QuietRock

QuietRock is a brand of internally damped gypsum drywall panels manufactured in Newark, CA by PABCO Gypsum. QuietRock was invented prior to 2003 by Kevin Surace founder of Silicon Valley company Quiet Solution INC. (which later became known as Serious Materials and Serious Energy respectively) in Sunnyvale, CA. QuietRock panels are engineered to boost Sound Transmission Class (STC) performance in wall and ceiling applications using modern building science and construction techniques.

Design

QuietRock uses a damping technique called constrained-layer damping (CLD). This technology had been used for at least 20 years to reduce vibrations in mechanical objects from disk drive heads to bridges, but had not been applied to architectural acoustics prior to 2003. QuietRock panels use several tuned constrained-layer systems to create a higher ability to damp vibrational (and therefore acoustic) energy. In essence, the panel does not "want" to vibrate due to stress and strain caused by the damping method. Acoustic energy ends up dissipating as small amounts of heat.

Sound attenuation is measured using tests known as ASTM E90 and ASTM E413 to achieve a single sound-transmission-class (STC) rating. Note that the STC method has changed significantly over the years, and STCs from publications prior to 1995 may not be accurate to today's standards. QuietRock is one of a class of soundproof drywall products that, according to independent lab tests[1] and field reports, may add 15 to 20 STC points in comparison to standard drywall. STC does not consider the most problematic frequencies below 125 Hz.

Unlike resilient channels (RC) and other methods, internally damped drywall cannot be shorted out by the builder or homeowner. Therefore, the use of "soundproof drywall" may be a more reliable method for sustained high STCs.

QuietRock panels are manufactured primarily from gypsum drywall and viscoelastic polymers. One QuietRock model (530) [2] uses a thin sheet of metal for added shear and impact resistance. Many QuietRock models are UL certified for fire rated assemblies.[3] The company said in 2008 it had shipped more than 1 million panels.[4] and 2 million panels had shipped by 2010.

QuietRock 545 was introduced in 2005 and is considered by many to be the flagship model for wood framed construction. QuietRock 545 once held the title of the world's first THX-certified gypsum panel as it could be used to build an STC 80 wall 80.[5]

QuietRock ES (EZ-SNAP) was developed and invented primarily by Kevin Surace and introduced in 2009. All QuietRock EZ-SNAP panels are manufactured as a single panel without paper or metal in the center. This patented technology makes the panel easier to score and snap using a common drywall knife – no special tools required. The company has several patents covering the invention and manufacture including U.S. Patent 7,908,818.

Uses and availability

QuietRock panels are suitable for any new construction or remodeling project where higher STC ratings or "soundproofing" is the primary objective. All QuietRock models (510, 530, 530RF, ES, ESMR, and 545) are available through a wide range of distributors, dealers and retail stores throughout North America and Canada. Thicknesses range from 1/2", 5/8" and 1-3/8" respectively and are installed and finished using the same techniques as common gypsum panels. 5/8" type X QuietRock panels are ideal for projects where Sound Transmission Class ratings of 45 or higher are desired in fire-rated assemblies (or non-proprietary UL or ULC designs). Common use cases include the acoustic treatment of: home theaters, sound studios, commercial hotel walls, hospitals, schools, condominium party walls and single-family homes.

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See also

References
  1. "Documentation Center - QuietRock". www.quietrock.com.
  2. "QuietRock 530". 25 January 2016.
  3. "UL Online Certifications Directory - Search Results". database.ul.com.
  4. "Quiet Solution Ships 1,000,000th QuietRock Panel to Joie de Vivre Hotels". www.businesswire.com.
  5. "PGD-02-00-010". 3 February 2016.
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