There are many acoustic sound insulations for homes, studios, firms, etc. All of these sound insulations come with unique features, life span, use cases, and price.
However, finding the best type depends on your soundproofing need and environment.
While it can be tricky to determine which would suit your needs, you can check Galaxy’s Insulation Suggestions for an acoustic floor insulation, Fiberglass Insulation, external pipe insulation and many more.
Before jumping into the finest types of acoustic sound insulation, let’s glance at its meaning.
What is an Acoustic Sound Insulation?
Acoustic sound insulation is a soundproofing practice that prevents sound entrance and exit in an enclosed environment.
The practice entails building barriers between the environment’s inner and outer areas (room, floor, ceiling, etc.).
These barriers comprise materials like foam, timber joists, and multi-layer boards and have different masses, increasing the effectiveness of the insulation.
In most cases, modern materials like SoundBoard 4TM, Reverso SoundMat, etc., are used to boost sound reduction in the given space.
Types of Materials for Sound Insulation
Having known what acoustic sound insulation means, let’s proceed to the suggestions you can consider to identify the finest.
Acoustic sound insulation differs by materials to brands. As such, here are the different materials used for sound insulation.
Mineral Wool Insulation
These types are made out of natural stone, a waste from steel that is heated to high temperature and twirled into wool-like fibers. The manufacturers then use oils and resins to strengthen the fibers.
Mineral wool insulations use up to 90% recycled products. Furthermore, they are fire-resistant and have a high R-value.
These insulations have the highest STC ratings at 45 and an NRC between .95 to 1.05, making it the soundproof material.
On the other hand, mineral wool insulations are quite expensive compared to other insulations. Notwithstanding, they are ideal for maximum soundproofing in a space.
Cotton Insulation
Cotton insulation comes from cellulose fibers from clothing materials like denim, jeans, etc. Fabricators bind them in batts and install the middle of stud boards for soundproofing.
The R-value score for cotton insulation is in the medium range, while its NRC and STC rating is up to 1.15 and 51, respectively.
Cotton insulation is biodegradable as they come from recycled products. Notwithstanding, they’re efficient for soundproofing.
Moreover, these types of insulations are not fire-resistant by nature. As such, fabricators use boric acid on them to increase their fire-resistance ability.
Fiberglass Insulation
This is a product of the combination of plastic and twirled fibers of heated glass. Fiberglass insulation is a widely known and non-pricey insulation available in rolls, loose-fill, and batts.
It’s energy efficient with a moderate R-value based on its thickness. Fiberglass Insulation comprises 30% of recycled products; its STC is within the middle range at 39 and has an NRC rating of .9-.95.
Although this kind of insulation can disturb people with allergies, it’s an ideal and cost-effective soundproofing insulation to consider.
Foam Insulation
These types of insulations come in various forms, including spray foam, rigid boards, etc. They also come as open cellular or closed cellular forms, where the open cellular types have enhanced noise absorption more than closed ones.
Foam insulations are easy to use, versatile, and can fit in several areas, making them preferable for acoustic floor insulation.
The STC and NRC rating of this type of insulation is 39 and .70, respectively. Although not fire resistant, they can be treated and fortified with fire retardants.
Which Acoustic Sound Insulation is the Finest?
To determine the best acoustic sound insulation from the types listed above, it’s advisable to consider the following:
Fire Resistance
Insulations with natural fire-resistant components can withstand fire for a while compared to non-fire-resistant insulations. Notwithstanding, you can also find a rockwool fire insulation with fire-resistant properties.
NRC
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) measures the material’s ability to withhold sound. It’s measured from 0.0 to 1.0, so the higher the NRC, the more sound the insulation absorbs.
R-Value
This determines the heat resistance capacity of the insulation material. If the R-Value is higher, the insulation can resist heat transfer while insulating your home.
STC
STC measures the level of sound the insulation can block. A higher STC will result in less noise penetration.
With these in mind, you can determine the finest acoustic sound insulation. Even if you try some external pipe insulation installation for your home, the above-listed factors will help you choose appropriately.
Conclusion
Considering the vital factors to keep in mind and the types of insulation, you can now pick the best for your soundproofing project.
Also, if you wish to run acoustic floor insulation for your home, these tips above will be your best bet.
Author Bio Cinthia Rosa:
As an Insulation Expert at Galaxy Insulation and Dry Lining, UK, Cinthia’s contribution to the company’s growth has been invaluable. She has amassed abundant knowledge and technical know-how regarding insulation products, which she consistently shares with the masses through engaging and informative blogs.
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