For example, if a material has an R-value of 2, it can mean that a one-inch thick material has a heat resistance rating of 2. They are flexible, can be refitted and reused, and require little time. Air seal as best you can, caulk, tape, or expanding foam. Fiberglass attracts mold, which can be a disease source, whereas rock wool repels mold growth. Rockwool can also be used for acoustic treatment and, in fact, its what most people, including myself, use for treating the acoustics of their home studio since its fantastic at absorbing sound, much more so than acoustic foam.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'soundproofanything_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofanything_com-banner-1-0'); Of course, fiberglass is also being used for making acoustic panels, but thats beside the point. 30-80 years (depending if installed properly or not), 80-100 years (also depends on the installation), Extremely low (Flame spread rating below 25). Given a benchmark thickness of 3.5 inches, a batt of Rockwool achieves an R-15 insulation value while fiberglass achieves an R-13 value, giving Rockwool about 15% better insulating ability over fiberglass at the same thickness. Owens Corning 703 vs Rockwool. The higher the density, the better it is. The type of material (basalt rock) used to manufacture Rockwool can melt only at a temperature of 3000 F, allowing it to withstand higher temperatures. The STC rating reflects the decibel reduction of noise that a partition can provide (1 STC is equivalent to 1dB reduction), where a higher number, or rating, equals better results, or overall attenuation. soundproofexpert.com also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other sites. Made from basalt rock that has been melted at extremely high heat (upwards of 2,000F!) ROCKWOOL Safe'n'Sound is a stone wool insulation for use in interior partitions of residential wood and steel stud construction where superior fire resistance and acoustical performance are required. Fiberglass insulation is generally more affordable and easier to install than rockwool insulation. 31: A Realtors Insights on Todays Turbulent Housing Market, Modern Living Room Design for a Mid-Century Home, Ask Danny | Ep. It can retain water or let it escape, depending on your needs. In addition to this, its not really flammable and has a Flame Spread index of 25 (similar to rockwool), which is why I always recommend it over something like spray foam since that one is much more flammable and, therefore, more dangerous. Use 2 layers of 5/8 drywall with staggered joints for a really dead sound. When put inside a typical interior wall with of drywall on either side, which has an STC rating of 34 on its own, adding fiberglass insulation will increase that STC rating to 39, which is identical to the insulation provided by open cell spray foam but lower than rockwool. Your email address will not be published. Rockwool can withstand temperatures of up to 1000 C (1800 F), while fiberglass melts around 600 C (1100 F). This explains the name as well. Withstanding temperatures up to 2150F (1177C), Safe'n'Sound is non-combustible and will not . Although there are some insulators out there (particularly cellulose) that are susceptible to igniting, both Rockwool and fiberglass have great fire resistance as both are non-combustible. The backing of fiberglass is made from a paper source, attracting mold growth. Rockwoll should, however, be used near electrical outlets, or any place that could be in danger of catching fire, since it 100% fire resistant. Insulate well with cellulose or rockwool. Rock wool is a breathable material, which means it has excellent ventilation properties. Fiberglass, on the other hand, blocks ~ 4 to 10 decibels. It also prevents buildings from bacteria or any other dirty objects. However, Rockwool insulation gains further points here thanks to its mineral-based construction, which gives it a much higher melting point than fiberglass. The one-inch variant has a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of 0.70 while the two-inch variant has an NRC of 1.05. for pricing and availability. In addition, the sound insulation helps boost . STC, orSound transmission class, is the rating used in the US to describe how well a building partition can attenuate sound, such as interior partitions, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, etc. While you will find many arguments both pro and con regarding mineral wool vs. fiberglass for sound deadening, I can tell you that no high frequence sound is getting out of my HT, and very little bass escapes. Some are good at absorbing the sound and some have dampening qualities, while others can cancel the noise altogether. When a room is framed and ready to insulate, affix your chosen paneling to one side of the frame. Attic Door Insulation Benefits and Installation Guide. It allows the air to flow in and out and is strong enough to offer support for the roots. Owens Corning fibre glass does not significantly aid in providing a soundproofing effect to the house as compared to the Rockwool material. Rockwool insulation is more fire-resistant and has better sound-dampening properties than fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass filaments are packaged into rolls, while others are packaged into denser materials. Since insulation batts are sold based on the R-value that they provide, a reliable way to measure the insulating ability of these materials is by noting the R values that they achieve at a specific thickness. Noise drives some people nuts, driving them to look for the best soundproofing materials on the market. Fiberglass is available in both batts and loose fills which make it relatively easy to cover any small areas and do not require a whole blanket. Hope you find it helpful. Its important to realize that noise cancelling headphones are not a universal solution to every noise problem out there. Soundproofingis the process of isolating or blocking the sound, not allowing it to enter or to leave a room. However, both materials have positive and negative attributes and they should be used in specific circumstances to obtain the best result. Many types of insulation are available nowadays, such as fiberglass and mineral wool available in different brands. 3. In comparison to Fiberglass, Rockwool seems more expensive. By contrast, fiberglass insulation is much more forgiving and can fill in and insulate spaces where Rockwool cannot. While this article focuses mainly on sound insulation, I think that its extremely important to address if these materials can be considered a fire hazard or not, which is determined by the flame spread index. Sound insulation prevents the outdoor noise and sounds from permeating into the studio to make sure the jamming and recording sessions are not disrupted. About 75 percent of the material in Rockwool can be recycled, while only 20 to 30 percent of the material in fiberglass is recyclable. Coming to thermal regulation, if you reside in areas that tend to become colder in winters then Fiberglass is the best alternative for you since it has better heat retention capacity than Rockwool. Mineral wool is a superior insulation material in many ways compared to fiberglass insulation. So, my recommendation would be to wear gloves, a face mask and some safety goggles to be on the safe side. Since Rockwool batts are relatively thicker, they showcase a better ability to block sound to and from the room. Rockwool is denser and does a better proofing job. Besides being generally good at doing their basic jobs, each of these insulation materials have their quirks and qualities that make them better than the other options. These tiny threads are then woven into larger patches of material or left in bulks of less structured material. Is one more affordable, easier to install, etc.? A normal R-value for Rockwool is between 3 and 3 1/3 per inch, whereas a typical R-value for fiberglass is between 2 1/5 and 2 7/10 per inch . Given a benchmark thickness of 3.5 inches, a batt of Rockwool achieves an R-15 insulation value while fiberglass achieves an R-13 value, giving Rockwool about 15% better insulating ability over fiberglass at the same thickness. link to Is Spray Foam Good for Soundproofing. I've heard that some people thought that the Rockwool was much easier to work with and less itchy. When you decide to soundproof a room inside your home or office, you need to pay attention to a few aspects.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'soundproofpeace_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Whether you choose rockwool or fiberglass to do the job, it needs to do more than block the sound. Because of this its vital to place it in a dense fabric that can trap these particles if you decide to use it out in the open, and to wear safety equipment during installation. One way to understand rock wool vs. fiberglass is to compare the similarities and differences between these products. Mineral wool has a higher density so it can trap more air, leading to higher soundproofing performance. Rockwool is the name of a Danish manufacturer of insulating products made of mineral wool, which is the generic term for this type of product. Both materials are easy to install, between the studs or on the surface. Studies have found that if the Fiberglass is not gel-coated regularly then the airborne fiber can create serious problems for asthma patients. for pricing and availability. 2023 Today's Homeowner Media. Another side benefit: fiberglass and rock wool are fire resistant and do not give off deadly fumes when heated. Both materials can be covered with a dense fabric and attached on a wall or a door with hanging strips or glue to function as soundproofing panels. I recommend using Roxul in acoustic panels and traps, and use the fiberglass in wall and ceiling cavities where it is fully closed in. Sound Insulation Explained - Scott McGillivray Which one is more or less flammable? Rockwool and fiberglass are popular insulation materials that are typically found within walls, but are also part of many on-surface soundproofing panels. In the debate of glasswool vs. rockwool for soundproofing and acoustics, glasswool is superior. Your email address will not be published. Would rigid foam insulation help to deaden sound? Lets the moisture circulate. Rockwool insulation product that prevents buildings from moisture. Fiberglass insulation, or properly named glass wool (fiberglass is actually the one used for boats, etc., which is rigid), is an insulation material made fromfibers of glassarranged into a texture similar towool. However, better is a relative term, and when it comes to rock wool vs. fiberglass, you should weigh variables such as cost and purpose. First you need to understand the differences between Soundproofing and Acoustic Treatment, STC Rating of Fiberglass vs Rockwool (Which one insulates the best), Flame Spread Rating and smoke development of Rockwool vs Fiberglass Insulation, differences between soundproofing and acoustic treatment, nowhere near as good as closed cell spray foam. Also read: Best Insulation Materials for . Is Fiberglass the Best Batt Insulation for Soundproofing? For this type of characteristics of fiberglass and Rockwool, they are more capable of absorbing sound frequency. Air gaps also help to reduce airborne noise (sound). They act as sound barriers installed in cars or appliances as an underlayment. Once you decide on the variables, you will know which product is better for you. These products also share similarities, making it challenging to understand which is best to use in the home. This fiber-reinforced plastic type of material is also highly versatile, and many industries use this sound-deadening material for many reasons. Closed-cell foams perform worse. In addition to this, rockwool tends to settle once installed and a small air gap will form on top of it allowing sound, heat and cold to get through. In other words, while the foundations of these products are sustainable, the manufacturing process still leaves a carbon footprint, making these products similarly unfriendly to the environment. Cotton doesn't have the same reputation as mineral wool or fiberglass when used as soundproofing insulation, but it's lighter, and it's the least-expensive and most environmentally-friendly. About 70%, of Rockwool is made from recycled material, making it a more eco-friendly product than Fiberglass. However, the Owens Corning is less expensive. ROCKWOOL Safe'n'Sound is a stone wool insulation for use in interior partitions of residential wood and steel stud construction where superior fire resistance and acoustical performance are required. Roxul vs fiberglass: worth the extra Its worth noting that no matter what material it is, if you give it enough time and heat it will burn at some point, but the lower the flame spread rating, the more time you have before the fire spreads. Installation of the material and its quality contribute to the quality of soundproofing, but the density of rockwool helps reduce sound transmission of ~ 10 decibels through a wall. Read our advertiser disclosure for more info. The benefit of rockwool is that not only does it have the highest sound insulation capabilities of the typically used insulation materials because of how dense it is (spray foam, fiberglass, cellulose, etc. Mineral Wool vs Fiberglass: Which is Better? | Acoustical Surfaces Even though, both the materials have similar responses to fire hazards, Rockwool has better efficiency to counter such life-endangering occasions. Note: Here I will be going over which type of insulation material works best when put inside a typical interior wall with of drywall on either side, which has an STC rating of 34 on its own, and how it increases this rating. Like rocks are heated to make rock wool, glass is heated at extreme temperatures to create fiberglass. Required fields are marked *. Fiberglass insulation is, like mineral wool, made from a similar process of melting down glass and spinning it at very high speeds as they cool. Fiberglass is also breathable due to its porous nature, so it is resistant to mold and mildew growth. Rockwool meets the fire safety criteria. Mineral wool vs fiberglass insulation | everything you need to know In some cases, it can also slice DNA, cause cell mutations, and inflict long-term ailments like lung cancer. Mineral wool or Rockwool has been assigned an R-value which ranges somewhere between 3.0 to 3.3 per inch. How thick should Rockwool be for soundproofing? Rockwool Vs. Fiberglass For Soundproofing Where rock wool can manage sounds up to 10 decibels, fiberglass controls noise vibrations in the range of 4 to 10 decibels. Rockwool vs Fiberglass: 11 Main Differences You Didn't Know As the name suggests, Fiberglass is made of thin thread-like glass fibers. Rockwool is valued at ~ $1.3 per square feet ($13 per square meter) on the market. However, its worth noting that you will need to cover those panels with a very thick cloth since fiberglass can release tiny particles which you may breathe in and that can be bad for your health (which is why I generally recommend rockwool for acoustic panels). However, is there one that outperforms the other? Safe'n'Sound Sound Proof Insulation | ROCKWOOL This adds . For home insulation, there are some things you would want to take into considerationspecifically that of insect, mold, and mildew resistance. Rockwool vs Fiberglass for Sound Absorption - SoundProofing Hacks R-38 Attic 48-sq ft Kraft Faced Fiberglass Batt Insulation Individual Pack. Sound Barrier Batt Insulation at Lowes.com