More and more drywall is being used as a sound proofing building material. Some specially made drywall can provide a sound barrier comparable to eight layers of standard drywall. Instead of a solid gypsum core, it is a combination of polymers, ceramics, and gypsum layered to produce amazing soundproof qualities. This material is very effective as a soundproofing drywall, but is relatively expensive.
There are several companies that make material sound proofing drywall which your drywall installer can explain to you. Some of these brands include the following:
- Quiet Solution makes soundproof drywall which come in various series.
- QuietRock is another type of drywall which is designed for walls and ceilings.
- QuietWood is actually a plywood panel for soundproofing floors and doors.
- QuietCoat is made out of viscoelastic polymer and is made to cover steel studs, HVAC ducts, or metal roofs.
Drywall with soundproofing qualities can be used in many locations. It is used to either keep sound in or sound out. Keeping cost in mind, a typical sheet of drywall may cost as little as $10.00, while a comparable size sheet of a sound proof drywall may costs over $35.00 per sheet. That would increase the cost of materials for a 12 x 12 x 8 foot tall room from under $200 to over $600 for the entire room of that size. Area where it might be used would be around a 2nd floor laundry, in second floor furnace closets, around bathrooms. Do you have any budding musicians? Imagine a sound proof band room. That would be a perfect area to use soundproof drywall! And the cost would probably be worthwhile.
When sound waves hit one side of the wall it causes the drywall on that side to vibrate. The drywall is rigidly connected to the stud framing so that vibration is transmitted through the framing to the drywall on the other side and emitted as sound. Those same sound vibrations that travel through the framing can pick up duct noise throughout adjacent floors and ceilings. Noise will radiate easily through the structure because there’s almost nothing there to isolate or absorb the sound waves.
One way to reduce this effect and to dampen the sound wave is to use resilient metal channels placed between the drywall and the framing of a room. These resilient channels act as shock absorbers, greatly reducing vibrations coming from either side of the wall from passing through the wall. Absorbent mat is used inside the wall to cushion the channel/drywall and to provide an absorbent compartment to trap sound waves. Your drywall contractor can advise you on the use of this material in your home or commercial project.