Isolation Clips for Soundproofing
How Do Isolation Clips Work?
Sound works in two ways: It is an energy that can travel through the air, water,
wood or through any solid surface. If you have ever lived in an apartment with a
noisy upstairs neighbor stomping around, then you are probably very familiar with
impact-based sounds.
Isolation clips work by decoupling — or separating — two surfaces from each
other to reduce the impact noise that vibrates the structure. These clips can be used to decouple walls and ceilings from the
underlying framing studs and joists, preventing direct contact between these
different parts. Once installed, the isolation clips significantly lower sound transfer, across all frequencies, from one surface to the
next. While these clips are a surefire way to help obtain quick, effective results,
they will increase the thickness of the wall or lower the ceiling up to two inches,
depending on the materials installed. Isolation Clips
perform best when installed during the construction process, directly on the studs
or joists.
Decoupling With Isolation Clips
One of the most effective decoupling methods is known as a floating ceiling or
wall. It is created by using sound clips that are attached to ceiling/wall joists or
wall studs, with metal furring hat channel, Hat Channel, snapped into the
channels and the drywall fastened to the channels. This creates a larger space of
separation between the ceiling and walls, making it more difficult for impact or
airborne noise to travel across and effectively soundproofing the area. If you are
adding an extension to your home or designing a new office, think about
incorporating isolation clips for a better soundproofed and tranquil environment.
These sound-dampening clips are highly versatile, able to be installed onto most
surfaces. Drywall furring hat channels are
required as opposed to resilient channel. Sound isolation clips offer a highly
effective method to significantly reduce structure-borne sound at an affordable
price, making them a popular choice for new construction or renovation.
Why Use Isolation Clips?
Isolation clips are often used due to their effectiveness, low cost, and ease to
install. These clips are some of the simplest pieces to install — just screw them
into place, insert the Hat Channel. While some soundproofing methods can strain your bank account, these
clips are extremely affordable and often perform better than some more
expensive options. Isolation clips have been proven to be able to reduce sound
transfer up to 70% . This includes sounds from footsteps, voices,
TVs, and stereos. For maximum soundproofing, you may opt to
decouple both sides of the wall. Between their low cost and high performance,
isolation clips are one of the best options for soundproofing today.
Worried these clips will look ugly with your decor? It doesn't matter, because they
are hidden from sight. While some acoustic treatments such as wall panels are
visible for everyone to see, these clips hide behind the finished walls, making them invisible to anyone without X-ray vision.
Soundproofing Accessories
A small gap around
electrical outlets, a door frame or window allows air to pass through. These air
leaks are easily treated with Putty Pads, Acoustic Caulk Sealant, Door Seals, and
Neoprene Gaskets. Putty Pads are ideal to apply on the back and sides, on the
outside, of electrical boxes to block sound from finding its way to the other side of
the wall, floor, or ceiling. Acoustic Caulk Sealant works best to fill small, up to
1/4” wide, gaps along the perimeter of walls, between any perpendicular surface,
a rough opening and a window or door frame. A ray of light is a clear indicator
that points to a sound leak. Door seals are installed along the top, sides, and
bottom of a door to soundproof a solid or soundproof door. Neoprene Isolation
Gaskets reduce the amount of sound that
is able to travel through the structure. Neoprene gaskets are recommended to
isolate sound along the perimeter of a wall, between metal studs, or other points
of contact between rigid materials.
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