How to Soundproof Your Timber Joist Ceilings in Brighton, Hove, Worthing and Across Sussex 🏠🔇
Living in characterful homes across Brighton, Hove, or Worthing often means dealing with traditional timber joist ceilings — and while they add charm, they’re notorious for letting sound travel between floors. Footsteps, voices, and even TVs can easily pass through these lightweight timber structures.
The good news? With the right acoustic system, you can dramatically reduce unwanted noise and make your home much quieter and more comfortable.
At West Sussex Soundproofing Ltd, we’ve helped countless homeowners and landlords across Sussex upgrade their ceilings using proven timber joist soundproofing methods. Here’s how it’s done.
🎧 Step 1: Identify the Type of Noise
Before starting, it’s important to understand what kind of sound you’re trying to stop:
- Impact Noise – footfall, dragging furniture, children running upstairs.
- Airborne Noise – voices, TVs, music, or general conversation.
A well-designed system should address both, using mass, decoupling, and absorption principles.
🔩 Step 2: Add Acoustic Insulation Between the Joists
The first step in any timber ceiling soundproofing project is to fill the void between joists with high-density acoustic insulation (usually 45–60 kg/m³).
Products such as Rockwool Sound Slab or Knauf Acoustic Roll absorb airborne sound and help reduce resonance inside the cavity. Avoid lightweight thermal insulation — it doesn’t have the density needed for acoustic performance.
🧱 Step 3: Decouple the Ceiling with Genie Clips or Acoustic Hangers
One of the biggest soundproofing improvements comes from decoupling — separating the ceiling from the timber joists above.
Systems such as Genie Clips or Resilient Bars create a suspended ceiling that breaks the direct path of vibration. This isolation layer helps stop both airborne and impact noise from travelling through the structure.
At West Sussex Soundproofing Ltd, we often recommend Genie Clip systems for their superior performance and minimal ceiling height loss — ideal for Brighton and Hove’s older homes where headroom can be limited.
🪵 Step 4: Add Mass with Acoustic Plasterboard Layers
Once decoupled, the next step is to add mass. Heavier materials resist airborne sound better.
We usually recommend using two layers of acoustic plasterboard (12.5 mm or 15 mm thick), with Green Gluedamping compound applied between them. Green Glue converts sound vibrations into heat energy, reducing resonance and further improving isolation.
This combination can achieve up to 15–20 dB reduction compared to a standard ceiling.
🔇 Step 5: Seal All Gaps and Flanking Paths
Even the best soundproofing system can fail if small gaps or flanking paths are left open.
Use acoustic sealant around all perimeters, light fittings, and junctions. Avoid rigid connections to the walls — maintain the floating system’s integrity for maximum performance.
🌆 Acoustic Results in Real Sussex Homes
In projects across Brighton, Hove, and Worthing, we’ve seen fantastic results:
- Quieter bedrooms and living areas in period conversions
- Reduced neighbour noise in flats and maisonettes
- Improved acoustic comfort in home offices and studios
Typical results show significant reductions in both airborne and impact sound, transforming how your property feels day-to-day.
🧰 Professional Installation Matters
Soundproofing timber joist ceilings requires experience — the smallest mistake (like a rigid fixing or gap) can compromise results. That’s why so many homeowners across Sussex choose West Sussex Soundproofing Ltd.
With years of experience in domestic and commercial soundproofing, we understand the unique challenges of older and modern properties in this region. From planning to installation, we ensure your ceiling system performs exactly as designed.
📍 Areas We Cover
We proudly serve:
Brighton • Hove • Worthing • Shoreham • Chichester • Crawley • Haywards Heath • and all surrounding Sussex areas.
✅ Get in Touch
If you’re ready to soundproof your timber joist ceilings and enjoy a quieter home, contact West Sussex Soundproofing Ltd today.
We’ll provide expert advice, site assessments, and professional installation tailored to your property.
📞 Visit westsussexsoundproofing.co.uk or message us to schedule your free consultation.
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