ceiling panels or an acoustic ceiling system. For this guide, we will focus on soundproofing ceilings with ceiling joists, as this is the more common construction method in UK homes.

If you already know what you are looking for, you can jump straight to our ceiling soundproofing product section, which has all the best materials for soundproofing your ceilings.

Soundproofing ceilings using panels directly onto the ceiling

Applying panels directly to an existing ceiling will provide some soundproofing against lower-level airborne sound. It is doubtful that soundproof panels fitted below the existing ceiling will stop impact sounds. Soundproof panels like the Noisestop Acoustic panel or the Silent Panel will block airborne noise through the ceiling, reducing noise from lower levels, such as conversation or TV.

Reasons to consider using panels to soundproof your ceilings include their slim profile, which doesn’t reduce head height in the room. Using the soundboards is also good if you are looking to stop airborne noise and don’t have a problem with impact noise. For ceilings that require sound insulation against airborne and impact noise, we recommend a soundproof ceiling system.

Silent Panel 30mm - Soundproofing Panels

£59.95 exc VAT.

Acoustic Panel 22.5mm - Soundproofing Panels

£43.95 exc VAT.

Noisestop 1 Plus Panel 18mm - Soundproofing Panel

£29.95 exc VAT.

Soundproofing your ceilings against noisy neighbours with an acoustic ceiling system

When you need the best ceiling soundproofing, we recommend the AcoustiClip Ceiling System. Here is a brief guide to how the system is fitted and how the soundproofing works.

Step 1.

You must remove the existing ceiling to expose the ceiling joists. Removing the ceilings is a messy job, but very important, as it allows you to access the cavity between the joists.

Step 2.

The cavities between the joists are insulated with 100mm-thick acoustic slabs with a density of 60 kg/m³. The sound-insulating slab absorbs sound and prevents the cavity from acting like a drum, reducing sound reverberation.

Step 3.

Special sound isolation clips are then screwed into the joist to form the base of the new acoustic ceiling. The AcoustiClips are screwed into the joists and act as shock absorbers, reducing sound that vibrates through the joists. The clips have dual rubber fixing points, which are more secure than clips with single fixing points.

Step 4.

Metal furring channels are secured into the clips before the final layer of boards is applied.

Step 5.

Two layers of soundboard are secured to the furring channel. A layer of 15mm soundproof plasterboard and our Noisestop 1 Plus Panel, which integrates a sheet of 10kg/m3 mass-loaded vinyl, so you don’t have to apply awkward and heavy rolls of acoustic membrane yourself.

Step 6.

Once the boarding has been applied, you can have the ceiling skimmed or brought to a decorative finish of your choice.

AcoustiClip Timber Joist Ceiling System

£379.16 exc VAT.

Ceiling System 2 Timber Joist Soundproof Kit

£245.11 exc VAT.

AcoustiClip Concrete Ceiling System Soundproof Kit

£332.65 exc VAT.

Soundproofing a ceiling from the floor above

You will only be able to soundproof the floors above the ceiling in your own home, or if you are on good terms with your neighbours. If you are soundproofing against impact noise, we often recommend soundproofing the floor when possible. Soundproofing the floor usually yields better noise reduction than soundproofing the ceiling. Once the floor finish has been removed, applying acoustic underlays, such as the Noisestop Acoustic Underlay, or even floating floors, such as Noisedeck 19, will significantly reduce impact sounds through the floor/ceiling.

F7 Plus 15mm Soundproof Underlay 1.2m x 1.2m

£41.95 exc VAT.

12mm Soundproof Acoustic Underlay 1.2m x 1.2m

£31.95 exc VAT.

Noisedeck 19 - T&G Overlay Floating Floorboard 1.2m x 0.6m

£15.95 exc VAT.

What you will need to soundproof ceilings

Acoustic insulation: Filling ceiling joist cavities with sound insulation slabs is a crucial part of soundproofing a ceiling. The sound slabs will add mass and sound absorption to the ceilings, which is vital for reducing the transfer of airborne sounds.

Decoupling clips: Fitting isolation clips to the underside of the ceiling joists is the best way to isolate the ceiling without building a complete independent ceiling. Decoupling structures is one of the best ways of reducing sound transfer between rooms.

Soundproof panels: Soundproof plasterboard is denser than standard plasterboard, meaning it has a higher mass, which improves the airborne sound insulation perfomance.

Mass-loaded vinyl: Combined with acoustic plasterboard, improves the plasterboard’s ability to block and absorb sound that would otherwise vibrate through. Sandwich high-density vinyl between two soundproof plasterboards for the best results.

Acoustic sealants: Ensuring an airtight seal is vital to overall soundproofing, and they prevent sound from leaking through small cracks and gaps.

Final thoughts on soundproofing your ceiling

Soundproofing a ceiling can make a dramatic difference in comfort, privacy, and overall quality of life—whether you’re dealing with noisy neighbours, footsteps from above, or unwanted airborne sound. By choosing the right combination of materials and techniques, you can significantly reduce noise transmission and create a quieter, more peaceful space.

Every property is different, and the most effective solution often depends on your ceiling structure, noise type, and performance goals. If you’re unsure which approach is best, our specialists are on hand to offer expert advice tailored to your project. Get in touch and speak to one of the team about your soundproof ceiling needs. Alternatively, explore our full range of ceiling soundproofing products.

How to Soundproof a Ceiling