Compare SureWalls
First A Note About STC Ranges
To fully appreciate SureWalls' comparative value to any project, it is first necessary to set the stage for a discussion of STC ratings and ranges. Our research regarding STC performance as it applies to various wall assemblies, we found a considerable lack of consistency in the reporting results of STC performance of various materials in wall assemblies. Some of the older tests of STC wall assemblies, in particular tests dating back to the 1980's and 90's, produced results on the various dampening methods that are difficult to reconcile given what we know today from a whole slew of recent STC testing of those same dampening methods. We do not see the older results as reliable. As a result, we place greatest reliance on the most recent STC testing. Below is a sampling of the rule of thumb STC values we work from based upon the data provided by Commercial Acoustics
To fully appreciate SureWalls' comparative value to any project, it is first necessary to set the stage for a discussion of STC ratings and ranges. Our research regarding STC performance as it applies to various wall assemblies, we found a considerable lack of consistency in the reporting results of STC performance of various materials in wall assemblies. Some of the older tests of STC wall assemblies, in particular tests dating back to the 1980's and 90's, produced results on the various dampening methods that are difficult to reconcile given what we know today from a whole slew of recent STC testing of those same dampening methods. We do not see the older results as reliable. As a result, we place greatest reliance on the most recent STC testing. Below is a sampling of the rule of thumb STC values we work from based upon the data provided by Commercial Acoustics
These are the estimated STC values for some of the most common partition wall assemblies:
STC rating 32 - Wall assembly with 2 X 4 wood studs 16" OC, 1/2" gypsum board each side, no batt insulation.
STC rating 47 - Wall assembly with 25 gauge steel studs, 24" OC, with 5/8" gypsum board each side and 3" fiberglass batt insulation
STC rating 39 - Wall assembly same as above except substitute 2" X 4" wood studs for metal 25 gauge studs
STC rating 51 - Wall assembly same as 2" X 4" wood studs at 24" on center except installed using SureWalls' system
STC rating 53 - Wall assembly same as the 25 gauge steel assembly above except installed using SureWalls' system
Following are ranges of avg. expected STC gain or loss for various changes in materials or systems:
STC +8 Points - Substituting 25 gauge metal studs for wood 2 X 4 studs
(an interesting observation here is that when we applied the SureWalls system to both 2 X 4 wood and 25 gauge steel stud assemblies, the STC advantage for steel studs over wood dropped from this 8 point margin to a mere 2 point STC margin. Advantage SureWalls)
(an interesting observation here is that when we applied the SureWalls system to both 2 X 4 wood and 25 gauge steel stud assemblies, the STC advantage for steel studs over wood dropped from this 8 point margin to a mere 2 point STC margin. Advantage SureWalls)
STC +3 Points - Adding 3 1/2" fiberglass batt insulation to a wall vs. none
STC -3 Points - Placing studs 16" OC vs. 24" OC (whether wood or metal studs)
STC -2 Points - Substituting 1/2" gypsum board each side for 5/8" drywall
STC +5 Points - Adding double layer of 5/8" gypsum board both sides vs. single layer 5/8"
STC +6 Points - Properly installed** resilient channel
STC +6 Points - Regular drywall installation with SureWalls' system
**Resilient channel is notoriously unreliable for sound attenuation, but don't take our word for it: https://www.soundproofingcompany.com/soundproofing_101/do-not-use-resilient-channel
**Resilient channel is notoriously unreliable for sound attenuation, but don't take our word for it: https://www.soundproofingcompany.com/soundproofing_101/do-not-use-resilient-channel
Conclusion:
SureWalls can deliver 50+ STC ratings in all common interior walls reliably and at less cost on both steel or wood construction.
See our cost/benefit analyses.
SureWalls can deliver 50+ STC ratings in all common interior walls reliably and at less cost on both steel or wood construction.
See our cost/benefit analyses.