Fast read
Insulation is a substance utilised to lessen heat transfer and noise in structures. In addition to reducing noise from outside sources between different levels and rooms inside the house, it can also be used to reduce heat loss in the winter and gain in the summer.
Different insulation materials, such as fibreglass, mineral wool, and foam, can reduce sound to varying degrees, as determined by the sound transmission class (STC).
A building's wall cavities, ceiling, and floor can all be insulated, and a competent specialist can install it all. Noise reduction techniques include using soundproofing building materials like double-glazed windows.
Does insulation assist with noise reduction?
Insulation, while important to reduce your energy bill, also minimises the noise from outside and between floors and rooms within a property. Installing soundproofing insulation will help in two ways and is helpful for any house, especially for those living on noisy roadways, train lines, or flight paths.
Whilst, to a certain extent, standard R-rated insulation can act as a form of noise reduction, specific acoustic insulation will get the best result in reducing noise. Standard home insulation reduces heat and cold air transfer between rooms and the outside. However, acoustic insulation aims to work against vibrational energy and has slightly different insulation properties. Acoustic insulation will also stop heat and cold transfer and keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter.
The most popular forms of sound insulation are loose-fill cellulose and fibreglass insulation. These two types have an open structure allowing for the absorption of sound waves. Specific sound insulation includes mineral wool or foam with MLV or drywall and has a density of at least 45kg per cubic meter. The denser the material, the more noise reduction the insulation can achieve.
Different types of insulation and their noise reduction capabilities
A standard method of categorising insulations’ sound-reducing qualities is through the sound transmission class, otherwise known as STC. The higher the STC – the better the noise reduction qualities. Below are the most common forms of insulation and their average STC rating:
- Mineral wool batts (Rockwool): 45
- Fibreglass panels: 43
- Spray foam: 39
- Rigid foam: 37- 55
- Loose-fill cellulose: 44
- Dense pack cellulose: 44 – 68
- Cellulose, dependant on thickness/density:44 – 68
When exploring noise reduction options for your home, Acoustic Insulation Batts emerge as a highly effective solution. These special batts are made to absorb and reduce noise between rooms, and also block out loud noises from outside. Investing in Acoustic Insulation Batts can significantly enhance the tranquillity and comfort of your living space.
One key advantage of Acoustic Insulation Batts is their ability to absorb and dampen sound waves, preventing them from travelling through walls and ceilings. This makes them particularly valuable in creating a peaceful and quiet indoor environment. Whether you’re dealing with the hustle and bustle of city life, disruptive traffic sounds, or simply want to maintain privacy within your home, these insulation batts offer a reliable solution.
Summary
- Insulation helps reduce noise from outside and between different levels and rooms inside your home. If outside noises from outside or other rooms seem louder than they should be, it may be a sign you don’t have enough insulation.
- Insulation is one of the most powerful tools to soundproof your home. However, please also pay attention to vents and windows. Double-glassed windows have much higher soundproof qualities than standard 4mm glass windows.
- Cellulose insulation will improve the sound within a room. Not only does it reduce vibration resonance, but it also absorbs, deadens, and dampens noise. As a result, cellulose, in loose or compressed form, will significantly increase the sound quality of your room.
- Foam insulation can deaden sound by up to 80 per cent, but you will still get some sound transmission.
- Thick wallpaper, bookshelves, and blankets may dampen the sound from adjacent rooms, while curtains can minimise outside noise.
- Soundproof double-glazed windows in your home will help with traffic noise. These windows are designed to reduce outside noise and can block out a wide range of sounds coming from trucks and cars.
