In this guide, we’ll look at an overview of your best and cheapest options for how to soundproof a ceiling from noisy neighbours. This includes direct-to-ceiling options, building an isolated ceiling frame and even floor soundproofing. If you want to get in the nitty-gritty, you can read our ceiling soundproofing secrets blog, which explains each system in more detail.
How to soundproof a ceiling from noisy neighbours on the cheap.
There is no point sugarcoating it, soundproofing a ceiling is not cheap it requires dense materials and often pulling your ceiling down and starting from scratch. It’s also one of the hardest soundproofing installations and usually should be carried out by a professional. That being said you may have some options to help make it a little easier and cheaper depending on the type of noise issue you’re dealing with.
Direct-to-ceiling soundproof panels
First up you can look and direct to ceiling soundproofing panels like the MuteBoard 3 and MuteBoard 4. These can be fixed over your existing ceiling and will provide a good level of protection against airborne noise (low-level Talking, TV etc.). It’s still advised that this project is undertaken by a highly competent DIY’er or professional tradesperson.
Floor soundproofing
Something that may not occur to most people is that you may not have to soundproof your ceiling at all. We are often asked how to soundproof a ceiling from noisy neighbours and a surprising amount of the time the answer is “don’t!”. If you are dealing with impact noise (footsteps and banging) it is often much easier, more effective and cheaper to treat this issue at the source. It’s a bit counter-intuitive but if your relationship with your noisy neighbour has not deteriorated you could ask them if you could soundproof their floor. This often consists of removing the floor finish, carpet or hard flooring and installing an acoustic underlay like MuteMat 2. This often solves the problem in the most cost-effective way.
How to soundproof a ceiling from noisy neighbours for the best results.
If your neighbours are driving you up the wall and you just need to fix the problem. We recommend the MuteClip Ceiling Gold method. So what does this premium method look like? We offer full install guides but here we’ll give a brief overview
Firstly an installer will remove the plaster from your existing ceiling exposing the wooden joists. In the cavities between the joists, they will install RW5 acoustic mineral wool. They will then install and isolated frame from which to hang your new ceiling. This frame is made using out MuteClip technology. These clever little clips are backed with dual-density silicone to help them absorb various sound vibrations created by your neighbours.
A metal frame is then installed on this MuteClips. Once your Frame is installed you will install a high-density new ceiling consisting of Tecsound acoustic membrane sandwiched between to layers of Acoustic plasterboard. This is installed and ready to be plaster skimmed and painted. This will drop your ceiling height by 74mm. If you can’t afford to lose ceiling height you can use our MuteClip LP (low profile). This will cost you just 40mm in ceiling height.
What lighting should I use when soundproofing my ceiling from noisy neighbours?
Hanging pendant lights are your best bet to keep your ceiling as acoustically sealed as possible. Avoid downlighter spotlights at all costs! They will drastically reduce your ceiling’s capability to keep noise out.
Conclusion
If you still have more questions about how to soundproof a ceiling from noisy neighbours you can call our friendly team who will gladly offer advice and information about our ceiling soundproofing systems. You can also visit our ceiling soundproofing page to learn more.