They work well in walls and as panels to absorb sound, reverberation, and echo. Fiberglass is made out of fine strands of woven glass that come in rolls or blankets of material. Fiberglass & Mineral Wool Aside from the difference in reaction to water, I would think that the two types of insulation could compete with each other on an even basis. His general conclusion was that mineral wool and fiberglass were about the same. SoundproofPeace.com also participates in advertising programs like Adsense. Thatâs how an accident led to an essential discovery, which eventually became an option for insulating materials. MINERAL WOOL VS. CELLULOSE INSULATION: COMPARING THE FACTS NO MATTER WHAT the building challenge, fiber glass and mineral wool insulation have the product variety, application flexibility and value to help satisfy every job’s demands. Sound can easily travel through solid materials like studs, joists, concrete, etc. How long can Fiberglass last? Since stone wool does not contribute to a fire, it can provide valuable extra time for people to reach safety, a critical factor especially in health and education facilities. Roxul is used in the walls, ceilings, and attics of homes and in planes and vehicles to reduce the movement of heat, cold, or sound. Rockwool is relatively denser than Fiberglass making it a preferred alternative. Batts afford easy application of acoustical control to interior walls without altering build practices. Mineral wool or Rockwool has been assigned an R-value which ranges somewhere between 3.0 to 3.3 per inch. The high density of the material blocks the airflow that carries noise, making even the noisiest environments bearable. ULC fire rating and/or acoustic performance (STC) for this application. 1. Whether you choose rockwool or fiberglass to do the job, it needs to do more than block the sound. Mineral wool is also very fire resistant and can act as a fire stop. Due to a greater density and weight, rockwool does a slightly better job in blocking sound. This makes rockwool a little better at insulating than fiberglass. It is a very good sound blocking qualities. Neither is flammable, and they don’t sustain fire or help it spread either. Anything higher than that and it will start melting. The Mineral wool or the Fiberglass in itself are not rodent-proof. plant growth – widely used as soil for plants, it comes in different forms and sizes. But that doesnât mean that you can jam all night with your favorite songs playing on a loud music system.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'soundproofadvice_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_4',139,'0','0'])); Both materials are easy to install, between the studs or on the surface. Glass wool, on the other hand, can get wet and damp, and as well as promoting the growth of fungi, mildew and rot its insulating properties are severely reduced. Prices can vary at any time, but expect to pay around $0.10 more per inch for mineral wool versus fiberglass. Rockwool has a similar structure, only the fibers are stone-made. Soundproofing Materials: Rockwool vs Fiberglass? Mineral wool insulation is … Lets the moisture circulate. A sheet of fiberglass as thin as 5 cm (2 inches) can cancel noise coming from train tracks. Fire resistance and Thermal Regulation. Continuing the example, in this case, the R-value will be 6. Rockwool also known as Mineral wool is a fibrous wool-like man-made fiber. For 2×6 walls, mineral wool comes in R-23. The Lamba the ability to retain HEAT is a bit better lets say give Fiberglass a 7 and rock wool a 10…..Rock wool seems to do a little bit better with “diffusion” since it is denser and may just slowing things down a bit…perms for both are about the same. In summer, it keeps the hot air out. Mineral wool or Rockwool has been assigned an R-value which ranges somewhere between 3.0 to 3.3 per inch. The STC rating reflects the decibel reduction in noise that a barrier can provide. Fiberglass has an R-value of approximately 2.2 to 2.7 per inch of thickness. It comes in various forms: panels for walls, baffles for ceilings, or corner set-ups that act as bass traps. Fire Safety: Mineral wool SAFB has a melting point in excess of 2000°F (1093°C). Rockwool can withstand temperatures of up to 1000° C (1800° F), while fiberglass melts around 600° C (1100° F). I'm Luka, owner of Soundproof Advice. In many... Fiberglass Vs. Spray Foam Insulation: Read This Before Buying! Food processing – used in chicken and beef factories for grating. As an example, if you have an STC 33 wall assembly and decide to add another sheet or layer of drywall, you do not necessarily get a finished wall with a higher STC rating. Both help 6 STC. Fire codes and sustainability have to be included in the process. Moreover, even if you donât have any prior experience you can easily install them in your house. Durable & Inorganic: Mineral wool Fiberglass (2” thick) panels have an STC of 44 and an NRC of 0.50 to 0.95 depending on the product. Mineral wool by nature is stronger and DENSER since it is “ROCK” SLAG. When you compare the insulation values, it is clear that mineral wool has higher insulation values compared to fiberglass. Marine industry – protection against corrosion, rust, and general damage caused by the salty water. Mineral wool is resistant to water, so it doesn’t get damp and provide good growing conditions for fungi, mould, mildew or other bacterial growth. In any case, itâs better to prepare yourself to pay at least $ 0.10 more for Rockwool. It is lightweight, and it can be reused and has a natural pH that stimulated plant growth. Because of their similar application, the differences can be very confusing at first. Fiberglass and spray foam have clear differences, but both are very effective insulation materials. FIBER GLASS & MINERAL WOOL VS. CELLULOSE INSULATION: COMPARING THE FACTS ... Fiberglass and rock wool absorb less than 1 percent of their weight, whereas cellulose absorbs 5-20 percent of its weight. Retains heat and prevents fire from spreading. A standard R-15 rated Fiberglass insulation for a 4-inch wall will cost around $ 0.50 per square foot. Unlike Rockwool, it is not much of a green product since it uses only 20-30% of recycled material. Meanwhile, a Rockwool batt of the same dimension and rating will cost $ 0.62 per square foot. Mineral wool (2” thick) panels have an STC between 45 and 52, and an NRC range from 0.95 to 1.09. Another bonus is that mineral wool is available in batts that fit 2×8 framed walls at R-30. It allows the air to flow in and out and is strong enough to offer support for the roots. Roxul is made of mineral or stone wool which spun from molten slag or igneous rock. The magma-looking liquid goes through a high-pressure air or steam jet. When you decide to soundproof a room inside your home or office, you need to pay attention to a few aspects. Clean-ups are no headache, but you should be careful when handling fiberglass. How it’s made: Natural rock is heated up to 3000 degrees until it melts. Can concrete be the right sound insulator for your house? Generally, to install any of the two, you need a hammer, stapler, cutting tool, and protective gear. 2. I’ve been promised the data to back this up, but I was told that an independent study of the STC (sound transmission class) of fiberglass vs. mineral wool insulation showed that there wasn’t much difference performance difference between the two different materials. Their response to heat and fire hazards is a big advantage. Good ventilation prevents mold and mildew formation, thus making for a healthy environment. If you plan to add thermic insulation to your room as well, consider this: Fiberglass has an R-value of 2.2 – 2.7 per inch, while rockwool has an index of 3.0 – 3.3 per inch. How to soundproof windows from outside noise? Good for exterior walls with various systems such as cavity walls, curtain walls, rain screens, wood, or metal frames. It traps the sound and redirects it, instead of going straight through the wall. thicker. Just to give you a price point, I got six 2' X 4' sheets of 3" thick mineral wool from a local insulation company here in LV for $35. Cubes are used for starting seeds and germinating. 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. Moreover, it has been established that R-value tends to decrease for Fiberglass over time while it does not deteriorate throughout the life of the Rockwool. Rockwool vs acoustic foam: what to choose and why? eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'soundproofpeace_com-large-leaderboard-1','ezslot_1',105,'0','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. The batts are pre-cut to size and fit into different cavities. But, due to its higher density, rockwool is more resistant than fiberglass. The greatest lowering (2 to 8 STC units) was for assemblies with a single layer of 5/8” Type X gypsum board on each side of the steel stud assembly. We will discuss their particular characteristics and potential next steps. The higher the density, the better it is. It depends on the purpose. Studies have found that if the Fiberglass is not gel-coated regularly then the airborne fiber can create serious problems for asthma patients. Automotive, aerospace, & defense – various body parts and components are made out of fiberglass. If they cost the same, it sounds like mineral wool is the way to go. Then, you obtain fiber strands through a process of high-speed spinning. As the name suggests, mineral wool is made from a naturally occurring volcanic rock basalt. Although Rockwool has better fire sustaining and inhibiting capabilities, it is more susceptible to fire in the first place then compared to Fiberglass. You don’t need any stapling and can cut it to size for any type of structure. In the fi eld, fl anking noise, quality of material and construction practices can lead to widely varied STC’s for the same assembly. Mineral wool is slightly better, but in his opinion, it's not worth the extra money. A few examples are shown below. Power plants – because it is non-conductive, fiberglass is used in power generating industries for safety. And most importantly, don't forget to have a great day! I’d recommend the spray in ceilings and inside wall cavities to reduce sound transfer and dampen sound. Even though Fiberglass does not harm the environment as Rockwool, it can still be as hazardous as the latter. Both types are popular and readily available. is a popular and efficient choice for thermal insulation. Feel free to browse all the articles on the website. General use of rockwool and fiberglass Both materials are versatile and popular choices among constructors. Rockwool would be a more efficient choice for fire protection. 12018-L No. Fiberglass? In some cases, it can also slice DNA, cause cell mutations, and inflict long-term ailments like lung cancer. Not available in that size. 14059 No. The density of insulating material has a direct relation with its fire insulating capacity. A variation of acoustic foam. The R-value measures the thermal resistance of a wall. However, rockwool comes packed with 75% recyclable contents. Because of their various uses and structures, these materials cannot fall under only one category. Made of a mineral material. Also known as stone or mineral wool, rockwool is an organic material obtained from stones or rocks. It has been seen that rats and rodents find it easier to chew through Fiberglass than Rockwool. exterior & interior walls – good for different structures, steel or wood stud walls. It can surpass steel and performs well with temperature variations. Higher STC ratings are always indicative of greater sound absorption or blocking, however, as the calculation follows a logarithmic scale, the STC number is not necessarily the sum of its parts. EcoTouch® PINK® Fiberglas ® Thermal Batt Insulation or Thermafiber® Ultrabatt™ Insulation STANDARD Comfortbatt® Rockwool™ Ultrabatt™ Thermafiber® EcoTouch® PINK® Fiberglas® Thermal Batt Insulation CAN/ULC-S702 (mineral fiber insulation standard) Type 1 Type 1 Type 1 CCMC Evaluation Number No. Buildings insulated with cellulose have a noticeable "quietness". 100% organic, made out of natural, raw materials. Noncombustible: See Applicable Standards for details. Here is a look at what can be heard under each STC level: STC What can be heard; 25: Normal speech is understood easily and distinctly through wall: 30: Loud speech can be understood, while normal … Class (STC) ratings of interior partition walls and suspended ceilings. The fiberglass can have resins added to it for strength and made into different shapes and forms. These tiny threads are then woven into larger patches of material or left in bulks of less structured material. Which material is better for insulating attics and other closely packed areas? As the name suggests, fiberglass is obtained from glass. Stone wool and glass wool insulation are two of the most commonly used insulation types in residential construction. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'soundproofpeace_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',102,'0','0'])); Both materials give value to your project and come with benefits as well as drawbacks. The small particles of glass that come out when cutting it can cause work accidents. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'soundproofadvice_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',127,'0','0']));Just ensure that you wear proper safety gear like a mask, eye-wear, and gloves to avoid any kind of irritation to skin, eyes, or respiratory system. When exposed to heat, it doesn’t create toxic emissions. One might find the story behind the discovery of Fiberglass very interesting. Soundproofadvice.com 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. Since cavity insulation works as a sound absorber, this makes perfect sense. This means that, in order to reduce it, we need to fill in the air space more between our room and other noise sources. • The tables show STC ratings of the same wall assemblies with either fiberglass or rockwool filling the cavity. Class (STC). The air is retained due to the small pockets of air inside the structure. About 70%, of Rockwool is made from recycled material, making it a more eco-friendly product than Fiberglass. Because THERMAFIBER Sound Attenuation Fire Blankets are manufactured from slag, a by-product of iron ore reduction, the mineral Because of its nature, it does not ignite and keeps the fire from spreading. Here are some of the applications for this versatile material: Fiberglass can offer valuable support in terms of safety, protection, isolation, or waste reduction. However, rockwool doesn’t shy away from adapting to various purposes. to 1-in. BUT Mineral wool by nature does not absorb water. STC ratings are determined in a laboratory under controlled conditions. It is a common material used to keep sound at bay. Very good at keeping the heat in. link to How to Soundproof Floors Between Joists: Materials, Installation.. link to Fiberglass Vs. Spray Foam Insulation: Read This Before Buying! Rails of sheet metal designed to wall studs and ceiling joists. The narrative revolves around a researcher in the 1930âs trying to vacuum seal glass blocks using a high-pressure jet which incidentally spewed out fiber-like threads of the glass. 12018-L No. 14059 ... density does not influence STC rating. Resilient Channel 4. For instance, if you have 2×4 stud walls, you can get fiberglass in R11 or R13 but mineral wool in R15. It is intended as a quick screening tool to compare different wall or fl oor assemblies. A cubic foot of rock makes 37 cubic feet of stone wool. Now I share helpful advice on soundproofing walls, windows, vehicles, appliances and much more. Having stated that, the use of any fiberglass insulation can increase the partition assembly STC rating 4-10 points and we have isles full of product that will accomplish a higher rating. One can expect a reduction in transmission of sound waves of up to 4 decibels, meaning that you wonât be able to hear any conversation happening outside the room at a normal level and vice versa. FIBER GLASS & MINERAL WOOL ENGINEERED TO OUTPERFORMTM VS. Again, I have yet to see the report for myself, but my question is whether this is again a matter of density. Sound moves through material and through the air. It is basically reinforced glass fibers that molded into various shapes. Does it break down over time? 2. The method of measurements we will be using is called Sound Transmission Class (STC). Using additional rodent proofing methods becomes essential for areas like warehouses or basements. It can retain water or let it escape, depending on your needs. Made out of a dense rubber material (Mass Loaded Vinyl). I love peace and quiet! Rockwool has a porous structure that absorbs sound efficiently. STC is a method of rating airborne sound transmission performance of a wall or fl oor assembly. The STC rating for open cell foam is 39, and the closed cell has an STC of 37. They are both effective in reducing sound pollution and noise. It has a higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass, about a 22-37% higher R-value. The use of any insulation can increase the partition assembly STC rating by four to 10 points, depending on the design and size (i.e. 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. In many ways, mineral wool is a superior insulation product. Both materials are versatile and popular choices among constructors. Cars look cleaner when getting out of the carwash tunnel. Thermafiber® SAFB™ (Sound Attenuation Fire Blankets) are mineral wool batts that provide sound control and fire protection in wall and floor-ceiling assemblies to 1-in. :) - Luka Baron. Even though, both the materials have similar responses to fire hazards, Rockwool has better efficiency to counter such life-endangering occasions. Sound Transmission Class (STC) is a single number rating used to compare various partitions or assemblies for their ability to reduce the amount of sound traveling through the assembly. 12018-L No. Is one of the most versatile materials. For the most part, everyone is trying to keep moisture out of their insulation cavities. The higher the better. How to choose the optimal soundproofing material for your needs. The shape and size variety makes it fit into any wall cavities. Richard T. Bynam, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York McGraw-Hill, 2001), p.78. It can isolate and control the noise and vibrations coming from various sources (airports, trams, trains, music, etc.). It tends to be more expensive than fiberglass, often between 25-50% higher in cost. Mineral Wool Insulation. Its content is high in recyclable and renewable material that has a positive impact on our carbon footprint. The next step in the process is mixing the liquified basalt with slag, a by-product of the steel manufacturing process. ... THERMAFIBER SAFBs provided STC ratings of up to 4 points higher than glass fiber insulations*, even when the glass fiber was 1/2-in. Apart from fire-resistance, a good insulating material should also be resistant to water. You can get fiberglass in sheets, mats, panels, or custom-made. Insulation is rockwool’s main use. thicker. They are flexible, can be refitted and reused, and require little time. Insulation comes in at this stage to reduce the transfer of sound through the air. How to Soundproof Floors Between Joists: Materials, Installation.. A major reason for sound leakage through floors is caused by sound flanking. Fiberglass has an R-value of between 2.2 to 2.7 compared to mineral wool weighing in at 3.0 to 3.3. Closed-cell foams perform worse. I learned about soundproofing while working in construction for my uncle. thickness) of the wall cavity. What will it be? with the help of vibrations. Fiberglass? Both materials are eco-friendly. It has a melting point of 2150°F so isn’t combustible, and it doesn’t absorb moisture. In conclusion, Rockwool is 1.5 times more effective fire-resistant than Fiberglass. I’ve been promised the data to back this up, but I was told that an independent study of the STC (sound transmission class) of fiberglass vs. mineral wool insulation showed that there wasn’t much difference performance difference between the two different materials. Fiberglass, on the other hand, blocks ~ 4 to 10 decibels. What makes mineral wool a better soundproofing material? POWERED BY PEACE AND QUIET SoundproofPeace.com. So I began to soundproof anything I could around me. Imagine cotton candy machines, only bigger and stronger. soundproofing – media rooms, music studios, etc. Fortunately, Rockwool has hydrophobic properties and can keep the water at bay and any problems that can result from water absorption. Fire resistance . STC ratings are indicated for the system, not components of a system. Easy to apply, they range in colors and patterns and ideal for minimal noise reduction in any room. ROCKWOOL COMFORTBATT is a stone wool insulation product for improved sound absorption and fire … COMFORTBOARD™ 80 is an exterior non-structural insulation sheathing that provides a continuous layer of insulation around the commercial or residential building envelope. Finally, the fiber strands are compressed into thick and dense mats cut into panels of rockwool batts. Is there a need to install a vapor barrier when insulating shower walls with Rockwool? 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.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'soundproofadvice_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',140,'0','0'])); 3. Because of this itâs 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. R-19 with special order of up to R-21. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'soundproofadvice_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',126,'0','0']));In comparison to Fiberglass, Rockwool seems more expensive. Have fun in silence! The short answer is open-cell foams perform about the same, acoustically, as fiberglass and mineral wool. Several years ago, Johns Manville measured the sound transmission loss and STC ratings for a number of wood-framed exterior walls, with both fiberglass and spray foam cavity insulation. In winter, it keeps the warm air in. On the other hand, the Fiberglass material has an R-value ranging from 2.2 to 2.7 per inch. Effective with absorbing sound. Can thermal curtains make any difference in the summer? STC ratings are determined in a laboratory under controlled conditions. The temperature at installation is not relevant. Rockwool is more expensive than fiberglass. It can be cut into any size or shape and fitted into stud walls or any type of structure. The material used determines how much sound will vibrate and then pass through to the other side. Thick and dense fabrics most often used in movie and theater halls. The tiny air pockets in its structure do a great job retaining hot air and preventing heat from getting out. Cooling towers – used to keep people away from the danger zones. Mineral Wool STC S A CT SAT Mineral Wool STC Typical Sound Barrier Assemblies STC 42: Single layer of ½” (13 mm) gypsum drywall on each side of 2 ½” (64 mm) steel stud with 2” (51 mm) MinWool SAFB STC 43: Single layer of 5⁄8”(16 mm) gypsum drywall on each side of 2 ½” (64 mm) steel stud with 2” (51 mm) MinWool SAFB Proper soundproofing will determine the quality of your environment. Beverage industry – used in brewing and bottling lines of the production. Its gap filling properties and adaptability to spaces and structures is quite similar. floors – steel stud, wooden framed, or under the slab, you name it. Combine it with mineral wool or fiberglass, and you’ll have an excellent sound absorbing barrier. As the name suggests, Fiberglass is made of thin thread-like glass fibers. The resultant compound is spun into threads and flattened out using a hydraulic press. Thanks to its durability, safety profile, and good thermal properties, fiberglass is going into a wide range of industries and products. On the other hand, the Fiberglass material has an R-value ranging from 2.2 to 2.7 per inch. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'soundproofadvice_com-box-4','ezslot_1',125,'0','0']));Relatively thinner Fiberglass material can hold fire up to 1100° F only. The fiber batts that compose the materials make the installation fairly easy. However, like many building materials, mineral wool also has its drawbacks.
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