Q. What's the right type of Rockwool?

I'd like to use some Rockwool in my studio to improve the acoustics, but this is the first time I'll have used it, so I could do with some pointers about how to work with it. What is the best density for a good, fairly wide&#;spectrum absorber? I have found some quite cheap Rockwool that is 100kg/m3. Is that any good?

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Via SOS web site

SOS Reviews Editor Matt Houghton replies: The denser the material, the more effective it will be at absorbing low frequencies, but the flip side of this is that it also becomes better at reflecting higher frequencies back into the room. The 100kg/m3 product that you've mentioned should do a decent job, but it's denser than I'd choose for a broadband absorber. In fact, in my home studio, I use 100mm-thick 100kg/m3 Rocksilk for bass trapping, with a decent gap behind it. However, if you then place some acoustic foam over the top of it you'll have a much more effective acoustic absorber, as the dense Rockwool will absorb lower frequencies, while the foam will absorb some of the highs that would otherwise be reflected, making a very effective broadband absorber. If you don't want the foam, try looking for mineral wool in the region of 45&#;75kg/m3. Remember to cover these slabs in some acoustically transparent material that will trap any stray fibres. If you're in a commercial studio, this will need to meet fire safety regulations, but for a home studio you could get away with a cotton sheet (I've used tablecloths!).  

Here, we cover the major benefits of Rockwool, its shortcomings, and what other options are available to insulate your walls in your home or commercial project.

Benefits of Rockwool Board

Rockwool has a number of things going for it. Here are some of the benefits of choosing Rockwool Comfortboard 80 to insulate your project:

• Made from natural and recycled raw materials

• Excellent fire resistance with no smoke production or flame spread

• Termite and insect resistant

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  High compressive strength

• Provides acoustic sound absorption

Where to Use Rockwool Comfortboard 80

Rockwool Comfortboard 80 is designed for use on the exterior side of the wall for continuous insulation. It&#;s installed with 3-inch washers and nails, and is attached to sheathing over a vapor barrier or house wrap. Other applications can include foundation walls and under concrete slabs.

Disadvantages of Rockwool Insulation

Rockwool is a great option for some projects, however this type of insulation isn&#;t always the best for every application. Some of the shortcomings of Rockwool Comfortboard include:

Weight

It&#;s heavy, at over 50 lbs. per 4&#; x 8&#; board at 2&#; thickness, which makes installation laborious.

R-Value

At R4.2 per inch, Rockwool Comfortboard 80 is a middle-of-the-road option when it comes to thermal R-value performance.

Cost and Availability

Rockwool Comfortboard 80 can be difficult for homeowners to obtain because it is not typically stocked in big box stores, so it can be a challenge to obtain, and pricier to purchase.

An Alternative to Rockwool

Luckily, there is an alternative to Rockwool Comfortboard 80. Polyiso is a comparable option to Rockwool when it comes to installing insulation on walls. Taking it a step further, polyiso outperforms Rockwool when it comes to installability, thermal performance, and price point. If you&#;re looking for a less expensive, lightweight alternative to Rockwool&#;without sacrificing on performance, consider polyiso.

Easier Installation

Polyiso can be installed in the same locations and applications as Rockwool as a continuous insulation, but with significantly less weight bearing on your installers and your walls. Since polyiso is made out of foam, it&#;s inherently lightweight and can be carried and maneuvered easily by a single installer without suffering from the fatigue of lifting heavy Rockwool boards, which may require two installers per board, or smaller board sizes.

R-Value Thermal Performance

It&#;s hard to beat the thermal performance of polyiso. At R6 per inch, it&#;s one of the best thermal insulation options for walls. With polyiso products like Rmax Durasheath® building envelope insulation, you can achieve an R21.8 with just 3-½&#; thickness, whereas achieving this same R-value with Rockwool Comfortboard 80 requires over 5&#; thickness.

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