Acoustic insulation blocks unwanted noise, allowing facilities to maintain quiet environments that support productivity and wellbeing. Without soundproofing, excessive noise can be a distracting or annoying nuisance for occupants.
Insulation materials such as EPS or Expanded Polypropylene are effective in preventing the transmission of noise through walls. In addition, sound insulation prevents air leakage and helps achieve optimal energy efficiency.
Reduced Noise
Acoustic insulation works to minimize unwanted noise that can be caused by traffic, neighbouring businesses and other external factors. Unwanted noise can cause stress and distraction, reducing productivity and comfort in commercial buildings. By blocking or absorbing sound waves, acoustic insulation creates serene spaces for work and play.
Insulation that combines acoustic and thermal properties (like our mineral wool product) offers additional benefits. This type of insulation prevents heat transfer between rooms and is also effective at reducing sound transmission between walls and ceilings. The thermal insulation element further reduces energy costs by preventing heat from being lost through gaps, cracks and doors.
To be effective at absorbing sound, acoustic insulation must have sufficient porosity along with cell size and density. The porous nature of our mineral wool acoustic insulation products allows them to absorb sound waves through the friction within its fibres.
This process converts a portion of the energy of the sound waves into kinetic energy, resulting in a reduction of noise pollution. Regular maintenance and the use of acoustic materials that are designed specifically for this purpose further enhance the performance of the acoustic insulation. Incorporating acoustic insulation into the construction of residential and commercial buildings can also significantly increase its effectiveness and longevity. The key to sustaining this benefit is proper installation by professionals, as well as regular inspections and maintenance to ensure no gaps, cracks or damage that could compromise its acoustic and thermal performance.
Increased Comfort
Acoustic Insulation limits sound transmission between spaces, creating a quieter environment that enhances productivity and comfort. It also minimises energy consumption, which helps reduce energy costs.
When used in home walls, acoustic insulation creates barriers to reduce airborne noise from TVs and music and impact noise from neighbouring properties or traffic. This means you’ll enjoy a peaceful home without disturbing your family or neighbours.
Noise reduction provides numerous health benefits including reducing stress levels, improving sleep quality and cognitive function. Moreover, it allows for relaxation and a more balanced lifestyle, increasing overall well-being.
Choosing the right type of acoustic insulation is vital to achieving desired results. Fibreglass batts are a cost-effective choice that offers good sound absorption. However, some people can be allergic to it so cellulose or mineral wool is a better option. These are made of recycled materials and contain natural fibres that are insect resistant and safe.
Other elements of a building that require soundproofing include drainage and ventilation ducts, chimneys, bathtubs, pillars, beams, windows, doors, sockets and switches. Kaiflex pipe insulation can help you minimise airborne noise and vibrations while sprayed polyurethane can effectively seal any gaps or cracks. It’s essential to ensure all air leakage points are properly sealed to prevent sound infiltration and improve energy efficiency. This is especially important for older buildings with old or worn insulation.
Reduced Energy Costs
Acoustic insulation is more than just a soundproofing solution. It also has thermal insulating properties and can help to improve energy efficiency in buildings. This reduces the need for excessive heating or cooling, reducing energy consumption and associated costs. It can also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, making it a cost-effective long-term investment.
The acoustic performance of insulation is typically measured with an NRC (noise reduction coefficient) rating. A higher NRC rating indicates a greater ability to resist the transfer of sound waves within a structure. The acoustic performance of insulation can be improved further through the use of effective air seals. Unwanted gaps or cracks in walls, floors, and doors can allow sound to move freely around the building, compromising both comfort and insulation performance.
Almost any fibrous material can absorb noise, but significantly better results are achieved when the insulation is specifically engineered to mitigate the specific frequency of offending noise. Mineral wool acoustic insulation does this extremely well, due to the density of its fibre cells and non-directional fibre orientation. It is however, less effective at absorbing low frequencies or “bass” tones, which are generally transmitted through vibration. This is usually addressed by adding a second layer of sound absorbent material behind the first. Adding an extra layer of acoustic insulation can substantially improve the NRC value of a space.
Improved Privacy
As well as reducing outside noises, high-quality soundproofing insulation also protects private conversations. Without it, unwanted echo and reverberation can easily carry conversations between rooms. This can be a major concern for businesses, schools, theaters, multi-family spaces and other buildings where confidentiality and privacy are essential. Porous sound absorption materials like mineral wool, fiberglass or cellulose insulation help prevent this and ensure that private conversations are kept between themselves, whether in homes or work spaces.
Acoustic insulation reduces unwanted noise and helps maintain privacy, enhancing the comfort of occupants in residential and commercial buildings. It can also reduce the noise generated by renewable energy systems, helping to comply with regulatory standards.
Aside from reducing noise pollution, acoustic insulation has the added benefit of providing thermal efficiency. This helps to reduce the usage of HVAC systems and improves overall energy efficiency, a key factor in lowering energy costs.
ROCKWOOL’s acoustic insulation products include both blocking and absorption properties, ensuring that our customers can choose the best solution for their requirements. Blocking (sound isolation) insulation is designed to stop sound from passing through walls and ceilings, whereas absorption insulation is intended to reduce echo and reverberation in spaces such as offices or concert halls. Both products use the friction between the fibrous material and its non-directional fibre orientation to entrap sound waves, making them highly effective in both absorbing and blocking.