Acoustic Insulation Materials

There are many different types of acoustical insulation products on the market today.  Some are many from natural fibers while other made solely from recycled materials.  Many offer a decent amount of soundproof quality while others combine soundproofing with thermal insulating in one.  If you are looking for products that are simply for the purpose of insulating a room or entire home from exterior noises and sounds, you may want to study the different types of acoustical insulation materials that are available today.

There are many options but you may want to stick with products that are easy to install and long-lasting which is even more important if you are working on a tight budget.  Acoustic insulation materials vary greatly in price, texture, size, and ingredients.  Even if two manufacturers are offering a similar product, each will likely contain different recommendations or instruction for handling, installation, and care of the materials.

The most popular types or methods of installing acoustic materials are spray, tiles, and batt.  Spray on acoustical insulation is by far the most popular because it is easy, fast and highly effective.  The spray material successfully fills voids and tight spaces creating a tight barrier of insulation materials even in the hardest to reach places.  The spray mechanism can be bought or rented.  If you rent a machine, it is likely that the retailer will have a specific type of insulation material which you must use with their machines.  You will need to speak to a rental representative to find out what materials you can use.  You will also want information about how to operate and maintain the machine while it in your possession.

Insulation tiles are the second most popular type of acoustical material.  Acoustical ceiling insulation usually comes in the form of tiles that go in between the crevices to create a sound barrier.  You can also use tiles in walls but the process is not as practical as batting or spray on insulation.  When installing foam tiles, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendation fully.  Some companies recommend adhesive to hold the tiles in place.  You probably won’t need adhesive if you are using the material in a ceiling crevice because there is no chance for shifting.

Acoustical batt insulation use to be the primary choice for wall insulating.  The acoustical wall insulation comes in rolls that can easily be cut to fit the space that needs filled.  The batt material can be nailed or glued in place.  The process moves very quickly and depending on the thickness you choose, it is also quite effective at soundproofing a space.  Acoustical insulation batting can also be installed under floor surfaces to reduce the amount of sound that can be distributed throughout a home.  For instance, if you have bedrooms below a high traffic living space, the batting can significantly reduce the amount of noise that penetrates to the floor below.