Last updated: February 24, 2023 at 13:38 pm
When soundproofing a building, there are many different options available in terms of materials that you can use and the places where you can apply the material to.
One of the best materials you can use for soundproofing is acoustic mineral wool, for a number of reasons.
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We’ll go into further detail about what acoustic mineral wool actually is and how it works so well as a soundproofing method.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What is Acoustic Mineral Wool?
Also sometimes referred to as rock wool. It’s a type of insulation that can be used for insulation, and thus, for soundproofing purposes. Mineral wool is made from natural materials that are quite similar to fibreglass.
The difference with this material is that it’s not made from glass. It’s one of the most environmentally friendly materials to use. There are two different types of mineral wool insulation: Slag mineral wool and rock mineral wool.
- Slag Mineral Wool: Slag mineral wool is usually made from a mixture of slag, rock, and glass. It’s also made from mostly recycled material.
- Rock Mineral Wool: Rock mineral wool is made from natural stone that is retrieved from volcanic rock. The next step in this process is that the stone is then melted. The rock is then made into wool and can be used as a form of insulation in buildings.
Acoustic mineral wool is usually yellow or beige in colour and is a mattress-like material.
Does It Work?
This type of material is often used in buildings for insulating all kinds of different areas. The reason it is so often used for this purpose is because of how well it works as an insulating property.
Not only does the insulation work for soundproofing, but it also ensures the building is properly insulated in order to keep heat in and so on. Along with this, acoustic mineral wool is water-resistant, fire-resistant, and mould resistant.
The reason for this is due to its high density and mineral composition. Many other materials used in soundproofing do not hold this array of components, so acoustic mineral wool is often the best choice in a number of different situations.
How Does It Work?
You’ll need to apply it twice in order for it to work as a soundproofing method. After the second application of this material on your walls, ceilings, and floors, you’ll notice a significant difference in noise levels.
The way that it is applied is that the material is placed between the vertical studs of the wall or ceiling. Once the material is put in place, you’ll notice a huge difference in the noise that’s able to enter the building from the outside, but also the noise that leaves from inside the building (or rather, the lack of noise).
The way that this works is that the acoustic mineral wool stops the transmission of sound that usually occurs through the surface (e.g. – walls) by reflecting it back towards the source.
The material is elastic which means that soundwaves are able to be let in and then they’re trapped within the acoustic mineral wool material.
Added Benefits of Using Acoustic Mineral Wool
An element that is a huge selling factor for using acoustic mineral wool as a soundproofing method is that the insulation value will not decrease over a period, unlike many other insulation materials.
The materials that make up acoustic mineral wool are naturally resistant to corrosion over time, therefore if you use this material, it’s sure to last. Additionally, this type of material is perfect for soundproofing/insulation purposes due to the fact that it’s water-resistant. If the mineral wool was not water-resistant, it would mean that any moisture would eventually break the material down over time.
It is, arguably, the most resilient soundproofing material to use, despite how little people may know about it. It is also environmentally friendly! The benefits are plentiful, which means you’ll be spending your money wisely on this reliable material.
Reasons to Use Acoustic Mineral Wool
Noise pollution is a serious issue in everyday life that can cause real-life illnesses, not to mention the stress of loud everyday noises. Soundproofing has an array of benefits, with acoustic mineral wool having the greatest number of benefits.
Loud noises and a lack of soundproofing have been proven to be connected to a range of diseases, high blood pressure, hearing loss, and even strokes. You can ensure a better quality of life by implementing this soundproofing measure into your home.
Acoustic mineral wool is extremely lightweight and it’s also easy to install at any place, even without any additional hard fixings.
Another added benefit of using this material for soundproofing is that it’s an affordable option, especially when comparing it to other types of insulation/soundproofing materials.
Also read: Does Loft Insulation Reduce Noise?
Negatives
While the positives of using acoustic mineral wool greatly outweigh the negatives, it’s important to remember the negative elements too. In terms of the application process, you can run into problems if you’re doing it yourself.
Mineral wool can cause allergy issues when inhaled and can also experience skin problems if the mineral wool comes into contact with your skin directly. The way to combat this is to wear the correct safety covers such as a mask and protective gloves, especially if you’re applying the material yourself.
Another issue with using it is that during the summer, the room in which you apply this material will heat up very quickly.
The reason for this is that it has a low heat storage capacity, so the material isn’t able to hold onto the heat for a long period of time. This can be a big problem, depending on the climate of the area in which you live.
All in all, acoustic mineral wool is a wonderful option for soundproofing a building as the positive elements of using this type of material greatly outweigh the negatives.
