Sound Proof Insulation - Choice of Materials


Sound proof insulation is basically the insulation materials used and specially designed to be a sound or acoustic barrier. The main work of a sound barrier is to absorb the unneeded sound from other places. This will also reduce the noise leakage from one room to another resulting in a peaceful house environment to enjoy.

The insulation for sound proofing is typically made of mineral wool (also known as rockwool) and the popular fiberglass. Sometimes, installers include such materials made of cotton or cellulose. These are also the insulation materials that are popularly used (and designed) for the sole work of soundproofing. 

Application

In soundproofing a room, there are applications favored (and highly recommended) by expert installers. One of these is the use of rigid panel style mineral wool or rockwool products. These insulation materials are usually sold as rigid panels and softer batts.

These are usually sized for use in house interior walls, under the floors and in used in insulating the ceilings. These sound proofing insulation panels can be bought for wood or steel walls and ceilings.

Fiberglass

The fiberglass and mineral wool soundproofing insulation is typically available and can be purchased in packages of multiple panels. They are all manufactured with good tolerances and can fit snugly in between wall studs and ceiling joints.

They fit into cavities with a friction press fit, all of which ensures that there will be no air gaps for sound to leak into the adjoining rooms. These insulation panels are between 2 to 3 inches thick and are rigid enough to be cut into shape around electrical outlets and studs. 

Drywell saws are used to cut out precise notches to make each panel fit into place. The walls and the ceilings can be finished off with a standard or soundproof grade drywall, which may not require vapor barriers at all.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool is made from natural stone fibers which makes it resistant to fire, water and moisture. The mineral wool products (Rockboard 60 and 80) are becoming to be multi-purpose insulation products.

They have much-improved thermal insulating capabilities, although their sound absorbing performance is slightly lower. These products are capable of being used in the inside to sound proof the exterior walls while capable of being a standards thermal insulation.

They have qualities suited for both high frequency sounds and low frequency sounds, and are fit for framed or covered panels.  

Comparison

The sound-absorbing capabilities (and performance) of fiberglass is similar to that of the mineral wool. They might be of the same thickness but priced a bit higher.

For a good alternative of the mineral wool, fiberglass is very good. It can do both types of insulation: it is a good thermal insulation material as well and good for soundproofing.   

Cotton insulation used for soundproofing gives out a very good performance in terms of sound absorption. Cotton, however, is soft like the other batt materials which would need the support of a frame or covering.

Cotton is one of the better choices when used for small projects like making your own acoustic panels for use in sound proof insulation

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