Essentially,
sound proof insulation is the insulation material used and specially designed
to be a sound or acoustic barrier. A sound barrier is to absorb the unneeded
sound from other places. This will also reduce the noise leakage from one room
to another.
The materials
for sound proofing are typically made of mineral wool (rock wool) and the
popular fiberglass. There are also instances that installers use cellulose or
cotton. These materials are the same as those used in heat insulation.
Currently,
there are now several ways to soundproof a wall and insulate it. There are now
improvements in the soundproofing industry with products that are now more
effective sand cost less than the old methods and materials.
Rigid panels
These
days, there are now applications that are favored and highly recommended by
professional installers. One is the use of rigid panel style mineral wool or
rock wool products. These insulation materials are usually sold as rigid panels
and softer batts.
The
materials are sized accordingly for use in house interior walls, under the
floors and in insulating the ceilings. These sound proofing panels are
available for wood or steel walls and ceilings.
Mineral wool
Mineral
wool is resistant to fire, water and moisture because it is made from natural
stone fibers. The mineral wool products (Rock board 60 and 80) are becoming to
be multi-purpose insulation products. They have very good thermal insulating
capabilities.
However,
their sound absorbing performance is a bit lower. However, these products are
capable of being used in the inside to sound proof the exterior walls while
capable of being a standard thermal insulation by itself.
They
possess qualities for both high and low frequency sounds, and are fit for
framed or covered panels.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass
and mineral wool soundproofing insulation is typically available and can be
purchased in packages of multiple panels. Both are made with good tolerances
and can fit snugly in between wall studs and ceiling joints.
Both 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 the precise notches in making each panel fit into
place. The walls and the ceilings are finished off with a standard or
soundproof grade drywall, which may not require vapor barriers at all.
Qualities
The
sound-absorbing capabilities (and performance) of both fiberglass and mineral
wool are similar. The prices are not similar, though, even if they are of the
same thickness.
As a
good alternative to mineral wool, fiberglass is very good. It can do both types
of insulation: it is a good thermal insulation material as well as a good material
for soundproofing.
Cotton
insulation used for soundproofing also 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. There are alternatives now
for use in sound proof insulation.
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