GAINT-Gobain Performance Plastics has introduced an effective soundproofing system that it says will go a long way in enhancing quality living.
The Green Glue noiseproofing system for walls and ceilings comprises four products that substantially reduce noise transmission. “It’s important for builders and architects to consider soundproofing walls and ceilings up front – during the design and development phase of construction,” says Mark Darby, global sales and marketing manager for acoustics at Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, which launched its innovation at the Intex Expo 2010 in Denver, Colorado, US, held last April.
The Green Glue noiseproofing system manufactured by the Green Glue Company, which is fully owned by Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, utilises the following soundproofing techniques:
Sound damping: Applying a specialised sound-damping material to walls and ceilings can significantly cut back noise transmission. Adding just one layer of Green Glue, a visco-elastic damping material, between two sheets of drywall can effectively eliminate up to 90 per cent of noise, even at low frequencies, he says. “It can be used in any fire-rated assembly according to the International Building Code; it doesn’t contribute to mould growth, and it has almost no odour,” Darby says.
Decoupling a wall: “When building a new wall, noise can be prevented from being transmitted from one side of the wall to the other through physical vibration by mechanically decoupling or isolating it using double studs, staggered studs, sound clips, or a resilient channel,” he points out. The Green Glue noiseproofing clips, designed with maximum low-frequency sound isolation in mind, can reduce a significant amount of noise. Rated with sound transmission class (STC) values in the 60s, they are among the highest-performing sound clips available today, he claims.
Addressing sonic weak points: Sound conduction is a major contributor to flanking noise – sound that can travel over, under, or around a wall, and through sonic weak points like doors, electrical outlets, and cracks, he says. Green Glue noiseproofing sealant protects those weak points in new walls. And when it comes to retrofitting, the sealant can be applied to any cracks between the walls, ceilings, floors, windows or doors to effectively reduce noise transmission 100-fold or more, he states.
Fixing noisy floorboards: Squeaky floorboards in the room above are another contributor to noise being transmitted through ceilings. “Green Glue noiseproofing joist tape eliminates squeaks generated when foot traffic causes sub-flooring and joists to rub together,” Darby continues. “The joist tape acts as a sound isolating buffer when applied between joists and sub-flooring, and its low thermal conductivity improves energy efficiency.”
Green Glue can be used in a wide range of applications including new buildings and remodelling of residences, home theatres, recording studios, and hospitality areas, according to the company.
Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics is a global leader in high-performance plastics including flexible tubing applications, seals, coated fabrics, films, foams, polymer products, and bearings.
