If both faces of a wall are fixed to the same studs, vibration passes straight through. Decoupling breaks that connection so each face moves independently.
| Method | Typical gain | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resilient channel (one side) | +8–12 STC | Easy to short-circuit with a long screw into the stud |
| Isolation clips and hat channel | +12–20 STC | More reliable than RC, higher cost |
| Staggered studs on a wide plate | +8–12 STC | Needs a 2×6 plate |
| Double stud wall with a gap | +15–25 STC | Best performance, takes the most space |
One screw through resilient channel into a stud can cost several STC points. Mark the stud lines before hanging the drywall.