The Joist Cap 2m is an innovative and cost-effective acoustic solution designed to enhance soundproofing in floating floor systems. Engineered with high-quality, low-density foam, the Joist Cap provides superior sound attenuation while maintaining a stable and resilient flooring structure. Easy to install and Part E compliant, this product is ideal for both new builds and refurbishment projects, offering reliable performance for timber and masonry constructions.
What is a Joist Cap?
A Joist Cap is an acoustic treatment product designed to fit tightly over standard 50mm timber joists, providing a resilient barrier between the structural floor and the floating floor. Manufactured from a low-density foam with advanced acoustic properties, Joist Caps are a practical and efficient solution for reducing noise transmission in floating floor installations. They are particularly effective at creating a stable, isolated flooring system that minimises sound transfer through the structure.
How Does a Soundproofing Joist Cap Work?
Joist Caps work by isolating the floating floor from the structural joists, preventing direct contact and reducing the transfer of sound energy. The castellated surface of the Joist Cap optimises sound attenuation by spreading the load across the floor and minimising the diaphragm effect. The resilient foam material absorbs and dampens vibrations, ensuring that airborne and impact noise are significantly reduced. The snug fit of the Joist Cap ensures stability, creating an acoustically isolated flooring system.
How Effective are Acoustic Joist Caps at Stopping Noise?
Joist Caps are highly effective at reducing both airborne and impact noise. When used as part of a direct-to-joist system, they deliver sound attenuation improvements of up to Delta Lw 15-17dB for timber floors. For concrete floors, when used upside down with resilient battens, they achieve Delta Lw improvements of up to 24dB. These performance levels exceed the requirements of Robust Details, making Joist Caps an excellent choice for superior soundproofing.
Where Can the Joist Caps Be Used?
Joist Caps are versatile and suitable for a range of applications, including:
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Timber Joist Floors: Ideal for creating floating floors in residential and commercial buildings.
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New Builds and Renovations: Perfect for enhancing soundproofing in new constructions and refurbishment projects.
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Masonry Constructions: Effective in isolating joists in masonry builds.
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Custom Resilient Battens: Can be used upside down as a resilient layer for bespoke batten systems.
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Part E Compliant Systems: Designed to meet and exceed UK Building Regulation standards.
How to Install the Acoustic Joist Caps
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Prepare the Joists: Ensure the joist surfaces are clean and free from dust or debris.
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Position the Cap: Open the tapered jaws of the Joist Cap and place it over the joist. Ensure it fits snugly and aligns with the joist surface.
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Secure the Perimeter: Use a perimeter isolation strip to ensure the floating floor is completely isolated from the structural floor and walls.
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Install the Floating Floor: Lay a floating tongue-and-groove floor (e.g., chipboard) over the Joist Caps.
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Optional Use with Resilient Battens: For custom applications, use the Joist Cap upside down on concrete floors to create a resilient layer for battens.
The installation process is straightforward and requires no specialised tools, making it ideal for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
What Are the Benefits of Using Soundproof Joist Caps?
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Superior Noise Reduction: Reduces airborne and impact noise by up to Delta Lw 17dB for timber floors and up to Delta Lw 24dB for concrete floors.
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Cost-Effective Solution: Provides high-performance soundproofing at an affordable price.
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Easy to Install: Snug fit and friction hold ensure quick and hassle-free installation.
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Part E Compliant: Exceeds UK Building Regulation requirements for soundproofing.
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Versatile Applications: Suitable for timber and masonry builds, as well as resilient batten systems.
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Durable Construction: Made from high-quality foam for long-lasting performance.
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Eco-Friendly Design: Contributes to sustainable building practices with recyclable materials.
Use Joist Caps to Create Resilient Battens
This product, used upside down, can also provide the resilient layer required for customers to make up their own resilient battens.
If the product is used in this manner, on a concrete floor, impact improvements in the order of:
- Delta L w22dB with a standard batten
- Delta L w24dB with a deep batten can be expected
- Robust Details only require an improvement of Delta L w17dB
If the product is used in this manner, on a timber floor, improvements in the order of:
- Delta R w+C; tr14dB
- Delta L w20dB can be expected
Robust Details only require an improvement of:
- Delta R w+C; tr13dB
- Delta L w15dB
Please contact our team if you have any questions about this product
Instructions for use
Care should be taken to comply with all relevant Safety and Building Regulations.
The Joist Cap can be fitted from either above or below the joists and even before the joists are fitted.
The jaws of the caps are slightly tapered in to ensure a tight friction fit. Simply open the jaws and sit the cap over the joist ensuring the base is located tightly with the joist surface.
In all applications, our perimeter isolation strip must be used so the floating floor is fully isolated for the structural floor and walls.
Visit our Fitting Instructions section for more detailed instructions relating to your specific application.
Check out our Soundproofing Guides for more information, advice and tips on all aspects of soundproofing.
