Episode 10: How wall assembly components affect STC ratings

A day doesn’t pass without an architect reaching out to the 1-800-NATIONAL^® Construction Services team or the National Gypsum regional Construction Design Managers for assistance with acoustic wall assemblies. That’s why returning guests, Sam Halverson and Scott Hughes, joined host Chris Whitmire to discuss the six variables that affect STC ratings.

Listeners will learn:

• The science of sound waves
• How wall assemblies are tested and Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings calculated
• Common STC ratings and their equivalent sound blocking ability
• The six variables — stiffness, mass, cavity absorption, cavity depth, decoupling and damping — that affect STC ratings
• Considerations when using resilient channels and resilient sound isolation clips
• How the Gold Bond^® SoundBreak^® family of sound products can be used to achieve target STC ratings

Want to know more?

• Read the article, “6 variables that affect STC ratings”
• Watch the “Science of sound | choosing drywall products for better acoustics” video
• Read this article, “Choosing building materials for better acoustics” for help with acoustic product selection
• Use the Fire & Sound Assembly Selector
• Download The SoundBook^®
• Listen or watch the NGConnects podcast episode, “Understanding the ratings behind acoustical wall, ceiling and roof assemblies”
• Explore products, download brochures and watch webinars and more on our Sound Control resource page
• Expand your acoustic design knowledge beyond wall assemblies by reading these blog articles:
  • “Using roof coverboard to reduce outside sound transmission”
  • “How to reduce sound transmission in floor-ceiling assemblies”

Connect with us!

Do you have a question you’d like us to answer or a topic we should cover? We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com.