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Auralex
SheetBlok Sound Barrier (4' x 10') - Black
Auralex SheetBlok
Sound Barrier is a dense, limp-mass vinyl material that is about 6dB more
effective than solid lead at stopping the transmission of sound. It acts
as a thin, dense sound barrier layer in walls, ceilings or floors and
is most effective when used as one component of a multi-layered construction
scheme.
SheetBlok
helps in decoupling (i.e., floating) floors and walls and, while it's
not normally considered a finish product per se, it is paintable with
latex paint. Auralex SheetBlok can also be used to wrap HVAC ducting,
as a vent noise blocker, as a pipe noise insulator or under carpet/carpet
pad. It can also be doubled up, increasing its effectiveness to about
STC 35. It holds up under harsh environments and cuts easily with a utility
knife or scissors.
STC:
27
Size: 4' x 10' piece (40 sq. ft.)
Color: Black (smooth on one side, pebble grain finish on the other
side)
Thickness:
1/8"
Weight: 1# - 1.1# per sq. ft.
Flammability: Self-Extinguishing, Rated UL94 S.E. "0"; Passes
test MVSS-302
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| SheetBlok
sound barrier shown installed on subflooring to be sandwiched between
a second layer of T&G subflooring. |
SheetBlok
shown in a multi-layered wall system. Note the button cap nails for
mechanical support and the caulk along the seams. |
Installation
Tips
The best method for installing Auralex SheetBlok in a wall, ceiling
or floor construction is sandwiched between other layers. Why?
- Sandwiching
provides a resilient layer between two solid layers. In addition to
offering more mass, this will decouple layers. Technically, this is
known as an "impedance mismatch." Sound energy is more impeded
by the sandwiching effect than by other installations.
- Sandwiching
is usually easier. Gluing to the first layer of drywall is usually all
that is necessary. The final layer of drywall can be glued and screwed
right on top of the SheetBlok.
- The final
layer of drywall is more aesthetically pleasing than if the room were
finished with SheetBlok. SheetBlok is black, which is not "pretty."
Using it as a finish layer also means additional mechanical fastening
is necessary - button-cap nails or trim strips.
Other methods
for installing SheetBlok that are acceptable, but do not necessarily perform
quite as well as the sandwiching:
- Attached
directly to the studs. Other layers would go over the SheetBlok. Disadvantages:
Since there is no solid sub-layer, sealing the seams is difficult. Also,
the decoupling achieved when used as the "meat" in the "sandwich"
is not available in this installation.
- Cut into
strips and used only on the studs. While this certainly reduces cost,
a main disadvantage is not using the SheetBlok as a barrier.
Other neat
ways to use SheetBlok:
- Cut into
strips and placed as a double layer between the sill plate and the subfloor.
This helps decouple walls from the floor.
- Cut into
strips and placed between the top plate and the ceiling joists. This
helps decouple the walls from the ceilings.
- As a layer
on the insides of loudspeaker cabinets. This is very popular in home
theater setups where special loudspeaker cabinets have been built around
a large screen or TV.
- Cut into
2'x4's or 2'x2's and laid on the back of ceiling tiles. While not a
"fix" for sound transmission through acoustical tile ceilings,
this does add a lot of mass to the ceiling and should nominally improve
ceiling performance. This is sometimes the only alternative short of
replacing the entire ceiling. (Note: An acoustic ceiling professional
should help you recalculate the number of grid hangers you need.)
Finally,
we are often asked what adhesives work best with SheetBlok. Many adhesives
will hold SheetBlok in place; however, most adhesives will fail over time.
This is another reason why sandwiching or, at least, mechanical fastening
is best. When sandwiching, we suggest any vinyl flooring adhesive or general
adhesive approved for use with vinyl. Or, simply look into using Auralex's
SheetBlok Plus with its pressure sensitive
adhesive backing (for temporary adhesion only).
Technical
Data Sheet
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