Purpose-built plasterboard products allow for a far greater amount of soundproofing and noise reduction than conventional plasterboard. Soundproofing plasterboard is also relatively inexpensive, and easily installed.
What is plasterboard?
In most cases, plasterboard is a set mix of plaster backed by paper which is nailed to wall frames. Plasterboard is used in most Australian homes to provide a façade to hide the framing and make solid interior walls.
Where it applies to sound insulation though, plasterboard has been taken to a new level. New plasterboard products are raising the bar on how effective plasterboard can be as a sound insulator by varying the density of the core in comparison to the facing material. This results in a tougher plasterboard, which can reduce sound transmission and suffer less from impact damage.
Another approach to the problem of blocking sound, in particular between two subdivided dwellings, is to separate the framing with a purpose-build plasterboard designed to be used inside party walls. This layer of plasterboard sits between two separate frames, and reduces both airborne and mechanical sound transmission as well as providing additional fire resistance.
How effective is plasterboard?
Because it’s a rigid material with no absorbing layers, plasterboard is less effective than other types of sound insulation, especially where mechanical noise transmission is concerned. Airborne noise, though, can be reduced by up to 15% through a dense core plasterboard, providing a Rw+Ctr value of around 25-27 decibels (db). Where plasterboard is used as an insulating layer between two wall frames though, it can reach over double this amount, providing an Rw + Ctr value of up to 56db – more than a double brick wall.
How is plasterboard installed?
Depending on the type of plasterboard solution being used, it will either be put up in place of standard plasterboard or will be slotted in between two adjacent room frames. Plasterboard erected to form an internal wall will follow the normal installation procedures.
Putting up a plasterboard layer between two frames for the purpose of soundproofing though requires specialised installation, and can only be fitted before the frames go up. A special bracket is fitted for the boards to slot into and they are then affixed on either side with alternating aluminium studs. The frames are then fitted next to the plasterboard layer, wedging it in between them.
Relative cost and effectiveness
Specialised noise reducing plasterboard is more expensive than the standard material, but is surprisingly cost effective and can be bought for not much more than normal plasterboard. Specialised in-frame solutions may cost more, and require expert installation thanks to their framin requirements. The increased performance and additional fire rating, however, may prove to be money well spent.
Shortcomings and potential improvements.
As a wall material, plasterboard is less effective than other insulation types because it’s a rigid material and will transmit mechanical sound through a frame very well. Between frames though as an insulating layer, certain types of plasterboard can outperform materials with much more mass.
