Installation & Construction

You have two approaches here and each of the two options will provide a different level of sound reduction: Option # 1 (GOOD): install (1) layer Quietrock 510 over the existing drywall after first treating any electrical or switch outlets in the wall with QuietPutty. In a retrofit application like this, you would need to cut away some of the existing drywall around the outlets first so the putty can be wrapped around the back of the outlet boxes.

Yes. When using QuietRock over existing masonry or concrete construction, it is first necessary to “fur it out” by attaching wood furring, 2 1/2" steel studs, or hat-channel. This is not required when applying QuietRock over the existing gypsum wallboard on a wood or steel stud framed wall.

To date, we have not acoustically tested QuietRock on exterior wall assemblies. The multitude of exterior wall assembly types and materials used therein make it impractical and not economically feasible to test each and every possible variation.

The type of wall construction and the details associated with how the wall is constructed will affect the level of sound reduction that can be achieved using QuietRock (wall details include: type/size of the stud, stud spacing, insulation used, wall type such as single, staggered or double stud configuration, and number of layers of drywall applied on the wall).

Wood or metal lath and plaster presents a challenge when looking for the best way to increase the STC value of the wall. In order for QuietRock to work, it needs to be able to flex (at a minute level) to attenuate or reduce sound transmission through it.

Thin-set mortar products contain too much water which can result in mold growth over time on the surface of drywall and may cause the drywall to fail over time. Thin-set mortars should never be used on paper-faced gypsum drywall products.

For tile application, it is suggested to install QuietRock first, then a cement or fiber based backer board over the QuietRock, then install your tile on the backer board.

When installing QuietRock panels, it is preferred that the panels be installed on the open stud. Because QuietRock needs to be allowed to flex, when it is installed over an existing surface, the more rigid the surface or the assembly it is installed on, the less effective QuietRock becomes at attenuating sound.

Generally, QuietRock panels perform better when installed on the open stud as opposed to being installed over an existing layer of drywall. This is because QuietRock panels need to flex when sound energy (vibration) hits the panel. When this is inhibited by direct application to a rigid or semi-rigid panel (such as another layer of drywall), this ability to flex is reduced and the panels ability to attenuate sound is also reduced.

Yes.

Hat channel, also known as drywall furring channel or sometimes referred to as “hat track”, comes in different dimensions depending on the weight of the system or panel weight it is designed to carry.

Consult with the manufacturer of the channel to confirm that their product will carry the weight of the wall or ceiling panels that the system will need to support.

QuietRock attenuates airborne noise (rated by STC). In laboratory testing on ceiling applications, QuietRock was found to provide very little if any attenuation of impact noise (IIC). To date, no FIIC (field impact insulation class) testing has been conducted.