Not only is insulation used for improving comfort and energy efficiency, it is also used for sound deadening. Sound deadening is important for muffling out noises from neighbors, passing cars, barking dogs, and noises from within other rooms of the structure.
The difference between sound proofing and sound deadening is that in sound proofing, all sound is completely blocked out, while sound deadening only muffles and reduces sound waves. Sound deadening can be achieved by using certain types of insulation, while sound proofing requires additional materials to achieve the effect. Sound deadening insulation is available in these various forms: open cell spray foam, fiberglass, denim, and rockwool. Each version of insulation offers a different Sound Transmission Class.
Sound Transmission Class or STC is a measured rating of a material’s effectiveness in reducing sound between walls, ceilings, doors, floors, and windows. Understanding STC levels can help determine which type of insulation is needed for the structure.
- 25 STC: A regular tone of voice conversation can be heard and understood.
- 30 STC: A loud tone of voice conversation can be heard and understood.
- 35 STC: A loud tone of voice conversation can be heard but is indecipherable.
- 40 STC: A loud tone of voice conversation sounds like a whisper.
- 50 STC: Loud noises are barely heard.
- 60 STC: This level is considered as soundproofed, where noises are not heard.
Rockford Insulation Pros offers many options for sound deadening insulation. Learn about the different sound deadening insulation products offered below and determine which is right for you!
- Rockwool Insulation – STC of about 58 – Rockwool Insulation is created by melting down rocks at a high temperature and then spinning the rock into fiber strands. The rockwool strands can be formed into batts or blown-in insulation material.
- Fiberglass Insulation– STC of about 39 – Fiberglass Insulation is created by spinning or blowing molten glass into fibers. Fiberglass is non-combustible and can be installed in batts, rolls, or blown-in. This is one of the most commonly used forms of insulation and is relatively inexpensive as well. Fiberglass is generally installed in ceilings, attics, basements, and walls.
- Open Cell Spray Foam – STC of about 39 – Open cell spray foam expands to about 3 inches of thickness. When this type of foam is sprayed, bubbles inside burst, leaving behind small pockets of air. Water is able to flow through the foam, which prevents mold, while also not absorbing any moisture or losing any insulating performance.
- Sonoglass Spray Foam– Sonoglass is a non-combustible fiberglass based spray insulation which is applied as an acoustic and thermal treatment. The spray can adhere to many types of surfaces such as flat, domed, curved or irregular making Sonoglass a preferred choice in many theaters, gymnasiums and churches. Noise levels are drastically reduced by applying a thin layer of Sonoglass Spray, creating a sound controlled environment which is more comfortable for loud venues, sports games, performances and audiences.
- Monoglass Spray Foam– STC of about 46-57. Monoglass is a spray-on insulation specifically designed for application in difficult to reach areas. Created from a mixture of polymer and soft glass fibers, monoglass insulation adheres to almost any type of surface material such as: wood, gypsum, concrete, fireproofing, steel, glass, and more. Monoglass spray insulation can be applied 5 inches thick on horizonal surfaces and 7 inches thick on vertical surfaces. Monoglass has a Noise Reduction Coefficient of .95 which means 95% of sound waves are absorbed and the remaining 5% are deflected. When sprayed over fireproofing, Monoglass does not affect the fire ratings of the material as the spray is non-combustible.
- K13 Spray Foam– STC of about 31-49. K13 is a fire resistive insulation product which is sprayed onto ceilings as an exposed finish and used for noise and thermal control. K13 is generally used in noisy establishments such as bars, restaurants, event venues, or offices in order to create a more comfortable and sound controlled atmosphere. K13 spray is a versatile insulation product which can be applied for many uses. This spay is most commonly known for it’s sound absorption qualities. It is composed of cellulose based materials which absorb sound and reduce noise reverberation and overall noise level. K13 spray can be used for sound reduction in loud venues with life music, can lower the sounds of chatter within an office or even lessen the sound of rainfall on the roof.
Rockford Insulation Pros is here to help with any sound deadening needs. Our company offers a free estimate and can help determine which product is the best fit. Call today and experience how how sound deadening insulation can benefit you with Rockford Insulation Pros!
References:
“Sound Transmission Class.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 29 Sept. 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_transmission_class.
“House Insulation and Soundproofing.” MPI Foam, 24 Sept. 2021, https://www.mpifoaminsulation.com/house-insulation-and-soundproofing/.
Ringler, Amanda. “Soundproofing vs Sound Dampening a Room: What’s the Difference?” RetroFoam of Michigan, 16 July 2018, https://www.retrofoamofmichigan.com/blog/soundproofing-vs-sound-dampening-room.