How to Soundproof a Ceiling with the MuteClip
Soundproofing a ceiling with MuteClips is going to give you the highest soundproofing performance. It will decouple to resist impact vibrations from above (footfalls etc), and add mass to reflect airborne noises like TV, talking and music.
Step 1
Begin by removing your existing ceiling and coving. We discuss why you have to remove your ceiling below but trust us, it will give you the best results!
Step 2
Now the cavities are exposed, remove any existing insulation, as this will be thermal and have a low mass. Install acoustic mineral wool with a mass of 45kgm3 or more.
Step 3
MuteClips can now be screwed into the joists. Below we discuss the different types of MuteClips so you can use the best one. The silicone side makes contact with the joist and the claw can hold the channel. To make the channels longer, overlap them by at least 200mm and use two self-tapping screws in the shoulders.
Step 4
Into this channel, screw the soundproofing panels. These will reflect airborne noises and add mass to your ceiling. Leave a 2-5mm gap around the room’s perimeter to avoid flanking transmission.
Step 5
Use an acoustic sealant to close the gap around the edge and scrim tape over the joins between panels. You are now ready to skim plaster and paint!
Why you should use a MuteClip ceiling system
You should use a MuteClip ceiling system because it will give you the highest level of soundproofing. The MuteClip decouples your new ceiling, adds mass and offers sound absorption, which are the three core components of soundproofing.
We also have different types of MuteClips so that you can reduce ceiling space lost, or, drop the level of the ceiling to accommodate for pipes or wires. This means the MuteClip is ideal for almost any ceiling, including concrete or timber!
Bronze system
Double
Board Bronze
Silver System
MuteClip Double Silver
Gold system
MuteClip
Double Gold
Will a MuteClip reduce impact noise through a ceiling?
Yes, a MuteClip will reduce impact noise through a ceiling. While it is always best to treat impact noise at the source with a soundproof underlay, this is not always possible. Impact noise is when a vibration travels through the structure of the building. Because the whole ceiling is vibrating with this energy, just adding another layer of soundproofing board won’t prevent the vibrations.
Instead, we need a material that can isolate the vibrations. Better than that, we need to create a gap between the materials so that vibrations can move from one to the next easily. The MuteClips have a dual silicone vibration-resistant layer that makes contact with the joists. This massively reduces points of contact between the new soundproofing panels and the existing ceilings.
Will a MuteClip system reduce airborne noise through a ceiling?
Yes, the MuteClip system is a sure way to reduce airborne noise through the ceiling. To reduce airborne noise, mass needs to be increased. The MuteClip system adds mass to soundproof your ceiling. The cavities are filled with acoustic mineral wool to reduce the drum effect and prevent noises from being amplified.
You can also reduce airborne noise by installing a multi-layered soundproofing panel system directly to your ceiling joists, however, it won’t be as effective as the MuteClip. If you use a direct system, you will still need to remove the existing ceiling and install acoustic mineral wool into the cavities.
Ceiling soundproofing for low ceilings
The MuteClip LP is a ceiling soundproofing solution for low ceiling heights. This isolation clip takes up almost half the amount of space as the original MuteClip design so that rooms without space to lose can still attain great soundproofing results.
Instead of being screwed onto the underside of the ceiling joist, the MuteClip LP is attached to the inside edge. This still decouples your new soundproofing ceiling but saves crucial space. A MuteClip LP ceiling soundproofing system comes in at around 39mm.
How to level an uneven ceiling for soundproofing
Leveling a ceiling for soundproofing is easy. Use a MuteClip XP, which offers an adjustable fixing height so you can level uneven beams. This will also give you the best ceiling soundproofing because it offers decoupling, high mass and absorption.
The MuteClip XP is able to level uneven joists by varying the installation height of the clip when they are fixed to the inside edge of the timbers. This is an easy and fast method for leveling a ceiling without replacing beams or adjusting the beams themselves.
Can I install a MuteClip isolated ceiling to my existing ceiling?
No, you cannot install an isolated ceiling system directly to your existing ceiling. This would mean your cavities are not treated with acoustic mineral wool (one of the three core principles of soundproofing), and MuteClips cannot be fitted to the joists.
How much space does an isolated soundproof ceiling take up?
An isolated soundproof ceiling can take up between 36 and 74mm of your room height. Before you look for your ceiling soundproofing, calculate how much headspace you are able to lose. Consider door frames and windows, as well as, general head height. This will enable you to narrow down your options.
We offer a specialist low profile MuteClip that still gives you a decoupled ceiling but reduces the space lost. The MuteClip LP is installed on the inside edge of timber joists, instead of on the bottom.
What is a MuteClip?
A MuteClip ios a type of isolation clip for soundproofing, it works like a mini shock absorber. MuteClips are placed between an existing wall or ceiling and a new layer of soundproofing board. This creates a physical separation between the two partitions. Vibrations pass easily between materials that are in direct contact, so MuteClips make a big reduction to noise vibrations that are able to transmit.
MuteClips are a versatile version of an isolation clip:
- Dual-density silicone-facing
- Variations for ceilings and walls
- Single point fixing to reduce contact
- Simple installation direct to brick, stud, and concrete ceiling or timber ceiling
- Biggest reduction of sound for space used
