Decoupled Wall Soundproofing

Options shown:

Decoupled Wall Solution 43.5mm - 46mm

Application : Highest performance with minimal loss of space.

Construction (Stud Partition, options shown below):
- wall with or without existing plasterboard.
- (optionally fit 45kg/m³ mineral wool to suit stud void)
- 16mm Resilient bars (optional 20mm mineral wool infill)
- 15mm Phonewell® Acoustic Insulation.
- 12.5mm or 15mm sound resistant plasterboard.
- (optional second layer of plasterboard for improved fire rating)

Materials List (available from our stockists)
- If existing plasterboard has been removed, optionally fill cavity with 45kg/m³ mineral wool.
- resilient bars (3m x 75mm x 16mm)
- drywall screws to secure resilient bars to studs
- Phonewell® acoustic insulation (1200mm x 800mm x 15mm)
- drywall screws (25mm length) to secure Phonewell® to resilient bars
- sound resistant plasterboard (2400mm x 1200mm x 12.5/15mm)
- drywall screws (38mm length) - if bonding plasterboard to Phonewell® use adhesive foam and foam gun (approx. coverage per can is 15m²)

Instructions: (have you considered Flanking Noise?)
1. Make existing wall sound by removing any loose material.  If existing plasterboard has been removed, optionally fill cavity with 45kg/m³ mineral wool.
2. Secure resilient bars horizontally at 600mm centres with drywall screws, being careful not to kink or obstruct the flexibility of bars.  Ensure bar ends do not touch the adjacent walls - leave a 5mm gap.  Note: the first and last bars should be approximately 50mm clear of the floor and ceiling. The ceiling bar can be reversed as in diagram, to ease installation.
3. Optionally insert 20mm wool between bars being careful not to restrict flexibility of bars. This is not necessary if stud cavity is filled.
4. Screw Phonewell® into resilient bars with 25mm drywall screws, being careful to leave screwhead just below surface. Do not leave any gaps. See Cutting Phonewell.
5. Screw plasterboard through Phonewell® into resilient bars with 38mm drywall screws (or bond with adhesive foam), being careful to stagger joints and leaving a 5mm perimeter gap around floor, walls and ceiling. Optionally add a second layer of plasterboard.
6. Seal 5mm perimeter gaps with flexible mastic or acoustic sealant.
7. Tape and seal all plasterboard joints and fill screw heads.
8. Fit skirting boards ensuring no contact with the floor – leave a 2mm gap.