Does Soundproofing a ceiling work?

Absolutely! The ReductoClip ceiling soundproofing solution is designed to exceed the UK Part E Building Regulations for the passage of sound. (43dB or higher for airborne noise and 64dB or lower for impact noise). No soundproofing will offer 100% reduction. However, soundproofing a ceiling will dramatically reduce the noise from noisy neighbours (e.g. heavy footsteps and loud airborne noise). *dB results will vary depending on several factors. Please see our dB blog on why dB results may vary

Is it better to soundproof the floor above, or the ceiling?

If possible, the recommendation would be to soundproof the floor above against impact noise (e.g. footsteps). Absorbing impact noise at source (before it enters the structure) can achieve a better result.

Do I need to remove my existing ceiling?

The recommendation would be to remove the existing plasterboard, so it doesn't create a void for any sound to become trapped and resonate inside (the drum effect). If the ceiling is lathe and plaster, it is also recommended to remove this, expose the cavities between the joists and add acoustic mineral wool within this space.

How much space is lost from the ceiling height?

Our ReductoClip ceiling system is the thinnest clip system on the market, with minimal space loss. The system is only a 60mm build up from the bottom of the timber joist to the final layer of plasterboard.

Do you offer an installation service?

Please see our dedicated installation page for more details on different installation options.

What lights can be fitted after soundproofing a ceiling?

Cutting holes into soundproofing is always going to create a weakness. Therefore, recessed lighting isn't advisable. Ideally slim LED surface mounted spotlights, or single pendant lighting fixed onto the ceiling is the preferred option over and above lighting inside of the ceiling.

Ceilings

The UK's Most Trusted Ceiling Soundproofing Provider

High performing, DIY soundproofing solutions. For noisy neighbours, studios & Part E Building Regulations

The UK's Most Trusted Ceiling

Soundproofing Provider

High performing, DIY soundproofing solutions for ceilings. Soundproofing for noisy neighbours, studios & Part E Building Regulations

What type of ceiling are you soundproofing ?

Timber Joist Ceiling

How to soundproof a ceiling from noise from above

To soundproof a ceiling, isolate soundproofing layers from the existing ceiling. When impact vibrations such as footsteps or moving furniture occur from above, the vibration energy travels straight through the floor above to the ceiling below.

Adding resilience to the ceiling allows the ceiling to flex and dampen the vibration (similar to how the suspension springs in a car help to absorb bumps in the road).

Add high mass layers to block airborne sound, using different types of mass to block different frequencies of sound.

For timber ceilings reduce the amplification of sound within the sealed cavity between the floor above and ceiling by adding acoustic mineral wool between joists.

The ultimate solution for blocking unwanted noise through a ceiling is the ReductoClip Ceiling System.

The 4 main principles of ceiling soundproofing:

Isolation

Sound is a physical energy that can travel through solid materials.

Isolating or 'decoupling' the ceiling from the floor above creates a breaker to stop that energy from easily transmitting through the structure

Damping

Elastic or damping materials help to absorb sound energy and vibrations.

Similar to how the suspension springs in a car help to absorb bumps in the road

Mass

The addition of mass helps to create a barrier to block sound waves. The more mass on the isolated surface the better the sound reduction.

Using different types of mass helps to block different frequencies of sound

Insulate Cavities

Add acoustic mineral wool within the ceiling and floor cavity. This helps to prevent sound resonating and amplifying within this sealed chamber

We don’t expect you to become an overnight soundproofing expert, that’s what we’re here for.

Soundproofing Ceilings FAQs

Does Soundproofing a ceiling work?

Absolutely! The ReductoClip ceiling soundproofing solution is designed to exceed the UK Part E Building Regulations for the passage of sound. (43dB or higher for airborne noise and 64dB or lower for impact noise).
No soundproofing will offer 100% reduction. However, soundproofing a ceiling will dramatically reduce the noise from noisy neighbours (e.g. heavy footsteps and loud airborne noise).
*dB results will vary depending on several factors.
Please see our dB blog on why dB results may vary
Is it better to soundproof the floor above, or the ceiling?

If possible, the recommendation would be to soundproof the floor above against impact noise (e.g. footsteps). Absorbing impact noise at source (before it enters the structure) can achieve a better result.
Do I need to remove my existing ceiling?

The recommendation would be to remove the existing plasterboard, so it doesn't create a void for any sound to become trapped and resonate inside (the drum effect).
If the ceiling is lathe and plaster, it is also recommended to remove this, expose the cavities between the joists and add acoustic mineral wool within this space.
How much space is lost from the ceiling height?

Our ReductoClip ceiling system is the thinnest clip system on the market, with minimal space loss.
The system is only a 60mm build up from the bottom of the timber joist to the final layer of plasterboard.
Do you offer an installation service?

Please see our dedicated installation page for more details on different installation options.
What lights can be fitted after soundproofing a ceiling?

Cutting holes into soundproofing is always going to create a weakness. Therefore, recessed lighting isn't advisable. Ideally slim LED surface mounted spotlights, or single pendant lighting fixed onto the ceiling is the preferred option over and above lighting inside of the ceiling.