Comparing Soundproofing Drywall And Damping Glue

If you're planning a Do-it-yourself (DIY) soundproofing project - whether for a home theater, a recording studio or your bedroom - there are three main things you should keep in mind: performance, cost and ease of installation. The two main possibilities for DIY soundproofing are damping glue, like QuietGlue Pro, with standard gypsum board or soundproofing drywall like QuietRock. To choose the best product for your soundproofing project read on!

Performance

The ability of a soundproofing technique to reduce noise transmission from one room to another is usually given in terms of Sound Transmission Class (STC). The higher the STC rating of a wall construction, the better the noise control results. A typical, single stud wall construction has an STC of approximately 34. STC ratings between 50 and 60 are considered good and comply with most codes for multi-family residences. STC ratings over 60 are considered excellent and are often found in high end hotels, condos and home theaters. Sound damping glue applied between two layers of standard drywall can achieve STC ratings up to STC 55 depending on the wall construction. In the case of soundproofing drywall, you can choose your specific product and your wall construction based on your target STC rating. To give an example, the Serious Materials' soundproofing drywall can achieve STC between 47 and 80. Your target STC rating will depend on the type of noise you are trying to control.

Cost

If the cost of materials is the primary concern, damping glue is significantly less expensive than soundproofing drywall. However, it is important to take into consideration the costs in terms of time spent on installation. Your time is valuable, so even if you do not hire a contractor, you should consider labor time in your overall cost analysis. Soundproofing drywall scores, snaps and hangs like standard drywall and is quick and easy to install. Because of this ease of installation, when installation time is figured into the cost calculations, soundproofing drywall may be more cost-effective.

Ease of Installation

Using sound damping glue between two layers of drywall takes longer to install than soudnrproofing drywall for two reasons: it requires hanging twice as much drywall as when using soundproofing drywall and it takes additional time to apply the glue to the second layer of drywall before hanging it. Soundproofing drywall on the other hand scores, snaps and hangs like standard drywall.

Conclusion

When the cost of labor is zero and time is plentiful, there is no cheaper way to achieve excellent noise control than using damping glue. Soundproofing drywall is used more frequently in high-volume applications and by homeowners who don't have the time or expertise to do it themselves. Damping glue generally sells to DIY applications such as home studio and home theater retrofit construction.