SOUND SEALANTS
Figure A
Figure A to the left shows us that even a small crack can significantly compromise the sound isolation performance of a wall, floor /ceiling assembly. When considering sound isolation the goal is to be as airtight as possible. Caulking compounds or acoustical sealants are indispensable for effective noise control.
For Example:
120″ x 96″ wall = 11,520 sq. in.
Leak along bottom of wall at 1/16″ = 7.5″
Percentage of Wall = 0.0006%
STC 50 Wall Reduced to STC 32