The thermal benefits of insulation are pretty well known, but did you know insulation can have fantastic acoustic benefits too? To reap the maximum benefits of acoustic insulation, you should install it in both the external and internal walls of your home.
The benefits of acoustic insulation include:
- Reduced noise transfer from outside the home to inside and vice versa.
- More privacy by preventing noise travelling from room to room.
- Peaceful downstairs environment when acoustic insulation is installed in between floors.
- Better sound quality within a room.
- Increased value of your home.
- All the usual benefits of thermal insulation such as temperature regulation, reduced energy consumption and financial savings.
What type of insulation is best for soundproofing?
If you want to experience the optimal acoustic benefits, you should install acoustic insulation. Although every type of insulation will make some acoustic difference, acoustic insulation is specially designed to combat noise transfer.
Many different brands offer high quality acoustic products. Choosing the right one for your application will depend on several factors including your budget, climate and material preferences. Remember that the best acoustic products should also have excellent thermal properties, so choose ones with a higher R-Value.
The most common materials that acoustic insulation is made from are polyester and glasswool. Polyester is made from recycled plastic bottles, has no breathable particles and is soft to touch with none of the itchiness associated with glasswool.
Glasswool, on the other hand, is made from recycled glass materials and has a high compression factor which makes it easy to transport. Thanks to innovative technologies, some glasswool products such as Earthwool Insulation have a dramatically reduced itch factor and are soft to touch.
What kind of insulation should I use for internal walls?
When insulating your home, you should not overlook the internal walls. In addition to acoustic benefits within the home, internal wall insulation also helps you reduce energy consumption by creating climate zones.
The type of acoustic insulation you choose will depend on your specific needs, but keep in mind a higher R-Value will offer you better thermal regulation properties. At Pricewise Insulation, we supply a wide range of excellent acoustic internal wall insulation. Some great choices are:
- Knauf Earthwool Sound Shield Wall Insulation Batts
- Pink Soundbreak Insulation Batts
- Bradford SoundScreen Acoustic Insulation Batts
- Greenstuf Polyester Sound Solution Acoustic Insulation
Where else should you install acoustic insulation?
Apart from the internal and external walls, acoustic insulation can be installed in the roof and floor, and also between floors of a multi-storey home. Acoustic insulation in the roof will help reduce sounds from heavy rain or strong winds. Mid-floor acoustic insulation will make a significant difference in sound transfer from footsteps and appliances upstairs. To experience the optimal acoustic benefits, it is best to install acoustic insulation throughout your home.