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UNDERSTANDING THE LIMITATIONS OF ROCKWOOL FOR SOUNDPROOFING*
The sounds from a neighbour's apartment, external noise from the street, noise generated by technical equipment in a building, or even our own children, who scream and love to listen to loud music - we know these sounds very well. On the other hand, annoying noise in the workplace, even if it is at a low level, can cause a permanent feeling of fatigue, concentration problems, or sleep disturbances.
The extent to which proper sound insulation affects our efficiency and sense of happiness may be surprising to many - experts from the World Health Organization argue that noise harms us as much as toxic chemicals! Is there any way to protect ourselves from noise? Of course! Acoustic insulation made of ROCKWOOL mineral wool is an excellent solution that makes your home a place of true relaxation, peace, and silence.
In this article, we will try to answer the question of whether this wool is good and how good it is for acoustic insulation.
WHAT MAKES ROCKWOOL INSULATION SO SPECIAL?
To answer this question, let's first ask how ROCKWOOL insulation is constructed and why it's so popular for soundproofing rooms.
The structure of ROCKWOOL insulation is composed of layers that are stacked on top of each other, with each layer absorbing sound to an increasingly greater degree. It's similar to building a room within a room, where each chamber acts as a barrier for sound. With the right configuration, the sound becomes weaker and almost impossible to hear. You are free to copy and share the text from this blog, as long as you provide proper credit and a link to the original source - https://insulationgo.co.uk/.
Rockwool glass fibres are arranged in layers, and the more compressed they are, the denser the material becomes. In simpler terms, it contains more structures per 1 cm thickness of the material.
Rockwool perfectly absorbs sound, thanks to its open, porous structure. It isolates noise and suppresses echoes and vibrations. For instance, when used as roof insulation, it reduces the audibility of rain sounds by 50%.
ROCKWOOL SOUND ABSORPTION
Sound absorption is the most important parameter when choosing insulation material that is intended to effectively soundproof offices. The sound absorption coefficient is denoted by the symbol (αw). The higher it is, the better the insulation absorbs sound. It has values from 0 (indicating complete sound reflection) to 1 (complete absorption). Depending on the value of this parameter, an appropriate class is assigned:
Class A sound absorption means that the material has a coefficient (αw) from 0.90 to 1.00
Class B sound absorption - the coefficient (αw) is from 0.80 to 0.85
Class C sound absorption means that the material has a coefficient (αw) from 0.60 to 0.75
Class D sound absorption - the coefficient (αw) is from 0.30 to 0.55
Class E sound absorption is the lowest and means that the material has a coefficient (αw) only from 0.15 to 0.25
As for rockwool mineral wool, it absorbs sound perfectly. Its coefficient (αw) ranges from 0.8 to even 1.0!
Picture credit:peroni.com
ROCKWOOL SOUND INSULATION dB RATING
The Rw index is significant for assessing the acoustic insulation of partitions. It measures the specific insulation of the partition against airborne sound and is determined in laboratory conditions. The unit is the decibel (dB).
When using insulation made of rock wool, the acoustic insulation of layered panels is Rw = 32 ±2 dB. In turn, for internal partitions in drywall systems, it can even reach Rw = 81 dB.
According to the datasheet, Rockwool 50mm RWA45, which has a density of 45kg/m3, can reduce noise by Rw = 50dB. This requires the use of 70mm metal partition studs and the application of 2 layers of 12.5mm gypsum boards on each side of the wall.
Picture credit: rockwool.co.uk
Studies have also shown that the Rockwool RW3, which has a density of 60kg/m3 and a thickness of 30mm, can reduce noise by Rw = 41-44dB assuming that the wall is constructed with metal partition studs with a thickness of 50mm and covered on both sides with one layer of gypsum boards with a thickness of 12.5mm, resulting in a nominal wall thickness of 75mm (with a wall height of 2.5m).
Generally speaking, a well-constructed wall using rockwool insulation can reduce noise transmission by more than 40dB, however it is important to consider the entire construction system, including the thickness of the walls, the use of metal partition studs, and the number of layers of gypsum boards.
Picture credit: rockwool.co.uk
ROCKWOOL vs STC RATINGS
According to Wikipedia the STC or sound transmission class is a single number method of rating how well wall partitions reduce sound transmission. In other words STC gives you a rough idea of how much sound a wall, for example, might stop.
A higher number indicates more effective sound insulation than a lower number.
For instance, Rockwool can improve the STC (Sound transmission class) by 5-8 points, which means that it can reduce sound by 5dB-8dB.
When put inside a typical interior wall with 12.5mm 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 a very noticeable difference.
TIP
One sheet of drywall will provide you with a significant reduction in noise, but the best way to go about it is to install two layers of 12.5mm drywall. Rockwool materials will settle over time and a gap might form at the top, which lets sound through. So, make sure to get the highest density possible to avoid this issue.
To enhance the soundproofing performance of your wall, it's recommended to use a noiseproofing compound such as rock wool in between two layers of soundproofing materials. This creates an air pocket that further improves the insulation and helps to achieve a higher Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of around 35 to 40. Essentially, this means that the amount of noise transmitted through the wall is reduced by approximately 35dB to 40dB, making sounds like loud speech unintelligible.
Picture credit:rockwool.com
NOISE vs UK BUILDING REGULATIONS
In England and Wales, Approved Document E requires all internal walls between a bedroom or room containing a WC and another room to have a minimum sound insulation of 40 Rw dB. This applies to new walls built both in dwellings formed by a material change of use and new build extensions of existing dwellings. (For Scotland, the minimum sound insulation requirement is 43 Rw dB).
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Rockwool is a highly effective material for reducing airborne noise and creating a more acoustically controlled environment. Its non-directional fibers make it ideal for use in various applications, such as music studios, home theaters, and office spaces. However, on its own, Rockwool is not an effective material for soundproofing. While it can reduce sound transmission by 5dB to 8dB, it should be combined with other sound-insulating materials, such as drywall or mass loaded vinyl, to achieve better soundproofing results.
While Rockwool is marketed as the best solution for sound insulation needs, it should be used in conjunction with other sound-blocking materials. Installing a noiseproofing compound between two layers of Rockwool and drywall, for example, can create a slight air pocket to further increase insulation and reduce noise by up to 35dB-40dB. By understanding the limitations and strengths of Rockwool, professionals in the acoustics industry can make informed decisions on how to best use it in their projects.
Related articles:
ROCKWOOL INSULATION: IS IT SAFE FOR YOU AND YOUR HOME?
MINERAL WOOL INSULATION. THE UGLY TRUTH?
HOW TO CUT FIBREGLASS INSULATION
FOIL INSULATION: TO GAP OR NOT TO GAP? THAT IS THE QUESTION!
UNFACED INSULATION. CHANGE BEFORE YOU HAVE TO!
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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.
By using this blog, you acknowledge and agree that Insulationgo LTD shall not be held liable for any damages, losses, or inconveniences arising from the use or reliance on the information provided herein. This limitation of liability applies to all users of the blog, including but not limited to visitors, readers, and subscribers.
Nobody aims to disturb the peace. But whether it&#;s due to heavy equipment and machinery, or the school band&#;s percussion section practicing their drum rolls, noisy activities can be a nuisance to adjacent rooms, close-by establishments, and near neighbors. In worst-case scenarios, turning the volume up too far could even result in facing legal action against you.1
Tha said, you can&#;t simply stop running your business, or tell fledgling musicians to give up on their dreams.
That&#;s where soundproofing with rockwool presents a savvy solution to your room acoustics and noise-canceling needs. Padding your walls and ceiling with stone wool insulation gives you the liberty to hammer away freely, whether it be on nails or drum skins.
What is Rockwool?Rockwool, commonly referred to as mineral wool, is a material typically used for noise reduction and insulation in both commercial and residential settings. It&#;s touted for the exceptional sound-isolating (and flame-retardant) qualities its mineral fiber makeup boasts. It&#;s no surprise, then, that it&#;s been used in a wide scope of construction projects for more than sixty years.2
Mineral fiber (or mineral wool) insulation is derived from raw components such as basalt, diabase, and dolomite.3 These are typical minerals commonplace in rocky volcanic regions and limestone deposits,4 meaning the ingredients that compose rockwool are easily sourced and naturally-occuring. Increasingly, mineral wool insulation is being made from partially-recycled waste materials, such as used-up charcoal briquettes, as well.3
Rockwool also benefits from a fairly basic production process. Simply put, raw minerals and recycled scraps are melted down and pulled into strands by mechanical rollers (hence the terms wool and fiber). These fibers are then compressed and cut into dense mats, with any scraps being melted back down to close the recycling loop instantly.5
The simplicity of rockwool&#;s production means it&#;s usually made near its final point of installation, resulting in a minute carbon footprint.2 Furthermore, mineral fibers are not hazardous to respiratory systems (a common misconception) or linked to other health risks.6 Rockwool also comes in firm, easy-to-handle boards that are a breeze to install in comparison to the hassle of puffy, itchy fiberglass insulation. Learn more about mineral wool vs fiberglass.
Rockwool presents a sustainable, safe, and simple solution to insulating your space. But, is rockwool good for soundproofing? Can it stand up to the loudest of noise containment needs? Let&#;s find out.
Is Rockwool Good for Soundproofing?There&#;s loud, and then there&#;s LOUD! While it&#;s not ideal to be surrounded by ear-shattering noise, you need to trust that your sound stays inside, even when the volume levels become deafening.
Rockwool insulation prevents the transmission of sound through walls by reflecting it back towards the source. The dense composition of the mineral wool&#;s fibers stops noise from penetrating surfaces and holds it in a specific area.7 Mineral wool is also a common material in the production of sound, but these products serve to manipulate and dampen noise within a space rather than contain it.8
Noise Reduction by the NumbersFrom fingers quietly tapping on a keyboard to the roar of a jet engine, every noise&#;s volume can be measured in terms of decibels (dB).
While many factors contribute to a partition&#;s noise reduction capacity, insulating with mineral wool effectively reduces the amount of dBs that squeeze through surfaces. Fortifying a simple cubicle divider with rockwool can decrease noise by up to 10 dB.9 In an office environment, that&#;s equivalent to reducing intrusive chatter to mellow background noise.10
A material&#;s Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) measures its ability to absorb sound on a scale of 0 to 1, with a higher score representing a larger percentage of absorption. A comparison of common soundproofing insulation materials shows mineral wool outperforms others when it comes to locking sound in:11
&#; 1 (Perfect!)
&#; 0.75
&#; 0.75
Another metric, Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC), measures a product&#;s ability to block sound from transmitting through a surface. In this department, rockwool scores a superior 43 versus its competitor spray foam&#;s lower range of 37-39.11
Numbers speak volumes, but what do they mean for a space full of clunking machinery or fanatical concert-goers? How can rockwool be employed as an effective solution to a business&#;s real needs for noise reduction?
Soundproofing with Rockwool in PracticeWhen it came time to put a new roof on the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in London (the main site of the Olympics), acoustics were amongst the top priorities. Architects for the project envisioned a concave, retractable design that could reflect the roars of the crowd, creating an electrifying atmosphere inside whilst preserving the peace in the surrounding area. In order to create this haven for music and sports fans, the stadium&#;s renovators turned to rockwool.12
While containing the chants of sixty-six thousand strong is certainly an impressive feat, it&#;s merely one end of the spectrum of rockwool&#;s possible applications.
&#; Rockwool is used to isolate classroom discussions and prevent a build-up of ambient noise in common areas. Educational institutes have standards to conform to regarding interior and exterior volume, and mineral fiber sound insulation helps buildings stay up to code.13
&#; The architects renovating The Royal Academy of Music in London elected to use mineral fiber insulation in the roofs and walls of their grand design. Purposeful installation of acoustic surfaces in the performance halls funnels sound to the audience without echo or reverberation. In the dressing rooms and practice areas, rockwool encloses noise and allows musicians to warm up freely.14
&#; In order to dampen the rumbles of oncoming trains and roars of rush hour crowds, Farringdon Station in the London Underground trusts rockwool in its tunnels, walls, and ceilings.15
&#; Whether you&#;re
Link to Geyu Energy Saving
soundproofing office
spaces, shopping centers, or industrial complexes, you can use rockwool to insulate against the noise produced from human interaction, infrastructure, and machinery.
Rockwool is a prime candidate for vastly different commercial applications due to not only its soundproofing capabilities, but also its adaptability. It can be tailored to fit all kinds of spaces and suited to meet a business&#;s specific noise-reduction requirements.
How to Soundproof with RockwoolA rockwool insulation slab conforms to a building&#;s contours and goes in easily. Unlike softer insulations, mineral wool isn&#;t a big puff of pain to work with. It comes in convenient sound insulation slabs that don&#;t flop and flake apart.
Rockwool can be used to fortify interior and exterior walls, ceilings, and floors against escaping noises. How to install it depends on the kind of space you&#;re working with.
Soundproofing Walls with RockwoolSoundproofing walls is best done before installing drywall or any other sound absorbing panels.
When a room is framed and ready to insulate, affix your chosen paneling to one side of the frame. Install rockwool in the gap in the wall, making sure the edges of the slab conform snugly to the perimeter of the framing.
If you need to cut mineral wool insulation to size, it is best to use a serrated knife and move in a sawing motion.
Install the cover panel on the other side. If using drywall, two sheets tightly glued together offers better soundproofing potential than a singular board on both sides.
No matter your partition&#;s material, the key to soundproofing is to eliminate gaps. Even a hole in the wall insulation or paneling as small as 1% of a wall&#;s size can lead to 50% more noise lost from a space.16 Adding acoustic sealant to any small cracks can help remedy such noise loss.
Fortifying Floors with Mineral FiberInstalling floating floors is an exemplary way to prevent noise from escaping right beneath our very feet (literally).
This style of flooring employs a soft, elastic layer of spongy material installed under the top level of flooring called a floating mass. This underlay is in place to aid in soundproofing and sound absorption.
A mineral fiber sound insulation slab makes an excellent choice for floating masses due to its high density. Not only are they optimal for preventing the transmission of sound, but durable enough for areas with heavy foot traffic and large equipment.17
Rockwool for Sound-Containing CeilingsSoundproofing ceilings can be a tricky endeavor due to the weight insulation adds to a structure and the force of gravity. While it is possible to float a ceiling like one does a floor using specially designed clips, it&#;s not always necessary.
Depending on one&#;s specific needs and just how loud a space may get, it&#;s also possible to affix mineral fiber sound-diffusing panels to the ceiling. While not as effective as soundproofing with rockwool insulation, this noise control method is a simpler solution for rooms that don&#;t get overly rowdy.18
Control Noise with RockwoolSound loss is a real issue. If your leaky walls are making your company&#;s trade secrets the whole street&#;s business, it&#;s time to lock noise in with the trusted soundproofing professionals at Acoustical Surfaces.
Whether you&#;re trying to keep the beat in a nightclub, keep the hum of traffic out of a restaurant, or keep a learning environment free from obnoxious distractions, Acoustical Surfaces can help you select the mineral fiber products best suited to your needs. With various thicknesses and styles of boards to choose from, we&#;ll find the right fit for your project.
We provide industrial soundproofing solutions as well. Walls made of metal without a square of drywall in sight? Not a problem! From sound insulation to absorption, rockwool can be catered to meet the needs of your factory, body shop, or storage facility.
Consult our team today and rest easy knowing that your sound is safe inside your space.
Sources:
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
A Guide to Noise Control in Minnesota.
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/p-gen6-01.pdf
Eurima.
What is mineral wool insulation?
.
https://www.eurima.org/what-is-mineral-wool-insulation
Eurima.
How is mineral wool insulation made?.
https://www.eurima.org/how-is-mineral-wool-insulation-mad
e
Department of Water Affairs of South Africa.
Groundwater Dictionary.
https://www.dws.gov.za/Groundwater/Groundwater_Dictionary/index.html?geology2.htm
Stancold.
Rockwool vs Mineral Fibre Panel Insulation &#; What&#;s the Difference?.
https://stancold.co.uk/blog/rockwool-vs-mineral-fibre-panel-insulation-whats-the-difference/
United States Department of Labor.
Synthetic Mineral Fibers.
https://www.osha.gov/synthetic-mineral-fibers/health-effects
Acoustical Surfaces.
Soundproofing vs Sound Absorbing &#; What&#;s the Difference?.
https://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/soundproofing-vs-sound-absorbing
Rockwool.
Acoustic Wall Insulation.
https://www.rockwool.com/group/products-and-applications/acoustic-insulation/acoustic-wall-insulation/
Hearing Health Foundation.
Decibel Levels.
https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/decibel-levels#:~:text=A%20decibel%20(dB)%20is%20a,as%20perceived%20by%20our%20ears.
Insulation Institute.
Comparing Insulation Types.
https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-homeowner/about-insulation/insulation-types-comparing-insulation-options/
Rockwool.
Queen Elizabeth Stadium.
https://www.rockwool.com/uk/advice-and-inspiration/case-studies/queen-elizabeth-stadium
Acoustical Surfaces.
A Crash Course In Classroom Acoustics.
https://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/soundproofing_tips/html/crashcourse.htm
Rockwool.
Royal Academy of Music.
https://www.rockwool.com/uk/advice-and-inspiration/case-studies/royal-academy-of-music/
Rockwool.
Farringdon Station.
https://www.rockwool.com/uk/advice-and-inspiration/case-studies/farringdon-station/
Acoustical Surfaces.
Soundproofing a Wall.
https://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing-a-wall/
Podovi.
Soundproofing the floors.
https://www.podovi.org/en/soundproofing-the-floors/
Acoustical Surfaces.
Soundproofing a Ceiling.
https://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/blog/soundproofing/soundproofing-a-ceiling/
For more information, please visit Rockwool Soundproofing Panels.