THE SOUNDPROOFING POWER OF WOOL: UNVEILING THE TOP CHOICES

05 Jun

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IS STONE WOOL THE BEST ACOUSTIC INSULATION?*

If you're wondering whether stone wool is the best option for all kinds of soundproofing, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will provide concise answers to all the questions related to this topic. So let's get started.

WHAT IS THE BEST WOOL FOR SOUNDPROOFING?

If you're looking for the best wool for soundproofing, you'll need wool with the highest density. Density determines how well walls or ceilings will be soundproofed. In other words, the density of the wool classifies it as adequate or very good. The best wool has the highest density, for example, 100kg/m³ acoustic insulation slabs. These slabs are available from brands like Rockwool or Knauf. It is recommended to use 100kg/m³ slabs in places such as hospitals, auditoriums, stadium acoustics, commercial spaces, and doctor's offices. Rockwool RW5 or Knauf RS100 are excellent examples of high-density acoustic slabs specifically designed for commercial and industrial spaces. The 100kg range slab is named after its density properties, which is 100kg per cubic meter.

WHAT INSULATION IS BEST FOR ACOUSTICS?

The best insulation for soundproofing offices, busy areas, and hotels is insulation with high sound absorption, denoted by the symbol (αw). The higher the value, the better the insulation absorbs sound. It ranges from 0 (indicating complete sound reflection) to 1 (complete absorption). Based on this parameter, appropriate classes are assigned:

Class A sound absorption: coefficient (αw) from 0.90 to 1.00
Class B sound absorption: coefficient (αw) from 0.80 to 0.85
Class C sound absorption: coefficient (αw) from 0.60 to 0.75
Class D sound absorption: coefficient (αw) from 0.30 to 0.55
Class E sound absorption: coefficient (αw) from 0.15 to 0.25
When it comes to rockwool mineral wool, it absorbs sound perfectly, with a coefficient (αw) ranging from 0.8 to even 1.0!

IS ROCKWOOL INSULATION GOOD FOR SOUNDPROOFING?

Rockwool insulation is not only good but often considered the best material for soundproofing. When combined with double-layer gypsum board, it can reduce the noise level in a room by up to 50dB. This is significant considering that 50dB is comparable to listening to loud music.

IS STONE WOOL THE BEST ACOUSTIC INSULATION FOR WALLS?

Walls are the most vulnerable points for sound penetration. The construction of the wall determines the level of noise inside the room. In other words, the lower the density of the wall, the more sound it allows to pass through. For example, a wall made of metal studs without acoustic insulation can allow almost 90% of external noise to pass through. However, filling this wall with 100mm rockwool insulation of density at 100kg/m3 can achieve a significant noise reduction of around 8-10dB. When combined with other sound-insulating materials like drywall, the noise reduction can reach up to 45dB. This is substantial considering that the loud conversation of a person is approximately 40dB.

ROCKWOOL® ACOUSTIC INSULATION

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® ACOUSTIC INSULATION

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 MINERAL WOOL

Acoustic mineral wool is a well-known product used for noise reduction. It is easy to install and transport. For building purposes, it typically occupies little space and is available in the form of slabs or rolls. While rolls are commonly used for floors, slabs are typically used for walls. Acoustic mineral wool is readily available in most popular markets such as Wickes, B&Q, Selco, Screwfix, and Travis Perkins. Its price may vary depending on the supplier and distance from the manufacturer. Here, you can find affordable deals and competitive prices as the products come directly from the manufacturer. You won't need to drive to a local store or search for parking. We offer delivery services across the UK, and if needed, we will find a solution to deliver via an external courier company. InsulationGo, as a building materials supplier, provides free price estimates and convenient online shopping options.
We provide Online Insulation Delivery Service to all major cities in UK (usually in less than 1-3 working days) including:

CONCLUSION

Stone wool, such as Rockwool or Knauf mineral wool, is one of the best materials for acoustic insulation. Its high density and excellent sound absorption properties make it an effective solution for soundproofing walls, ceilings, and floors. Whether you need to reduce noise in commercial spaces, industrial buildings, or residential areas, stone wool insulation can provide significant noise reduction and create a quieter environment. Additionally, its ease of installation and availability in various thicknesses make it a versatile choice for different applications. When it comes to selecting the best acoustic insulation, stone wool stands out as a reliable and efficient option.

Related articles:

THE UGLY TRUTH ABOUT ROCKWOOL AS A SOUNDPROOFING MATERIAL?

ROCKWOOL INSULATION: IS IT SAFE FOR YOU AND YOUR HOME?

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO 30-60-90-240 MINUTE A1 FIRE RATED BOARDS: BENEFITS AND APPLICATIONS

FOIL INSULATION: TO GAP OR NOT TO GAP? THAT IS THE QUESTION!

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The information presented on this blog should not be considered as professional advice or a substitute for consulting relevant experts. Before making any purchase decisions or taking action based on the information presented here, it is strongly recommended to contact the product manufacturer directly to verify the details and ensure its suitability for your specific needs.
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30mm RWA45 Rockwool Acoustic Insulation Slab SL920 ǀ pack of 12

30mm Rockwool RWA45 Acoustic Insulation Slab is a standard density of 45kg/m3, non-combustible resin bonded semi-rigid fire resistant insulation slab ..

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