Acoustic insulation is a specialized, innovative type of insulation used to reduce noise transfer within indoor spaces. Many businesses use acoustic insulation to promote privacy, reduce internal noise levels, and create a more welcoming, comfortable environment for customers and employees.
There is a broad range of acoustic insulation available on the market today, making it challenging to decide what’s best for your business. This article will outline the types of acoustic insulation to choose from, discuss their benefits, and help you decide which type is right for your organisation.
What is acoustic insulation made from?
Acoustic insulation is made from acoustic batts. These fibrous spray foam insulation edmonton are like a significantly denser and thicker form of thermal insulation, creating improved soundproofing results.
Acoustic batts can be made from various materials, including:
- Foam board and spray foam
- Cellulose
- Fibreglass
- Mineral wool
Let’s discuss the benefits and drawbacks of these different insulation materials.
Mineral wool
Mineral wool is a high-performance and lightweight insulation material, offering acoustic and thermal benefits. This material is mildew, water, and mould resistant and will not burn if exposed to flames.
As a dense but porous material, mineral wool slows down the transfer of hot and cool air through walls, ceilings, and floors. It can also absorb impact and airborne sound waves.
Mineral wool absorbs up to 95% sound, making it a fantastic choice for reducing echo and sound transfer within noisy spaces such as meeting rooms and multimedia rooms. With mineral wool insulation installed, sounds within these rooms will have improved clarity.
Foam board and spray foam
Spray foam insulation minimises air movement between rooms and acts as a thermal barrier. While it is an excellent option for reducing hot or cold air transfer, it’s not the best choice for sound absorption—although you may choose it because it can be installed after construction.
On the other hand, polystyrene foam boards are a good option for reducing sound transfer and muffling, especially on exterior walls.
Businesses can also choose to combine polystyrene boards with fibreglass panels or mineral wool to form an effective sound-blocking barrier between rooms.
Fibreglass and cellulose
Fibreglass is made from minuscule shards of glass embedded in melted plastic. As a loose material, it traps air and thus absorbs sound waves—although it isn’t dense enough to block the waves entirely.
While fibreglass also offers cold and heatproofing properties, it is susceptible to mould and moisture.
Cellulose insulation is made from a combination of recycled paper and flame retardant. It reduces vibration resonance, improves sound quality, and deadens noise.
Cellulose doubles as a fantastic thermal insulator, making it an excellent choice for lining interior walls. It is also inexpensive and more environmentally friendly than other options.
Conclusion
Your choice of acoustic insulation material will depend on your business’s needs and budget. Overall, cellulose is the best option because of its insect, rodent, and mould-resistant properties, thermal benefits, and quality soundproofing.
You may choose another material like spray foam, however, because it can be installed after construction.
