ACOUSTIC SLABS

Acoustic resin bonded slabs are essential to any noise reduction project and can be used to insulate walls, floors and ceilings. Acoustic slabs allow any moisture to dry omnidirectionally - in other words both ways. These slabs are non-combustible, with a class ‘O’ fire rating and can be friction fit. Acoustic insulation slabs start at a minimum density of 45kg/m³ up to 140kg/m³. Acoustic slabs are manufactured to a higher density than other forms of insulation, unlike thermal insulation which is lower in density and supplied in rolls. When you normally use roll for floors, slabs are normally for walls.

ACOUSTIC SLABS RANGE ǀ DENSITY

Acoustic slab range is available in a variety of thicknesses and densities. All slabs are 1200mm x 600mm. Sound shield slab range comes with a choice of density and this is how compacted the slab is (not the weight). The range in density is kg/m³ from 45, 60, 80 100 & 140. It’s the density that marks out this type of soundproof insulation from other slabs of insulation. The easiest way to understand which one to choose would be to assume the higher the density, the better the overall level of soundproofing. It is recommended to use 60kg/m³ as this offers the best sound insulation for the money spent.

Common thickness: 25mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm, 60mm, 75mm, 100mm and 150mm.

TYPES OF ACOUSTIC SLABS

Generally speaking, acoustic slabs can be divided into 2 main categories named as a mineral wool slab and stone wool slab. Different ingredients are used in the production of these acoustic slabs. While stone wool slab is made of basalt - volcanic rock (stone), mineral wool slab is made of glass cullet together with quartz sand. Both types of slabs are good for sound insulation. Moreover, both are carefully fabricated to add merest to the all-inclusive mass of the building structure. Both types of slabs come from well-known brands such as KNAUF® and ROCKWOOL®. 

ROCKWOOL®

Slabs from ROCKWOOL are an excellent choice thanks to their ease of installation. They can simply be friction-fitted into joists and studs in all metal and timber frame constructions. ROCKWOOL acoustic slabs are divided into subcategories:
The Rockwool RW Slab range is used for thermal, acoustic and fire insulation in general building applications. The structure of the fibres in Rockwool RW slabs make them ideal for use as a sound absorber, with characteristically high coefficients over a wide frequency range. Rockwool stone wool products work in two distinct ways to reduce noise, either by impeding the transmission of sound through an element of the structure or by absorption of sound at the surface. These dense slabs are available in varying thicknesses that range from 25mm to 140mm. ROCKWOOL RW Slabs conform to: BS EN 13162:2012
ROCKWOOL RWA45 and RW3 slabs can be used for a wide range of applications, which include acoustic and fire insulation for partitions and ceilings, as well as thermal insulation for floors, walls, and roofs. Rockwool RWA45 is named after its density properties in that it has a density of 45Kg per cubic meter. Accordingly Rockwool RW3 has a density of 60Kg per cubic meter and so on.
ROCKWOOL RW6 slab is a robust insulation solution for a range of general building projects as well as specialist specifications such as commercial, leisure, industrial buildings and more. The insulation provides excellent acoustic, thermal and fire performance.
ROCKWOOL RW5 are versatile building slabs for a wide range of general building applications, ROCKWOOL RW5 rigid slabs are high quality resin bonded slabs that can be used for thermal, acoustic and fire resistant insulation in general building applications. 
ROCKWOOL RW3 is a robust insulation solution for a range of general building projects as well as specialist specifications such as commercial, leisure, industrial buildings and more.
Acoustic ROCKFLOOR® delivers impact sound protection for intermediate and separating floors.
ROCKWOOL FLEXI® is a multi-use, thermal, acoustic and fire insulation product with a unique flexible edge along one side. The patented flexible edge ensures a perfect fit is maintained between the product and its supporting framework for easy installation and optimum effectiveness. FLEXI® is suitable for use between frames in walls, partitions, floors and roofs, without the need for cutting or waste. Made from renewable volcanic rock, it is extremely fire resistant and significantly reduces the carbon footprint of a building.

KNAUF®

Rocksilk® Acoustic Floor Slab is a Rock Mineral Wool slab, designed to meet the acoustic requirements for use in floating floors. They are manufactured using Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder, ECOSE® Technology.
Rocksilk RS45 Knauf Rock Mineral Wool Insulation Slab is a standard density (45kg/m3) non-combustible rock mineral wool building slab designed for use in multiple applications with a great fire performance classified as Euroclass A1, which is the highest fire rating for non-combustible material. Knauf Rocksilk RS45 insulation slab can be used in a variety of applications including internal partitions, timber and metal studs and in between timber rafters and floor joists.
Rocksilk RS60 (Rock Mineral Wool Slab) Knauf Insulation Building Slab is a medium density (60kg/m3) non-combustible rock mineral wool unfaced slab designed for use in multiple applications. Knauf RS60 is a high-efficiency unfaced insulation with a certified thermal conductivity (λ - lambda value) of 0.034W/mK.
Rocksilk RS100 Knauf (Rock Mineral Wool) Insulation Building Slab is a high-density (100kg/m3) non-combustible rock mineral wool. Knauf RS100 1200mm x 600mm insulation slab provides outstanding fire, thermal and acoustic performance for both new build and refurbishment projects. 
Foil Faced Rocksilk RS45/60/100 Knauf Insulation Slab is non-combustible rock mineral wool foil backed building slab with a great fire performance classified as Euroclass A1, suitable for use in multiple applications.

ACOUSTIC SLABS APPLICATIONS

• Acoustic Insulation Products,
• Ceiling Soundproofing,
• Floor Soundproofing,
• Timber/metal studs,
• Ceiling joists

Video credit:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0BYRb6MHBM&t=78s

Related articles:

Unfaced insulation, Change before you have to!

Best floor insulation

What is the difference between Rockwool and Kingspan?

Cement bonded particle board

Rockwool acoustic insulation slabs overview

Fire resistant board thicknesses

Cut to size insulation

How to board a loft

7 easy tips for installing foil faced insulation the right way

Mineral wool insulation – what is it made of? The ugly truth?

Fire slab thicknesses

4 Alternative building insulation materials

Spray foam insulation – is it really that good?

Should I remove 80 years old insulation?