SOUNDBREAK® XP®

Market Trends Driving The Need for Higher Rated STC Wall Partitions

Increasing land costs have resulted in larger amounts of high density multi-family housing in a growing number of United States housing markets. The result of high density housing is individual living units positioned closer together than traditional single-family housing.

Home theater systems are becoming more prevalent in use and sophistication, resulting in the potential for more noise being transmitted between wall partitions. Commercial buildings such as schools, hospitals and hotels also have an increasing need to control sound between areas of a building.

All of these changing market dynamics have resulted in an increased need for higher rated Sound Transmission Class (STC) wall partitions, which reduce the transmission of airborne sound between living spaces within buildings.

• 600 multi-family residences (300 party walls between them)
• Residents with lower STC rated walls are more likely to:
  • Want to move
  • Be awakened by noises
  • Have trouble falling asleep due to noises
  • Think neighbors are less considerate

• STC ≥55 – A realistic goal for acceptable sound insulation
• STC ≥60 – More ideal, would practically eliminate negative effects of noise from neighbors
• Music related sounds may require the highest rated walls

J.S. Bradley, Deriving Acceptable Values for Party Wall Sound Insulation survey results

Design Considerations in Acoustical Wall Partitions

The goal of a high rated STC wall partition is to decrease the amount of sound transmission through the partition. The following five variables can have impact on the ability of the partition to provide this loss.

Mass

Increasing the mass of a wall partition increases the amount of sound transmission loss. Increasing mass in a cost and space effective way can be a challenge.

Stiffness

Increasing the stiffness of a wall partition will decrease the amount of sound transmission loss. For that reason metal studs outperform wood studs, and 24″ o.c. f raming spacing outperforms 16″ o.c. framing spacing.

Damping

Introduction of damping will increase the amount of sound transmission loss. In particular, constrained layer damping can be effective for structure type applications.

Cavity Depth

Increasing the depth of the cavity of the partition can increase the amount of sound transmission loss, especially when the cavity is filled with acoustical insulation.

Cavity Absorption

Adding sound-absorbing material such as fiberglass or mineral fiber insulation to the cavity of a partition will increase the amount of sound transmission loss. The sound-absorbing material should completely fill the cavity but not be compacted or compressed in any way.

FEATURES/BENEFITS

• Resists the growth of mold per ASTM G 21 with a score of 0, the best possible score.
• Resists the growth of mold per ASTM D 3272 with a score of 10, the best possible score.
• Use of SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board results in wall partitions with high rated STC values that are thinner than traditionally built high rated STC wall partitions providing increased usable floor space.
• Superior sound damping, cost-efficient material that is easily finished and decorated in the same manner as standard gypsum board.
• All SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board designs were tested by an independent third-party acoustical laboratory using the full-scale ASTM E90 test procedure.
• Heavy abrasion resistant paper and denser core provide greater resistance to surface abuse and indentation when tested in accordance with ASTM C 1629.
• Features a smooth, heavy face paper that is highly resistant to scuffing and provides a superior surface for decoration.
• 5/8″ SoundBreak XP features a fire resistant Type X core and is UL Classified and approved for inclusion in specific UL fire-rated designs.
• SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board is GREENGUARD Children & Schools^SM Certified for indoor air quality.
• Approved for use on walls and ceilings.

LIMITATIONS

• Exposure to excessive or continuous moisture and extreme temperatures should be avoided. SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board is not recommended where it will be exposed to temperatures exceeding 125°F (52°C) for extended periods of time.
• Installing SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board panels over an insulating blanket, installed continuously across the face of the framing members, is not recommended. Blankets should be recessed and flanges attached to the sides of the studs.
• SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board must be stored off the ground and under cover. Sufficient risers must be used to ensure support for the entire length of the gypsum board to prevent sagging.
• SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board must be kept dry to minimize the potential for mold growth. Adequate care should be taken while transporting, storing, applying and maintaining SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board. For additional information, refer to the Gypsum Association publication, “Guidelines for the Prevention of Mold Growth on Gypsum Board” (GA-238-03), which is available at under the “Download Free Gypsum Association Publications” section.

• Fasteners: Drywall Screws or Nails
• Joint Tape
• Joint Compound
• Cornerbead
• Trims
• Casing Beads
• Acoustical Sealant
• Acoustical Putty Pads