Soundproof Ceilings
Neighbours’ stomping, the thump of a washing machine, the sound of their music and television – these are some of the most common forms of noise pollution for homeowners. Leaking into your home through the ceiling, this unwanted sound can cause frustration in the day and can keep you up at night – however, there is a solution. Customisable soundproof ceiling systems have been designed to block noise from entering your home via the ceiling, returning peace and quiet to your home – as well as better relationships with your neighbours.
Ceiling Soundproofing Systems
Ceiling soundproofing works by dampening and dissipating the sound waves, minimising their impact on your property. This can be achieved by the following methods:
Acoustic Membrane
Visco-elastic membranes are placed between plasterboards to reduce both airborne noise and structural vibrations.
Acoustic Plasterboard
Acoustic plasterboard has a high-density core that provides a superior level of sound insulation.
Resilient Bars
Resilient bars decouple the acoustic plasterboard from the actual structure of the property, so that sound waves are dissipated or stopped in their tracks. Resilient bars also eliminate nail popping.
Mineral Wools
Designed to provide maximum sound absorption from airborne noise, acoustic mineral wool is an effective soundproofing material. Used in the cavities, mineral wool is often included in soundproof solutions and systems.
The best soundproof system for your ceiling will depend on the following:
- Can the ceiling be replaced?
- Can the ceiling height be dropped?
- Your budget
Ceiling Replacement
If replacing your entire ceiling is an option, then a custom-built replacement ceiling will deliver the greatest reductions in noise transference.
Combining a variety of high-performance materials – mineral wool, acoustic plasterboards, sealants and resilient bars – a new ceiling will use the best noise-dampening materials for the most effective soundproofing.
Solutions for Low Ceilings
Where dropping the ceiling height is not a possibility, a system of resilient bars can be installed on the underside of your existing ceiling or joists. These are covered with acoustic plasterboard, which decouples the new ceiling from the structure above. Absorbing vibrations, these systems work well for both impact and airborne noise pollution.
Alternatively, inserting mineral wool between the existing joists and installing acoustic plasterboard can reduce airborne noise from above.
Independent Ceilings
If you can afford to lose any ceiling height – and you are suffering from both impact and airborne noise pollution – it may be advisable to install an independent ceiling for the most dramatic results. Creating an air gap, the new ceiling is isolated from the existing construction to prevent the transference of sound through the structure itself.
Sound Advice
If you are considering soundproofing your home, it is important to know that your soundproofing is only ever as effective as your weakest point. When soundproofing the ceilings of your home, you may also want to consider soundproofing other key areas for a more dramatic result: