Soundproofing lets you enjoy a quiet home, even with a noisy street or other disturbances outside your walls. Ambient noise in urban and suburban areas can quickly grow to unpleasant levels. Soundproof insulation is an effective choice for enjoying a peaceful home. Here’s what you should know if you want a soundproofing solution.
Don’t let outside noise disrupt your peace and comfort any longer. At Attic Projects, we provide top-tier soundproofing solutions tailored to your needs. Our expert team will install the highest-quality materials, whether traffic noise, noisy neighbors, or other disturbances. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step towards a serene and peaceful living environment.
What You Need to Know About Soundproofing
Soundproofing is a common challenge in the construction of all kinds of properties, so there are specific standards you can use to evaluate soundproof insulation. Each type of insulation has a sound transmission class (STC) that measures how well the material dampens sound, with higher numbers being better. Ideally, choose insulation with a higher STC to enjoy a quieter home.
Different Types of Sounds
- Airborne sound travels directly through the air, like when someone is speaking to you. Impact sounds, such as footsteps, also travel through materials.
- Flanking sounds move around sound barriers through other pathways, such as your ductwork.
No solution can entirely isolate your home from exterior noises. However, choosing the right type of soundproof insulation can make a big difference. Insulation is one of the most straightforward ways to achieve soundproofing.
Types of Soundproof Insulation
You have plenty of choices when it comes to soundproof insulation. Several different types of insulation offer specific properties suitable for your soundproofing needs. Here are the most common options.
Batt and Roll
Batt and roll insulation is among the most common types of insulation in residential properties. Ease of installation and effective thermal insulation make it a great choice. However, it also has the sound-dampening properties you need for a quiet home.
This type of fiberglass insulation comes in either long rolls cut to size or pre-cut batts. They fit perfectly between studs and rafters, perfect for soundproofing walls and ceilings.
Blown-In Insulation
Blown-in insulation is made of either fiberglass or cellulose and consists of loose material that can fill any space.
It is commonly used for attic insulation where storage isn’t a concern.
This type of insulation has effective soundproofing qualities but isn’t necessarily the right fit for every space.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation expands upon application and is used to fill cavities. It is installed using professional equipment and can quickly cover large areas. Not only is it an effective insulator, but it also seals up gaps that can let in drafts.
The foam contains small bubbles called cells. These cells dampen sound, so spray foam insulation can be used effectively in soundproofing applications.
Insulation Panels
Insulation boards and panels provide another soundproof insulation option. Because they are denser than other types of insulation, they are an excellent choice when minimal thickness is required.
The dense boards are highly effective at dampening sound. This is an added benefit when used for thermal insulation, but many insulation panels are designed specifically for soundproofing.
Why You Might Need Soundproof Insulation
There are a few different scenarios where soundproof insulation can be highly beneficial:
- High-traffic areas: Road noise can be an issue at any time, day or night, whether you live in an urban or suburban area. Soundproof insulation prevents that noise from penetrating your home at a high volume.
- Multi-tenant properties: Whether it’s an apartment building or duplex, you don’t want to have to hear your neighbors. The right insulation provides an effective and affordable way for property owners to solve this problem.
- Investment in your home: Soundproofing increases property value and can be cited as a selling feature. That also includes the boost in value related to enhanced thermal insulation for exterior insulation.
In addition to these scenarios, you might also be interested in soundproof insulation to suit your home’s particular needs:
Installing a home theater or other potentially loud features? Isolate the space from the rest of your home so that everyone inside can enjoy their respective activities without being disturbed.
Things to Keep in Mind When Getting Soundproof Insulation
The first thing you need to understand when soundproofing is your specific requirements:
- Are you dealing with external or internal noise?
- Are they airborne or impact sounds?
- You need to know which specific walls, ceilings, or other spaces need added insulation.
Often, finding the right material depends on the space where the insulation will be installed:
- Spray foam is perfect for larger, exposed spaces.
- However, options such as batt insulation and insulation panels let you take a more tailored approach for specific areas.
Make sure to take a close look at the STC ratings when comparing different types of insulation:
- This is just as important as considering the R-value when evaluating thermal insulation.
- You need to know that the insulation you choose can deliver the soundproofing you need.
In addition to these considerations, it’s also well worth contacting professionals to handle your installation. They have the experience and equipment to handle any type of insulation, so they can help you find the right choice for your project. Sometimes, the areas you’d like to install insulation could have mold or rodent infestation issues. Professionals have the proper safety equipment to handle this and prevent it from spreading throughout your home.
Enjoy a Quiet Home With Sound Proof Insulation Installation
If you’re looking to enjoy peace and quiet no matter what’s going on outside, Attic Projects offers professional soundproof insulation installation. Contact us today to get started.
Updated: May 22, 2024
