One of the property types popular with people looking for a rental at a reasonable price is the light-gauge steel apartment. Many people worry about sound insulation compared with wooden buildings, but if you understand the characteristics of light-gauge steel construction correctly, you can choose a property that fits your needs. In this article, we clearly explain the advantages and disadvantages of light-gauge steel construction, key points for avoiding noise problems, and ways to improve sound insulation.
What is light-gauge steel construction? Understanding the reality of sound insulation correctly
Light-gauge steel construction (S造) is a building method that uses steel members less than 6 mm thick for the structural frame. It is commonly used for one- to two-story apartment buildings.
Sound insulation in light-gauge steel construction is about the same as wooden construction
The sound insulation of light-gauge steel construction is roughly on the same level as wooden construction. The materials used for walls, floors, and ceilings are almost the same, with only the frame being steel. Airtightness is slightly higher, but you should still assume that footsteps and everyday living noise from upper and lower floors can basically be heard.
Sound insulation ranking by building structure
If you list the typical apartment structures in order of stronger to weaker sound insulation, the ranking is as follows.
- RC construction (reinforced concrete)：Offers the highest sound insulation. Airtightness is also high, so everyday noise from neighboring units is hardly heard.
- Heavy steel construction：Because the columns are thicker, the walls are also thicker, giving it better sound insulation than light-gauge steel.
- Light-gauge steel construction：Better sound insulation than wooden construction, but below RC and heavy steel construction.
- Wooden construction：Has the lowest sound insulation. Even TV sound and conversation tend to leak through easily.
It is often said that a wall thickness of 150〜180mm is needed to keep neighbors' living noise from becoming bothersome, but walls in light-gauge steel buildings are usually 125 mm or less.
Four advantages of light-gauge steel construction
Light-gauge steel construction offers four advantages that provide a good balance between cost and quality.
1. Better sound insulation than wooden construction
With light-gauge steel construction, TV sound and ordinary conversation generally do not leak through. For normal adult daily life, this is usually not a major issue.
2. Strong earthquake resistance and durability
The steel used in the frame has flexibility and absorbs earthquake energy by bending. This makes it more resistant to earthquakes and more durable than wooden construction.
3. Good cost performance
Because construction costs are kept low through the "prefab method," in which mass-produced parts are assembled on-site, rents are easier to keep affordable. Rent levels also tend to be lower than those for RC or heavy steel construction.
4. Stable quality
Because it uses the prefab method, it can maintain consistent quality that is less dependent on the manufacturer or the skill of individual workers. Construction periods are shorter, and building materials spend less time exposed to wind and rain, helping reduce quality deterioration.
Four disadvantages of light-gauge steel construction
It is also important to understand the disadvantages accurately.
1. You may still be dissatisfied with the sound insulation
Compared with RC construction, the walls are thinner and gaps are more likely to form, so depending on the property you may hear noise at a level not very different from wooden construction. People who are sensitive to noise, have small children, or keep pets should be especially careful.
2. Lower thermal insulation than RC construction
Steel is a material that conducts heat easily, so thermal insulation tends to be lower than in concrete buildings.
3. Poorer ventilation than wooden construction
While airtightness is high, moisture can also build up more easily. Proper ventilation is important.
4. More likely to deteriorate if maintenance is insufficient
Steel is vulnerable to rust, so regular maintenance is essential. It is important to choose a property that is well managed.
How to improve sound insulation in light-gauge steel construction
Even after moving into a light-gauge steel property, you can improve sound insulation with the following measures.
- Lay down soundproof carpet or rugs：This helps reduce sound leakage through the floor.
- Install sound-blocking curtains：These help prevent noise from entering through or leaking out of windows.
- Place furniture against the walls：Large furniture pieces act as buffers and help block sound from reaching neighboring rooms.
- Use soundproof sheets or sound-absorbing panels：Applying them to walls can also reduce echo inside the room.
Key points when choosing a light-gauge steel property
If sound insulation is a concern, check the following points with the real estate company at the property selection stage.
- Wall thickness and materials used
- The layout relationship between neighboring units and bedrooms or living rooms (floor plans that place kitchens and bathrooms along the boundary with the neighboring unit are better for sound insulation)
- Whether there have been noise issues in the past
- Visit the property at different times of day during the viewing process
Also, understanding how to choose a reliable property management company will improve the quality of your property selection.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How much difference is there in sound insulation between light-gauge steel and wooden construction?
Light sounds such as TV audio and conversation are less likely to leak in light-gauge steel construction. However, footsteps and louder noises may still be heard much like in wooden buildings, so it is safer to assume the difference is limited.
Q. Can families with children live in light-gauge steel buildings?
If you have small children, footsteps and crying are more likely to be heard. It is important to lay soundproof carpet and choose a property or management company that understands households with children.
Q. How much lower is rent for light-gauge steel construction compared with RC construction?
In general, rent for light-gauge steel construction tends to be about 10〜20% lower than for RC construction. It suits people who prioritize cost over sound insulation.
Q. How can I check sound insulation before moving in?
During a viewing, you can knock on the wall adjoining the neighboring unit to get a sense of its thickness, or actually speak out loud to check the echo. Viewing the property at multiple times of day is also effective.
Q. What is the service life of light-gauge steel construction?
The statutory useful life for tax purposes is 27 years, but with proper maintenance it can be used for 40 to 50 years or longer.
