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How to install a noise control wall
There are a few methods for installing a noise control wall that suit different situations. This is the method for soundproofing an interior wall with timber framing using the ‘GIB Rail®’ system.
If you’re worried about noise travelling from one room to another, you might want to think about creating a noise control wall. When you are relining, it’s the perfect chance to soundproof.
How To:
There are a few methods for installing a noise control wall that suit different situations. This is the method for soundproofing an interior wall with timber framing using the ‘GIB® Rail®’ system.
Start by installing Pink® Batts® Silencer®. This is special type of insulation that is designed to reduce sound. When working with insulation it’s really important that you wear the appropriate safety gear: eye goggles, a dust mask, rubber-faced gloves, rubber-soled shoes and loose fitting clothing as it can cause irritation. Measure all the gaps between the wall studs. Lay a cutting board (a large piece of ply is ideal) on two sawhorses or a workbench, place the insulation on top, measure it and then cut to size using a straight edge and utility knife, cut 5-10mm oversize.
Insert insulation carefully into place ensuring there are no folds or creases. You install Pink® Batts® Silencer® the same way as standard wall insulation. To find out more about installing wall insulation, watch our ‘How to install wall insulation’ guide.
Next attach the GIB® Rail® to the wall framing. GIB® Rail® helps reduce noise between rooms by creating a gap between wallboards and framing. Rails need to run horizontally across wall studs and need to be no more than 600mm apart. For the first rail, mark 50mm up from the floor at each end of the wall. From there make marks at 600mm intervals upwards until you get to the ceiling. The top rail is different; it should be no more than 75mm from the ceiling and the top of the rail should be in-line with bottom of the top-plate of your frame.
Use a chalk line to make sure your marks are level. Don’t just rely on the measurements from the floor as your floor could be uneven. Adjust marks as necessary and then fix rails into place.
Now measure up your GIB Noiseline®. You are going to be fitting two layers and need to attach GIB Noiseline® vertically. Leave a small gap of 5-10mm between the floor and the GIB Noiseline®.
To fix GIB Noiseline® to the rails, you need to use plasterboard screws not glue. The screws need to go into the rails and not touch your framing; if they do, it will reduce it’s noise control properties. To ensure your screws go into the rail, use a straightedge to draw a guideline across your GIB to show where the centre of your rail is. Use your drill to fix screws at 300mm intervals.
Next apply GIB Soundseal® all around the perimeter of the GIB Noiseline® and in all the sheet joins. Take care to make sure there are no little holes, as any gaps will impact soundproofing. Wipe up any excess sealant with a damp cloth.
Once the sealant is done attach the second layer of GIB Noiseline®. Attach in the same way you did the first layer, again inserting screws into the rail not the wall frame, but using 41mm x 6 gauge screws. You also need to stagger the joins by 600mm so that no joins of the GIB Noiseline® meet. When fixed into place, use GIB Soundseal® again but this time just around the outer edges.
To finish, stop the wall as you usually would, then attach mouldings before painting.
