Are you looking at methods to make a room of a building quieter whether it is for privacy, focus, or simply you have too much noise coming through? There are several ways to do it such as Resilient Channel and continuous insulation and specialty drywall. One of the best ways is the ClarkDietrich Sound Clip.
What does a Sound Clip do?
Metal is a great heat and sound conductor. In general solids and metals are great sound conductors because of the physical properties of the material. In general sound and vibrations travel through materials. In a building, sound can travel through the walls and floors. Sound as vibrations on one side of the structure travel through the materials of the wall and exit on the other side. To block that, we can use materials that don’t transmit sound like rubbers.
These clips are ideal for multi-family dwelling, hotels, theaters and hospitals, but they can also be used in residences and commercial applications with quiet is a premium!
How does the Sound Clip Work
Sound clips create a sound isolation by placing a rubber vibration isolation element all over the surface of the wall on the studs to block sound from transferring through. This is similar to how AC units that vibrate have rubber feet. The rubber absorbs the sound instead of transferring it.
The CD Sound Clip is fastened to the surface of studs and designed to have a ⅞” deep light gauge hat channel installed in the clip. This hat channel is what you hang your drywall on. The sound clip can be installed on wood, metal, or concrete walls.
How to Install the ClarkDietrich Sound Isolation Clips
Proper installation is key to maximizing the acoustic benefits of ClarkDietrich Sound Clips (CDSC) in cold-formed steel (CFS) framing. Achieving a satisfactory result relies on getting these details right. Always refer to the latest ClarkDietrich documentation for the latest guidance and complete details, but here is a step-by-step overview:
Sound Clip Install Step-by-Step Guide
1. Layout
- Begin by chalking horizontal lines on the walls for accurate furring channel placement. This initial layout sets the stage for a successful installation.
- For walls, position the first row of CDSC clips so the furring channel will be conveniently located 3-6 inches from the floor. Similarly, the top row should ensure the channel is 3-6 inches from the top track. Always attach clips directly to the studs, not to the tracks themselves.
- Space your intermediate rows of clips to ensure the furring channels are a maximum of 24 inches on center (o.c.) vertically. This spacing is key for both performance and stability.
- For ceiling applications, the first row of CDSC clips should be placed within 8 inches of the wall at each end of a run, with furring channels also at a maximum of 24 inches o.c.
- Remember, CDSC clips should be spaced a maximum of 48 inches o.c. horizontally along each furring channel.
2. Fastening Clips to CFS Studs
- Select the right fasteners: a minimum #8 x 1-1/2" fine thread self-tapping screw is specified for steel studs, though ClarkDietrich often recommends a #10 or #12 x 1-5/8" hex head screw for an even more robust connection. Do NOT use nails.
- Can also be fastened to concrete or CMU. Make sure your chosen fastener provides at least 120 lbs of ultimate pull-out and shear strength, this is key for the system's reliability and performance.
- Tighten screws securely until they make solid contact, but avoid overtightening. This could potentially damage the clip's resilient rubber element or even the stud itself, which could compromise performance.
3. Attaching Furring Channel
- Use the specified 7/8" deep, 18mil (25-gauge) hemmed drywall furring channel. This is the channel designed to work seamlessly with CDSC clips.
- Simply snap the furring channel horizontally (for walls) or perpendicular to joists (for ceilings) into the CDSC clips. Typically, no additional fasteners are needed to secure the channel to the clip itself.
- If you need to splice channels, ensure an overlap of at least 6 inches, and make this splice mid-span (between two clips). Secure the overlap with 18-gauge tie wire or two 7/16" framing screws. A critical note: for UL fire-rated assemblies using CDSC, ClarkDietrich specifies using only tie wire for splicing, not screws.
4. Installing Gypsum Board (Drywall)
- Place 1/4" (minimum) shims on the floor. These will fully support the gypsum board during wall installation, making the job easier and ensuring proper alignment.
- For walls, install the gypsum board from the bottom up.
- Maintain a 1/4" minimum gap around the entire perimeter of the wall or ceiling (at the floor, ceiling, and any abutting walls). This gap is critical for acoustic isolation.
- Use appropriate length fine thread drywall screws to attach the gypsum board to the furring channels.
- Remove those floor shims ONLY after ALL layers of gypsum board are completely and securely screwed to ALL the drywall furring channels, exactly as per the assembly design. Premature shim removal can compromise the entire system.
5. Sealing
- The final touch for acoustic integrity: caulk that 1/4" perimeter gap around the entire wall or ceiling with a high-quality, non-hardening acoustical sealant.
- Don't forget to seal all other potential air leaks or penetrations (around electrical boxes, pipes, etc.) with acoustical sealant as well. This helps ensure that your sound barrier is complete.
While ClarkDietrich's CDSC installation guide doesn't explicitly state a minimum steel stud thickness for the clip fastening itself, their STC tables include assemblies with 15mil studs.
Use Cases for Sound Isolation Clips
The reliable performance of sound isolation clips like ClarkDietrich CDSC makes them a valuable component in various building types where acoustic quality is a key requirement. In multifamily dwellings like apartments and condominiums, these clips enhance the living experience by improving speech privacy and reducing noise transfer between units. This can lead to higher tenant satisfaction and potentially increase property value, as clips help projects meet or exceed STC code requirements for demising walls (party wall or separation walls) and floor-ceiling assemblies.
In modern office spaces, including open-plan layouts or traditional private offices and conference rooms, sound clips contribute to quieter, more productive work environments. They are important for maintaining confidentiality in meeting areas and executive offices, allowing for private business discussions. The benefits also extend to schools and mixed-use buildings. Effective sound control is important in educational settings, creating an atmosphere conducive to student focus and learning by reducing distractions. In mixed-use developments combining residential, commercial, and retail spaces, sound clips help manage the diverse acoustic needs of different occupancies. For example, this helps ensure that sound from a ground-floor restaurant does not disturb residents above.
Community centers, which host a variety of activities from classes and meetings to recreational events, also benefit from the application of sound isolation clips. These clips allow for flexible use of space by soundproofing different zones, so multiple activities can occur simultaneously without interference. In healthcare facilities, where patient comfort, rest, and confidentiality are priorities, sound clips contribute to creating quieter patient rooms, consultation areas, and corridors. This acoustic design can reduce stress and promote an environment conducive to healing and recovery.
Purchase the ClarkDietrich SoundClip online or reach out to our team with any questions! For more installation information, visit ClarkDietrich's website.