For the majority of people who find they have a need for soundproofing, this discovery usually comes after construction of the walls is already complete. Since the most effective noise deadening material has always been applied to the studs under drywall, the only option for post-construction noise abatement was to remove the drywall, change out electric sockets, and make other changes that require demolition and construction of new walls in order to properly install soundproofing within the wall.
It should be noted that soundproofing is impossible to achieve outside a total vacuum; therefore, only percentages of noise reduction are possible. This reduction is measured in decibels (dB). Ten dB represents a 50-percent reduction or increase in sound to the human ear.
Until the release of Acoustiblok-Wallcover, there was no simple do-it-yourself (DIY) noise deadening solution that could be applied on top of an existing wall without adding an additional wall on top of the original, with noise barrier material sandwiched in between. Acoustiblok-Wallcover allows anyone to easily add Acoustiblok® sound deadening fabric to the existing wall without the need to add a second layer of drywall. While Acoustiblok-Wallcover is more of an initial investment than the standard Acoustiblok material, it is far less expensive than removing a wall and rebuilding it with standard Acoustiblok soundproofing material installed within.
Recent laboratory tests have concluded and demonstrated that the high STC (53) noise barrier acquired by using one layer of Acoustiblok in a stud wall can now also be achieved using the Acoustiblok-Wallcover on the outside of existing drywall. It is still advisable (and less of an investment) to install the Acoustiblok sound barrier material to the stud within the wall if at all possible; that is, in new construction before the drywall goes up, or during a renovation when the walls are being removed and replaced.
In a residential environment, the predominant noise issues will be in the vocal, TV, and certain musical frequencies. The human ear is most efficient (or perceptive) in the 4000 Hz range which is also the range for speech. In light of this, while the STC rating (STC 53) is exceptionally good and well above the standard stud wall, it is even more important to compare the graph of frequencies in which the noise occurs.
In laboratory testing, a precisely built-to-code stud wall was acoustically tested. The SAME wall, after adding the Acoustiblok-Wallcover revealed that in the 4000 Hz critical range, the Acoustiblok-Wallcover reduced the sound by an amazing 14 dB. To the human ear this represents a reduction in noise of more than 60-percent. At this time we know of no other such material added to an existing wall that will even come close to this level of noise abatement.
The flexible Acoustiblok-Wallcover material is approximately 5/16 of an inch thick and is available in 4’ x 8’ sections. The exposed surface is a fire-retardant silver fabric finish that can be painted or covered with wallpaper or wall treatment of choice.
Two to three people are required to install the flexible sections, which are approximately one pound per square foot (ideally, two people at the top and one below to align and press the material against the wall). Each section is attached to the wall using spray-on contact adhesive.
Considering the performance of this new breakthrough noise barrier material, the applications are immense. Acoustical and thermal consultation is available upon request regarding various applications.
Acoustiblok soundproofing material works in a very unique manner. Rather than attempting to stop or absorb sound as other sound deadening materials attempt to do, the heavy, limp, thin Acoustiblok material actually transforms sound energy into inaudible friction energy as it vibrates from the sound. Optimum results in this transformation can only occur if the Acoustiblok material is free to vibrate microscopically. As such, merely gluing it to an existing wall does not provide maximum sound reduction. The Acoustiblok-Wallcover overcomes this by being separated from the wall with an attached soft, compressible but very strong material currently used in the aerospace industry. This unique material is a closely meshed, highly cross-linked molecular structure involving extremely thin (6 micron) rigid cell strands and filaments, such that it can even absorb up to 100 times its weight in liquid.
This mechanical isolation material allows the Acoustiblok-Wallcover to work optimally in transforming sound energy into mechanical friction energy, creating a unique sound barrier on any wall.
Acoustical Specifications: (independent lab tests available on request)
-STC 53 (in a standard metal 2 x 4 stud wall, 5/8 inch gypsum both sides)
- In speech range 4000 Hz test results indicated a 14 DB reduction (which represents over 60% reduction in noise to the human ear)
Smoke/Flame Spread: (independent certified lab tests available on request)
-ASTM E-84 (tunnel test method)
Smoke Developed Index - 250
Flame Spread Index - 35
Mechanical Specifications:
AWC 4 X 8 - 4' x 8' x 5/16” - WT approx. 35 lb. shipped on pallet or individually UPS. Roll size is approx. 7”x48”
Exterior Exposed Finish:
Industrial grade, silver woven fiberglass fabric, fire retardant, paintable or easily covered with virtually any wallpaper or covering.
NOTE: Due to the unique nature of this material and a critical manufacturing requirement, it is probable that there will be some superficial blemishes. Although industrial and commercial usage has not considered this a concern, consumers may consider using an aesthetically compatible wallpaper or covering to go over the material. This will in no way reflect the soundproofing characteristics.
Installation:
Recommend using 3M 90 contact adhesive per the 3M Corporation’s instructions. Two to three people recommended. Seams can be filled in (if leaving the material uncovered) using T-molding from Acoustiblok or filling seams with Acousticaulk.
View the Acoustiblok-Wallcover™ Suggested Installation PDF