Rockwool can fit in and properly insulate. Acoustic insulation provides enhanced sound control within your home. The glass is heated until it melts. Both materials are easy to install, between the studs or on the surface. In addition, the sound insulation helps boost . Does it break down over time? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'soundproofpeace_com-leader-4','ezslot_15',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-leader-4-0');100% organic, made out of natural, raw materials. This product is porous and captures and manages vibrations that produce noise. ROCKWOOL SAFE'n'SOUND is an acoustical soundproofing insulation for use in interior walls, ceilings and floors to help create a quieter home. Made out of a dense rubber material (Mass Loaded Vinyl). Fiberglass is also breathable due to its porous nature, so it is resistant to mold and mildew growth. Rockwool typically costs $0.50 to $2.30 per square foot depending on the thickness and density, whereas Fiberglass insulation typically costs $0.30 to $1.50 per square foot. Soundproof drywall is a combination of layers that contain gypsum or steel to increase density. 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. As a rule of thumb, the higher the density, the higher will be its sound-deadening properties. One way to understand rock wool vs. fiberglass is to compare the similarities and differences between these products. Fiberglass insulation is generally more affordable and easier to install than rockwool insulation. It has a higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass, about a 22-37% higher R-value. So, Read More Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant: How to Use Properly, FAQ & ReviewContinue. So, the higher the STC rating, the better (but more on this later on). Rockwool is manufactured from rock minerals composed of recycled slag. If rigid fiberglass batts are not available, then foam is usually better at soundproofing than other forms of fiberglass. Lastly, even though its quite good at heat insulation, its nowhere near as good as closed cell spray foam , which means that in more extreme climates it wont be as effective.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'soundproofanything_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofanything_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Some studies have shown that fiberglass, or glass wool, can release some small particles in the air which when breathed in can cause irritation and that could be considered carcinogenic, which is why it should be covered with a really thick and tight cloth once installed. In some cases, it can also slice DNA, cause cell mutations, and inflict long-term ailments like lung cancer. Since insulators are, by nature, able to resist the flow of heat going through them, they should also have some ability to resist fire. Rock wool is a high-performing soundproofing material. We will be exploring a rockwool and fiberglass insulation in this breakdown to help you find the right insulation for your home. However, rockwool comes packed with 75% recyclable contents. It has been seen that rats and rodents find it easier to chew through Fiberglass than Rockwool. In conclusion, Rockwool is 1.5 times more effective fire-resistant than Fiberglass. Imagine cotton candy machines, only bigger and stronger. Rockwool is much more expensive, about twice as much as Fiberglass, which is why Fiberglass is the go-to material used to fill a wall or a ceiling when soundproofing. These products also share similarities, making it challenging to understand which is best to use in the home. 2 Layers of 5/8 Drywall + Green Glue Rockwool safe and sound will also be best for damp locations because it won't deteriorate like fiberglass. Like rocks are heated to make rock wool, glass is heated at extreme temperatures to create fiberglass. In most other countries, the Sound Reduction index is used (SRI). Moreover, even if you dont have any prior experience you can easily install them in your house. 3. It is a resilient material, and it does not produce toxic emissions of smoke or other residues. The Mineral wool or the Fiberglass in itself are not rodent-proof. Can thermal curtains make any difference in the summer? Its also worth noting that fiberglass comes compressed, so when you buy a pack thats the same size as the rockwool pack it actually has twice as much fiberglass in it. Fire resistance and Thermal Regulation, How Effective is Soundproof Paint? In comparison to Fiberglass, Rockwool seems more expensive. Insulation comes in at this stage to reduce the transfer of sound through the air. Apart from fire-resistance, a good insulating material should also be resistant to water. As the name suggests, mineral wool is made from a naturally occurring volcanic rock basalt. Even though, both the materials have similar responses to fire hazards, Rockwool has better efficiency to counter such life-endangering occasions. Owens Corning R-19 Faced Fiberglass Roll 4.2 2. Rockwool typically costs $0.50 to $2.30 per square foot depending on the thickness and density, whereas Fiberglass insulation typically costs $0.30 to $1.50 per square foot. When it comes to sound deadening, the higher density of Rockwool insulation makes it good at blocking out lower-frequency noises like heavy thuds. 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. Find My Store. Grab a piece of fiberglass insulation and touch a match to it. Open or closed-cell foam is a common consideration, but not appropriate for soundproofing. Rockwoll should, however, be used near electrical outlets, or any place that could be in danger of catching fire, since it 100% fire resistant. Studies have found that if the Fiberglass is not gel-coated regularly then the airborne fiber can create serious problems for asthma patients. Fiberglass and rock wool are way, way more effective. The latter also contributes to sound dampening. But that doesnt mean that they dont deteriorate over time. ), but its also extremely affordable and you can install it yourself since its not toxic, wont harm your skin like spray foam or fiberglass, and its not flammable. In addition to this, when handled, small glass shards can hurt your skin, eyes and make their way into the respiratory system causing breathing difficulties, which is why you should always wear gloves, have as little exposed skin as possible, wear safety goggles and a face mask. Many people do not care for soundproofing their house, in which case Owens Corning EcoTouch can be a good choice for their insulation. Carwashes used for its resistance to rust and for creating color contrast. Glass wool generally comes in the form of rolls or in slabs, with different thermal and mechanical properties, but it is also produced as a material that can be sprayed or applied in place, making it quite versatile. These two products are more similar than they are different, and these variables are covered in relation to: Understanding rock wool vs. fiberglass in terms of their acoustic capabilities shows the similarities between these two materials. Class A materials, which have a rating of 0-25, do not burn well and are very unlikely to contribute fuel to a fire, which makes them the safest ones. And it is here that we find one of the reasons behind the popularity of fiberglass in homessince they are much lighter and less dense than Rockwool by volume, fiberglass is much easier to install. floors steel stud, wooden framed, or under the slab, you name it. 440. ROCKWOOL. DO use two layers of Rockwool in walls and ceilings, and leave a little space between them. All of these are open and "airy" enough to adequately interact with the sound waves in the sealed wall (or ceiling) cavity. However, adding layers means buying more material. Rockwool is eco-friendly, while fiberglass is biodegradable. Rockwool and fiberglass are popular insulation materials that are typically found within walls, but are also part of many on-surface soundproofing panels. You can pair it up with other waterproofing techniques. Using additional rodent proofing methods becomes essential for areas like warehouses or basements. 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). With sound absorbing ratings of 95% and NRC of 1.05, high performance mineral wool provides improved sound reducing values. 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. Both rock wool and fiberglass are easy to cut and install. 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. It traps the sound and redirects it, instead of going straight through the wall. I recommend using Roxul in acoustic panels and traps, and use the fiberglass in wall and ceiling cavities where it is fully closed in. Plus, its safer for your health overall. It can isolate and control the noise and vibrations coming from various sources (airports, trams, trains, music, etc.). Rockwool is denser and does a better proofing job. 1.3M views 2 years ago #rockwool #fiberglass #insulation Stone wool and glass wool insulation are two of the most commonly used insulation types in residential construction. ROCKWOOL. Rockwool Safe 'n' Sound 4.3 3. Now, it is one thing for insulation to perform better than its competitor; however, all of its advantages become immediately irrelevant when the insulation cant be installed in the first place. Your email address will not be published. Luckily, since its made of rock, once it dries its as good as new. I will be including other popular insulation materials as well so that you dont have to go scouring the internet for that info as well. Subscribe & Get Exclusive Home Improvement Guides. This website is a free source of information on how to 'keep it down a notch'. Because, lets face it: most of them can, Read More 4 Quietest Snow Blowers in 2022: Reviews & Full Buying GuideContinue, Mass loaded vinyl and acoustic foam are the most often used materials for soundproofing projects. This breathable feature allows air and moisture circulation, so neither mold nor mildew grows on this material. 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. In comparison to Fiberglass, Rockwool seems more expensive. Another consequence of the way insulation works is that it can also provide some level of acoustic deadening (which is distinctly different from soundproofing, as they do not provide full soundproofing). As a rule of thumb, one should always reach out for the item which has a higher R-value since the higher the R number, the higher is its heat-resistance. Rockwool also known as Mineral wool is a fibrous wool-like man-made fiber. Those with grooves or wedges are better at reducing echo and improving acoustics. 28. Which material is better for insulating attics and other closely packed areas? But not all of them are safe and sound or provide performance. The short answer is open-cell foams perform about the same, acoustically, as fiberglass and mineral wool. Rock wool is produced by heating rocks up to 3,000 F, effectively transforming hard rock into a liquid form. Rock wool is also a strong material and outlasts fiberglass, which is prone to degradation over time. Fiberglass, just like rockwool, can also be used for acoustic treatment and a lot of people use it for treating the acoustics of their home studio since its fantastic at absorbing sound. And most importantly, don't forget to have a great day! soundproofexpert.com also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other sites. Lastly, it easily breaks apart, which means that it wont last as long other insulation materials unless properly installed. Caulk all around the edges of the top and bottom plate, and where it meets the wall. SoundproofPeace.com also participates in advertising programs like Adsense. 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. But if you have decided to go for Fiberglass insulations then you need to remember that it tends to hold the absorbed water which can make it really soggy and sometimes even lead to a significant reduction of insulation effectiveness. Once fiberglass has been installed it will last for the life of your home (between 80 and 100 years), that is, if it has been installed properly. Air seal as best you can, caulk, tape, or expanding foam. It fills all voids and gaps, significantly reducing unwanted noise. For commercial settings, the higher cost of soundproofing with rockwool insulation may be offset by the thermal regulation it provides, helping to reduce heating and air conditioning bills. On the back you can generally see an adhesive aluminum foil or paper, which serves as a vapor barrier and also to keep the fibers in place (its worth noting, however, that additional vapor barriers are generally needed). Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. 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. It can retain water or let it escape, depending on your needs. Withstanding temperatures up to 2150F (1177C), Safe'n'Sound is non-combustible and will not produce toxic smoke or promote flame spreading, even when directly exposed to fire. This way you can make an informed decision. Rockwool vs. fiberglass insulation is a widespread debate among homeowners regarding insulating a home and adding soundproofing panels. In looking at/feeling the two, the Rockwool seems to be fluffier with more give and less brittle and not as sharp/scratchy. Its gap filling properties and adaptability to spaces and structures is quite similar. soundproofing media rooms, music studios, etc. Noise drives some people nuts, driving them to look for the best soundproofing materials on the market. When trying to reduce outside noise, were talking about soundproofing, but if you want to remove the echo in a room, like it can typically be heard in a big & empty one, then we would need materials that absorb sound. How thick should Rockwool be for soundproofing? For example, drywall and rockwool used together. Rock wool is also more durable than fiberglass, which degrades quickly. Rockwool also doesn't absorb water as fiberglass does. It's also worth noting that fiberglass comes compressed, so when you buy a pack that's the same size as the rockwool pack it actually has twice as much fiberglass in it. Cork is good for soundproofing due to its physical properties. Rockwool cost is $0.80/sq ft and 3.5 thickness, compared to Thinsulate's approximately $2.38/sq ft and 1.75 thickness. Fiberglass is made from glass, which is made from sand. Due to a greater density and weight, rockwool does a slightly better job in blocking sound. Neither of these products generates toxic smoke or other harmful substances. Rock wools weight and firmness make it easier to install than fiberglass. Required fields are marked *. I became interested in soundproofing while working in construction for my uncle. The biggest drawback would be that its not that great of a heat insulator since air can easily pass through it, which means that humidity will as well. 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. However, better is a relative term, and when it comes to rock wool vs. fiberglass, you should weigh variables such as cost and purpose. Is Rockwool good for soundproofing? . His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. If the area which requires insulation is difficult to access, like nooks and corners of ceilings or attics, then loose fillings of Fiberglass is the better option here. 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. Also read: Best Insulation Materials for . Whether in your home, office, or recording studio, preventing sound from causing damage is essential. You can learn more about the differences between soundproofing and acoustic treatment here. When it comes to insulating products, their warranty is usually treated like that of any other productmost manufacturers will have a 1- to 3-year warranty against production defects on their insulation batts. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I know what you're thinking: how can cork be used for soundproofing? Additionally, mineral wool contains 70% recycled materials hence an environmentally friendly material compared to 20-30% recycled materials. Fiberglass is pliable enough to be worked around difficult spaces, such as around pipes and in crawl spaces, and batts of the stuff could also be easily cut to fit specific sizes and shapes. For this type of characteristics of fiberglass and Rockwool, they are more capable of absorbing sound frequency. However, rockwool doesnt shy away from adapting to various purposes. It also prevents buildings from bacteria or any other dirty objects. How to choose the optimal soundproofing material for your needs. You cant install it with your bare hands since the tiny glass shards will hurt you, and it releases microscopic glass particles which can harm your respiratory system. 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. In winter, it keeps the warm air in. Loose-fill cellulose has a fairly high NRC value of 0.80, while densely-packed cellulose boasts an outstanding 0.90 NRC. When put inside a typical interior wall with of drywall on either side, which has an STC rating of 34 on its own, adding rockwool insulation will increase that STC rating to 45, which is much higher than any of the alternatives out there (spray foam and fiberglass have a rating of 39). For damping the resonance in the air cavity, we prefer medium density fiberglass, cellulose, cotton, mineral fiber or polyester. When exposed to heat, it doesnt create toxic emissions. . Manufacturers use natural materials to create rock wool and fiberglass, which both have a built-in resistance to fire. Welcome to my blog. Rockwool is relatively denser than Fiberglass making it a preferred alternative. Meanwhile, higher-frequency noises like claps are better blocked out by the looser composition of fiberglass insulation batts. Rockwool is a great sound absorber since its thick and has a lot of air pockets inside of it, and its also worth mentioning that you can get different densities and thicknesses depending on your needs (the thicker it is, the more sound it will absorb). Mineral wool batts come in the same widths as fiberglass and fit snugly between exposed joists. There are at least three brands of mineral wool batts for thermal wall insulation: Johns Manville TempControl, Roxul ComfortBatt and Thermafiber UltraBatt. Plus, they are easy to use, sustainable, and comply with safety dynamics. 3. Fiberglas Insulation Foamglas Cellular Glass Foamular XPS Foamular NGX Thermafiber Mineral Wool Perimeter Fire Containment new Rainbarrier Continuous Insulation . 4 Quietest Snow Blowers in 2022: Reviews & Full Buying Guide, Mass Loaded Vinyl vs. Acoustic Foam: Sound Insulation Pros & Cons, Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant: How to Use Properly, FAQ & Review. However, Rockwool insulation gains further points here thanks to its mineral-based construction, which gives it a much higher melting point than fiberglass. Rockwool is denser and does a better proofing job. Automotive, aerospace, & defense various body parts and components are made out of fiberglass. Your email address will not be published. Soundproof expert and a staunch opponent of noise. In the end, you will know which material is best suited for your project. But what about safety? It has improved sound damping and absorption properties. The fiberglass can have resins added to it for strength and made into different shapes and forms. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration. We're going to. I've always heard that Roxul Safe and Sound is a superior product to fiberglass when it comes to sound transmission because it's simply a denser product. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'soundproofanything_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',102,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofanything_com-medrectangle-3-0');In this article, I will be comparing fiberglass to rockwool in terms of how they insulate against noise. As the name suggests, Fiberglass is made of thin thread-like glass fibers. They are both effective in reducing sound pollution and noise. Is Fiberglass good for soundproofing? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'soundproofpeace_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');A variation of acoustic foam. The STC rating for mineral wool is around 45. Owens Corning 703 vs Rockwool. Installing Rockwool and Fiberglass Acoustic foam acts as a sound absorber. Both materials are eco-friendly. The resulting strands are then combined with binders to create the products that we see, which feature: As the two most popular materials used for home insulation, it should be no surprise that rockwool and fiberglass are very good at preventing temperature leakage, which is measured with something called the R-value. I love peace and quiet! Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Both materials give value to your project and come with benefits as well as drawbacks. 2. Sound Absorption, on the other hand,relies on materials that are good at absorbing sound, such as acoustic panels, acoustic blankets, etc. That being said, it is more expensive and you can achieve the same sound deadening by increasing the amount of fiberglass.provided you have the room. But which one is a better option? About 70%, of Rockwool is made from recycled material, making it a more eco-friendly product than Fiberglass. However, only of this product is recyclable, begging the question as to whether it is environmentally friendly. The material used determines how much sound will vibrate and then pass through to the other side. Its content is high in recyclable and renewable material that has a positive impact on our carbon footprint. In terms of health and rock wool vs. fiberglass, neither are particularly harmful to human health. Resilient Channels 5.3 3. The magma-looking liquid goes through a high-pressure air or steam jet. Fiberglass panels, however, can have NRC values ranging between 0.50 and 0.95. All rights reserved. The compressed fiber-strands are made out into batts, rolls or blankets of different dimensions. Or should I use a different noise blocking solution? The process traps many small pockets of air between the glass, and these small air pockets result in high thermal and acoustical insulation properties. Is one of the most versatile materials. Always leave an air pocket to help with sound absorption. The air is retained due to the small pockets of air inside the structure. When it comes to price, you need to consider the area you want to soundproof and its purpose. These fibers then undergo a compression process to make dense mats which are cut into strips known as batts. But, due to its higher density, rockwool is more resistant than fiberglass. Finally, the fiber strands are compressed into thick and dense mats cut into panels of rockwool batts. Both products retain heat, so they are used for thermal insulation, promoting a cool environment in summer and a warm one in winter. Both rock wool and fiberglass are easy to cut and install. Rockwool insulation has a density of around 1.7 pounds per cubic .