Best Practices for Sound Isolation in Wall and Ceiling Design
Plan Quiet & Noisy Areas
To reduce noise transmission, it’s important to position quiet areas, like bedrooms, away from noisy areas such as kitchens and wet rooms. Grouping noisy spaces together on shared walls helps to reduce sound disruption between adjacent units and improves overall acoustic performance.
Increase Distance Between Access Points
Increasing the distance between doors and windows in adjoining units helps to limit flanking noise paths, where sound can travel indirectly through ducts, door gaps, or windows. This simple step can significantly reduce sound leakage between spaces.
Full-Height Wall Construction & Sound-Resistant Plasterboard
Walls should be built to extend from the floor to the ceiling to prevent gaps that can allow sound to travel. Full-height walls are more effective at containing sound within individual rooms. Soundstop® plasterboard helps reduce noise transfer between rooms, improving comfort in residential and commercial spaces. Soundstop® is designed to control room noise levels, making it ideal for multi-residential developments, meeting rooms, and quiet zones.
Use High-Quality Acoustic Insulation
Using acoustic-grade insulation, like Knauf Insulation, within wall cavities absorbs sound and reduces noise transmission between rooms. Products like Knauf Insulation's Acoustic Batts are designed to provide superior sound control, ensuring better noise isolation for adjoining spaces.
Seal Joints & Minimise Penetrations
Acoustic sealants, such as FireSound™ Sealant, should be applied around joints and any penetrations in walls, such as where pipes or electrical cables pass through. This prevents sound from traveling through gaps and cracks, ensuring better noise containment and compliance with fire safety requirements.
Control Plumbing & Services Noise
Noise generated by plumbing and mechanical services can be minimised through thoughtful design. For plumbing, Lagging Insulation is a premium solution that provides superior noise control. Using convoluted acoustic foam and mass-loaded vinyl, it reduces sound from waste water pipes and prevents noise transfer between rooms. This easy-to-install, Australian-made product ensures excellent thermal efficiency and acoustic performance without the need for additional fibre batt in ceilings.
Use Rondo QUIET STUD®
The Rondo QUIET STUD® system is specifically designed to improve the acoustic performance of inter-tenancy walls. Its unique design reduces vibration transmission and improves overall sound insulation, making it an effective solution for acoustic control in residential and commercial buildings.
Acoustic Panels
Autex offers a range of acoustic panels that combine sound control with aesthetic appeal, including options like Autex Cube for office spaces, Autex Acoustic Timber for stylish, sound-efficient designs, and Autex Quietspace for commercial environments. These panels improve acoustics while enhancing interior design with textures and finishes that suit various residential, retail, and educational spaces.
For optimal sound insulation, it’s essential to consult industry guidelines such as those provided by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and leading plasterboard manufacturers. These resources help ensure that acoustic performance standards are met and maintained throughout the building’s construction.
By integrating these best practices into your wall and ceiling design, you can significantly enhance acoustic performance, providing a more comfortable and quiet environment for occupants.
