SoundGuard™

What is SoundGuard?

The SoundGuard Silent Steel Framing System is a patented interior framing assembly designed to easily construct partition and chase walls with high STC ratings.

How does SoundGuard help with sound transmission loss?

SoundGuard System is manufactured by connecting two standard steel framing members with a sound absorbing isolator. This isolator creates a break in sound transmission, making the assembly act as a standard chase wall configuration.

What isolator is used to attach the two steel members?

The SoundGuard System is pre-assembled using a closed cell rigid foam isolator. The foam is manufactured to all appropriate ASTM specifications for use in construction applications.

How is the isolator attached to the steel members?

The isolator is attached to the steel framing members using an aggressive acrylic transfer adhesive that will not dry out over time. This adhesive is pressure activated, and adheres to the SoundGuard members during the Manufacturing process.

Will exposure to moisture/water affect the isolator?

It is recommended that SoundGuard be stored in a dry environment. However exposure to moisture/water will not compromise the isolator connectors. The foam isolator is a closed cell member, and is tested in accordance with ASTM D1056. The closed cell composition of the foam has sealed pockets that allow for only minimal absorption of water/moisture.

Will moisture/water affect the glue or assembly?

It is recommended that SoundGuard be stored in a dry environment. However exposure to moisture/water will not compromise the SoundGuard assembly. The acrylic adhesive and foam isolator have excellent humidity and water resistance and SCAFCO steel stud framing members have a true hot-dipped galvanized coating to increase rust protection. All parts of the SoundGuard assembly; isolator, adhesive, and steel framing members, perform well in moist environments.

How does the adhesive react with the galvanized coating?

Acrylic adhesives are often used with wood, glass, outdoor waterproof materials, and steel. The adhesive used in the SoundGuard assembly creates a strong bond with the galvanized coating without removing the corrosion protection.

What is the compression strength of the isolator?

The foam isolator has been compression tested in accordance with ASTM D1056. The compression test outcome of 25% deflection was obtained with 9psi – 13psi of applied pressure.

What is the life span of the glue and the assembly?

The SoundGuard acrylic adhesive is designed to withstand the lifespan of the bonded parts. Accelerated age testing has been conducted in high temperature and humidity environments. These tests resulted in very minimal negative effects. After installation, SoundGuard will maintain a controlled environment ideal to maximizing the longevity of the adhesive.

Can SoundGuard be used in loadbearing applications?

The SoundGuard Silent framing system is designed for non-loadbearing applications exclusively, and is not recommended for load bearing conditions.

Will the SoundGuard adhesive or assembly emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)?

The acrylic adhesive emits less than 0.5% of the total adhesive mass in VOC’s during the curing process. Essentially the SoundGuard framing system, when fully assembled, will emit zero VOC’s to the end user.

Is the SoundGuard System fire rated?

SoundGuard is an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) fire rated assembly. Under the listing V463, SoundGuard is certified as a nonbearing 1 hour fire rated wall assembly in the United States and Canada.

Does SoundGuard have a third-party Certification report?

At this time SoundGuard does not have a third-party certification report. However, all sound, fire, and limiting height tests were performed in accordance with the proper applicable standards at accredited third party laboratories. The steel stud members in the assembly are also individually certified in the IAPMO report ER #0313.

How were the STC ratings obtained?

Acoustical testing was performed by Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories. These tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM E90 “Standard test method for laboratory measurement of airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partition Elements”.

Can SoundGuard be used in ceiling assemblies?

SoundGuard Silent Steel Framing System is not intended for ceiling applications. If used in a ceiling application it is recommended the system is analyzed using the single steel components rather than the assembly as a whole.

Can I run water pipes, electrical pipes, or other piping through a SoundGuard Wall?

The SoundGuard assembly has the standard punch-outs that all of SCAFCO’s 1-5/8’’ and 2.5’’ stud members have. The 4’’ SoundGuard assembly allows for the running of 3/4’’ outside diameter pipes, and the 6’’ SoundGuard assembly allows for 1’’ outside diameter pipes. Both assemblies have the standard punch-outs in the stud members, allowing for the running of electrical conduit through the wall. SoundGuard can also be custom ordered in a 6’’ wide assembly for partition/chase wall applications, which consists of two 1-5/8’’ stud members that allow for 2-3/4’’ outside diameter piping to be run between the two stud members.

Will the SoundGuard Silent Framing System require cold rolled channel (CRC) bracing in certain circumstances?

The SoundGuard wall assembly will not need CRC bracing in its fully sheathed designed condition. SoundGuard composite wall heights and Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings were tested as fully sheathed wall configurations and should be designed as such for the proper purpose and function of the wall assembly.

Is the installation time for the SoundGuard Framing System longer than a standard wall assembly, chase wall, or other similar wall type?

The composite configuration of studs and dense foam are delivered to the job site pre-assembled, and can be installed the same as standard framing members in a single wall configuration. In fact, compared to a standard chase wall, the SoundGuard Framing System can save up to 50% labor and installation time, due to its standard single wall framing practices.

What do I do if the SoundGuard foam isolator is damaged, cut, or I need to install a new piece?

It is not recommended that the SoundGuard Silent Framing System be altered from its original and tested design. However mistakes do happen and specialty framing situations exist where a foam isolator may need to be removed. If one of these circumstances arises, it is recommended that you contact the product manufacturer for the Foam Installation and Repair Methods instructions.

Will extra foam isolators be available for repair, cripple studs, etc…?

SCAFCO will provide extra foam isolators with the shipment of the SoundGuard System, based upon the size (quantity) of the shipment. Additional foam pieces may be provided at the time of order upon the request of the customer.