residential sound control 11/26 - certainteed | home for...a guide for residential sound control...

A Guide for ResidentialSound Control UsingFiber Glass Insulation

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Table of Contents■ Introduction pg. 1

■ Sound Ratings pg. 2

Airborne Sound pg. 2

Impact Sound pg. 2

■ Sound Control Practices pg. 3

■ Density and Sound Insulation pg. 3

■ The Right Insulating Material pg. 3

■ Major Research & Development Facility pg. 3

■ Building Insulation Assemblies pg. 4

■ Availability and Technical Support pg. 10

IntroductionA disturbing and ever-present problem incontemporary living is the increasing proliferation of unwanted sound or noise.

The sounds produced by a constantly growingnumber of modern conveniences, i.e., televisionsets, stereos, dishwashers, air conditioners, radios,and the like, are spurring concerned doctors andpsychologists to warn us of the extensive damagenoise can cause to our mental health and physicalwell-being.

Fortunately, we can design and build to keep noise under control—in stores, offices, motels, andeven in our homes.

This brochure has been prepared to help youselect the wall and floor/ceiling system best suited to reduce sound transmission.

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Airborne SoundThe STC or sound transmission class is a singlenumber rating used to indicate the effectiveness ofan entire construction assembly (partition, wall,floor/ceiling) in resisting the passage of airbornesound. The rating is determined using ASTM E 413,“Classification for Rating Sound Insulation,” fromsound transmission loss values (measured indecibels) that are obtained by tests conducted inaccordance with ASTM E 90 “Standard Method forLaboratory Measurement of Airborne SoundTransmission Loss of Building Partitions.” The higherthe STC rating, the better the sound insulationperformance of the construction.

For multi-family dwellings, building codes requireminimum STC ratings for partition, wall, andfloor/ceiling constructions that separate certainbuilding areas and occupancies. These ratings areusually based on multiples of five, such as 45, 50, 55and 60. If a partition has an STC rating between 45and 50, there is usually little concern whether thetest results were 46, 47, 48 or 49, as all four ratingswould meet a minimum rating of 45. However, thepartition would not be acceptable for an STC 50requirement.

The National (BOCA) and Standard (SBCCI)Building Codes, for example, require an STC 45 forpartitions and floor/ceiling separating living unitsfrom other living units, public spaces, and serviceareas. The Uniform Building Code (ICBO) requiresan STC 50 (45 if field tested). An indication of theapproximate effectiveness of constructions withvarious STC ratings in blocking passage of loudspeech is shown in the following chart:

STC Ratings

Impact SoundIn addition to the STC rating, which concernsairborne sound, floor/ceiling assemblies are alsorated for impact sound resistance. Impact sound isstructure-borne sound transmitted when one bodystrikes another, such as in the case of footsteps andfalling objects. A single number, the impactinsulation class (IIC), is used to describe impactsound performance. The IIC is determined usingASTM E 989, “Classification for Determination ofImpact Insulation Class (IIC)” from test data obtainedin accordance with ASTM E 492, “LaboratoryMeasurement of Impact Sound TransmissionThrough Floor-Ceiling Assemblies Using the TappingMachine.”As with STC ratings, a higher numberindicates better performance. Cushioning the impactwith carpet and pad is one of the most effectivemethods of isolating impact noise. The use of fiberglass insulation with a resilient ceiling attachment willincrease the sound insulation for both airborne andimpact sound. (Note: carpet and pad do notsignificantly increase the STC rating.) TheBasic/National (BOCA) Building Code requires aminimum IIC of 45 for floor/ceilings separating livingunits from other living units, public spaces, areservice areas. The Uniform Building Code (ICBO)requires a minimum IIC of 50 (45 if field tested).

Sound Ratings

Sound Noise Transmission Speech ControlClass (STC) Audibility* Rating

Normal speech Poor15 to 25 easily understood.

25 to 35 Loud speech easilyunderstood. Normal Marginalspeech 50% understood.

35 to 45 Loud speech 50% Goodunderstood. Normal speech faintly heard, but not understood.

45 to 55 Loud speech faintly heard, Very Goodbut not understood. Normalspeech usually inaudible.

55 and up Loud speech usually Excellentinaudible.

*Given a typical background noise level of 30 dB on the “listening” side.

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In addition to the specific sound rated constructionassemblies detailed in this guide, certainconstruction practices are recommended to reducesound transmission.

To obtain maximum benefit with sound ratedconstructions, the perimeter of the construction mustbe sealed with caulking wherever it is not completelysealed by normal construction methods (e.g., tapeand joint compound). In general, penetrations suchas service lines (e.g., plumbing and gas lines),electrical outlets, and medicine cabinets should beminimized. If penetrations are necessary, openingsshould be caulked airtight. If medicine cabinets areinstalled, they should be surface mounted and ifelectrical boxes are to be included on each side ofthe partition, they should not be installed “back-toback” within the same stud space.

Plumbing noise can be reduced by using largerpipes or cast iron pipes, installing air chambers toeliminate water hammer, and by isolating pipes fromstructural framing with resilient rods. Doors of solidwood or mineral core provide better sound controlthan hollow core doors. Door frames and sills shouldbe gasketed to seal tightly when doors are closed.Windows should have weatherstripping and doublepanes of insulating glass. The use of heavy curtainsor draperies can help reduce sound transmission.

As with partition and wall construction, penetrationsin sound rated floor/ceiling assemblies should becaulked airtight. Ceiling fixtures should be surfacemounted, not recessed, and carpet and pad orresilient tile will greatly reduce impact soundtransmission through these assemblies.

Density and Sound InsulationIt is incorrect to assume that higher densityinsulation means improved sound insulation.Comparative tests conducted at nationallyrecognized sound laboratories show that varying thedensity of insulation, while maintaining constantthickness, does not have any significant effect on theSTC rating of the construction. Additional tests haveshown that thickness is the most important propertywhen describing a cavity absorbing material.

Thickness affects the sound transmission loss atmost frequencies and therefore affects the STCrating. More detailed information on this subject iscontained in reports published in Volume 49,Number 2. 1971, page 385 and in Volume 53,Number 6, 1973, page 1530 of “The Journal of theAcoustical Society of America.”

The Right Insulating MaterialCertainTeed offers a complete line of insulationproducts made of one of the most dependable,durable, and effective materials—fiber glass. Inaddition to its thermal properties, fiber glass is alsoan excellent acoustical material.

The use of CertainTeed Building Insulation,CertaSound™ Sound Attenuation Batts for steel studconstruction, CertaSound™ NoiseReducer™ SoundControl Batts for wood studs and CertaSound™

Acoustical Ceiling Batts in walls and ceilings canhelp to effectively control sound. InsulSafe® 4 andOPTIMA® blowing insulation for use in the Blow-In-Blanket® System (BIBS) also provides excellentacoustical performance. The illustrations that followare representative of the more common applicationsof fiber glass insulation for acoustical purposes.

In addition to the previously mentioned products,CertainTeed offers other products that can be usedfor sound control. CertainTeed Fiber Glass DuctLiner, Duct Board, Duct Wrap and CertainTeedCommercial Board are also widely used for soundcontrol.

Major Research & Development FacilityCertainTeed’s research and development personnelare headquartered at Blue Bell, PA. Our experiencedstaff of scientists and technicians are responsible for the company’s testing program, including muchof the data in this publication. Our laboratory hasbeen certified ISO 25 by the Canadian GeneralStandards Board.

Sound Control Practices

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Building Insulation Assemblies12 x 4Wood StudPartition

Sound Rating Construction DetailsSTC 39

Test No. RAL-TL94-305STC 34 (no insulation)

Test. No. RAL-TL94-275Materials 2 x 4 Wood Studs 16" o.c.

2 x 4 Wood Plates31⁄2" Fiber Glass Insulation1⁄2" Regular Gypsum Wallboard

2Wood StudResilientChannelPartition

STC 50Test No. WHI ST-2

STC 46 w/1⁄2" Type “X” Gypsum Wallboard1

Test. No. TL-93-173Materials 2 x 4 Wood Studs 16" o.c.

2 x 4 Wood Plates31⁄2" Fiber Glass InsulationResilient Channel one side5⁄8" Type “X” Gypsum Wallboard

1 Based on National Research Council of Canada data.

31⁄2" CertainTeedFiber GlassInsulation

1⁄2" Regular Gypsum Wallboard

1⁄2" Gypsum WallboardFiller Strip

Thickness 41⁄2"

2 x 4


Resilient FurringChannel

5⁄8" Type “X” Gypsum Wallboard

Thickness 5"

2 x 4


STC 511


2 x 4 Wood Plates31⁄2" Fiber Glass InsulationResilient Channel one side1⁄2" Gypsum Wallboard

(2 layers nonresilient side)




Thickness 51⁄2"

2 x 4



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42 x 4Wood StudPartition

STC 451

Materials 2 x 4 Wood Studs 16" o.c.2 x 4 Wood Plates31⁄2" Fiber Glass Insulation2 layers 1⁄2" Type “X” GypsumWallboard each side

1 Based on NAIMA BI 405 data.

5StaggeredWood StudPartition

STC 501

Test. No. TL-93-249Materials 2 x 4 Wood Studs

staggered 16" o.c.2 x 6 Wood Plates21⁄2" Fiber Glass Insulation5⁄8" Type “X” Gypsum Wallboard



1⁄2" Type “X” Gypsum WallboardThickness 53⁄4"

2 x 4


5⁄8" Type “X”Gypsum Wallboard

Thickness 61⁄2"

2 x 6

2 x 4

6DoubleWood StudPartition

STC 581


(double row)2 x 4 Wood Plates31⁄2" Fiber Glass Insulation1⁄2" Type “X” Gypsum Wallboard



Thickness 9"

2 X 4

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Building Insulation Assemblies

7ExteriorWood StudWall


Test. No. RAL-TL94-301Materials 2 x 4 Wood Studs 16" o.c.

2 x 4 Wood Plates31⁄2" Fiber Glass InsulationInterior Surface 1⁄2" Regular

Gypsum Wallboard Exterior Surface

1⁄2" Plywood SheathingVinyl Siding


STC 501 (Estimate)Materials 2 x 4 Wood Studs 16" o.c.

2 x 4 Wood Plates31⁄2" Fiber Glass InsulationInterior Surface

Resilient Channel5⁄8" Type “X” Gypsum Wallboard

Exterior Surface 1⁄2" Gypsum Sheathing3⁄4" Exterior Plywood (per Model Code requirements)

1 Based on CertainTeed Test, WHI ST-2.


1⁄2" Regular Gypsum Wallboard


Thickness 47⁄8"

Exterior Surface



Thickness 51⁄2"

2 x 4

921⁄2"Steel StudPartition

STC 45Test. No. WHI 209-1

STC 471 w/5⁄8" Type “X” Gypsum Wallboard

Materials 21⁄2" Steel Studs 24" o.c.21⁄2" Steel Stud Track21⁄2" Fiber Glass InsulationResilient Channel one side1⁄2" Type “X” Gypsum Wallboard




Thickness 31⁄2"

21⁄2" Steel Studs @ 24" o.c.

Steel Stud Track

Exterior Surface


11StaggeredWood StudPartition

12Floor/CeilingConstruction

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STC 541

Test. No. RAL-TL94-305Materials 21⁄2" Steel Studs 24" o.c.

21⁄2" Steel Stud Track21⁄2" Fiber Glass Insulation2 layers 1⁄2" Type “X” Gypsum

Wallboard each side



1⁄2" Type “X”Gypsum Wallboard

Thickness 41⁄2"

2 x 6

StandardCarpet & Pad

STC 531

IIC 731

Materials 2 x 10 Wood Joists 16" o.c.31⁄2" Fiber Glass InsulationResilient Channel1⁄2" Type “X” Gypsum Wallboard 5⁄8" Plywood Subfloor 3⁄8" Particle Board UnderlaymentCarpet & Pad




1035⁄8"Steel StudPartition

STC 46Test. No. WHI ST-4

STC 50 w/5⁄8" Type “X” Gypsum Wallboard

Test. No. RAL-TL91-123Materials 35⁄8" Steel Studs 24" o.c.

35⁄8" Steel Stud Track31⁄2" Fiber Glass Insulation1⁄2" Type “X” Gypsum Wallboard



Thickness 45⁄8"


Steel Stud Track

Steel Stud Track


3⁄8" Particle BoardUnderlayment

5⁄8" PlywoodSubfloor


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Building Insulation Assemblies

13Floor/CeilingConstruction


IIC 741

Materials 2 x 10 Wood Joists 16" o.c.31⁄2" Fiber Glass InsulationResilient Channel1⁄2" Type “X” Gypsum Wallboard 5⁄8" Plywood Subfloor11⁄2" Light Weight ConcreteCarpet & Pad


StandardCarpet & Pad



11⁄2" Light WeightConcrete

5⁄8" PlywoodSubfloor


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Fire Rated Wall Assemblies

Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Double layer 1/2” Type X gypsum board21/2” steel studs on 24" centers21/2” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 411)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 411)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 411)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 411)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 411)Double layer 5/8” Type X gypsum boardMin. 21/2” steel studs on 24" centers21/2” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 419)Single layer 5/8” Type X gypsum boardMin. 31/2” steel studs on 24" centers31/2” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Double layer 1/2” Type X gypsum board35/8” steel studs on 24" centers31/2” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465 or U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465 or U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465 or U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465 or U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465 or U 419)Single layer 5/8” Type X gypsum board35/8” steel studs on 24" centers31/2” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465)Single layer 5/8” Type X gypsum board35/8” steel studs on 24" centers31/2” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 419)Single layer 5/8” Type X gypsum boardMin. 31/2” steel studs on 24" centers31/2” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465 or U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465 or U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465 or U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465 or U 419)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 465 or U 419)Single layer 5/8” Type X gypsum board on each side6” steel studs on 24" centers61/4” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 419)Double layer 5/8” Type X gypsum board on each side6” steel studs on 24" centers61/4” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: Rating: Rating: Rating: Rating: 33333/////44444 hour bearing (U 317) hour bearing (U 317) hour bearing (U 317) hour bearing (U 317) hour bearing (U 317)Single layer 1/2” Type X gypsum board on each side2" x 4" wood studs on 16" centers31/2” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: 1 hour bearing (U 341)Single layer 5/8” Type X gypsum board on each side2" x 4" double wood studs on 24" centers2 layers 31/2” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: 1 hour bearing (U 305)Single layer 5/8” Type X gypsum board on each side2” x 4" wood studs on 16" centers31/2” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 411 or U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 411 or U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 411 or U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 411 or U 419)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 411 or U 419)Double layer 5/8” Type X gypsum board35/8” steel studs on 24" centers31/2” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 436)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 436)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 436)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 436)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 436)Chase wall: Double layer 5/8” Type X gypsum board15/8” steel studs on 24" centersCertainteed fiber glass insulation to fill cavity

Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 420)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 420)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 420)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 420)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 420)Chase wall: Single layer 5/8” Type X gypsum board15/8” steel studs on 24" centers31/2” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 420)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 420)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 420)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 420)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 420)Chase wall: Double layer 5/8” Type X gypsum board15/8” steel studs on 24" centers21/2” Certainteed fiber glass insulation

Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 497)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 497)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 497)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 497)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 497)Shaft wall: Single layer 1" Type FSW gypsum boardone side, Double layer 1/2” Type FSW-G gypsum boardother side21/2” steel IIIII studs on 24" centers11/2” Certainteed CertaPro Partition insulation

Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 498)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 498)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 498)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 498)Rating: 2 hour non-bearing (U 498)Shaft wall: Double layer (1" Type X + 1/2” Type FSW)gypsum board on one side, Single layer 1/2”Type FSW-G gypsum board on other side21/2” steel IIIII studs on 24" centers11/2” Certainteed CertaPro Partition insulation

Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 499)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 499)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 499)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 499)Rating: 1 hour non-bearing (U 499)Shaft wall: Single layer 1" Type FSW gypsum board onone side, single layer 5/8” Type FSW gypsum board onother side21/2” steel IIIII studs on 24" centers11/2” Certainteed CertaPro Partition insulation

NOTE:Drawings for illustration purposes only. Refer toUnderwriters Laboratories Fire Resistance Directoryfor assembly details and other options.

CertainTeed offers fiber glass insulation products forsale throughout the United States. The products arerepresented by the well-trained sales representativesand sales management personnel of CertainTeed’sInsulation Group.

CertainTeed fiber glass insulation products areproduced at five plants and shipped nationwide fromthose plants as well as three distribution centers.

For more information about CertainTeed insulationproducts, their availability and technical dataregarding specific applications, contact your localCertainTeed representative or call 800-233-8990.

Web SitesFor more information, visit these helpful web sites:www.mysoundchek.comwww.naima.org

© 2002 CertainTeed Corporation 11/02Printed in USACode No. 30-28-008

CertainTeed Corporation, P.O. Box 860, Valley Forge, PA 194821-800-233-8990

Visit our web site at: http://www.certainteed.com • Fax-on-Demand service: 1-800-947-0057Customer Service 1-800-441-6720 • Fax 1-800-799-2381

CertainTeed was the first fiber glass insulation manufacturer to have all its manufacturing plants, R&D center

and corporate headquarters registered to ISO 9000 standards.

A Saint-Gobain Company

Availability and Technical Support

residential sound control 11/26 - certainteed | home for...a guide for residential sound control...

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