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What Are the Best Acoustic Insulation Materials?
- Acoustic insulation materials are specifically designed insulators that are made to absorb and reflect sound waves. They do not provide adequate thermal insulation.
- The effectiveness of acoustic insulation materials usually depends on their material density. More dense materials are better at blocking sound transfer.
- The most effective material for reflecting sound waves is Mass-Loaded Vinyl (MLV).
Having a thermally insulated home is great, but what if you live in a densely populated urban centre rife with cars and people? Sounds noisy, but that’s where sound insulation comes in. Acoustic insulation materials are a range of insulators made to absorb and reflect soundwaves, helping keep inside noise in and outside noise out.
Acoustic insulation creates a peaceful living environment and enhances privacy, a vital upgrade if you live in an apartment block or a home with many residents. This ultimate guide by GreenMatch UK will help you select the best soundproofing insulation materials for your home.
Ready to soundproof your house? Let GreenMatch UK set you right. In just 30 seconds, you can fill out our intake form and receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes directly from our network of pre-vetted professionals. Save yourself time and money by clicking below to begin!
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What are the best acoustic insulation materials?
Ultimately, the best insulation for sound will depend on what you’re looking for. Some factors of influence will be your overall budget, home type, and even location. In addition, the “best” can mean several things, from the most affordable to the most effective.
To make things easier, we’ve compiled the three best acoustic insulation materials based on their respective key advantage:
- Acoustic fibreglass: Standing out as one of the most budget-friendly options on the market, acoustic fibreglass costs just around £10 per m2. It's a sustainable material made from recycled glass that has been woven into blanket-like sheets.
- Acoustic cork: High-performance acoustic cork costs around £17 - £22 per m2 and is considered to be one of the most sustainable materials available today. This completely natural and recyclable material offers excellent noise reduction while being hypoallergenic and non-toxic, making it safe to be around.
- Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV): Boasting remarkable soundproofing capabilities and costing around £10 - £20 per m2, MLV is considered to be one of the most effective acoustic insulation materials on the market. This is due to its high material density, which in turn reflects sound waves with impressive ease.
It’s important to note that thermal and acoustic insulation are not the same thing. This means that acoustic insulation cannot provide adequate heat retention to your home, and you’ll need to look into thermal insulation measures.
Luckily, it's possible to have both acoustic and thermal insulation in the same home, but it's recommended to consult with a professional installer to sketch out the best course of action.
Best sound insulation for walls
Sound insulation for walls is an important upgrade if you live in a loud urban centre or a busy home. The best insulation for soundproofing walls will depend on the specifics you are looking for. Whether it’s budget friendliness or effectiveness, there’s no shortage of fitting materials.
Here’s a breakdown of our top three choices:
- Acoustic mineral wool: Acoustic mineral wool is made sustainably from rock or glass, similar to its thermal counterpart. Costing around £13 - £17.5 per m2, the material provides decent soundproofing at densities ranging from 45 to 100 kg/m³. Its budget-friendliness and malleability make it a great choice for soundproofing walls.
- Acoustic fibreglass: Similar to mineral wool, but a more affordable £10 per m2, acoustic fibreglass provides impressive soundproofing at higher densities. It also boasts properties such as flame, mould and moisture resistance which can prolong its lifespan.
- Acoustic cork: A sustainable, fully recyclable material that packs an impressive punch when it comes to soundproofing. It might cost a higher £17 - £22 per m2, but homes will require a lesser thickness in comparison to mineral wool or fibreglass due to a higher material density. This makes it a great choice of soundproof insulation for stud walls.
Keep in mind, that these materials do not provide adequate thermal insulation to a home, however, they do have counterparts made specifically for heat insulation. That’s why when picking the right material, make sure you pick it to satisfy a specific purpose.
Best acoustic insulation between floors
Between floor and ceiling insulation goes a long way in making a home liveable. This is especially true for flats and apartments in densely populated areas, where noise can travel easily.
Here’s our breakdown of the top 3 best soundproof insulation materials suited for between floor and ceiling purposes:
- Acoustic mineral wool: This material is popular for all types of sound insulation, and for good reason. Its versatility, budget-friendliness, and sustainability make it a reigning champion for a lot of homes. Its convenient sheets make for a great sound insulator between floors and ceilings.
- Acoustic cotton: Treated cotton exhibits some of the best sound-dampening qualities on the market today. This sustainable, non-toxic and hypoallergenic material can easily be cut into sheets and fitted as between floor or ceiling sound insulation.
- Acoustic cellulose: Made sustainably from recycled paper and wood products, this loose-fill style insulation can also be found as compressed sheets costing around £10 - £12 per m2. Cellulose at higher densities provides significant soundproofing, making it an affordable option for between-floor and ceiling insulation.
It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of the best sound insulation materials. Today’s market is an endless sea of options, and to make the best choice, it's recommended to get your home assessed by a professional installer. That way, the best approach can be tailored to your home and its needs.
What is the best soundproofing insulation for your home?
Ultimately, the best insulation for soundproofing your home will hinge on a series of factors relating to what you need, what your home is like, and what your budget is. To figure all of this out, it’s recommended to work with a professional installer.
While a DIY job may seem tempting, a professional may be the fine line between decades of home comfort and a shabby job that incurs a nightmare of repair costs. However, many prospective customers are stuck endlessly surfing the web to find the right installer. That was until GreenMatch UK.
All it takes is 30 seconds to fill out our simple online form, and we’ll send you up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from our nationwide network of pre-vetted professionals. No costs, no obligations. Just click below to begin, and let the bargains come to you!
- Describe your needs
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