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WALLS & CEILINGS

Ready to Install SONOpan?

Our soundproofing panels are extremely effective and versatile, making them ideal for a variety of applications. Designed to reduce airborne sound transmission through walls, ceilings, and floors, SONOpan panels are an easy-to-install solution for any soundproofing project.

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Installation

SONOpan Noise STOP Technology Installation Video

“Soundproofing is often overlooked in renovations, but working on Caerula Mar over the past two years has definitely “opened my ears” to the benefits of quality soundproofing. With SONOpan, it doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. It’s easy to install, lightweight, and affordable. Take it from me, with SONOpan – you won’t believe what you’re not hearing”

Ceilings

Installation Methods

Optional But Recommended

Insulation

Optional
Insulation stops resonance in an empty cavity.

  • Insulation helps to stop resonance in an empty joist cavity (optional).
  • Do not compress the insulation into the cavity; leave it in its expanded state for the best soundproofing results.
  • Mineral wool or fiberglass insulation can be used.
  • Follow your insulation manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper installation.

Optional, Not Always Required

Decoupling

Optional
Resilient channel or isolation clips decouple materials and help with vibrational noises like bass and footsteps.

  • Resilient channels or isolation clips (optional) decouple materials and help mitigate impact and vibrational noises, such as footsteps.
  • Resilient channels can be installed either before or after SONOpan panels.
  • Proper installation is crucial, as incorrect installation can lead to shorting out and reduced effectiveness.
  • Regardless of the material or method used, always follow the channel or clip manufacturer’s installation instructions.

SONOpan 4x8 3/4" Sheet

SONOpan creates a solid barrier to stop & absorb noise.

  • Install SONOpan continuously across the entire ceiling.
  • Our 4‘ × 8‘ × ¾“ panels can be installed directly on joists or resilient channels.
  • Avoid installing SONOpan between the joists, as this limits performance.
  • Use drywall screws or narrow crown staples (1-½“ or longer) for wood joist applications.
  • For metal applications, use 1-¼“ fine-thread drywall screws.
  • Install screws or staples every 12 inches.
  • Address any gaps or openings, such as pot light boxes, to maintain continuity and avoid flanking transmission.

Drywall

  • Install drywall with appropriate drywall screws, offsetting the seams to avoid overlapping with seams on the SONOpan layer.
  • Use longer screws to penetrate SONOpan and at least ¾“ into the structural frame. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for resilient channels.
  • Use 5/8″ type X drywall over SONOpan for added mass. If space is limited, ½“ drywall can be used.
  • In high-demand areas where better sound attenuation is required, two sheets of drywall can be used for enhanced soundproofing.

High Performance Assembly

Components: Insulation +  SONOpan Panel 4’x8′ ¾” + Resilient Channel + 2 layers of 5/8″ drywall. 

Ideal for multi-family dwellings, commercial applications, in-law suites, and more.

  • Insulation: Install batt insulation.
  • SONOpan: Install SONOpan over joists, marking joist locations for later.
  • Resilient Channel: Install resilient channels perpendicular to joists. Follow the manufacturer’s guide for spacing and ensure all channels face the same direction.
  • First Layer of Drywall: Install the first layer of 5/8″ drywall onto the resilient channels, ensuring screws are properly measured.
  • Second Layer of Drywall: Install the second layer of 5/8″ drywall onto the resilient channels, again ensuring screws are properly measured.

Standard Retrofit Install

Already have Drywall installed on your ceiling?

  • Simply install SONOpan over the existing drywall.
  • Use longer screws to penetrate SONOpan and attach at least ¾“ into the joists. 
  • Use 5/8” type X drywall over SONOpan for added mass. If space is limited, ½“ drywall can be used.
  • In high-demand areas where high sound attenuation is required, two sheets of drywall can be used for enhanced soundproofing.

Walls

Installation Methods

Step 1

Optional

Insulation stops resonance in an empty cavity.

  • Adding the appropriate size insulation for the cavity will add approximately 2 STC points of soundproofing.
  • We recommend either mineral wool, fiberglass, or cellulose insulation.

Installation

  • For ceilings, install at least R20.
  • Do not compress the insulation into the cavity, leave it in its expanded state for best soundproofing results.

Step 2

SONOpan creates a solid barrier to stop & absorb noise.

  • SONOpan 4×8 x ¾” panels can be installed directly on studs, joists or resilient channels.
  • SONOpan panels alone have an STC rating of 27
  • Install SONOpan OVER the joists or studs on any wall or ceiling.

Installation

  • Drywall screws or narrow crown staples of 1.5” or longer are recommended in wood stud or joist applications.
  • For metal applications, 1.25” drywall screws are recommended.
  • Install screws or staples every 12”

Step 3

Optional

Resilient channel or isolation clips decouple materials and help with vibrational noises like bass and footsteps.

  • Resilient channel can be installed before or after the SONOpan.
  • Installing the resilient channel first provides a better overall STC rating IF the channels are installed properly. This method is more difficult, ensure the joists and channels are marked out very well. The resilient channel will short out if a screw touches the stud or joist.
  • Installing resilient channels on top of SONOpan is another option. Simply measure the screws when installing the drywall to ensure they do not contact the SONOpan. This method makes for an easier install but STC ratings will be slightly less.

Regardless of material or method, follow the manufacturer’s guide for installation instructions for frequency and weight capacity.

Step 4

  • Install drywall as usual, offsetting the seams of the drywall to ensure they do not overlap SONOpan seams
  • Longer screws will be needed to go through the SONOpan and attach at least ¾” into the structural frame. For resilient channels, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • ½” drywall is often used to cover SONOpan.
  • For best soundproofing results, use 5/8 type X drywall to add more mass to the soundproofing assembly. This type of fire-rated drywall weighs around 80 lbs/sheet vs lightweight ½” standard drywall which is less than 30 lbs/sheet.
  • In extreme situations, up to two sheets of drywall can be used.

Working With SONOpan

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Cutting - For best cut results use a circular saw with a sharp blade. When cutting inside the use of a dust vacuum is recommended

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Fastening - Secure with drywall screws. If applying directly to wood crown staples, plastic cap or roofing nails can be used

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Finishing - Seal the perimeter of the wall or ceiling and any gaps with acoustical sealant. Drywall sheets should be offset to improve soundproofing

Have questions about SONOpan or SONOpanX?  Get in touch with us today.

 

161, rue St-Paul, C.P. 38, Louiseville

1 800 561 4279

info@sonopan.com

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