RSIC-1® Resilient Sound Isolation Clips

Yes, you can use RSIC-1 clips on both walls and ceilings. They fasten to wood framing, steel framing, CMU, and concrete. Typical projects include new homes, offices, recording studios, schools, theaters, and houses of worship.

RSIC-1 clips add up to 20 STC points to a wall or ceiling assembly. They also add up to 20 IIC points to a floor and ceiling assembly, which reduces impact noise. Both gains are measured against the same assembly built without clips. The exact number depends on your full assembly. Call us at 1-800-679-8511 and we can talk through your project.

RSIC-1 clips perform as well as or better than the best resilient channel (RC Deluxe). Each RSIC-1 clip breaks the path that sound and vibration take into the framing via a rubber isolator, and there are also fewer connection points. This lowers the risk of installer error, which is common in resilient channel installs. Resilient channel can lose its isolation when one screw goes through the channel into the framing.

Plan on about 1 clip for every 5 sq ft of wall or ceiling at 24" x 48" o.c. That spacing supports 1 or 2 layers of 5/8" drywall. For 3 layers, tighten the spacing to 16" x 48" o.c. The table below gives estimates by room size. Call us at 1-800-679-8511 for an exact clip count and hat channel linear footage for your assembly.

Yes, RSIC-1 is our flagship clip and is a great fit for new walls and ceilings framed in wood, steel, CMU, or concrete. For other needs and applications, call us at 1-800-679-8511 and one of our experts will help you find the right clip.

RSIC-1 clips isolate the drywall from the framing behind it. A rubber isolator in each clip breaks the direct path that sound and vibration would travel through. The clips fasten to studs or joists at spaced intervals. 25 gauge hat channel with a hemmed edge detail snaps into them to carry 5/8" drywall. Always leave a 1/4" gap around the perimeter to be sealed by acoustical sealant to prevent hard surface contact.

Together, an RSIC-1 clip and the 25 gauge hat channel snapped into it add 1-5/8" of depth to a wall or ceiling. The clip alone is 1-1/4" deep. For ceilings that need less depth, RSIC-1 Low Profile adds as little as 1/2" to 1".

You need RSIC-1 clips, 25 gauge hat channel with a hemmed edge detail, screws, 5/8" drywall, and acoustical sealant. Most local hardware stores carry the hat channel, and the RSIC-1 install guide lists its dimensions. For wood framing, use #8 x 2-1/2" minimum coarse thread screws. For steel framing, use #8 x 1-5/8" minimum fine thread screws. #10 or #12 screws are recommended for either. For concrete or CMU, see the concrete install guide for approved fasteners. We carry acoustical sealant for the perimeter and any penetrations.

RSIC-1 clips work with 25 gauge hat channel with a hemmed edge detail. The channel is 7/8" deep, with a bottom width of 2-9/16" to 2-11/16" and a top width of 1-1/4". Maximum channel spacing is 24" o.c. Rolled or folded edges also work if the channel is 25 gauge, and hemmed is the recommended edge. The install guide lists the full channel dimensions.

Fasten the clips to the studs or joists at 24" x 48" o.c., then snap the 25 gauge hat channel with a hemmed edge detail into them. Screw the 5/8" drywall to the channel, leaving a 1/4" gap around the perimeter. Seal that gap and any penetrations with acoustical sealant. Follow the wood and steel install guide and concrete install guide for spacing help and more detailed steps.

Yes, acoustical sealant is a key part of an RSIC-1 install. Seal the entire perimeter of the drywall, and seal around any outlets, lights, or other penetrations. Air leaks reduce the performance of the assembly. Use fire and smoke rated acoustical sealant where your assembly requires it. We carry acoustical sealant in single tubes and cases.

Each of these details has a drawing in our install guides. At a door opening, add extra clips and 25 gauge hat channel with a hemmed edge detail above the opening to support the drywall. At an inside corner, bridge the corner with hat channel and drywall, using 1-1/2" 25 gauge angle steel. Where a wall meets the ceiling, install the ceiling first and seal the joint with acoustical caulk. Interior wall intersections also get acoustical caulk and a taped corner. See the door and corner guide, interior wall guide, and wall to ceiling guide for the drawings.

Yes, you can mount heavy items on an RSIC-1 wall by adding RSIC-1 Backer or Backer HD at the mounting location. RSIC-1 Backers carry the item's weight and keep the wall isolated. RSIC-1 Backers have a 108 lb acoustical design load, and HD Backers have a 216 lb design load. Common uses include TVs, cabinets, handrails, grab bars, and lockers.

Yes, you can install both on an RSIC-1 ceiling. For a ceiling fan, isolate the blocking between the joists with RSIC-DC04 clips. For recessed lights, use acoustically rated canned lights or build a drywall box over the back of the fixture. Seal the fixture perimeter with acoustical sealant. Add one RSIC-1 clip for every 36 lbs a fixture adds to the ceiling.

Yes, RSIC-1 is UL classified for use in over 150 UL fire resistive design assemblies. Reach out to us for help with your assembly.

Yes, RSIC-1 clips are made in the USA.