This course is part of the Acoustics Academy

Drywall is made of gypsum mixed with water and spread between two large sheets of paper. Drywall comes in a variety of panel sizes and thicknesses for use in a variety of applications. The plasterboard is installed by lifting the pieces and attaching them to the studs. 5/8-inch-thick drywall panels are most commonly used in commercial ceiling applications to meet code requirements.

The key benefits of drywall include the fact that it is easy to paint over. It’s more stable than plaster, easier to repair, and less expensive to install. Moisture resistant drywall panels can be specified for installation in bathrooms.

Drywall is not as flexible as plaster and not as durable. Drywall provides good sound blocking performance in the correct thickness/assemblies, which provides adequate speech privacy, but does not absorb sound in a meaningful way – which leads to increased reverberation times, poor speech intelligibility, and overall poor acoustics.

Drywall ceilings have come a long way over the years. Pre-engineered drywall grid systems (DGS) can install three times faster than traditional track and channel framing. They offer a clean, smooth aesthetic in spaces that don’t require acoustical performance for speech intelligibility or noise reduction.

Drywall is made of gypsum mixed with water and spread between two large sheets of paper.

Previously, if a designer wanted the smooth, clean look of drywall in a space, it meant using drywall and sacrificing acoustics. In places like libraries, auditoriums, and schools, drywall can’t absorb enough sound in these areas. But choosing excellent acoustics often meant a grid and tile or suspended ceiling, or another material type that does not offer a smooth, seamless surface.

Seamless Acoustical Ceilings

Seamless acoustical ceilings have become a popular way of achieving aesthetics and acoustics all in one. There are several different kinds of systems that can be specified.

Two-Layer Acoustical Systems

Acoustical plaster is a two-layer system that consists of fiberglass panels that are attached to a drywall substrate with adhesive. The face of the fiberglass panels are hand-troweled with an acoustically transparent finish that achieves goods soundproofing, speech intelligibility, and privacy. Applications include museums, auditoriums, libraries, galleries, performing arts centers, mid- to high-level retail locations, transportation hubs, high-end residential homes, educational facilities, and conference rooms. It has the ability to absorb and dampen sound, reduce echoes and reverberation, and prevent noise transference between rooms. It is monolithic and can be finished in almost any color. Its cost is on the higher end, however: Usually between $35 to $50 per square foot depending on job complexity.

Acoustical drywall is a two-layer system that can be installed on flat, curved, or vaulted surfaces and allows for exploration of color. The perforated sheetrock optimizes acoustical performance by allowing sound to enter the holes and be absorbed by a mineral wool layer. The system has a high, light-reflective finish and reduces fixture and energy use. It installs and repairs similarly to standard drywall. It also integrates well with lighting and HVAC fixtures and is less than half the cost of acoustical plaster systems. The cost for this type of system is usually about $30 to $35 per square foot.

Two-layer acoustical drywall has a high, light-reflective finish and installs and repairs similarly to standard drywall.

Spina O' Rourke + Partners used seamless acoustical drywall alternative ceiling clouds in their new office space because they wanted to maintain the exposed structure look while managing noise in the active space.

Project: Spina O’Rourke + Partners
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Project Type: Office Space
Size: 2,000 square feet in a 9,300-square-foot interior

The Challenge: When designing its new offices in West Palm Beach, Florida, Spina O’Rourke + Partners knew that controlling sound would play a critical role in how well the exposed structure space would function. Acoustics had been a problem in the architecture and design firm’s previous offices which had a similar aesthetic. The space is active, used to entertain high-end clients. And the company knew that exposed structure and drywall ceiling would not provide the functionality necessary.

The Solution: Not wanting to compromise, the firm investigated the possibilities of using new seamless acoustical ceilings that provides the monolithic look of drywall in a high-performing acoustical ceiling. The ceiling was able to achieve both the aesthetics and acoustics desired for the new space. The company is able to control the sound in this highly active area and still have the refinement of a drywall ceiling. The systems enhanced the beauty of the space with a crisp, finished look that rivals conventional drywall and achieves acoustic control.

Single-Layer Seamless Acoustical Drywall Alternative Ceilings

The latest iteration of seamless acoustical ceiling systems utilizes a one-layer system. Like the two-layer systems, it features a smooth, non-directional, monolithic aesthetic that meets—and often exceeds—the standards of architects, designers, and owners who are looking for a clean drywall appearance combined with effective acoustical performance.

The primary advantages of new single-layer seamless acoustical drywall alternative ceiling systems are that it costs less and is faster to install than acoustical plaster.

An acoustical drywall alternative is easier to install than plaster and can be installed on ceilings in a variety of applications. Panels are lightweight—far lighter than drywall and easier to handle on the jobsite and install. Panels install similarly to drywall, with some nuances that include thicker panels. A seamless acoustical drywall alternative manufacturer can provide extensive, hands-on training for installation teams so they are capable of installing with confidence.