Can ACP cladding provide better sound insulation than plasterboard?

Aluminum composite panel (ACP) cladding can outperform plasterboard in sound insulation when integrated into a properly designed facade or ceiling assembly. While ACP itself is a thin, rigid panel, acoustic performance depends on the complete build-up: ACP skin over insulation (such as mineral wool or acoustic foam), within a ventilated cavity, and sealed with acoustic sealants. This layered system achieves sound transmission class (STC) ratings from 40 to 55, effectively blocking exterior noise on building exteriors and minimizing reverberation in interior ceilings. Plasterboard assemblies rely on single or double gypsum layers on timber or metal studs, often with insulation only in partition walls. Standard plasterboard partitions without staggered studs or resilient channels yield STC ratings around 35–45, and require decoupling techniques to improve further. Moreover, ACP facades can incorporate acoustic baffles or perforated metal panels bonded to composite cores to combine aesthetic variation with noise reduction. For high-noise urban sites or open-plan ceilings, ACP systems offer customizable acoustic enhancements and consistent performance without the brittleness and moisture sensitivity inherent to plasterboard.