Auralex Acoustics

Auralex SheetBlok Sound Isolation Barrier - CLEARANCE

$ 188.99 $ 209.99
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SKU: J-10SHBL-CL7
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CUSTOM LENGTHS CLEARANCE - 10% OFF REG. PRICE

Auralex SheetBlok Sound Isolation 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 soundproofing 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. 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 from STC 27 to about STC 35. Auralex SheetBlok holds up under harsh environments and cuts easily with a utility knife or scissors.

STC: 27
Color: Black (smooth on one side, pebble grain finish on the other side)
Thickness: 1/8"
Weight: 1# - 1.1# per square foot
Flammability: Self-Extinguishing, Rated UL94 S.E. "0"; Passes test MVSS-302

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 Auralex 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).
Proposition 65 WarningWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals such as Carbon Black, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.