Resilient Bar

What Are Metal Resilient Bars? 

Resilient bars are metal channels that are used to enhance the acoustic performance of wall and ceiling systems. They are installed to separate the plasterboard from its substrate.

Resilient bars allow for the secure installation of plasterboard to timber joints while also optimising the acoustic performance of walls and ceilings. 

Metal resilient bars are manufactured from thin sheets of galvanised steel that incorporate a corrugated web to which plasterboard is secured with screws. The bars feature a narrow flange with slots that aid in securing the bars.

The resilient bar system complies with Part E building regulations; the metal resilient bar is considered an essential component for building regulations compliance and enhances sound insulation performance to drastically reduce noise levels from adjacent rooms.

What Are The Benefits of Using Metal Resilient Bars? 

Resilient bars, when used in conjunction with acoustic plasterboard, are a popular option for installers working on a tight budget and seeking an inexpensive way to soundproof a ceiling.

Let's explore their benefits further: 

• Reduces the passage of airborne noise through walls and ceilings, offering acoustic uplifts
• Aids in achieving PART E
• Easily trimmed using tin snips or a hacksaw
• Lightweight design 
• Almost no wastage as they can be joined easily

Where To Install Metal Resilient Bars

• Timber studs for walls
• Fixed beneath timber joists for ceilings

Although they are mainly used at ceiling level, they can also be installed in the floor cavity for the same purpose. Resilient bars are typically secured to the underside of joists and perimeter noggins on all four sides of a room.

How to Install Metal Resilient Bars

Ceilings:

1. Before installing the metal resilient bars on a ceiling, it is a good idea to insulate between the joists of the existing ceiling with an acoustic mineral wool insulation like Knauf Acoustic Roll 100mm. This will enhance the soundproofing effectiveness of the overall buildup.
   
   
2. The resilient bars should then be fixed to the underside of the timber joists at right angles, at maximum centres of 450mm. Drywall screws should be used to fix the resilient sound bars to the joists.
   
   
3. Next comes the plasterboard, which needs to be fitted within 3mm of the surrounding walls. It is recommended to use two layers of high-density acoustic plasterboard such as Knauf Soundshield Plus 15mm. 
   
   
4. The first layer of boards can be fixed to the resilient bar using self-drilling screws. Make sure not that the screw only goes through the resilient bar, and not the timber framework, otherwise, the plasterboard will not have the flexibility it needs to absorb the sound. 
   
   
5. Next install the second layer of plasterboard, using longer screws that will penetrate through the double layer of plasterboard and into the resilient bar.
   
   
6. Finish off by making sure that all plasterboard joints have been plaster skimmed and and that the ceiling surface flexes. This will indicate that the resilient bar system has been properly installed.

Walls: 

1. Secure the resilient bars to the battens at 600mm centres, horizontally from floor to ceiling, by the narrow fixing flange.
   
   
2. Use drywall screws/self-tapping screws to secure the bars to the framework.
   
   
3. Make sure the screw is secured at the bottom of the bar so that the weight of the plasterboard will pull it away from the frame.

Please contact us if require further information or a product data-sheet.