Wall Construction

Hey guys. My builder has just come back to me and he's told me the plasterboard suppliers have recommended this product Boral SoundStop over the fire-rated 16mm plasterboard. He's come to me to ask for my opinion/advice (excellent!) and basically told him I've read that the fire-rated stuff is better because it's denser/same weight for less cost. Q1) This is correct, yes? Q2) It doesn't matter what kind of fire rated plasterboard I use? Because the Boral Firestop (also 16mm) is about 15% less than the Gyprock Fyrchek product. Q3) Anyone have any experience with Boral Firestop? Q4) In terms of insulation, I've read just go with the fluffy pink batts to save money. Is there no reason at all to go for the soundscreen plus product, or is it just that there's only a small increase in isolation over the cheaper product? A quick reply would be appreciated to I can get back to him ASAP. Thanks so much! Soundstop: http://www.boral.com.au/ProductCatalogu ... roduct=937 Firestop: http://www.boral.com.au/ProductCatalogu ... roduct=933

Like you already stated, more mass is important. I do not have the time to look at the data sheet but what could the non fire rated possibly have that would make it more suited to better isolation? So use the fire rated type. "Is there no reason at all to go for the soundscreen plus product," What is the soundscreen plus product? Typical pink fluffy insulation is recommended so use it :)

I agree with Brien, use the 16mm type x fire code drywall. Looking over their site there isn't much info on any special formulations and some generally bad ideas like directly using furring channel to attach the drywall... I do like their perforated drywall though, that looks like a neat product in certain cases.

Thanks guys, I was leaning towards that anyway. I'll have to check with the builder that the Boral brand of drywall is the same quality as Gyprock. Quick question regarding doors: Does it matter which way they swing? I have a two door system (one on each leaf) and obviously the inner one will swing in and the outer one outwards. But does it matter if both are hinged on the same side, or should I turn them around so the handle on the outer door is the hinge on the inner door? I'm thinking along the same idea as staggering the drywall seams but I don't know if it makes too much difference. Cheers.

basically, back to back doors could be either - check for ease of use.

Also check out LaFarge FireShield. It's the same mass as Fyrchek but a bit cheaper, at least down here on the Gold Coast. As for insulation, the aussies around here seem to be using SoundScreen for treatments (including inside-out walls) and fluffy pink stuff for anything that's not inside the music-making space. There's a sighting here, and below is a bunch of it ready to go into the false ceiling at Oasis:

adam wrote:

the aussies around here seem to be using SoundScreen for treatments

Who knew?