There’s a certain kind of happiness when you don’t hear the movie coming from your living room. Or the blaring car horns from the street. Alas, that kind of peace is elusive. Noise, like the different types of pollution, is a constant part of our lives.
The good news is there are things you can do to reduce the noise level inside your home. You can do simple things like putting up curtains and using carpets. Furniture like bookcases or a stuffed sofa can also absorb noise. You can also invest in windows with noise block technology. Another option is installing soundproofing insulation.
It’s possible to soundproof a room 100% but you’ll need to put out some serious cash. It’s because the only way to achieve this is to create a suspended space within a room. Think of how a recording booth or studio is often designed.
Most homeowners don’t have the budget to do this in one room, much less the entire house. The best option is to add insulation. But what is the best insulation for soundproofing?
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is a superior soundproofing material. It makes a good dense pack. It’s made from recycled paper products. Boric acid and other fire-retardant materials are then added to the mix. This ensures the insulation material becomes fire-resistant.
Insulators often use this type of insulation. They often use it when they want to add some soundproofing to an existing structure. It’s easy to use. You can install it by cutting small holes in the drywall. Some cut under siding to push the cellulose insulation through. This type of insulation is cost-effective. Its R-value is higher than that of fiberglass insulation.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Batt insulation is a great choice for soundproofing your home or office. The material is often made from fibers of heated glass. Plastic is also mixed for flexibility. It’s a thick and dense insulation, which makes it proficient in sound absorption. You can use this material in any climate zone. It’s also affordable and easy to install.
Aside from batts, fiberglass insulation also comes in loose-fill and rolls. It’s made from recycled products and is cost-effective. It also has a good R-value, which means it’s energy-efficient. It’s also effective at absorbing sound and comes with a .95 NRC rating.
Fiberglass Blown-in Insulation
Many insulation companies will recommend fiberglass blown-in insulation. The material has astounding soundproofing qualities. It’s very effective in filling up open spaces. Its denseness means better sound absorption.
Fiberglass blown-in insulation is also easy to install. An insulation contractor uses a machine to blow in the insulation in attics, floors, and walls.
Insulation Panels
Insulation panels are tops when it comes to soundproofing ceilings and walls. Panels made from molten rock and spun mineral wool are denser. They provide excellent sound-dampening abilities.
Insulation panels are quite expensive though. Some cost around $1.75 per square foot. Compare that to a fiberglass batt’s price tag of $0.30 to $1.50 per square foot. You also need an experienced insulation contractor for the job. They’ll remove the drywall on one side of the wall first. They’ll then install the panels needed. Removing the drywall first prevents sound from traveling through the wall. It also prevents thermal transfer.
Mineral Wool Insulation
Another great material for soundproofing is mineral wool. Some insulation companies Houston call it rock wool insulation. It’s because this is a mix of furnace slag, rock, and various raw materials. Rock wool is about 90% recycled material. It’s fire-resistant and has a high R-value.
Mineral insulation is a popular soundproofing material for residences and businesses. The density of this insulation slows down vibrations and sounds. They’re available in batt and blown-in options. You can also get them as boards. You’ll have to shell out more money for this material though.
One Last Thing
Insulation doesn’t have to be a hassle. A Affordable Insulators will make sure of that. We’re one of the premier insulation companies in Texas. We’re voted as the best because of our products and services. They’re designed to help homeowners. We focus on residential and commercial fiberglass insulation. We also specialize in loose-fill attic insulation and insulation removal. We do spray reflective coating and spray foam insulation. Our team has the training and certifications to install different insulation types. We’re also experts in ventilation systems. Give us a ring at 832-243-7484 or send us a message here. We can give you a free estimate.
