Decoupled Ceiling Solution for an Existing Timber Ceiling

Exceptional soundproofing performance and surpasses building regulations while losing very little room height.  If the preferred option is to remove the existing ceiling plasterboard / lining please choose the Decoupled Solution for a New or Exposed Ceiling.

Decoupled Solution for Existing Ceiling: 43.5mm - 94mm

Application: - simple slim solution offering a high performance and absolute minimal loss of living space, without removing the existing ceiling.

Construction (Timber Joist Ceiling):
- ceiling with existing plasterboard or lath and plaster.
- (optional 48mm x 48mm timber battens with 50mm x 45kg/m3 density mineral wool between studs).
- 16mm Resilient Bars.
- 15mm Phonewell® sound insulation.
- 12.5mm or 15mm sound resistant plasterboard.
- (optional second layer of plasterboard).

Materials List (available from our stockists)
- Optional 48mm x 48mm timber battens
- Optional 50mm x 45kg/m³ density mineral wool between battens, if used
- Resilient bars (3m x 75mm x 16mm)
- Drywall screws to secure resilient bars to joists or battens
- Phonewell® Acoustic Insulation (1200mm x 800mm x 15mm)
- Drywall screws (25mm length) to secure Phonewell®  to resilient bars
- Sound resistant plasterboard (2400mm x 1200mm x 12.5 or 15mm)
- Drywall screws (38mm length) to secure plasterboard through to resilient bars
- Flexible mastic or Acoustic sealant

Instructions: (have you considered Flanking Noise?)
1. Make existing ceiling sound by removing any loose material.
2. If using 48mm counter-battens, secure them at 400mm centres and perpendicular to the joists.  Fill the void between the battens with 50mm x 45kg/m³ density mineral wool.
3. Secure the resilient bars at 400mm centres and perpendicular to joists (or battens if used) using drywall screws. Ensure bar ends do not touch the perimeter walls - leave a 5mm gap.  Note: the first and last bars should be approximately 50mm clear of the nearest walls. These bars can be reversed to ease installation.
4. Screw Phonewell® into the resilient bars with 25mm drywall screws which must not make contact with the timber structure, being careful to leave screwheads just below the surface.  Do not leave any gaps. See Cutting Phonewell.
5. Using 38mm drywall screws, screw through the plasterboard and Phonewell® into the resilient bars, being careful to stagger joints and to leave a 5mm perimeter gap around the perimeter walls. Optionally add a second layer of plasterboard with staggered joints.
6. Seal 5mm perimeter gaps with flexible mastic or acoustic sealant.
7. Finish plasterboard as required.
8. Consider treating any identified flanking walls with Phonewell®.