We have put together a kit that will enable you to fully soundproof ceilings to a near studio standard. This system is designed to upgrade the sound insulation properties ceilings in all types of domestic and commercial properties. This system is approximately 80mm-180mm thick depending on whether it is a concrete ceiling or timber joist.
The system we have developed below is relatively easy to fit with little DIY experience. The system uses Rockwool Flexi-Slab between timber studwork followed by a resilient bar system and a sandwich of acoustic plasterboard and 10kg Soundproofing Mat. The only thing we don’t supply to complete the installation is the timber studs. We recommend you use 100mm deep timber battens fitted at 600mm centres.
The Rockwool Flexi-Slab is fitted between the timber joists or if it is a concrete ceiling it is fitted between 100mm timber battens fixed to the ceiling and the SoundSense Isolation System is fitted to the timber battens perpendicular to the joists or battens. The spacing between the channels should be no more than 600mm. The spacing between the clips should be no more than 900mm. The required number of clips can be simply slid onto the bar and positioned to the required place. The SoundSense Isolation Bars can be cut to length using tin snips or a hacksaw. The channel and clips should be no more than 75mm from the wall. You should use 60mm coarse thread screws to fix the clips to the timber battens.
Once the bar and clips are securely fixed in place you then need to install the first layer of Acoustic Plasterboard. You need to align the seams between the sheets on the centreline of the horizontal channels. Ensure a 5mm gap is left around the linings to decouple the layer. Use the minimum number of drywall screws to fix the first layer of plasterboard to the bar so as to avoid hitting screw heads when fixing the second plasterboard layer. Make sure that no fixings connect the plasterboard lining to the battens or concrete. For the first layer we recommend using 25mm self-drilling drywall screws. Once you have installed the first layer you need to then seal the gap with our Acoustic Sealant.
Next install a layer of the 10kg Soundproofing Mat. This is glued with Advanced Acoustics Contact Adhesive directly to the acoustic plasterboard with the 5mm gap maintained trying where possible to stagger any joints. Next the second layer of acoustic plasterboard is installed in a brick bond fashion again avoiding overlapping joints with the previous layer. The 5mm gap around the perimeter still needs to be maintained. The Acoustic Plasterboard is glued to the 10kg Soundproofing Mat using the Advanced Acoustics Contact Adhesive. This board can be screwed to the resilient bar at 150mm centres and the board end and 250mm centres in the field. Again correct length of self-tapping screw should used so as not create contact with the timber battens or the masonry. Once you have completed the layer you can fill the gap around the perimeter with Acoustic Sealant. Once you have completed this you can now install the third layer of Acoustic Plasterboard. Again you need to leave a 5mm gap all the way around the perimeter of the ceiling. This layer needs to only be glued to the ceiling with the Advanced Acoustics Contact Adhesive, screws should not be used. If possible it is best to install this layer of Acoustic Plasterboard perpendicular to the first layer. Once you have installed the third layer of 12.5mm Acoustic Plasterboard you can then seal the perimeter of the ceiling with the Acoustic Sealant. All potential sound leaks such as gaps around outlets and pipe penetrations are sealed with the Acoustic Sealant.
The ceiling is now ready to be plastered or tape and jointed ready for painting.
If a thinner soundproofing system is required see our Basic Ceiling Soundproofing System.
