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QuietRock 530 Installation Instructions
Read all instructions before installation. Remember: Safety rst!
QuietRock 530 is very similar in use to standard drywall. The panels have been used in thousands
of successful projects, large and small. Please note the blue tape (that surrounds the product edges)
must be removed before installing.
• Hang QuietRock like standard drywall
• Finish the same as standard drywall (mud, tape, texture and paint are all the same)
• Allow an extra 2% to 4% drywall labor budget due to cutting 15% to 20% of panels.
• When used properly, QuietRock may provide up to a 20 point STC improvement over
standard drywall. See tested assemblies and solutions (separate document) for specic details.
NOTE: Hang QuietRock immediately or store at in a dry location. Protect the QuietRock materials
from exposure to moisture during the construction or remodeling process, from product storage to
project completion. Moisture or water can cause problems with any drywall product, including
QuietRock. Do not cover with plastic for extended periods, as that may allow condensation. To
complete the installation of QuietRock and maximize its acoustic performance, it is recommended
that you use QuietSeal between the interior joints and QuietPutty in any penetrations such as
electrical outlets, HVAC ducts, water hookups and cables. Not using QuietSeal and QuietPutty may
compromise the acoustical results of the installation.
The QuietRock line of engineered products is a sound isolation panel designed to replace standard
drywall in any wall or ceiling construction, including wood and metal studs. QuietRock is a gypsum
board product which includes highly engineered internal damping layers which provide enhanced
transmission loss. QuietRock can be used with a variety of standard framing techniques including
staggered and double stud construction. You may use QuietRock panels just like any other gypsum
wall product. Please completely read the instructions below before beginning installation and be sure
to always follow all OSHA safety guidelines when installing any Serious Materials product.
As with any other acoustically treated assembly, all air gaps and penetrations must be treated with
non-hardening acoustical sealant and putty pads as specied by the manufacturer.
Using QuietRock 530 in New Wall Construction
CUTTING THE PANEL:
1) Choose your preferred construction method. Such as standard 406 mm (16”) OC, 610 mm (24”) OC,
staggered, or double frame. QuietRock works with wood and metal framing.
2) QuietRock 530 should not be scored/broken. Instead, cut QuietRock 530 panels as needed, using a
standard hand or power saw. You can use standard rotary cut-out tools around junction boxes.
QuietRock 530 panels cut more quickly with a higher tooth-per-inch count on jigsaw blades (such as
16-25 tpi) as some layers contain light gauge metal, or you may use a circular saw. We recommend a
blade similar to the Bosch “Progressor” (part number T345 XF3). It is also recommended to saw
outside, or use a vacuum system on the saw to reduce dust if you will be cutting many panels. QUIET
SOLUTION HAS RECOMMENDED SAWS AND VACUUM SYSTEMS THAT WORK VERY WELL WITH
QUIETROCK. CALL QUIET SOLUTION FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING THESE TOOLS.
QuietRock cuts quickly, so generally assume 10-15 seconds on average for a 122 cm (4') cut for labor
budget purposes.
QuietRock 530 Installation Instructions
Copyright © 2010 Serious Materials
Distributed in Canada by:
Professional: 800-233-8990 • Consumer: 800-782-8777
HANG AS USUAL:
3) Secure QuietRock to the studs using appropriate #6 or #7 Bugle Head 41 mm to 51 mm (1-5/8” to
2”) drywall screws 305 mm to 406 mm (12” to 16”). Use coarse thread for wood studs and ne
thread for metal studs. Nails are not recommended for long term fastening.
4) Finish securing the QuietRock panel to the studs with drywall screws. The screw head should go
just below the surface of the paper. Be careful to drive the screws only enough to dimple the surface,
it’s easy to over tighten and cause the screw head to go all the way through the paper surface. If you
accidentally break through the surface, drive another screw nearby.
5) Apply 3 mm – 10 mm (1/8” - 3/8”) bead of sealant, such as QuietSeal, around the entire perimeter
of the wall [or ceiling for the ceiling instructions] and lled in between any seam that is not backed
by a stud or joist. For further noise protection, before putting up each sheet, apply 3 mm – 10 mm
(1/8” - 3/8”) bead of sealant, such as QuietSeal, around the panel perimeter (on the edges of the
panel) and then install the adjacent sheet of QuietRock, “squeezing” QuietSeal between them. Be
sure to remove excess sealant with a rag (any paint thinner easily removes the sealant) or putty knife
as needed. DO NOT LEAVE ON THE SURFACE, AS IT CAN INTERFERE WITH TAPE AND MUD.
QuietSeal will remain viscoelastic, i.e. not dry, so it is necessary to tape and texture over the joints.
Always use QuietSeal, or similar, around electrical boxes and at the wall perimeter to seal all air gaps
completely. See QuietSeal instructions for more detailed information and apply QuietSeal in
accordance with applicable requirements of ASTM C919.
6) Use QuietPutty®, or similar, behind outlet or other boxes. Wrap the putty completely around the
back side of the box.
FINISH AS USUAL:
7) After QuietRock is in place, apply dry-wall tape along the joints between the two pieces of drywall.
The tape helps hold drywall compound in the gap.
8) Use a wide drywall knife to spread joint compound over the tape. Don’t try to ll the entire gap all
at once; apply a little at a time, and allow it to dry before applying a second coat.
9) Cover the screw heads with drywall compound.
10) Allow the joint compound to dry then sand it smooth. Wear breathing protection during this step
because the process generates a lot of dust.
11) Apply a second coat of drywall compound, allow it to dry, and sand it smooth. Repeat the
process as necessary until the wall is perfectly smooth then nish the walls as desired. BE SURE TO
FOLLOW THE COMPOUND MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS.
Using QuietRock 530 in Existing Wall Construction (Retrot)
PREP AND CUT:
1) Remove any existing molding/trim, wainscoting, and wallpaper from walls.
Assure that surface is smooth, clean and free of obstructions, such as nails or tacks.
2) When using QuietRock with masonry or concrete construction it is rst necessary to attach steel
studs. We recommend that you use at least 51 mm (2”) steel studs 610 mm (24”) OC. This is not
required when using QuietRock over existing gypsum wallboard.
3) QuietRock 530 should not be scored/broken. Instead, cut QuietRock 530 panels as needed, using a
standard hand or power saw. You can use standard rotary cut-out tools around junction boxes.
QuietRock 530 panels cut more quickly with a higher tooth-per-inch count on jigsaw blades (such as
QuietRock 530 Installation Instructions
Copyright © 2010 Serious Materials