Resilient Channel

Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2003 1:43 pm

Has anybody used these metal strips to mount their plasterboard (sheetrock) and so de-couple it from the wall/ceiling joists?

If so, what are your expeiences with it and was it worth the extra hassle and expense?

Cheers

Oliver

Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2003 2:35 am

I used it in my studio and it is very effective IF it is applied right.You have to make sure you use the right length screw when hanging drywall so you don't penetrate into your stud which would compromise the system.

Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2003 7:12 am

I used these in my Home Theater on the walls and ceiling. Great for decoupling the drywall from the wood studs. But, as Hogleg said, The entire system has to be installed correctly. Most contractors do not know how to correctly install RC channels. I made the contractor remove and redo the RC installation in my Home Theater because he did not install it correctly!!!!

The only reason that I knew that he installed the RC system wrong is because I am an Architect.

You need to make sure that the slotted holes on the RC is located over the studs and that the correct screw length is used. Also make sure that ONLY the mounting flange is screwed to the studs and that the screws are ONLY installed through the pre-punched holes. Also make sure that ONLY USG resilient channels are used. "Z" channels and hat channels are not allowed.

These are specs on how to install RC correctly:

1) Installation of Gypsum Drywall on Resilient Channels
a) Gypsum wallboard shall be installed over resilient channels in the rooms as indicated on the drawings. Improperly installed wallboard shall be removed and correctly installed at Contractor’s expense.
b) Resilient channels
i) Resilient channels shall be USG RC-1 Resilient Channels. No other type of channels, including hat channels and “Z” channels, are acceptable. Channels other than USG RC-1 shall be removed and replaced by USG RC-1 channels at Contractor’s expense.
ii) Installation of resilient channels on walls:
Attach RC-1 resilient channels with the attachment flange down and at right angles to the wall studs. Position bottom channel with attachment flange up for ease of installation. Use 1-1/4” type W screws to fasten channels to studs. Nails shall not be used. Fasten channels to studs at each intersection with the slotted hole directly over a framing member.

Locate channels 2” maximum up from floor, within 6” of ceiling and at no more than 24” intervals. Extend channels into all corners and attach to corner framing. Splice channels directly over studs by nesting (not butting) the channels and driving fastener through both flanges into stud.

iii) Installation of resilient channels on ceilings:
Attach RC-1 resilient channels at right angles to the ceiling joists. Use 1-1/4” type W or type S screws to fasten channels to joists. Nails shall not be used. Fasten channels to joists at each intersection with the slotted hole directly over a framing member. Channels shall be installed with their mounting flanges facing the same direction. Channels shall be held 12” away from adjacent walls.

c) Gypsum wall board
i) Installation of gypsum board over resilient channels on walls:
Apply gypsum board perpendicular to studs with long dimension parallel to resilient channels. Provide 1/8” spacing between edge of boards and floor and adjacent walls. Space shall be filled with USG Sheetrock Brand Acoustical Sealant. Attach boards with 1” Type S screws spaced 12” o.c. along channels. Do not fasten screw through channel into wood studs. Joints between boards shall be centered over the resilient channels. A correctly installed gypsum board/resilient wall system will slightly “give” when pressure is applied to it.

ii) Installation of gypsum board over resilient channels on ceilings:
Apply gypsum board with long dimension at right angles to resilient channels. And end joints staggered. Provide 1/8” spacing between ceiling perimeter and adjacent walls. Space shall be filled with USG Sheetrock Brand Acoustical Sealant. Attach boards with 1” Type S screws spaced 12” o.c. along channels. Do not fasten screw through channel into wood joists. Joints between boards shall be centered over the resilient channels or midway between channels with joint floated and backed with sections of RC-1 channels. A correctly installed gypsum board/resilient ceiling system will slightly “give” when pressure is applied to it.

This topic sponsored by: