FAQs

We exclusively sell Green Glue products through a network of certified distributors.

http://www.greengluecompany.com/distributors

If there is not a distributor in your specific area, please select the nearest location on the distribution list or find a distributor that sells through online retail.

Each case of our Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound contains 12 tubes and covers approximately 192 sq. ft. at the recommended 2 tubes per 4’ x 8’ (3 m²) sheet coverage. Each 5-gallon pail of Compound covers approximately 365 ft² (33.9 m²), or approximately 22 tubes worth of product. 
Each tube of our Noiseproofing Sealant, used to prevent sound flanking, typically provides 40-80 linear feet (12-24 m) of coverage, depending on the size of the hole cut in the nozzle. In many cases, you will only need a tube or two to complete a project. A good rule of thumb is a 6:1 ratio. If your project requires six cases of Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound, you’ll probably need one full case of Noiseproofing Sealant to seal around the perimeter of the room.

Noiseproofing Compound

Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound is used between two layers of building materials – typically drywall, OSB, MDF, cement board, or plywood. So long as two of the layers are flat, rigid (for example, being applied between a layer of drywall and soundboard is not a good application), and are easy to stick to and at least one allows moisture to pass through then the Noiseproofing Compound will perform well.

Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound should not be used between one or two soft layers – i.e. between a carpet pad and plywood or to fill any cavities, such as inside a wall for insulating purposes.

Green Glue Noiseproofing compound is NOT an adhesive. For surfaces, although the compound is not intended to be used as an adhesive it does need to stick to both sides.  If standard latex paint would easily adhere to the surface then the compound should have enough adhesion, if the surface would require a primer or other treatment then it will not function properly.

We do not recommend using the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound on exterior applications as it is effective only at room temperature range (approximately 65-85°F / 18-29°C). Exteriors are often subject to temperature fluctuations which are below and above this range. Please note: if the Noiseproofing Compound is subjected to temperatures outside of this range, including during transport, it will return to regular performance once it has warmed/cooled to the 65-85°F (18-29°C). range. Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound is freeze and thaw stable.

Noiseproofing Sealant

Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant is used to fill gaps and joints where the wall meets the floor or ceiling, and where two walls meet. It can also be used around outlet and switch boxes.

Why use Sealant? Let’s use the analogy of a fish tank. If there is a gap anywhere in a fish tank, the water will leak out. The same is true for sound escaping a room if there is a crack in the wall, the sound will escape through that crack and move into other rooms. Sealing prevents this from happening.We do not recommend using the Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant on exterior applications, around pipes or for joints with significant movement such as floating floors.

Noiseproofing Clips

Noiseproofing Clips are excellent for dealing with mid to high frequencies and for impact noise. If you have a complaint about impact noise (aka footstep noise), the Noiseproofing Clips may be a good fit. Noiseproofing Clips must be directly installed onto a stud or joist.  Adding the Noiseproofing Clips and hat channel directly to the ceiling joists will reduce the amount of vibrations (impact noise) travelling through the stud.

Joist Tape

Green Glue Joist Tape is used on floor joists to eliminate squeaks caused by the friction between the floor joist and subflooring. The joist tape is not effective at reducing impact noise from footfalls or airborne noise.

Despite what other firms may tell you, the answer to this question is not cut-and-dry. In order to gauge the benefit you will see from using the Noiseproofing Compound in a project, you first need to get a better understanding of the details of that project. For example, is it a wall or floor/ceiling assembly? What kind of studs (wood vs. steel) will be used? What is the stud spacing (16” oc vs. 24” oc)? Is additional insulation being used? What type and thickness of drywall will be used?

Once you have these details, an estimate of sound reduction can be done by consulting our extensive test database to match many or all of these elements to give you a better sense of the final STC value you can expect. There are numerous test reports and construction details shown at http://www.greengluecompany.com/test-data .  In addition our design guide at http://www.greengluecompany.com/sites/default/files/Green_Glue_Electronic_Design_Guide_0.pdf can be a valuable resource.  Please note: while we have hundreds of tests in our database, we do not necessarily have exactly the same set-up as each and every project. However by matching similar information you are often able to have a close approximation.

For best results, you should consider treating all the surfaces of your room. You may also have to pay attention to other sound paths, such as noise going in and out of doors, and noise making its way through ductwork. You can learn more about how sound can travel along non-linear paths at: http://greengluecompany.com/noise-soundproofing/flanking-noise.

Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound is a viscoelastic damping compound that converts sound energy into a minute amount of heat. Very simply, when used between two rigid layers of material, typically drywall, the compound works to isolate the noise traveling from one room to the other.  Despite the Green Glue name, our Noiseproofing Compound is NOT a permanent adhesive.

Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant is a polymer that is designed to remain flexible over time and to prevent sound from flanking around acoustical elements.  It is designed to be paintable help it remain hidden after your project is complete and may but used under typical finishing materials. 

Green Glue Noiseproofing Clips are engineered components designed to be used with hat channel.  The system mechanically decouples one side of the wall from the other, thereby reducing the amount of sound energy travelling through the frame and allowing one side to vibrate independently from the other.

Joist Tape is a foam tape with a placement adhesive on one side and has a permanent backing that allows flooring and sub flooring to be easily positioned over the tape.  If functions by preventing the direct contact between the floor and joists that can cause squeaks.

If dispensing the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound or Sealant from tubes, you will need a standard 32-oz caulking gun (which can be found at almost any hardware store) for application. We also recommend using drop cloths when hanging drywall with the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound as it can be difficult to clean from some surfaces. If dispensing the Noiseproofing Compound from a 5-gallon pail, we strongly suggest purchasing a pail applicator tool from one of our distributors. Once filled, the pail applicator tool holds approximately one tube’s worth of compound, making it easy to know how much of the product you are dispensing onto each panel. While using a trowl is an option, applying too little or too much onto each panel can affect the performance of your wall.

Green Glue Noiseproofing Clips work in conjunction with hat channel, which is available from most drywall suppliers. In addition to hat channel, you will need the appropriate screws and a screw gun to secure the clip and channel system to the studs or joists. Please see our Installation Guide and YouTube Channel for further details.

Joist Tape can be applied by hand. For large and/or recurring jobs, a joist tape applicator is available for purchase from many of our distributors.

Green Glue Noiseproofing Clips work to mechanically decouple one side of the wall from the other, thereby reducing the amount of sound energy travelling through the frame. Mechanically separating two sides of a wall can improve sound isolation by allowing one side to vibrate independently from the other.

Noiseproofing Clips are excellent for dealing with mid to high frequencies and for impact noise. If you have a complaint about impact noise (aka footstep noise), the Noiseproofing Clips may be a good fit. Adding the Noiseproofing Clips and hat channel directly to the ceiling joists will reduce the amount of vibrations (impact noise) travelling through the stud. Meanwhile, ensuring that there is insulation in the cavity, together with Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound and a second layer of drywall, will further reduce the sound energy (impact and airborne noise) traveling through the floor/ceiling assembly.

When installed with hat channel the clip assemblies will typically extend around 1-3/4” (4.5 cm) from the stud or joist.  Please note: Noiseproofing Clips cannot be installed over existing drywall as doing so will cause a Triple Leaf Effect.
Please see our Noiseproofing Clip Installation Guide for specific recommendations on how to install the Noiseproofing Clips. You can also view a video guide to installing the Noiseproofing Clips on our YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/greengluecompany or a printable guide at: http://www.greengluecompany.com/sites/default/files/NoiseproofingClip%20Installation%20Guide_0.pdf .

Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound is used between two layers of building materials – typically drywall, OSB, MDF, cement board, or plywood. So long as two of the layers are rigid (for example, being applied between a layer of drywall and soundboard is not a good application) and one of these layers is porous, the Noiseproofing Compound will perform well.

As mass plays an important role in soundproofing, we recommend using the thickest layer of drywall available, which is typically 5/8” (1.6cm). If you want to use a thinner panel, a ½” (1.3cm) sheet will still perform well, although not to the same standard as a 5/8” (1.6cm) sheet. Anything thinner is not advisable. The same rules apply to other building materials such as plywood and OSB.

Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound does not need to be applied in any specific pattern. The general recommendation is to apply the Compound in a random pattern all over the board, leaving a 2”-3” (5-7.5cm) border around the outside of the panel to allow for handling. The recommended amount is to use two tubes are used per 4ft by 8ft sheet (3m²).

Despite the Green Glue name, our Noiseproofing Compound is NOT a permanent adhesive and therefore the second layer of drywall still needs to be fastened to the studs per local building codes. We do not want panels falling off walls and ceilings! Please note: We always recommend following local building codes regarding the types of nails or screws to use in securing layers of drywall or other building material.

Once applied to a panel, the Noiseproofing Compound begins to cure within 15 minutes, so it is important to hang the panel promptly. Once the panel has been hung and secured in place, the Noiseproofing Compound will begin curing and will reach peak performance within 30 days. This is important: if you have just applied the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound and drywall and are not hearing a perceivable increase in performance, please do allow 30 days and then evaluate the change.

To seal the sound from going around, flanking, your treated wall we recommend using Green Glue Noiseproofing sealant.

We recommend leaving a 3/8” (0.9cm) gap around the perimeter of your wall or ceiling drywall to fill with Noiseproofing Sealant. We do not suggest sealing gaps of 5/8” (1.6cm) or more with the Sealant as it will not cure properly in large gaps. Instead, for excessively large gaps deeper than an inch consider using backer rod to fill the gap before applying Sealant.

We recommend that you allow the Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant to dry for 48 hours before finishing or painting.

The sealant is only intended to be an acoustical seal; it is not intended to be a water seal or to be used in exterior applications.

Generally, the temperature range and flexibility of the materials prevent the compound from being an effective solution.  See the section on “How do I use Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound” for more information.

Green Glue Joist Tape is applied directly to the top of the floor joists with the adhesive side down. The Joist Tape can be applied by hand for medium to small jobs. For large and recurring jobs, a joist tape applicator is available for purchase from many of our distributors.

The Joist Tape is sold in widths to fit standard joist sizes: 1-7/16”, 2-1/4”, and 3”, and are 1/8” thick and 100 feet in length ( 3.6, 5.7 and 7.6cm and 30m in length).

Joist Tape is only used to address the noise from squeaks when the subfloor rubs onto the joists.  If you need additional sound reduction, consider the compound or clip solutions.

The shelf life of our Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound and Sealant is one year from the date of manufacture. However, if stored properly (at room temperature) it will keep for much longer. If you are unsure whether the compound is still good, open a tube and begin dispensing – if the product flows out like ketchup, it’s fine; if it is clumpy and shows signs of curing, throw it away and purchase new product.

Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound and Sealant has been fire tested for use in several varying wall assemblies. If you would like information on these assemblies, please see below: Navigate to www.ul.com  Scroll down under "Resources" and click on the "Online Certifications Directory", or as a shortcut go to http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/template/LISEXT/1FRAME/index.html , fill in blank field "UL File Number" with R26312 and click on the search button.  Fire testing for the Noiseproofing Compound and Sealant is provided.  

The sealant is not intended to be used as a fire blocking material.

UL Environment has certified Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound and Sealant as follows: No formaldehyde emissions detected - meets requirements of CA Section 01350 Mold-resistant per ASTM D3273 ULE Certification documents can be found in our Technical Library.

Additionally, UL Environment has certified Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant as follows:  Meets VOC Content Limits per SCAQMD Rule 1168.  ULE Certification documents can be found in our Test Data Library.

Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound and Sealant tubes are made of recyclable materials (which can contribute toward LEED Credits); unfortunately the tubes themselves are not recyclable.

For other information on LEED credits please see our information sheet at:

http://www.greengluecompany.com/content/noiseproofing-system-leed-audit-1

Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound is green color, the Sealant is off-white. 

First, please note that we are talking about the issue of impact noise. If the ceiling cavity is insulated and there are resilient channels, ceiling hangers, or sound isolating clips and channels attached to the ceiling joists, then adding another layer of drywall with the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound will offer a benefit in terms of both impact and airborne noise. However, if there isn’t any decoupling mechanism between the joists and the first layer of drywall, simply adding Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound and another layer of drywall may not effectively treat the impact noise. Assuming there is insulation in the cavity, our first suggestion would be to treat the floor above and, if that is not possible, treat the ceiling below by removing the existing drywall and installing the Green Glue Noiseproofing Clips and hat channel along with drywall. For best performance, use the Noiseproofing Clips and channel with the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound and another layer of drywall. 

You should remove the texture (by sanding, steaming, or adding a base layer of drywall over the popcorn ceiling) and then applying the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound and an additional layer of drywall over the top.  The final layer of compound is approximately 0.5mm thick when applied at the recommended level so most Popcorn ceilings will be thicker than the compound.

Most textured walls will need to be flattened as the texture should not allow wall to wall contact.

We do not recommend using the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound on the studs or joists. Green Glue must be used between two rigid layers to be effective and, as such, you will not achieve any measurable benefits by using the compound in this manner.

Proper measures always should be taken to ensure that the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound does not get onto your clothing, floors, outer layers of drywall, etc., but sometimes it does happen. To remove compound from hands or tools: use soap & water, Goo Gone, or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). To remove compound from drywall: if it is still “wet” use a wet, damp cloth to wipe off. If dry, roll off with finger. To remove from carpet: use soap & water or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). 

In order for the Green Glue compound to work to its maximum potential we recommend that all cavities be filled with flexible insulation such as fiberglass insulation, mineral wool or cellulose materials. This recommendation is also for interior walls.

SilentFX is sold through our sister company CertainTeed and they support that product- you can find more information here: https://www.certainteed.com/drywall/products/silentfx-quickcut-drywall/ . Their direct line is +1-800-782-8777.

We provide test reports and some comparison data on our web site.  We have not compared all other solutions but you can use our test reports to compare to competitors test reports (obtained from them) to make your selection.  In many cases Green Glue can offer better value and performance.

We do not recommend Green Glue be used in direct contact with these materials but the compound can be used in addition to them by using them on either side ( outside ) of the two pieces of drywall that the compound is between.

We do not recommend Green Glue be used in direct contact with these materials but the compound can be used in addition to them by using two pieces of drywall.  See the section on “How do I use Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound” for more information

Generally the temperature range and flexibility of the materials prevent the compound from being an effective solution. See the section on “How do I use Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound” for more information

Typically, yes. Green Glue Noiseproofing compound is part of the overall system, it can help somewhat on a wall without insulation but the results are much less than can be obtained on an insulated wall. See the section on “How do I use Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound” for more information

No, the sealant is not a good option for sealing around pipes. Green Glue Noiseproofing sealant is not designed for sealing around highly flexible materials or in contact with condensation or temperature changes. Do not use Green Glue Sealant in contact with Copper- copper can interact with the sealant. We recommend using alternant sealants around pipes.

The sealant and the compound have different functions and are not interchangeable. If you are able to remove the incorrect product cleanly than the correct product can be applied, but in many cases this is difficult to do and drywall may need to be replaced or cut away to expose fresh material for bonding.

Typically, after the sealant is applied, you will “mud and tape” the final joints as normal. For decoupled walls choose constructions materials designed to finish with slight movement.

The compound will not work in contact with flexible, low surface energy, or non-stick materials. The compound will not work in direct contact with:  Cork, plastics, copper, bronze, zinc, MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl), and Plasticized materials among others. It will not work in contact with flexible materials.

Our Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the products contain health related information if there is something needed beyond this please contact your local Saint-Gobain location and ask for the Environmental Health and Safety department.