The greater R-Value is always better. The higher R-value products absorb heat and sound from entering the room. Are people concerned about soundproofing may ask if R19 insulation is good for soundproofing?
Before soundproofing a room, the user may add R-13 insulation to the walls and R-19 insulation to the ceilings. Then he can use the parts that fit the typical beam and drywall sizes.
R19 Insulation Good for Soundproofing?
R19 will not improve sound absorption over R-13. It will supply less, just like thermal properties. Compared to any fiberglass insulation options, the R11 sound batt can provide the best reduction in a 24″ wall.
So, we can only say that using R19 insulation cannot make a room soundproof perfectly.
For example, for two-by-six (2×6) walls, use an R-19 or R-21 Kraft-faced fiberglass insulator. This arrangement guarantees that the walls’ insulation will not be too loose or too tightly packed because the walls are made of two-by-four (2×4) studs with a full 4-inch depth.
R19 and Fiberglass Insulation
In this case, to get better insulation, fiberglass insulation and blown-in cellulose insulation could be the best options. Both materials are excellent, with a great R-value. They not only insulate effectively but also offer the desired noise-reducing features according to the desire of the users.
Soundproofing with fiberglass insulation is a good idea. Fiberglass insulation reduces noise, which is exactly what you really want. However, it will absorb the sound perfectly.
Although fiberglass insulation may not have the greatest R-value on the market, it is one of the most cost-effective alternatives. Fiberglass batts have an R-value of 3.1-3.4 per inch of thickness. The R-value of loose-fill fiberglass insulation in an attic is 2.2–4.3 per inch, whereas the R-value of wall insulation is 3.7–4.3 per inch.
Fiberglass blankets and rolls have an R-value of up to 3.2 per inch, so a 6-inch fiberglass batt might have an R-value of 19.2, and some high-performance items have an R-21 rating. But the R19 value is 6.25 per inch.
So, here we can see that the fiberglass R-value is not exact, but they still can reduce sound because we already know that a higher R-value is best than others.
Usage of R19
In several parts of the area, R-19 insulation is recommended for use in the exterior walls of new construction projects. This type of insulation is mainly found in enclosed areas, such as basements or attics.
This insulation is well-suited for use in building projects that employ 2/6-inch timber. Because it is just over 6 inches thick. It fits securely into the wall and stops air from flowing through gaps in the plywood on the walls.
Another factor is using R19 to control the heating and cooling systems in the construction project. Moreover, this insulation may be sufficient if the heating and cooling system is very efficient.
Even though the U.S. R-13 insulation is rated “good” for use in walls in the southern sections of the country. However, R-19 insulation is rated “excellent” since it provides more thermal insulation than R-13.
Furthermore, it considers R-19 insulation to be “excellent” for use in northern walls while not suggesting R-13 use in those colder areas.
But before using R19 insulation, a few aspects need to be kept in mind.
Ducting and R-Value
The R-value of duct insulation refers to its success in preventing heat conduction. It is a measurement of the insulation material’s efficacy. Moreover, the value of an insulating material indicates how well it insulates. A greater R-value is necessary for cold climates where temperatures drop below freezing. The structure of the insulation material, its density, and its thickness are all factors that influence the R-value.
There are a few key factors to consider when selecting the optimal R-value ducting for your home. The first is the environment. If you live in a cold climate, you’ll need R8 ducting at the very least. It could potentially be as high as R19 in the attic space. In homes with a mix of climates and warm climates, lower R-value ducting can be used, so R6 or R8 can also be a good option.
Consult Your Local Building Codes
It’s vital to evaluate the local building rules before installing ductwork in the home. Most localities have baseline standards for new installations and construction. Retrofitting is also required in some regions. R19 ducting will almost certainly be required for your home’s HVAC system if you live in a cold area. Consult a building contractor to determine the appropriate R-value ductwork for your home.
Alternative of R19 for Soundproofing
As we know, R19 is not much effective in the case of soundproofing. So, a user may use a few alternatives of noise-reducing materials.
Using of Wools
The “batt and roll” or “blanket” style of home insulation is the most common and least expensive to buy and install. Fiberglass is the most prevalent material, but if you’re searching for something different, consider these natural fiber options:
- Cotton and mineral wool
- Wool from sheep
Mineral wool insulation is naturally fire-resistant. It is mainly produced from 75% recycled materials. Most of the insulation material for walls and ceilings is cotton and sheep’s wool. Because they have a high R-Value, people can also use them for acoustic insulators.
Besides, denim insulation is environmentally beneficial because it is manufactured from recycled, sustainable materials. It uses less energy to produce it. And this protects the noise-reduction material from the attraction of insects and harmful chemicals.
Moreover, sheep’s wool cleans the air by absorbing hazardous particles in its fibers, making it a relatively harmless material. Wool also helps to control humidity by absorbing moisture while remaining dry. It won’t itch, and users can recycle it because it’s natural without chemicals or other toxic elements.
Spray Insulation
The term “spray insulation” is known for its own identity. The materials “spray” are mainly used as a home insulation material rather than rolled blankets. The spray makes it easier to seal cracks and fill drafts in attic surfaces and wall voids. Here are a few alternatives to fiberglass spray:
- Icynene
- Soy
- Cellulose
- Polystyrene
Icynene is a spray foam insulation made from castor oil that expands as it is sprayed over a surface. It’s wonderful for preventing leaks and drafts, and it’s also noise-canceling. The initial costs are high, but you save money on energy costs.
However, it is more environmentally friendly than soy-based and cellulose spray insulation. The soy-based spray is also available in a version that swells when sprayed into the frame, preventing cracks and drafts in your home. It’s also mold, moisture, and fire-resistant.
The most environmentally friendly insulation solution is cellulose spray, which contains 85 percent recycled material. It is created from recycled paper goods, usually newsprint. Its tiny, flexible elements may squeeze themselves into even the smallest spaces.
But polystyrene may not appear to be an environmentally friendly alternative at first glance. As it is primarily constructed of plastic. But it has an incredibly high R-value, which allows it to conserve a significant amount of energy in the home. It’s available as spray foam or a stiff foam board to insulate your walls.
Alternative R-19 Insulation Options
These next two insulators are fairly unusual, which means they’re also quite pricey. However, they’re excellent options with a high R-Value if you have the money.
And they are thermal cork and Aerogel.
Therma Cork is manufactured from the outer bark of oak trees and has a zero carbon footprint. It also serves as a noise-cancelling device.
On the other hand, Aerogel is more expensive because it is made up of 90% air and is created by extracting the liquid from silica under high pressure and temperature. It’s small and portable and may be used anywhere in the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Ideal R-Value for Soundproofing?
You may wish to use R-13 insulation in the walls and R-19 insulation in the ceilings while soundproofing your room.
Is It True that A Higher R-Value Means Greater Soundproofing?
Building insulation materials are primarily used to limit air passage through walls. Depending on the season, it traps air to keep heat or cold out or in. The higher the R-value, the better it prevents air and sound from passing through the wall.
Is R19 Insulation More Effective than R13?
A higher R-value is more effective in the case of insulation and reducing heat transfer. As a result, R19 is more insulating than R13, and R30 is more protective than R19.
Bottom Line
Is R19 insulation good for soundproofing or not? The answer is that only applying R-19 installation cannot make your home soundproof. The combination of R-19 and R-21 can make a home noise-free. In this case, fiberglass installation could be a good idea.
