When you reach the drywall stage of your renovation project, it’s your last chance to consider soundproofing for your space. In this blog, we’ll explain why SONOpan is a game-changer for noise reduction and why you should include it for a wide range of uses.
How does sound travel in homes?
Sound transmission can travel through walls, ceilings, and floors when nothing stands in its way to absorb the sound waves that produce noise. Even hurdles such as drywall on walls, ceilings, and floors aren’t dense enough to absorb the sounds, allowing the sound waves to travel further through the home. The more obstacles a sound encounters, the less energy the sound waves have to continue their journey.
The energy and waves produced by sound require dense, thick, or porous materials to absorb them, so the sounds cannot travel or be reflected into the space. However, sound waves are tricky and can find indirect transmission via secondary paths. Known as “flanking,” sound waves take detours that reduce the effectiveness of inadequate soundproofing through the ceiling, walls, and floor. To help stop sound waves, drywall experts use drywall soundproofing techniques.
What is drywall soundproofing?
Drywall is a finishing product that covers the studs used to build walls between rooms or the joists in the ceiling. Although it can help absorb sound waves, to completely dampen sounds, you need to use drywall soundproofing methods such as the following:
- Installing insulation
- Using acoustic panels
- Introducing decoupling materials
- Using acoustic sealants
What is decoupling?
Decoupling separates two surfaces to reduce vibrations and prevent sound transmission. It is an important step in drywall soundproofing to address more severe noise issues. Installing resilient channels between the drywall and the framing studs or joists is an effective decoupling step that helps absorb sound waves travelling through the wall or ceiling.
What is SONOpan?
SONOpan is one of Canada’s most trusted brands in noise reduction solutions. Their line of soundproofing panels is a critical step in drywall soundproofing projects, providing the density required to create an effective sound-absorbing barrier. When used in conjunction with drywall and insulation, SONOpan provides the ultimate noise control solution. There are two types of SONOpan panels available:
- SONOpan sound dampening panels: These panels absorb “airborne” mid- to high-frequency noises like conversations, loud music (including those annoying low bass sounds), television/movies, a child crying, household noise such as a blender, etc. SONOpan panels reduce airborne sounds typically heard between rooms by absorbing the sound waves and blocking transmission as the noise travels through the air.
- SONOpanX floor panels: Floor panels add additional sound absorption to control both airborne noises, such as those listed above, as well as “vibrational” or “impact” sounds such as footsteps, a chair scraping across the floor, or an object dropping. Exterior noises, such as construction, can also be reduced with proper sound-absorbing floor panels.
Why is SONOpan so effective?
SONOpan’s unique composition features thousands of impressions on both sides of the panel. As a result, it creates varying densities to capture a wide range of sound frequencies, effectively reducing noise from various sources.
Is SONOpan installed instead of drywall?
No, SONOpan products are not a drywall replacement. Instead, they are used in hand with drywall to help reduce noise. In basic installation, the SONOpan panels are installed directly to the joists/studs and covered with ⅝” type X drywall, although ½” drywall can also be used when space is limited.
For even better performance, you can first install insulation between the joists or studs, such as mineral wool or fibreglass, before placing the SONOpan panels to stop resonance in the empty cavity.
What is the ideal SONOpan installation for optimum noise reduction?
To optimize noise reduction, the following steps are recommended:
- Install the insulation.
- Install decoupling materials such as a resilient channel (although this is easier to do after the soundproof panels are placed, it does not offer as high an STC rating as doing it before the panels are installed).
- Install the SONOpan panels using longer drywall screws of 1.5 inches or longer.
- Install the drywall using longer screws to ensure they penetrate the drywall and SONOpanel, and at least ¾ of an inch into the joist/stud.
Note: When noise transfer is a major concern, such as in a home theatre, shared space, or where you have tenants in your home, you can apply a second layer of noise reduction drywall.
What is an STC rating?
STC stands for Sound Transmission Class. It is the rating system used to evaluate how well building materials and acoustical products reduce sound. The higher the rating, the better the sound reduction. However, you not only consider a material’s stand-alone rating, but also how it performs along with other materials and installation methods, such as insulation or resilient channels.
SONOpan’s continuous soundproofing barrier and trademark, two-sided impressions contribute to a wall or ceiling assembly that meets and exceeds building code requirements.
Can SONOpan be applied after drywall?
Yes, you can install SONOpan over existing drywall for retrofit projects, such as trying to reduce neighbour noise between townhouses or in semi-detached homes. You will need longer drywall screws to drill at least ¾” into the studs/joists. You then install 5/8” type X drywall over the SONOpan. As mentioned, you can double up on your drywall layer if you are experiencing unusually loud noise issues.
SONOpan vs. SONOpanX: When to Use Each
SONOpan soundproofing panels are used for walls and ceilings to reduce noise transference throughout the home. The panels help control typical sounds, whether it is between rooms within your home or noise from neighbouring homes through shared walls.
SONOpanX, on the other hand, is designed specifically as a flooring underlayment to absorb and reduce impact noise transmission. You can use SONOpanX in situations such as having an in-law suite, a rental unit, or where you need privacy and quiet, such as a home office.
To ensure that drywall soundproofing is effective, it is best to speak to our drywall experts to understand exactly which techniques and materials are required to address your specific noise challenges. We can assess your space and recommend the best way to create peaceful areas in every room of your home.
Contact Ontario Drywall And Taping for Professional Drywall Services
At Ontario Drywall And Taping, our experienced drywall installers can recommend the best drywall soundproofing strategy. Call our professionals at 647-878-4466. You can also contact us here to reach out to our expert drywall crew to set up a free quote today.
Sources:
- https://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/acoustics-education/how-does-sound-travel-in-a-room/.
- https://www.homedepot.ca/product/SONOpan-soundproofing-panels-4-ft-x-8-ft-x-3-4-in/1000441119.
- https://SONOpan.com/SONOpan-installation-guide/.
- https://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/acoustics-education/sound-transmission-class-stc-rating/.
