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Double width studs for isolation?

Before I drywall my new dedicated room I was wondering if it would be at all beneficial if I added an extra stud to each/some of my 24" on center studs to increase the amount of surface area the drywall was screwing into and thereby conceivably decreasing the "intensity" of energy transfer through them into the outside walls? My goal is to reduce noise transmission through the walls. I will be using 2 layers of 5/8" drywall with Green Glue between. It's not a lot of extra work and I already have some extra studs. Just a thought. Thanks. Grant
lissnr
jea48
2,944 posts
 
Also, I've never seen it in a store, but on some home reno shows on HGTV, I've seen a new type of sound absorbing drywall. It's a bit expensive. I believe it has a sheet of metal sandwiched between layers of gypsum. It might work through the stiffening effect that Nsgach noted. Maybe you can find it somewhere. Try the websites for drywall manufacturers.
Markphd 02-07-09
Quiet Rock, 545 THX
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eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Elevick...When working on a 200plus year old house (like mine) studs are where you find them. Often they are rock hard hemlock that you can hardly get a straight nail into. Makes life interesting.
lissnr OP
351 posts
 
Lots of advice, thank you all. I'll probably stick to my original plan although that quietrock does look very intriguing..
-I might add a layer or 2 of the heavy gauge tar paper to the inside edge of the studs to add a little cushioning/isolation before I screw the double drywall to them. I've been caulking all the seams between ceiling and walls, then I'll do floor to walls too. I'm hoping the Green Glue is very effective between the drywall. Thanks again.
jea48
2,944 posts
 
Lissnr,

Did you check out the QuietRock 525? One layer of the 5/8" thick 525 is equal to 8 layers of standard 5/8" sheetrock.
lissnr OP
351 posts
 
Jea48, I just checked out the QuietRock 510, which is $$$ less than the 525 (it's 1/2") and looks very good too. It's said to be 4-6 times better than double drywall and only a couple of STC's less than the 525. 1/2" won't be to "fire code" though, as compared to 5/8" which is. It's in a detached garage... should that be an issue??? (No bathroom, bedroom, or anything... just a "Hang-out" room).Thanks, Grant
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