Sound insulating material blocks and absorbs sound, reducing unwanted noise from traveling between rooms or floors. It also helps reduce echoes in spaces and makes them more pleasant to be in. The best sound insulating materials are thick and dense and have a porous or fibrous structure to increase the absorption of sounds. They can be used in homes and commercial properties to prevent noise from leaking into areas where people work or play.

Before choosing a sound insulating material, determine the primary sources of sound you want to minimize. Different insulation types will block or reduce different frequencies of sound, so choose according to your needs and budget. A good indicator of how well a material will prevent sound transmission is its STC rating. This rating, along with the NRC or Sound Reduction Coefficient, is used to rate how much sound a building material can absorb or block.

Choosing Sound Insulating Material

To improve the performance of a standard wall, adding soundproof insulation between the studs will significantly boost its STC rating. However, it is important to remember that the best sound insulating material is not always the most expensive or the thickest. It depends on the specific situation, such as the desired STC or NRC rating and the acoustic environment.

Fiberglass batt insulation is a popular choice for both home and commercial use because it’s budget-friendly, works in any climate zone, provides effective temperature control, and offers superior soundproofing. Service Partners carries a variety of fiberglass blown-in insulation, including kraft faced and unfaced options.