Backcountry Drywall is Bozeman's most qualified soundproofing expert. We are qualified to install every method of soundproofing, yet are firm believers in the classic method using mineral wool insulation batts, 1/2" Sound Board, 1/2" resilient channel, then one or two layers of 5/8" drywall.
We start by performing sound level tests across the affected surface to determine our options.
Typically we will begin by carefully constructing a tent around the impacted area to control as much dust as possible during the process.
Floors will be protected and any adjacent walls as well with careful masking.
We will remove any existing trim, drywall, and insulation and inspect the area for any additional causes of sound transfer.
Electrical, plumbing, and heating penetrations will either be treated with sheets of sound putty or by constructing a sound deadening box around them to minimize sound transfer.
Acoustical sound putty is designed to maintain the performance of acoustically rated walls with penetrations such as electrical outlets, HVAC ducts, water hookups, and cables.
Stud/Joist cavities will be filled with an appropriate thickness of soundproofing insulation batts.
Roxul Comfort Batts are made from natural and recycled materials with no fiberglass as an ingredient. Roxul is water-resistant, non-combustible, fire-resistant up to 2150º F and has excellent sound absorbency and sound deadening properties. GREENGUARD Certified; Chemically inert, CFC and HCFC free product and process.
Roxul does not promote growth of fungi or mildew and is our favorite product.
A layer of 1/2" sound deadening board will then be installed onto the framing with a small gap around all outside edges that will be filled with a bead of OSI SC-175.
OSI SC-175 Draft & Acoustical Sound Sealant is designed for Sound-Rated Wall Systems, has a UL Classification of R9732: UL 723, and is permanently flexible.
Natural Panel or Sound Deadening Board is a rigid panel produced from non-toxic organic material and natural wood fibers that are wax impregnated. The wax impregnation resists water penetration into the board. The density and rigidity of the board provide excellent noise control properties.
The resilient channel will then be installed perpendicular to the wall framing on 24" centers which leave the only vibration transfer points as the shaft of the screw where it attaches to the RC channel. Resilient channel is a thin metal channel that is intelligently designed to substantially improve the sound insulation of drywall, sheetrock, plasterboard walls, and ceilings. The channel effectively isolates drywall from the framing, which results in the weakening of sound waves substantially.
Finally, a layer of 5/8" drywall will be installed and all joints will be sealed with more OSI SC-175. 5/8" drywall panels are composed of a fire-resistant gypsum core encased in 100-percent recycled natural-finish face paper and 100-percent recycled liner paper on the back. Sheets are also UL Classified for fire resistance.
At this point, we can test the sound levels again and determine if an additional layer of 5/8" drywall should be applied, possibly with the addition of a layer of Green Glue between them. Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound is a unique damping product that is ideal for new construction and renovation projects. It is the most popular and cost-effective soundproofing material on the market. The compound’s unique properties act as a damping material to dissipate the vibrations caused by sound waves as they travel through ceilings, walls, and floors.
Finally, the joints will be taped and textured to match the existing finishes and all angles will be sealed with a 100% acrylic elastomeric caulk.
Its powerful adhesion and extreme elasticity will stick, twist, bend, compress and stretch – more than 500% of original size to handle most any movement your home can dish out, all without cracking. This will further mitigate any sound transfer. All wainscot and trim can then be installed using glue (no screws or nails) so that no further points of vibration transfer are introduced.