Acoustical Product Guide - Step 2 of 3 - Soundproofing: Calculate STC rated Material Quantities

SOUNDPROOFING MATERIALS CALCULATOR:
As mentioned in the previous step, we highly recommend doing any soundproofing project either under the supervision or guidance of an experienced installer. That being said, Acoustimac offers the most widely used, and cost effective soundproofing materials on the market, mainly in three key products:
Mass Loaded Vinyl:
Excellent for new walls, works well with retrofits. This heavy vinyl is known for serving as a barrier to deflect sound. Should be deployed in conjunction with soundproodfing sealant on any seams. Available in 50 sq foot (half) and 100 sq foot (full) rolls, measuring either 4'x25 (full), or 4'x12.5 (half). STC ratings can range between 20 and 30 for the different densities.
Green Glue Adhesives and Sealants:
 A series viscous, acoustically dampening and sealing compounds that make short work of retrofits as well as well as new builds. Adhesives are sold in packs of 6 and 12. Each tube is meant to fit a 28" caulking gun, and will dispense approximately 22 square feet worth of surface area coverage. Sealants are also sold in packs of 6 and 12, and will dispense 60 linear feet. Adhesives are used between sheet rock or drywall layers, sealants are used for the edges. This calculator will recommend that you purchase one tube of sealant per every three tubes of glue, assuming you're working off 5'x10' drywall sheets. If smaller, you may need additional sealant to cover additional seams.
High Density Mineral Wool Insulation:
Acoustimac offers several varieties in varying densities of sound absorbing insulation. We even carry a 12 lb density soundproofing insulation with STC ratings comparable to mass loaded vinyl!
To begin, you will need to determine the the total <b>area</b> you will be working with on your soundproofing project <b>expressed in square feet (sq ft). For example: </b>, if it's a shared wall you're soundproofing that's 8' high by 12' wide, you will be working with 96 (8x12) square feet. If you're working with multiple surfaces, calculate the total area of those as well, and add them all up to use this calculator to determine the total quantity of materials you will be needing to purchase from us. If you have breaks in the area, such as door, windows, openings, outcroppings, etc, it's a better practice to overestimate the total area, rather than underestimate. Also you should never subtract breaks from your total calculations, as the geometry of the materials might not match the section you'll be deploying it over, again, it's always better to overestimate and have it but not need it, than to underestimate and need it, but not have it.