Acoustic Insulation Materials

There are many different types of acoustic batt insulation materials available for sale today.  Some are made from natural fibers while others are made from synthetic materials.  Many companies are beginning to incorporate recycled materials as well.  If you are considering the use of acoustic insulation batts, make sure you look for one that comes with thermal qualities so one investment gives you both the benefit of a noise and weather barrier.  Acoustic batt insulation comes in varying thickness or density levels.  Most rolls are 16” to 24” in width and 8ft long.  Companies normally sell the batt rolls in cases that hold three to four 8ft long rolls.

When shopping for acoustical batt insulation for you home or business, make sure that you look for products that do not contain harmful chemicals.  You will also want to stick to products or materials that are easy to install.  The rolls should be easy to handle without causing skin irritations or air quality problems.  If you are unsure about the handling procedures for a material, make sure you read the installation instructions fully.  You can even do this before you purchase a product.  If you are purchasing insulation online, you can find many websites that offer useful information about handling and installation of acoustic batts.

Some products are considered more “green” or environmentally friendly than others.  Consider buying green products when you can because most are created from all or some recycled materials.  These materials would otherwise be wasted or dumped somewhere but instead they are being utilized to create a product that has a purpose.  Reducing the amount of sound penetration in a home or business is essential but not as important as creating a thermal barrier to maintain the temperature inside of the space.

Acoustic batt insulation with thermal qualities will likely cost more to purchase but if you compare it to the price of buying thermal and acoustic insulation separately, you can stand to save a good bit of money by finding a product that combines both necessary benefits into one.  You can find such products online or at local home improvement or hardware stores.  Most retail store locations carry a few different brands for you to choose from.  If you want more variety, you should definitely start your search online.  Batting is light in weight so shipping charges are usually quite reasonable.  Always make comparison between a few different brands or products so you have a better idea what each has to offer.

Photo source: Kleet Lumber Co.