Does Soundproof Drywall Actually Work?
Soundproofing is often one of the last things homeowners think about when constructing a home or renovating, but have you ever wondered whether your neighbor can hear everything that goes on in your home?
The truth is that no one wants their privacy to be compromised, which is why soundproofing is always a great idea.
QuietRock drywall is often recommended as the best soundproofing drywall, but does it really work, and should you consider it for your home or business? In this article, we will provide more insight into soundproofing to help you decide whether it’s truly worth it to install an acoustic drywall ceiling.
How to Soundproof a Room
There are a number of ways to soundproof a room. A room can be made soundproof in a few different ways.
The first way is to install special soundproofing plasterboard in place of the current drywall. When it is impractical to reinforce a wall or employ other structural techniques, using sound-dampening drywall is an efficient way to soundproof a room.
Another technique that has been around for a while is to double or even triple the number of sheetrock panels already in place to prevent sound from traveling.
The Best Drywall for Soundproofing
Now that you understand the different methods used to sound proof drywall, it’s time to talk about some of the best drywall for soundproofing.
A layer of stiff mineral gypsum is laid between sheets of paper to make conventional plasterboard panels.
Soundproofing a wall made from conventional drywall calls for other framing modifications, such as constructing extra-thick walls and encasing cavities with insulation or placing sound-dampening panels beneath the traditional drywall.
Various materials, such as ceramics and gypsum, can be used in the inner layer of sound-dampening drywall, which increases their resilience and reduces their ability to transmit sound waves.
QuietRock and SilentFX drywall are two of the most popular brands used by contractors when soundproofing a room. We’ll talk about them in greater detail in the section below.
QuietRock Drywall
As mentioned previously, Quiet Rock drywall is one of the most popular options for soundproofing a room.
The brand is renowned for its superior sound-dampening capabilities. It is a well-liked option for soundproofing purposes in domestic, professional, and industrial settings.
This sound-absorbing drywall is specially designed to cut down on noise transfer between rooms. Compared to standard plasterboard, it's plain to see that it is a more effective way to maintain privacy.
The ability of a material in minimizing sound transmission is gauged by its drywall STC rating. High STC ratings for QuietRock products demonstrate their outstanding soundproofing abilities.
Even though utilizing this brand of sound-resistant drywall by itself can significantly reduce noise travel, using it in conjunction with other soundproofing methods can produce even greater effects. Sound isolation clips, insulation, and sealing are some examples.
SilentFX Drywall
SilentFX is another producer of sound-deadening drywall intended to improve sound insulation and lessen noise transfer between spaces.
Engineered to offer improved soundproofing capabilities, SilentFX soundbreak drywall makes for a great solution in areas where noise control is crucial because, like QuietRock panels, it aids in reducing airborne sound transmission.
To meet diverse building constraints and soundproofing needs, SilentFX is offered in a variety of thickness variations, and this brand of drywall ceiling sound proofing drywall also has high STC ratings.
One of the things that differentiate SilentFX zero sound drywall from other types of plasterboard is its eco-friendly approach. This can help homeowners achieve points for green building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) because a large portion of SilentFX materials is recycled.
What Does Soundproof Drywall Cost?
Whether you choose double drywall for soundproofing or a special plasterboard designed to reduce noise transmission, it’s important to consider the soundproof drywall cost.
The truth is that there are a number of different options available for soundproofing a home or business premises, and several factors will impact the overall cost. This is why it’s best to talk to a contractor to learn more about pricing.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Investing in Drywall Soundproofing?
During construction, keeping costs low is important, so is installing sound absorption drywall worth the extra spend? The truth is that quiet drywall is a gift that keeps giving.
Noise-reducing drywall is effective and can ensure your privacy while enhancing your productivity and concentration by limiting the noise that comes in from the outside.