Frequent asked questions

 

On which side do the perforations go?
The perforations always go on the side with the largest air surface.

For example, if the panel is screwed directly to the studs, the perforations should face the wool; if the panel is screwed to a solid surface (cement, gypsum board), the perforations should face the room.

On which side of the wall should SONOpan be installed?
It is best to install SONOpan in the room where the noise originates to prevent it from travelling outside the room. However, if this is not possible, you can install it inside the room that you want to prevent the sound from penetrating.

Is it necessary to fill the wall with wool or cellulose before installing SONOpan?
It is best to fill the wall space with wool or cellulose to avoid having a resonance chamber in the wall.

Are wood strips as effective as resilient channels?
No, because resilient channels absorb vibrations and separate the gypsum screws from the stud structure. Furthermore, wood is a major sound conductor.

What type of sound does SONOpan block when installed on the ceiling?
SONOpan prevents airborne sounds (TV, music, voices, etc.) from travelling from the lower room to the upper room and vice versa.

Can recessed lighting be installed in the ceiling?
Yes, but you should expect to lose some performance, since the more leaks or holes there are, the more sound can escape. Furthermore, a fire-resistant enclosure must be installed.

Does the risk of fire increase with recessed lighting?
The manufacturer's instructions must be followed and metal boxes must be used to retain the heat produced by the lighting.

Is SONOpan fire resistant?
We make a product like SONOpan called SONOsecur that is treated for fire resistance. It has the same acoustical properties as SONOpan in addition to being fire resistant.

Why must 5/8'' Type X gypsum board be used instead of 1/2''?
The 5/8'' Type X gypsum board has a much higher density than 1/2'' standard gypsum board, which helps reduce low-pitched and/or low-frequency sounds.

Can SONOpan be placed directly on the wall without being covered with gypsum board?
Yes, but the result will not be the same. When SONOpan is used inside a wall, it creates a barrier to keep the sound inside the room. However, when SONOpan is installed directly on a wall, it absorbs sound reverberation (echo) in that room. Always cover SONOpan with fabric in this type of application to avoid having green dust on the furniture in the treated room.