It is manufactured from a mix of mineral wool from molten rock and slag, and combined with new glass wool process. In the end, you will know which material is best suited for your project. All rights reserved. Owens Corning 703 vs Rockwool. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'soundproofpeace_com-box-4','ezslot_1',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-box-4-0');The temperature at installation is not relevant. So, the higher the STC rating, the better (but more on this later on). Always leave an air pocket to help with sound absorption. Also known as stone or mineral wool, rockwool is an organic material obtained from stones or rocks. It doesnt hold on to water and moisture hence making it an ideal choice for insulating bathrooms and other moist areas. How its made: Natural rock is heated up to 3000 degrees until it melts. 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. Increasing the density can also help, but when doubling the density, the difference in sound absorption wont be anywhere near as much (only 20% increase) as when compared to doubling the thickness. If you're talking about the fluffy pink stuff, when you say fiberglass, then yes; The rockwool would be better. Automotive, aerospace, & defense various body parts and components are made out of fiberglass. To create a comfortable, pleasant, and energy-efficient home, insulation is one of the key factors, specifically if you live in an extreme climate zone. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'soundproofpeace_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-leader-1-0');Both materials are versatile and popular choices among constructors. Fiberglass insulation has a density of about 0.5 to 1.0 pounds per cubic foot, allowing it to reduce sound by 4 to 10 decibels. Inhaling microscopic fiberglass fibers can cause eye irritation, coughing, a sore throat and nose, and stomach irritation if swallowed. Insulation is rockwools main use. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. exterior & interior walls good for different structures, steel or wood stud walls. Browse our sound insulation to find the right product and R-value for your project now! Johns Manville. Rockwool and fiberglass are both ecologically friendly compared to other building materials. Both products retain heat, so they are used for thermal insulation, promoting a cool environment in summer and a warm one in winter. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'soundproofpeace_com-large-leaderboard-1','ezslot_14',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-large-leaderboard-1-0');report this adSoundproofPeace.com is using Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Use at least 5/8" drywall! Rock wool effectively quells the vibrations that emanate from airports, trains, music studios, and other sources. 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. 3. We're going. Rockwool can withstand temperatures of up to 1000 C (1800 F), while fiberglass melts around 600 C (1100 F). Required fields are marked *. R-38 Attic 48-sq ft Kraft Faced Fiberglass Batt Insulation Individual Pack. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'soundproofpeace_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',134,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Rails of sheet metal designed to wall studs and ceiling joists. As far as the effect of it, I believe it will enhance low frequency control even behind double sheetrock, and Green Glue. For this type of characteristics of fiberglass and Rockwool, they are more capable of absorbing sound frequency. Rock wool is also more durable than fiberglass, which degrades quickly. Is Rockwool better than fiberglass for soundproofing? 28. Unwanted noise can be irritating and should be dealt with to the best of your abilities. Power plants because it is non-conductive, fiberglass is used in power generating industries for safety. The resultant compound is spun into threads and flattened out using a hydraulic press. But unfortunately, many lack one critical skill that a true snow blower hitman must have: stealth. Does it break down over time? Fiberglass insulation does not offer much protection against fire and burns easily. Attic Door Insulation Benefits and Installation Guide. While fiberglass is cheaper, Rockwool is more durable, absorbs sound much better, helps control temperature, and so much more. However, rockwool doesnt shy away from adapting to various purposes. A common choice for noise deadening, blow-in cellulose is less expensive . R-value measures the heat-resistance capabilities of insulating materials. Also read: Is Rockwool Good for Acoustic Treatment? In most other countries, the Sound Reduction index is used (SRI). Just like penicillin, this man-made material was pretty much discovered by an accident. 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. Thankfully, both Rockwool and fiberglass insulation have good resistance to water damage, which can even be improved further if you buy faced insulation, which includes a layer of foil or a paper-like material on the outer layer to serve as a sort of vapor barrier. How to choose the optimal soundproofing material for your needs. Welcome to my blog. Imagine cotton candy machines, only bigger and stronger. 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. Rock wool has specific characteristics that fiberglass does not. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. Both materials are eco-friendly. 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. Even though, both the materials have similar responses to fire hazards, Rockwool has better efficiency to counter such life-endangering occasions. 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. The most significant difference between rock wool vs. fiberglass is its cost. (Just for reference, cellulose insulation is an organic material, which means fungi and insects can feed on it if it is not given any additional treatment.). Similar to rockwool, once fiberglass is installed it will begin to settle, which will cause it to leave a gap of air on top of it that lets sound and heat through. Rockwool is relatively denser than Fiberglass making it a preferred alternative. Fiberglass is made from glass, which is made from sand. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Rockwool is valued at ~ $1.3 per square feet ($13 per square meter) on the market. 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. Its important to realize that noise cancelling headphones are not a universal solution to every noise problem out there. for pricing and availability. Theyre quite affordable and can be used in simple DIY soundproofing projects. Made out of natural minerals and is eco-friendly. In addition, the sound insulation helps boost . Which material is better for insulating attics and other closely packed areas? Although Rockwool has better fire sustaining and inhibiting capabilities, it is more susceptible to fire in the first place then compared to Fiberglass. Additionally, mineral wool contains 70% recycled materials hence an environmentally friendly material compared to 20-30% recycled materials. On the other hand, the Fiberglass material has an R-value ranging from 2.2 to 2.7 per inch. How thick should Rockwool be for soundproofing? Rock wool appears to have a slight upper hand in that it is moisture resistant. Rock wool vs. fiberglasswhich is the better soundproofing material and why? Now I share helpful advice on soundproofing walls, windows, vehicles, appliances and much more. Depending on where you source your insulation batts and the pricing of your contractor (which itself can vary by a significant margin depending on their skill level and the complexity of the project), Rockwool is generally more expensive than fiberglass. Its NegligibleContinue. Anything happen? Because of their various uses and structures, these materials cannot fall under only one category. Fiberglass Insulation 5.4 4. But which one is a better option? Thats the simplified version!if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'soundproofpeace_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_18',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); Very high performance with sound reduction. 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. But what about safety? But, due to its higher density, rockwool is more resistant than fiberglass. It has a higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass, about a 22-37% higher R-value. In winter, it keeps the warm air in. 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. Although they are both excellent insulators there are a few differences which explains why mineral wool is becoming more prominent nowadays. Mineral wool is a superior insulation material in many ways compared to fiberglass insulation. Air gaps also help to reduce airborne noise (sound). Good for exterior walls with various systems such as cavity walls, curtain walls, rain screens, wood, or metal frames. I created this site to present useful tips about soundproofing, what works and what doesn't. COMFORTBATT R-23 Attic Wall 39.8-sq ft Unfaced Stone Wool Batt Insulation Individual Pack. I've heard that some people thought that the Rockwool was much easier to work with and less itchy. Good ventilation prevents mold and mildew formation, thus making for a healthy environment. 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. Effective with absorbing sound. As a rule of thumb, the higher the density, the higher will be its sound-deadening properties. Simple math will suggest that a job of insulating 625 square feet with Fiberglass will cost $312 in contrast to $388 for Rockwool. Whether in your home, office, or recording studio, preventing sound from causing damage is essential. Cost of Rockwool Versus Fiberglass Mineral wool insulation or rockwool typically costs more per inch than fiberglass insulation. Once you decide on the variables, you will know which product is better for you. Proper soundproofing will determine the quality of your environment. Once the glass is hot, it turns into a liquid and is compressed through tiny holes to develop fiberglass filaments. Lastly, it easily breaks apart, which means that it wont last as long other insulation materials unless properly installed. They are flexible, can be refitted and reused, and require little time. It can retain water or let it escape, depending on your needs. Rockwool cost is $0.80/sq ft and 3.5 thickness, compared to Thinsulate's approximately $2.38/sq ft and 1.75 thickness. All of these are open and "airy" enough to adequately interact with the sound waves in the sealed wall (or ceiling) cavity. Fire resistance and Thermal Regulation, How Effective is Soundproof Paint? Out of the many things on the market you can buy and install to restore an older home or upgrade a younger one, insulation is the one that arguably offers the most benefits. The air is retained due to the small pockets of air inside the structure. Rockwool is denser and does a better proofing job. Then, you obtain fiber strands through a process of high-speed spinning. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Have fun in silence! Overall, my recommendation is rockwool. 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 . The STC Rating refers to the amount of noise that is being reduced in decibels; One point increase in the STC rating represents a 1dB noise reduction. Carwashes used for its resistance to rust and for creating color contrast. It is safe to use and easy to install in homes. Made of a mineral material. Continuing the example, in this case, the R-value will be 6. Acoustic foam is made from fine wool that proves to be very helpful for the Cheapest Way to Soundproof a Room or apartment. Soundproofing is quite controversial and no expert could state plain and clear what is a better choice. Compared to fiberglass batts, mineral wool batts offers superior insulation and has about a 22-37% higher R-value per inch. Isn't it just used to stopper bottles of wine? One way to understand rock wool vs. fiberglass is to compare the similarities and differences between these products. Relatively thinner Fiberglass material can hold fire up to 1100 F only. But how effective is it really? 2023 Soundproof Advice - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, 2. In terms of health and rock wool vs. fiberglass, neither are particularly harmful to human health. They are both effective in reducing sound pollution and noise. The batts are pre-cut to size and fit into different cavities. 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. 2. Some are good at absorbing the sound and some have dampening qualities, while others can cancel the noise altogether. If your insulation project does not involve working with irregular shapes and spaces, Rockwool provides superior insulation for longer. Fiberglass is less expensive, but Rockwool could lower utility bills. In comparison to Fiberglass, Rockwool seems more expensive. Also, the content is up to 75% recyclable. 703) in it's acoustical properties. 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.