Thermal and Acoustic Insulation: Benefits, Best Types, Costs

There are typically two main types of insulation materials found on the market: thermal insulation and acoustic insulation. As the names suggest, both serve a very different purpose.

Thermal insulation materials are used to help homes retain heat, whereas acoustic insulation materials are used to absorb or block sound. Some may assume thermal insulation would have acoustic properties and vice versa, but this is not often the case. But you may be wondering, does acoustic insulation have thermal properties?

This ultimate GreenMatch UK guide will break down everything you need to know about thermal and acoustic insulation materials, their purposes, the best materials, and installation procedures.

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Thermal acoustic insulation is a multifunctional material that can both slow down heat transfer and block sound transmission. However, on the insulation market, you’re far more likely to find materials that are optimised for one or the other purpose. 

While there are not many materials that can effectively block both heat and sound, some noise insulation materials do have slight thermal properties, and vice versa. 

The best way to handle both home requirements is to use a combination of thermal and acoustic insulation measures throughout your home. 

While there isn't a single best thermal and acoustic insulation material, there are several options on the market that are worth considering. The best insulation material for you will hinge on factors such as your budget, home type, and personal needs.

Some acoustic insulation materials will indeed have thermal properties to some degree, though they may not be as effective as thermal insulation. Nevertheless, here are some popular contenders:

While these materials may exhibit a mix of both thermal and acoustic insulation properties, they are often tailored to serve one purpose better than the other. This is often seen in the material density. Higher-density materials are usually better acoustic insulators. 

It’s more common to come across materials that are tailored exclusively for thermal insulation or acoustic insulation, rather than a mix of both. This is due to the innovative tricks that make each material successful at its purpose. 

As the name suggests, thermal insulation is optimised for slowing heat transfer, whereas acoustic insulation is optimised for absorbing sound waves. 

Another key difference is material density. Acoustic insulation materials tend to have far higher densities to successfully absorb or reflect heat. Some soundproof insulation like mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) are so dense, that they don’t absorb sound but directly reflect it. 

Contrary to popular belief, thermal insulation is not good for soundproofing. While some materials may provide a little bit of noise insulation, it would be incorrect to suggest they are effective in doing so. 

While using acoustic insulation will generally improve your home's thermal insulation by a small margin, it would not be enough to truly enjoy the big energy bill savings, carbon footprint cuts, and home comfort that come with high-quality thermal insulation. 

Likewise, while thermal insulation may provide some sound dampening to your home, it won’t be enough to truly create a peaceful quiet indoor environment.

Thermal acoustic insulation material costs vary depending on your chosen material density, how much of it you need, and several other factors.

Here is a cost breakdown of some of the most common thermal acoustic insulation materials:

While these materials provide a mix of both properties, choosing materials tailored specifically for thermal insulation or acoustic insulation will give you the best results. Aim to balance a mix of both measures in your home for the best results.

Obtaining thermal acoustic insulation materials is just the beginning of the road. It’s just as important to have a professional installation in place to avoid unnecessary repair work and mounting costs.

Some thermal and acoustic insulation measures can be done DIY, at varying difficulties, but it’s always suggested to work with a professional installer. That way, you can ensure you receive quality workmanship and a home solution that will last you decades to come.

Unfortunately, finding the perfect installer at a feasible price is no small task. Prospective customers often find themselves spending endless hours scouring websites and arranging phone calls with installers. Luckily, GreenMatch UK can free you from this burden.

Through our services, you can receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes straight from our nationwide network of accredited installers. The best part? Our services are completely free and with no obligations to accept quotes. Just fill out our 30-second intake form and let the bargains come to you. Click the button below to begin!