Questions on how to soundproof a ceiling, how to soundproof a wall, how to install SONOpan, or how to make a room soundproof? We’ve got you covered! Our comprehensive FAQs cover everything you need to know about soundproofing your space with SONOpan. Find the answers you’re looking for and achieve the best possible soundproofing results for your room!
SONOpan panels have an STC rating of 27 alone.
If a fire rated assembly is required, follow the required specification for the fire rated wall or ceiling assembly. SONOpan is UL listed for fire rated assemblies when installed as directed.
SONOpan has an R-value of 2.45, while SONOpanX has a 1.3 R-value.
SONOpan is made from 100% recycled wood fibres and is intended for interior use only. It must always be protected from the elements before, during and after installation.
Absolutely! Just remember to wear a mask, especially when cutting it as you would do for any other building material.
Although SONOpan can be used alone and absorbs a wide range of noise frequencies, including low bass, it is designed to be used in conjunction with other standard materials to achieve better soundproofing. If SONOpan is combined with insulation (fiberglass, wool or cellulose) and 5/8 drywall, a much better overall soundproofing result will be achieved.
SONOpan is less expensive and much easier to install than soundproofing glues. SONOpan can also be used with a single sheet of drywall.
When it comes to performance, similar SONOpan assemblies have a higher STC rating and can use a single sheet of 5/8″ drywall.
SONOpan comes in 4 by 8 3/4-inch-thick sheets, goes on walls and ceilings, and does wonders with airborne noise such as music, people talking loudly, shouting, kids crying, etc. SONOpanX is just for flooring, is available in 4 by 4 7/16-inch-thick sheets, and is good for impact noises such as footfall, door banging, walking, and furniture moving.
It is best to leave the surface of SONOpan natural for optimal sound absorption. SONOpan can be covered with fabric if it is used to absorb noise within a room (acoustics) instead of soundproofing.
A SONOpan 4×8 panel weighs around 26 pounds.
No, SONOpan comes only in green.
SONOpan only comes in sheets of 3/4 inch thickness. This is for walls and ceilings.
SONOpanX is for flooring and is 7/16″ thick.
Most noise does tend to travel through the adjoining wall or ceiling however, flanking paths (those around the dividing wall or ceiling) allow for noise transmission. Although soundproofing is at its best when all walls are covered and flanking paths are eliminated, it will come down to the level of soundproofing desired.
SONOpan has a patented Noise STOP Technology that allows it to capture a wide range of sounds however, soundproofing is achieved through using a combination of different materials and building strategies. Please contact us to determine the best option for your particular situation.
Yes, adding a second layer will improve the soundproofing, the first layer is the most impactful although adding SONOpan to both sides of a wall has several benefits.
SONOpan can be used alone and will provide a significant amount of sound dampening. However, for better soundproofing results it is recommended that SONOpan be used in conjunction with drywall and insulation. We recommend purchasing the appropriate insulation for the cavity, min. R12 in walls, R20 in ceilings. It can be cellulose, mineral wool or fiberglass. Insulation is not used here for thermal purposes but rather to stop resonance (echoing) in an empty cavity and help capture certain frequencies.
It depends. Although generally, most noise comes through a certain wall or ceiling, flanking can occur. Flanking is the path sound takes to travel around the soundproofed wall or ceiling.
Resilient channels, isolation clips, or a gap between walls helps in certain situations. This strategy is called decoupling and like it sounds, it is a soundproofing method used to separate two materials thus stopping the path of sound vibrations. We generally don’t see many single family homes that opt for resilient channels, however, it is recommended for party walls and ceilings where bass frequencies or impact sounds are likely to be present.
Heavier drywall (ex: 5/8’’) will contribute to dampening sound transmission by adding mass. 5/8″ type X drywall is a fire rated drywall. It is better not only because it is thicker, but it has a much denser core than typical 1/2″ and weighs in at around 80 lbs
Have questions about SONOpan or SONOpanX? Get in touch with us today.