Read our advertiser disclosure for more info. In addition, the sound insulation helps boost . While you will find many arguments both pro and con regarding mineral wool vs. fiberglass for sound deadening, I can tell you that no high frequence sound is getting out of my HT, and very little bass escapes. The main difference between rockwool and fiberglass for sound absorption is down to the frequency of noise they absorb. Rockwool has a similar structure, only the fibers are stone-made. 30: Why You Need a Home Inspection and What to Expect. Of course, the higher the STC rating, the better. When it comes to price, you need to consider the area you want to soundproof and its purpose. However, Rockwool still contains formaldehyde binders, which fiberglass insulation hasn't had for years. Mineral wool or Rockwool has been assigned an R-value which ranges somewhere between 3.0 to 3.3 per inch. soundproofexpert.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. Good ventilation prevents mold and mildew formation, thus making for a healthy environment. The next step in the process is mixing the liquified basalt with slag, a by-product of the steel manufacturing process. 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. I'm Luka, chief editor of Soundproof Advice. So, without any further ado, lets get started! 3. Moreover, even if you dont have any prior experience you can easily install them in your house. It can be installed inside a wall or directly on the surface. About 75 percent of the material in Rockwool can be recycled, while only 20 to 30 percent of the material in fiberglass is recyclable. Rock wool and fiberglass are made from natural materials, and both have insulating properties. How its made: Natural rock is heated up to 3000 degrees until it melts. Then, I soundproofed the baby's room, sound deadened other noisy areas of the home, etc. Fiberglass can be added in layers to obtain a better effect. Air gaps also help to reduce airborne noise (sound). The higher the density, the better it is. Just like penicillin, this man-made material was pretty much discovered by an accident. Compared to fiberglass batts, mineral wool batts offers superior insulation and has about a 22-37% higher R-value per inch. 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). Install rockwool in the gap in the wall, making sure the edges of the slab conform snugly to the perimeter of the framing. This adds . With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. R-value measures the heat-resistance capabilities of insulating materials. I will also be going over their STC rating, Flame Spread index, because you always have to consider if what youre putting into your home can be flammable or not, their overall installation costs, if you can do it yourself or if you need to hire someone, and much more. Where rock wool can manage sounds up to 10 decibels, fiberglass controls noise vibrations in the range of 4 to 10 decibels. Heres a quick table with all the differences between rockwool and Fiberglass to make things easier for you: I would suggest you go with rockwool over fiberglass simply because it performs better as far as soundproofing goes, its just as affordable, just as easy to work with, and you dont need to take as many precautions when installing it. 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. 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. 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. Loose-fill cellulose has a fairly high NRC value of 0.80, while densely-packed cellulose boasts an outstanding 0.90 NRC. A common choice for noise deadening, blow-in cellulose is less expensive . They act as sound barriers installed in cars or appliances as an underlayment. One might find the story behind the discovery of Fiberglass very interesting. In conclusion, Rockwool is 1.5 times more effective fire-resistant than Fiberglass. Also Fiberglass is full of glass fibers and you should wear a mask, Roxul is safer in that respect. This way you can make an informed decision. Rockwool is more expensive than fiberglass. 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. However, adding layers means buying more material. In the debate of glasswool vs. rockwool for soundproofing and acoustics, glasswool is superior. Both rock wool and fiberglass are easy to cut and install. 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. Soundproofingis the process of isolating or blocking the sound, not allowing it to enter or to leave a room. Imagine cotton candy machines, only bigger and stronger. Which material is better for insulating attics and other closely packed areas? (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.). plant growth widely used as soil for plants, it comes in different forms and sizes. Both materials can be covered with a dense fabric and attached on a wall or a door with hanging strips or glue to function as soundproofing panels. Method and form: Batts or rigid panels, the batts are an excellent replacement for fiberglass (as seen in the main image above).Rock wool can be more costly per batt but has a higher R value than fibreglass per inch; less health risks during installation; easier installation; it performs better for fire and sound and is less harmful to the environment. In the end, you will know which material is best suited for your project. Proper soundproofing will determine the quality of your environment. It comes in various forms: panels for walls, baffles for ceilings, or corner set-ups that act as bass traps. Use at least 5/8" drywall! 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). Manufacturers use ordinary glass to produce fiberglass. Rockwool and fiberglass are popular insulation materials that are typically found within walls, but are also part of many on-surface soundproofing panels. 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. Installing Rockwool and Fiberglass In most other countries, the Sound Reduction index is used (SRI). Finally, the fiber strands are compressed into thick and dense mats cut into panels of rockwool batts. 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. Blown Cellulose. Made of a mineral material. Chemical industry anti-slip safety feature and resistance to different chemical compounds. If rigid fiberglass batts are not available, then foam is usually better at soundproofing than other forms of fiberglass. Although Rockwool has better fire sustaining and inhibiting capabilities, it is more susceptible to fire in the first place then compared to Fiberglass. Thanks to its durability, safety profile, and good thermal properties, fiberglass is going into a wide range of industries and products. roofs & attics by insulating the roof and/or attic, you save energy by minimizing the heat loss during cold seasons. Fiberglass costs around $0.50 per square foot ($5 per square meter). Beverage industry used in brewing and bottling lines of the production. Cork is good for soundproofing due to its physical properties. Feel free to browse all the articles on the website. Insulation comes in at this stage to reduce the transfer of sound through the air. It can surpass steel and performs well with temperature variations. Mineral wool is commonly used to insulate exterior walls, basements, and heated crawl spaces. It is a common material used to keep sound at bay. Rockwool insulation product that prevents buildings from moisture. Rock wool is better than fiberglass in its acoustic performance, longevity, and health issues. When it comes to adding a layer of soundproofing behind the drywall, it's tough to beat Rockwool's Soundproofing Fire Resistant Wool Insulation. It boasts a higher R-Value per inch than fiberglass- precisely- 22-37% improved R-Value. However, rockwool doesnt shy away from adapting to various purposes. SoundproofPeace.com also participates in advertising programs like Adsense. Since insulation batts are sold based on the R-value that they provide, a reliable way to measure the insulating ability of these materials is by noting the R values that they achieve at a specific thickness. Find My Store. but they're very good at blocking or deadening sound. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Rockwool vs Fiberglass. Depending on the structure of your walls, both fiberglass and rock wool can be adapted to fit in.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'soundproofpeace_com-leader-2','ezslot_9',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'soundproofpeace_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',135,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-leader-2-0_1'); .leader-2-multi-135{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Water retention can assist rotting, corrosion, growth of several microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and so on. In winter, it keeps the warm air in. Dense material with firm batts that allow sealing of air gaps. Safe'n'Sound Fire & Soundproof Insulation. 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. 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. Cars look cleaner when getting out of the carwash tunnel. Rockwool can also last for the lifetime of your home if properly installed, but since it settles and also breaks apart a little more than fiberglass, you could expect it to last anywhere from 30 years to 100. Now lets see how fiberglass and rockwool do as far as soundproofing goes: Also known as mineral wool, rockwool is literally what the word implies: Rock fibers (volcanic rock and slag) which are spun and then given a specific shape (batt, pipe and board forms). The market provides us with many options for our sound reducing needs. How long can Fiberglass last? The benefits of fiberglass insulation are that its an excellent thermal and sound insulator (better thermal insulator than rockwool but worse sound insulator) and that its also quite affordable to purchase and install, and you can do it yourself (you will need to use gloves since the tiny glass shards will hurt your hands). Required fields are marked *. Mineral wool, known by the trademark Rockwool, works better for soundproofing than fiberglass because it's denser and adds mass to the ceiling. But if the price isnt an issue for you, then rock wool is a better soundproofing material than fiberglass. Rockwool safe and sound will also be best for damp locations because it won't deteriorate like fiberglass. Then, the molten glass is pushed through tiny holes to create thin filaments. It also prevents buildings from bacteria or any other dirty objects. Because of their similar application, the differences can be very confusing at first. The Owens Corning 703 Fiberglass is used in a number of sound insulation applications. However, rock wool is slightly heavier and firmer than fiberglass, making it easier to install rock wool. On the other hand, fiberglass insulation is much cheaper. When exposed to heat, it doesnt create toxic emissions. Does it break down over time? I recommend using Roxul in acoustic panels and traps, and use the fiberglass in wall and ceiling cavities where it is fully closed in. Fiberglass panels, however, can have NRC values ranging between 0.50 and 0.95. Made from basalt rock that has been melted at extremely high heat (upwards of 2,000F!) I update the content regularly to keep up with advancements in the soundproofing industry. COMFORTBATT R-23 Attic Wall 39.8-sq ft Unfaced Stone Wool Batt Insulation Individual Pack. As far as the effect of it, I believe it will enhance low frequency control even behind double sheetrock, and Green Glue. How to soundproof windows from outside noise? ill_silent_lasagna 7 yr. ago Thanks. 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. When it comes to price, you need to consider the area you want to soundproof and its purpose. Model # RXCB3523. Prices can vary at any time, but expect to pay around $0.10 more per inch for mineral wool versus fiberglass. Rock wool is also more durable than fiberglass, which degrades quickly. Generally, though, you can freely pick either of the two for this metric; both fiberglass and Rockwool insulation are inorganic materials that dont contribute to (and even suppress) the invasion of fungi and insects within the walls they occupy. Rock wool is durable and has a lengthy lifespan in comparison to fiberglass. Rockwool is relatively denser than Fiberglass making it a preferred alternative. The backing of fiberglass is made from a paper source, attracting mold growth. Fiberglass also does not ignite when exposed to heat, so it is not a catalyst for fires. For 26 walls, mineral wool comes in R-23. has a long lifespan. exterior & interior walls good for different structures, steel or wood stud walls. The resultant compound is spun into threads and flattened out using a hydraulic press. 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. The glass is heated until it melts. As an example, the R-15 mineral wool costs about 80 per sq. Rockwool would be a more efficient choice for fire protection. Also, the content is up to 75% recyclable. Fortunately, Rockwool has hydrophobic properties and can keep the water at bay and any problems that can result from water absorption. Open or closed-cell foam is a common consideration, but not appropriate for soundproofing. Additionally, mineral wool contains 70% recycled materials hence an environmentally friendly material compared to 20-30% recycled materials. However, better is a relative term, and when it comes to rock wool vs. fiberglass, you should weigh variables such as cost and purpose. This fiber-reinforced plastic type of material is also highly versatile, and many industries use this sound-deadening material for many reasons. Both materials have similar R-values, which measure the effectiveness of insulation. Fiberglass insulation does not offer much protection against fire and burns easily. Soundproofing is quite controversial and no expert could state plain and clear what is a better choice. 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. Since its such a commonly used material for insulating a home, the batts you can get generally have the size to fit in standard spacing studs in walls, which makes installation quite simple, but if it doesnt fit where you need it to, its quite easy to cut (just make sure that it fits snugly since any gap left unsealed will let heat and sound through). Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. Soundproofanything.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon.com. But how effective is it really? Good soundproofing; most sounds do not disturb neighboring residents. When you decide to soundproof a room inside your home or office, you need to pay attention to a few aspects.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'soundproofpeace_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Whether you choose rockwool or fiberglass to do the job, it needs to do more than block the sound. Anything higher than that and it will start melting. 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. To do this you will need to use materials that are designed to not let sound through, like drywall. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Rock wool is produced by heating rocks up to 3,000 F, effectively transforming hard rock into a liquid form. Both Rockwool and Fiberglass are extremely effective at soundproofing. Cost of Rockwool Versus Fiberglass Mineral wool insulation or rockwool typically costs more per inch than fiberglass insulation. How to choose the optimal soundproofing material for your needs. Easy to apply, they range in colors and patterns and ideal for minimal noise reduction in any room. Resilient Channels 5.3 3. I've heard that some people thought that the Rockwool was much easier to work with and less itchy. Rockwool cost is $0.80/sq ft and 3.5 thickness, compared to Thinsulate's approximately $2.38/sq ft and 1.75 thickness. When choosing R-values, a greater R-value is crucial if you want to reduce your utility costs by better controlling the flow of heat in your home. 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. Rockwool is similar to the highly coveted rigid fiberglass (such as the O.C. Once liquidized, air or steam is jetted into the liquid under high pressure and turned at high speed. Both materials give value to your project and come with benefits as well as drawbacks. Required fields are marked *. If youre tired of noise coming into your home from outside or from one room to another, then you should increase the density of your walls. 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. soundproofexpert.com also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other sites. Rock wool is also more durable than fiberglass, which degrades quickly. Closed-cell foams perform worse. It is also better at absorbing low-frequency range noise than comparable fiberglass. As you can see, from a purely acoustic insulation standpoint, rockwool outperforms both spray foam and fiberglass by quite a lot. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'soundproofpeace_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soundproofpeace_com-banner-1-0');In the end, you need to compare the cost and efficiency ratio and decide on your investment. It can be cut into any size or shape and fitted into stud walls or any type of structure. Theyre quite affordable and can be used in simple DIY soundproofing projects. Because of its nature, it does not ignite and keeps the fire from spreading. It may add a little bit of sound resistance, but nothing major. The tiny air pockets in its structure do a great job retaining hot air and preventing heat from getting out. 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. Insulate well with cellulose or rockwool. Why Invest in Rockwool Insulation Insulation is not the most expensive thing when it comes to construction, but it plays a vital role in making sure that the inside is of high quality. Also, it's the cheaper and more widely available option. ROCKWOOL SAFE'n'SOUND is an acoustical soundproofing insulation for use in interior walls, ceilings and floors to help create a quieter home. Sound Absorption, on the other hand,relies on materials that are good at absorbing sound, such as acoustic panels, acoustic blankets, etc. Rock wool vs. fiberglasswhich is the better soundproofing material and why? Rock wool has specific characteristics that fiberglass does not. In case you are running tight on budget then the cost of the materials becomes an important factor for consideration. 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 . Regular insulation is for thermal insulation, whereas sound insulation is for acoustic insulation. 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. Grab a piece of fiberglass insulation and touch a match to it. Here we examine rock wool vs. fiberglass properties to understand the similarities and differences between these two sound-deadening materials. Rockwool insulation has a density of around 1.7 pounds per cubic . But where rock wool offers up to 10 decibels of noise reduction, fiberglass provides a range of noise reduction between 4 and 10 decibels. COMFORTBATT R-15 Attic Wall 59.7-sq ft Unfaced Stone Wool Batt Insulation Individual Pack. 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. Unwanted noise can be irritating and should be dealt with to the best of your abilities. Very good at keeping the heat in. However, both materials have positive and negative attributes and they should be used in specific circumstances to obtain the best result. This is not the case with rockwool, however, since its not carcinogenic and even though when handled some particles may become airborne, these are much heavier than the fiberglass particles and will drop to the floor in no time. Rockwool Safe 'n' Sound 4.3 3. Rockwoll should, however, be used near electrical outlets, or any place that could be in danger of catching fire, since it 100% fire resistant. 3. If you're talking about the fluffy pink stuff, when you say fiberglass, then yes; The rockwool would be better. In comparison to Fiberglass, Rockwool seems more expensive. Fiberglass, on the other hand, blocks ~ 4 to 10 decibels. As well, fiberglass is lighter and will puff out Roxul will stay crushed. This means that, in order to reduce it, we need to fill in the air space more between our room and other noise sources. Of course, homes have to deal with a lot more than just heatduring the colder and rainier parts of the year, the main issue instead becomes moisture, excessive amounts of which can damage the insulation or the surrounding frame. Rock wool can reach prices that are double that of fiberglass. Because of their various uses and structures, these materials cannot fall under only one category. Rock wool appears to have a slight upper hand in that it is moisture resistant. Some types of foam boards have an STC as high as 55. When your walls are properly insulated with stone wool, you will reduce airborne noises . This explains the name as well. A material with a higher value will be better at controlling the heat transfer. Fiberglass is popular as insulation, thermal, and corrosion-resistant material. While some sources will tell you that Rockwool provides better acoustic deadening than fiberglass, this is actually not true in all cases because of how sound and sound deadening works. Inhaling rock wool also does not cause long-term health issues other than some mild irritation from inhaling rock dust. It is packed with tiny air pockets that trap the sound and prevent it from getting through. Mineral wool has a higher density so it can trap more air, leading to higher soundproofing performance. Its one of the most popular soundproofing materials due to its ability to block airborne noise and impact noise to a significant extent and for an affordable price. The batts are pre-cut to size and fit into different cavities. 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). floors steel stud, wooden framed, or under the slab, you name it. Both are good but you want the heavier Roxul for sound insulation and the lighter puffy fiberglass for heat insulation. So, Read More Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant: How to Use Properly, FAQ & ReviewContinue. Fiberglass is made out of fine strands of woven glass that come in rolls or blankets of material. You can learn more about the differences between soundproofing and acoustic treatment here. Your email address will not be published. If your insulation project does not involve working with irregular shapes and spaces, Rockwool provides superior insulation for longer. 31: A Realtors Insights on Todays Turbulent Housing Market, Modern Living Room Design for a Mid-Century Home, Ask Danny | Ep. Rock wool, or mineral wool, is better than fiberglass in terms of soundproofing. Roxul Safe'n'Sound is best used in panels and traps, while fiberglass will work best in ceiling and wall cavities.