Ceilings
Resilient bar systems
This installation process is used when we cannot thicken the ceiling due to issues with the previous ceiling, this installation increases thermal insulation and insulation reaching two floors.
Ceilings
ISO Hanger Systems
This installation is the most reputable system if there is the ability to lower the ceiling by a set amount of 100mm. We use the original ceiling as a double layer for sound insulation and to hold the new ceiling up. This installation is also backed up by impact resistant bars.
Ceilings
Independent Systems
This installation is mounted under the original ceiling and takes up to 17cm off an average sized room, the resilient bars are fixed to a new beam created in installation. This system uses 2 layers of acoustic plasterboard and one fitted mineral wool and will be sealed with acoustic silicone.
Ceilings
Hybrid ISO Hanger Systems
With 10cm room height loss and maximum soundproofing this is also a very reputable installation. This consists of a hanger system and acoustic wool which aids in absorbing sound as soon as possible.
Ceilings
Hybrid Independent Systems
This is an independent ceiling system which absorbs the sound as soon as it reaches the mineral wool included in this installation, this system leaves the room with less of a speaker sound.
| System | Typical improvement | Build-up depth | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overboard with acoustic plasterboard | 10–13 dB | ~15 mm | Fastest fix, mild improvement |
| Resilient bar ceiling | 17–20 dB | 40–60 mm | Good airborne + impact reduction |
| Independent ceiling | 22–27 dB | 100–200 mm | Best performance — full decouple |
Typical field-measured improvements on top of the existing construction. Exact numbers depend on the starting wall/floor and the install quality.
Written and reviewed by Daniel Ashford, Soundproofing Specialist.FAQs
Does soundproofing a party wall require planning permission in London?
Internal acoustic upgrades are Permitted Development in most cases. If the wall is shared with a neighbour you may need to serve a Party Wall Notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Leasehold flats usually need managing-agent consent.
Will a resilient bar wall meet Part E in a flat conversion?
A properly installed resilient bar system with double acoustic plasterboard typically achieves DnTw 45–50 dB on a reasonable starting wall — enough to pass Part E’s 43 dB minimum, but the wall, flanking paths and junction detail all have to be right.
How much depth does an independent wall add to a room?
126–176 mm typically, including a 20 mm isolation gap, a new 70 mm stud wall filled with mineral wool, and 2×15 mm acoustic plasterboard. Worth it where performance matters.
Can I soundproof a wall without removing existing plasterboard?
Yes — a like-for-like overboard gives ~13 dB, a resilient-bar overboard up to 17 dB. You keep the existing wall; you add mass + decoupling on top.