Reduce Noise With New SoundBook™ 2.0
OnBoard Newsletter | February 2020
Life is getting louder, and quiet space has never been more in demand. Your clients are concerned about reducing sound transmission, and our latest resource is your complimentary go-to problem solver.
The SoundBook™ 2.0 is the industry’s most comprehensive resource for technical information and detailed architectural drawings of sound-rated assemblies for architects seeking to achieve required Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings on their projects.
SoundBook 2.0 includes sound-rated assemblies for both steel and wood stud construction, as well as for floor-ceiling applications. The book also features acoustical terms, concepts and proper installation methods for optimal sound control.
According to Sam Halverson, Manager - Construction Services for National Gypsum, he and his 1-800-NATIONAL® coworkers field about 30 questions a day about sound issues – and that’s a lot.
Most Frequently Asked Sound Questions
1-800-NATIONAL frequently receives the following questions pertaining to sound, and with the SoundBook 2.0 the answers are available at your fingertips.
What is the STC of an assembly?
A: Each assembly in the SoundBook 2.0 is tested and the STC of the assembly is indicated.
Do I have to use acoustical sealant at the perimeter of the wall to achieve the STC of an assembly?
A: Yes. Acoustical sealant is necessary to prevent flanking paths for sound around the tested assembly.
What is the sound rating of SoundBreak® XP®?
A: Individual components do not have STC ratings. Only assemblies have STC ratings.
If I’m using SoundBreak XP, do I still need to insulate?
A: Yes. All SoundBreak XP assemblies are tested with insulation in the cavity. To achieve the listed STC of the assembly, the insulation is necessary.
SoundBook™ 2.0 – Bigger and Better
Like our original SoundBook™, this handy guide is designed with you in mind. SoundBook 2.0 is organized in a way that makes sense (based on framing type and spacing) and has more designs architects and contractors, like you, have requested.
SoundBook 2.0 has 310 designs – nearly twice as many as our first version (165). There are new products we feature and they are in new assemblies – including Gold Bond® BRAND High Strength Fire-Shield 60™, Gold Bond® BRAND ¾” Ultra-Shield FS® Gypsum Board, Gold Bond® BRAND SoundBreak XP Retrofit® Board, Gold Bond® BRAND SoundBreak XP Ceiling™ Board and DEXcell® Roof Board. The shaftwall section has expanded from six to 12 pages, chase walls from one to five pages and floor-ceiling assemblies from two to six pages. What was once a 72-page resource is now 116 pages – chock full of illustrations for each design as well as technical information you’ll return to often.
"Sound-project needs continue to evolve with privacy law enactments and enforcement. The SoundBook™ has been a great go-to resource. The SoundBook™ 2.0 is full of additional designs requested by our architectural partners."
Thad Goodman
Thad Goodman
Construction Design ManagerNational GypsumMore Tested Data and Real-World Assemblies
New SoundBook 2.0 addresses more of your questions – with tested answers. More tested data equates to better estimates if you need answers about an assembly we don’t have. SoundBook 2.0 contains real-world designs that you specify every day, including assemblies with 16” o.c. framing and heavier gauge studs.
We know your time is precious, so you can skip sections and find precisely what you need, when you need it – we’ve organized sound assemblies by applications to make it easier to use.
Get Your Copy!
We think you’ll appreciate this updated tool. To get your printed copy, please contact your Construction Design Manager. SoundBook 2.0 is also available to download on our Design Center. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. As always, we’re quietly here to help you design and build better.
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