Residents want peace and quiet. Listening to a next-door neighbor having an annoyingly loud conversation about their recent foot surgery is not exactly a good way to decompress in the evening.
Reducing noise in any space requires specific materials. While many homeowners go with insulation between drywall, there are better solutions. Comparing soundproof drywall vs regular drywall offers a lot of flexibility and dampening whether constructing a home office, multi-family unit, or something requiring a bit more effort, like a music studio.
Most traditional drywall is used in buildings because it is cheap, easy to source, and plenty of contractors understand how to install it effectively. However, the benefits of sound deadening wall boards ensure you get a much more private space. Here is a quick overview so you can decide which is best for your upcoming project.
Understanding Sound Transmission
Before you select materials, it helps to know a little about Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings. This is how airborne sound is measured – covering everything from a whispered conversation between lovers to a TV blasting ESPN highlights early in the morning. The goal is to have a higher STC rating.
Traditional drywall falls somewhere in the 33-39 STC rating, depending on the material’s thickness and if you’re using multiple layers. Sound deadening drywall and wall boards ensure a much higher rating at 50 or more.
The Makeup of Traditional Drywall
Drywall is one of the most widely used construction materials around. It is gypsum sandwiched between two paper layers with different varieties based on whether it is used for internal walls, external spaces, or high moisture areas.
While this is an affordable, lightweight material that is easy to find, the lower STC rating makes it not as effective for privacy. Some contractors will try to solve this issue by overstuffing insulation between internal walls or doubling/tripling up drywall layers.
Sound Deadening Wall Boards
Sound deadening wall boards are quite a bit different. These are designed using materials like high-density fiberboard, recycled items, and viscoelastic compounds. That engineering makes the wall boards exceptionally better for reducing noise transmissions.
While these wall boards are heavier and more expensive, the result is a far more private space that stops sound from coming in or going out. That makes all the difference in the world if you need a quiet office to conduct meetings or don’t want to hear the next-door neighbor’s baby crying all night long. After all, properties with heavy noise tend to sell for 20% less than similar homes in quieter neighborhoods.
Soundproof Drywall vs. Regular Drywall: Key Comparisons
Deciding between soundproof drywall vs regular drywall comes down to how much you want to spend and the noise control needed for the end client. While both materials will cover your walls effectively, going that extra mile toward soundproof sheetrock upgrades the value of your residential, commercial, or industrial space. Here are some quick comparisons:
- STC Ratings: The typical STC rating for traditional drywall is 33 to 39. Choosing soundproof drywall gives you a boost of anywhere from 45 to 52 or more in ratings. You don’t need multiple layers of traditional drywall as a single sheet of premium noise-canceling insulating fiber board like Quieture.
- Installation Process: Regular drywall is secured to wood using screws, finishing seams with joint compound, sanding, and painting. Soundproof sheetrock is denser and heavier depending on the manufacturer. However, Quieture is lightweight, meaning it is just as easy to hang – especially if you’re using a staggered stud framing method.
- Cost Considerations: Yes, sound deadening drywall will cost you more. You are paying slightly more per sheet due to the better acoustic barrier. For your investment, you get a result clients will appreciate, which often means you can enjoy a higher sale point on houses or offices reinforced with Quieture.
- Effectiveness: This comparison is no challenge. Soundproof drywall is the superior building material when it comes to noise cancellation. In addition, you get more thermal insulation when you choose a product like Quieture. Not only do end clients experience more privacy and peace, but they also reduce monthly heating and cooling expenses.
Best of all, when you choose a product like Quieture, you get materials constructed from recycled fiber that contribute to LEED credits for your project. They are independently tested to ensure low VOC emissions and made right in the USA for peace of mind.
Sound Deadening vs. Soundproofing
Whenever you’re shopping around for soundproof drywall vs regular drywall, you should know the difference between sound deadening and soundproofing. This distinction is crucial to the purpose of your goal space.
For example, sound deadening reduces sound reflection within a room. You’d want this for a residential space to reduce the sound of neighbors, some road noise, or nearby construction. If you want to block sound transmission completely, you need soundproofing. That is better for commercial spaces like recording studios or professional offices.
Final Thoughts
The debate over soundproof drywall vs regular drywall comes down to your budget and noise reduction needs. Traditional drywall is cheaper and can be installed lightning-fast with an experienced team. It may save you a buck, but it lacks any advanced materials or thermal benefits of soundproof sheetrock.
If you’re looking for a surefire way to insulate a space so it is calm and peaceful, Quieture is your top choice. You get a reliable acoustic barrier made from eco-friendly recycled materials that is lightweight and easy to install. This revolutionary material is approved for use with in-floor heating systems and reduces noise transfer by up to 60 decibels in standard builds.
Give your client the gift of durable, quiet spaces perfect for everything from calm conversations to enjoying the latest tunes without disturbing the rest of the building. Contact our team at MPG Building Materials and experience the superior soundproofing of Quieture.
