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SOUNDBREAK® XP®

SoundBreak XP – Enhanced Drywall

SoundBreak XP Acoustically Enhanced Gypsum Board

  • Superior Sound Damping
  • Acoustical Enhanced for High Rated STC Wall Assemblies
  • Mold/Mildew/Moisture Resistant
  • Purple drywall is approved for use on walls and ceilings

Product Testing & Information

  • Product Specs
  • Installation Guidelines
  • MSDS
  • CSI Spec
  • Access All

Testimonials

Listening Environment Greatly Improved in Schmitt Music Store

Soundbreak XP Gypsum Board is an acoustically enhanced gypsum board used in the construction of high STC wall assemblies. This innovative acoustic gypsum purple board drywall allows for construction of high STC wall assemblies that are thinner, cost effective and more reliable than traditional methods for constructing these types of assemblies.

SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board is a sound deadening drywall that has an acoustically enhanced, high density gypsum core encased in a heavy, abrasion and mold/mildew/moisture resistant, 100% recycled, purple paper on both sides. Used in construction of high rated STC wall assemblies, SoundBreak XP purple drywall consists of a layer of viscoelastic damping polymer sandwiched between two pieces of high density mold resistant gypsum board, providing constrained layer damping.

Market Trends Driving The Need for Higher Rated STC Wall Partitions

Increasing land costs have resulted in larger amounts of high density multi-family housing in a growing number of United States housing markets. The result of high density housing is individual living units positioned closer together than traditional single-family housing.

Home theater systems are becoming more prevalent in use and sophistication, resulting in the potential for more noise being transmitted between wall partitions. Commercial buildings such as schools, hospitals and hotels also have an increasing need to control sound between areas of a building.

All of these changing market dynamics have resulted in an increased need for higher rated Sound Transmission Class (STC) wall partitions, which reduce the transmission of airborne sound between living spaces within buildings.

What is an Acceptable STC Rating for a Wall Partition?

National Research Council of Canada Survey

  • 600 multi-family residences (300 party walls between them)
  • Residents with lower STC rated walls are more likely to:
    • Want to move
    • Be awakened by noises
    • Have trouble falling asleep due to noises
    • Think neighbors are less considerate

General Survey Conclusions

  • STC ≥55 – A realistic goal for acceptable sound insulation
  • STC ≥60 – More ideal, would practically eliminate negative effects of noise from neighbors
  • Music related sounds may require the highest rated walls

J.S. Bradley, Deriving Acceptable Values for Party Wall Sound Insulation survey results

Design Considerations in Acoustical Wall Partitions

The goal of a high rated STC wall partition is to decrease the amount of sound transmission through the partition. The following five variables can have impact on the ability of the partition to provide this loss.

Mass

Increasing the mass of a wall partition increases the amount of sound transmission loss. Increasing mass in a cost and space effective way can be a challenge.

Stiffness

Increasing the stiffness of a wall partition will decrease the amount of sound transmission loss. For that reason metal studs outperform wood studs, and 24″ o.c. framing spacing outperforms 16″ o.c. framing spacing.

Damping

Introduction of damping will increase the amount of sound transmission loss. In particular, constrained layer damping can be effective for structure type applications.

Cavity Depth

Increasing the depth of the cavity of the partition can increase the amount of sound transmission loss, especially when the cavity is filled with acoustical insulation.

Cavity Absorption

Adding sound-absorbing material such as fiberglass or mineral fiber insulation to the cavity of a partition will increase the amount of sound transmission loss. The sound-absorbing material should completely fill the cavity but not be compacted or compressed in any way.

FEATURES/BENEFITS

  • Resists the growth of mold per ASTM G 21 with a score of 0, the best possible score.
  • Resists the growth of mold per ASTM D 3272 with a score of 10, the best possible score.
  • Use of SoundBreak XP Drywall results in wall partitions with high rated STC values that are thinner than traditionally built high rated STC wall partitions providing increased usable floor space.
  • Superior sound damping, cost-efficient material that is easily finished and decorated in the same manner as standard gypsum board.
  • All SoundBreak XP Drywall designs were tested by an independent third-party acoustical laboratory using the full-scale ASTM E90 test procedure.
  • Heavy abrasion resistant paper and denser core provide greater resistance to surface abuse and indentation when tested in accordance with ASTM C 1629.
  • Features a smooth, heavy face paper that is highly resistant to scuffing and provides a superior surface for decoration.
  • 5/8″ SoundBreak XP Drywall sheetrock features a fire resistant Type X core and is UL Classified and approved for inclusion in specific UL fire-rated designs.
  • SoundBreak XP acoustic purple gypsum board is GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM Certified for indoor air quality.
  • This soundproofing sheetrock is approved for use on walls and ceilings.

How SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board Works

SoundBreak XP – Side View

LIMITATIONS

  • Exposure to excessive or continuous moisture and extreme temperatures should be avoided. SoundBreak XP acoustic purple gypsum board is not recommended where it will be exposed to temperatures exceeding 125°F (52°C) for extended periods of time.
  • Installing SoundBreak XP acoustic purple gypsum boards over an insulating blanket, installed continuously across the face of the framing members, is not recommended. Blankets should be recessed and flanges attached to the sides of the studs.
  • SoundBreak XP Drywall must be stored off the ground and under cover. Sufficient risers must be used to ensure support for the entire length of the gypsum board to prevent sagging.
  • SoundBreak XP acoustic purple gypsum board must be kept dry to minimize the potential for mold growth. Adequate care should be taken while transporting, storing, applying and maintaining SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board. For additional information, refer to the Gypsum Association publication, “Guidelines for the Prevention of Mold Growth on Gypsum Board” (GA-238-03), which is available at gypsum.org under the “Download Free Gypsum Association Publications” section.

ACCESSORIES

  • Fasteners: Drywall Screws or Nails
  • Joint Tape
  • Joint Compound
  • Cornerbead
  • Trims
  • Casing Beads
  • Acoustical Sealant
  • Acoustical Putty Pads
APPLICABLE STANDARDS AND REFERENCES
ASTM C 1396ASTM G 21
ASTM C 1629Gypsum Association GA-216
ASTM C 840Gypsum Association GA-214
ASTM D 3273
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Thickness, Nominal1/2″ Regular
(12.7 mm)
5/8″ Type X
(15.9 mm)
Width, Nominal4′
(1219 mm)
4′
(1219 mm)
Length, Standard8′ through 12′
(2438 mm – 3657 mm)
8′ through 12′
(2438 mm – 3657 mm)
Weight, lbs/sf, Nominal2.32.7
Surface Burning Characteristics
(per ASTM E 84)
Flame Spread: 15 Smoke Developed: 0Flame Spread: 15 Smoke Developed: 0
Surface Abrasion Resistance
(per ASTM C 1629)
Level 3Level 3
Indentation Resistance
(per ASTM C 1629)
Level 1Level 1
Soft Body Impact Resistance
(per ASTM C 1629)
Level 1Level 1
1/2″ Regular Gypsum Board Partitions – Wood Framing
DescriptionTest No.STC
SINGLE LAYER – 2 × 4 STUDS
Single Layer – 2x4 Studs1/2″ Regular Gypsum Board vertically applied to each side of 2 × 4 studs 16″ o.c. with 1-1/4″ type W screws 12″ o.c. Joints staggered on opposite side. 3″ glass fiber insulation in stud cavity.NBC-W1b34
1/2″ Soundbreak XP Gypsum Board Partitions – Wood Framing
DescriptionTest No.STC
SINGLE LAYER – 2 × 4 STUDS
Single Layer – 2x4 Studs1/2″ SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board vertically applied to one side of 2 × 4 studs 24″ o.c. with 1-1/4″ type W screws 12″ o.c. 1/2″ Standard Gypsum Board vertically applied to opposite side with 1-1/4″ type W screws 12″ o.c. Joints staggered on opposite side. 3″ glass fiber insulation in stud cavity.NGC 200902749
UNBALANCED – 2 × 4 STUDS
Single Layer – 2x4 StudsBase layer of 1/2″ Standard Gypsum Board vertically applied to one side of 2 × 4 studs 24″ o.c. with 1-1/4″ type W screws 24″ o.c. Face layer of 1/2″ SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board vertically applied with 1-5/8″ type W screws 12″ o.c. 1/2″ Standard Gypsum Board vertically to opposite side with 1-1/4″ type W screws 12″ o.c. Joints staggered each layer and opposite sides. 3″ glass fiber insulation in stud cavity.NGC 200902851

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5/8″ Soundbreak XP Gypsum Board Partitions – Wood Framing
Fire RatingDescriptionTest No.STC
SINGLE LAYER – 2 × 4 STUDS
Single Layer – 2x4 Studs5/8″ SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board vertically applied to each side of 2 × 4 studs spaced 24″ o.c. with 1-1/4″ type W screws 12″ o.c. 3-1/2″ glass fiber in stud cavity.RAL TL-07-14553
Fire RatingRef.Design No.
1 hr.ULU309
UNBALANCED STAGGERED – 2 × 4 STUDS
Single Layer – 2x4 StudsBase layer 5/8″ Fire-Resistance Rated Gypsum Board vertically applied to staggered 2 × 4 studs spaced 16″ o.c. on 2 × 6 plates with 1-1/4″ type W screws 12″ o.c. Face layer of 5/8″ SoundBreak XP vertically applied with 2″ type W screws 16″ o.c. 5/8″ Fire-Resistance Rated Gypsum Board vertically applied to opposite side with 1-1/4″ type W screws 12″ o.c. Vertical joints staggered 16″ each layer and opposite sides. 2-1/2″ glass fiber in stud cavity.RAL TL-07-17060
Fire RatingRef.Design No.
1 hr.GABased on WP3514
UNBALANCED DOUBLE ROW – 2 × 4 STUDS
Single Layer – 2x4 StudsBase layer 5/8″ Fire-Resistance Rated Gypsum Board vertically applied to double row of 2 × 4 studs spaced 16″ o.c. on separate plates with 1-1/4″ type W screws 12″ o.c. Face layer of 5/8″ SoundBreak XP vertically applied with 2″ type W screws 16″ o.c. 5/8″ Fire-Resistance Rated Gypsum Board vertically applied to opposite side with 1-1/4″ type W screws 12″ o.c. Vertical joints staggered 16″ each layer and opposite sides. 3-1/2″ glass fiber in stud cavity.RAL TL-07-14764
Fire RatingRef.Design No.
1 hr.GABased on WP3514
H-STUD AREA SEPARATION WALL
Single Layer – 2x4 StudsTwo layers of 1″ Fire-Shield Shaftliner inserted in 2″ H-studs spaced 24″ o.c. Minimum 3/4″ air space between shaftliner and adjacent construction.5/8″ Soundbreak XP Gypsum Board vertically applied to outside of 2 × 4 studs spaced 16″ o.c. with 1-1/4″ type W screws 12″ o.c. 3-1/2″ glass fiber in stud cavity.NRCC B-3451.167
Fire RatingRef.Design No.
2 hr.ULU347
5/8″ Soundbreak XP Gypsum Board Partitions – Steel Framing
Fire RatingDescriptionTest No.STC
SINGLE LAYER – 3-5/8″ STUDS
Single Layer – 2x4 Studs5/8″ SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board vertically applied to one side of 3-5/8″ steel studs 24″ o.c. with 1″ type S screws 8″ o.c. at perimeter and 12″ o.c. in the field. 5/8″ Fire-Resistance Rated Gypsum Board vertically applied to opposite side with 1″ type S screws 8″ o.c. at perimeter and 12″ o.c. in the field. Joints staggered on opposite side. 3-1/2″ glass fiber in stud cavity.RAL TL-07-38954
Fire RatingRef.Design No.
1 hr.ULU465
UNBALANCED – 3-5/8″ STUDS
Single Layer – 2x4 StudsBase layer 5/8″ SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board vertically applied to 3-5/8″ steel studs spaced 24″ o.c. with 1″ type S screws 24″ o.c. Face layer 5/8″ Fire-Resistance Rated Gypsum Board vertically applied with 1-5/8″; type S screws 12″ o.c. 5/8″ Fire-Resistance Rated Gypsum Board vertically applied to opposite side with 1″ type S screws 12″ o.c. Vertical joints staggered 24″ each layer and opposite sides. 3-1/2″ glass fiber in stud cavity.RAL TL-06-33457
Fire RatingRef.Design No.
1 hr.ULUL465
DOUBLE LAYER – 3-5/8″ STUDS
Single Layer – 2x4 StudsBase layer 5/8″ Soundbreak XP Gypsum Board vertically applied to 3-5/8″ steel studs spaced 24″ o.c. Two layers 5/8″ Fire-Resistance Rated Gypsum Board vertically applied to opposite side. Base layer attached with 1″ type S screws 24″ o.c. Face layer attached with 1-5/8″ type S screws 12″ o.c. Vertical joints staggered 24″ each layer and opposite sides. 3-1/2″ glass fiber in stud cavity.RAL TL-07-16860
Fire RatingRef.Design No.
2 hr.ULV484
DOUBLE LAYER – 6″ STUDS
Single Layer – 2x4 StudsBase layer 5/8″ SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board vertically applied to 6″ steel studs spaced 24″ o.c. with 1″ type S screws 24″ o.c. Face layer 5/8″ Fire-Resistance Rated Gypsum Board vertically applied with 1-5/8″ type S screws 12″ o.c. Two layers 5/8″ Fire-Resistance Rated Gypsum Board vertically applied to opposite side. Base layer attached with 1″ type S screws 24″ o.c. Face layer attached with 1-5/8″ type S screws 12″ o.c. Vertical joints staggered 24″ each layer and opposite sides. 6″ glass fiber in stud cavity.NRCC B-3456.261
Fire RatingRef.Design No.
2 hrULV484
UNBALANCED DOUBLE ROW – 2-1/2″ STUDS
Single Layer – 2x4 StudsBase layer 5/8″ SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board applied vertically to double row of 2-1/2″ steel studs 24″ o.c. with 1″ type S screws 8″ o.c. at perimeter and 12″ o.c. in the field. Face layer 5/8″ Fire-Resistance Rated Gypsum Board applied vertically to opposite side with 1″ type S screws 8″ o.c. at perimeter and 12″ o.c. in the field. Joints staggered on opposite side. 3″ glass fiber or mineral wool insulation in stud cavity.NGC 200803659
Fire RatingRef.Design No.
1 hr.ULV488

Note: In multi-layer systems, SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board can be used as either a face layer or a base layer without affecting the STC Rating.

UL Listed Assemblies
The 5/8″ SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board is tested in accordance with ASTM Standard E 119 and is classified as Type X for use in the following UL listings: U017, U301, U302, U305, U309, U326, U330, U332, U338, U339, U341, U342, U351, U354, U355, U356, U357, U358, U360, U364, U368, U369, U371, U379, U392, U405, U411, U418, U420, U425, U428, U429, U434, U439, U449, U450, U460, U465, U466, U475, U487, U494, U499, U505, U524, U525, U531, U646, U647, U648, U649, U651, U652, U926, V408, V415, V419, V420, V421, V425, V430, V432, V433, V434, V435, V438, V449, V450, V486, V483, V484, V488

UL Core Designation
5/8″ SoundBreak XP Gypsum Board: SoundBreak XP