Acoustic Insulation Guide

Acoustic insulation: A guide to what is the best soundproofing insulation

Acoustic insulation and soundproofing are often referred to as the same thing. Acoustic or sound insulation is the term most closely associated with soundproofing. When you soundproof a wall, floor or ceiling, acoustic insulation is one of the key soundproofing principles; however, acoustic insulation also refers to certain soundproofing products that provide acoustic insulation when fitted in a room. This noise insulation guide will show you how acoustic insulation is not only a soundproofing term but also a material that will enhance the noise reducing performance of a building.

Are soundproofing and acoustic insulation the same thing?

Soundproofing refers to reducing noise transfer between rooms. Acoustic insulation is used in all of the best soundproofing solutions for walls, floors, and ceilings; yes, we can consider soundproofing and acoustic insulation to be the same. When you soundproof a wall against a noisy neighbour, your solution would include sound insulation, typically in the form of an soundproof insulation slab, which is probably the most common type of sound insulation. As you go through our guide, we will show you a variety of sound insulation materials, including acoustic underlays, soundproof panels and complete soundproof systems that all use acoustic insulation.

Key benefits of acoustic insulation

• Noise Reduction: Effectively reduces sound transmission through a building structure.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for sound insulating walls, ceilings, and floors.
• Variety of Products: Available in different densities, sizes, and thicknesses to meet requirements.
• High Performance: Offers both soundproofing and thermal insulation properties.
• Easy Installation: User-friendly DIY installation.
• Low Maintenance: Durable and reliable with minimal upkeep required.
• Eco-Friendly: Many products are manufactured using recycled materials.

What is the best sound insulation for soundproofing a room?

Firstly, we will look at high density acoustic slab insulation, the most prominent form of soundproofing insulation.

Acoustic or sound insulation slabs are a form of insulation with a greater density rating than thermal insulation, making the slab version better for sound insulation than low-density thermal insulation. The good news is that when you insulate your room with sound insulation slabs, you will also benefit from thermal insulation, as sound insulation slabs have thermal insulation properties.

What thickness of insulation is best?

The correct insulation thickness will depend on the depth of the cavity that needs to be insulated. Noise insulation slabs are supplied in 25mm, 50mm, 75mm and 100mm thick slabs.

When choosing the insulation thickness, it is important to note that the cavity you are insulating does not need filling; filling the void could cause a potential bridge for sound to transfer.

We recommend filling the cavity between 50% and 75% of its depth for the best soundproofing. If you are soundproofing a stud wall and the frame is four inches deep, the best thickness to choose would be 75mm. The recommended depth of insulation to use between floor joists is 100mm.

What are the best performing acoustic insulation solutions

Acoustic insulation does not relate solely to sound insulation slabs. It also refers to all aspects of soundproofing a room and incorporating sound insulation products into a complete soundproof solution for a wall, floor or ceiling.

Using various sound insulation products will ultimately provide the highest noise reduction levels. Below are some examples of solutions that use acoustic insulation slabs as part of a wider soundproofing solution that combines acoustic soundproof boarding and sound isolation clips to enhance the noise reduction of the areas to which they are applied.

Acoustic insulation solutions for ceilings

Improving the sound reduction of ceilings requires sound insulation to increase the ceiling’s mass, density, and sound absorption ability. Ceilings with timber joists have far less mass and density than concrete ceilings and would typically require more acoustic insulation to improve noise reduction.

• Sound insulation between floor/ceiling joists adds density, mass, and sound absorption.
• Increase the ability of the ceiling to block and absorb sounds and vibrations through the structure.
• Product combinations, including soundproof insulation, sound isolation clips, and soundproof panels, will provide the highest level of acoustic insulation.

What are the best acoustic flooring solutions?

Soundproof flooring solutions reduce sound transfer through timber and concrete floors. Sound insulation between floor joists improves sound insulation, and soundproof underlays further improve the floor’s ability to block and absorb sounds.

Effectively, sound insulate your floor following these steps:

1. Add density to the floor using products with high levels of mass (acoustic insulation and acoustic underlays).
2. Sound absorbent materials on top of the floor, acoustic underlays, and floating floorboards will increase the floor’s ability to absorb impact sounds from transferring.
3. Acoustic insulation inside floor joists prevents sound from resonating inside the cavity and from acting like a drum to amplify sound.
4. Combining noise reduction products will ensure the highest levels of soundproofing.

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