Gypsum wallboard, also known as drywall or plasterboard, is a popular material used in interior construction. It is made up of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two layers of paper and has become a preferred choice for walls and ceilings due to its ease of installation, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
However, apart from these benefits, gypsum wallboard also offers excellent soundproofing capabilities. This makes it a top choice for use in buildings where noise control is crucial, such as hospitals, libraries, offices, and residential buildings.
In this article, we will explore how gypsum wallboard improves soundproofing in interiors.
Sound Transmission Class (STC) Rating
The ability of a material to block sound is measured using the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating. This rating system was developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and is used as a standard measure of soundproofing effectiveness.
The higher the STC rating, the better the material is at reducing sound transmission. A typical interior wall made of gypsum wallboard has an STC rating of around 35-45, which indicates good soundproofing capabilities.
Mechanisms of Sound Insulation
In order to understand how gypsum wallboard improves soundproofing, it’s essential to know the mechanisms of sound insulation.
There are three main ways in which sound can be transmitted through walls or ceilings:
- Airborne sound – This is when sound waves travel through the air and cause vibrations in a material, such as walls or ceilings.
- Impact sound – This refers to noise caused by objects striking against a surface, such as footsteps on a floor or banging on a wall.
- Structure-borne sound – This occurs when vibrations from one part of a building are transmitted to another part, causing noise.
To effectively improve soundproofing, gypsum wallboard must address all three of these mechanisms.
Damping Properties
Gypsum wallboard has excellent damping properties, which means it can absorb and dissipate sound energy. When sound waves hit the gypsum wallboard, it causes the material to vibrate, converting sound energy into heat energy.
This process helps to reduce airborne and impact noise levels. By absorbing sound energy, gypsum wallboard significantly decreases the amount of sound that can pass through a wall or ceiling.
Mass
Another key factor in soundproofing effectiveness is mass. Gypsum wallboard is relatively heavy compared to other building materials such as wood or drywall. This added weight contributes to its ability to block sound waves.
When sound waves hit a heavier material, they lose some of their energy as they try to pass through it. This property makes gypsum wallboard an effective barrier against structure-borne sounds.
