An R-value is a measurement of heat resistance in a given thickness of the material, with higher insulating properties than a u-value.
A user may choose to install R-13 insulation in the walls and R-19 insulation in the ceilings before soundproofing a room. Then, cut-to-size pieces that meet the standard beam and drywall sizes can be used.
So, if someone asks what R-value is best for soundproofing, then we can say that R-13 and R-19 are the two best types for any R-valued soundproof material. On the other hand, R-13 to R-23 is typical for outside walls.
best r-value for soundproofing: two best types
Soundproofing is a specialized technique requiring consideration of four factors: weight, decoupling, dampening, and absorbency. Glazing primarily aids absorption, and it can occasionally assist in damping.
An R-value can significantly enhance the efficacy of your soundproofing, but it can’t accomplish much on its own. So, if you believe that putting insulation on the walls will soundproof the room, the user may become dissatisfied.
Owens Corning R-13
R-13 batt insulation is commonly used to reduce noise in internal wall voids. This is similar to a vast blanket specifically made to fill a wall, floor, or ceiling cavity. Moreover, it is 3.5 inches thick and is specially built for a 24-frame.
Owens Corning R-19
R-19 installation is best for 2×6 walls, and it is 3.1 inches thick. Even though the US Department of Energy considers R-13 insulation to be “excellent” for use in southern walls, it considers R-19 insulation to be “outstanding.” This is because R-19 insulation provides better thermal insulation than R-13 material.
The Advantages of R-value Soundproofing
When someone is seeking insulation, R-value soundproofing is an excellent alternative. Because of the mineral wool insulation that it provides. It is a suitable option because it has enhanced security against fire hazards.
And it has more benefits, such as:
- The material’s NRC value is 1.05
- It is Green Guard GOLD certified and highly fire-resistant.
- It is natural rock and is water, mold, and bacterial growth resistant.
- It is simple to cut and assemble.
As we already know, a higher R-value always implies better insulation. Any form of insulation can save energy while soundproofing floors or walls, but additional modifications of R-valued products are required for major noise-dampening. Another advantage of this product is that it offers second shielded wall protection against the existing inner wall.
Products that Have the Best R-Value
Whenever it comes to soundproofing, it is available in a variety of materials and for a variety of reasons, so it is entirely time to decide which one you prefer, depending on your needs and budget. Insulation is often categorized into four broad types of materials with excellent R-values.
- Insulation is made of fiberglass.
- Insulation made of mineral wool
- Insulation made of cellulose
- Insulation Using Spray Foam
Use these studs between the walls or in the unoccupied space between the joists on the ceiling or in the attic to get better insulation. On the other hand, the most popular and simplest soundproofing fibers are batt or roll, blow-in, and foam spray insulation. Moreover, the insulation could be chosen to reduce heat transmission or block noise in mind.
As we know, R-13 Fiberglas Insulation Batts are famous for walls and R-19 is popular for ceilings, so to get the best output, we should use these wisely.
Aspects of using an R-value product
An excellent covering contributes to soundproofing by soaking up sound and dampening the vibration of the wall. It also helps ensure that undesired sound echoes are reduced to a certain extent. In the case of installing a good R-value product, a few aspects should be kept in mind, such as:
- To keep a room soundproof Pre-cut batts and rolls are two available options. Select the batts if you want to install a good R-value product quickly.
- Depending on the extent of moisture protection required, R-value products offer both faced and un-faced insulation.
- They have a variety of blow-in insulation for different attic needs.
- Because of the paper backing, the R-13 Kraft-faced roll is effortless to install. Just nail or staple it directly to the 2x4s.
How to Enhance the Productivity of An R-Value Material
According to data from the National Council of Research, Canada, users should cover the top of the wall or ceiling but not cover the entire volume.
Using insulation material to fill half of the space gives good results. Moreover, attempting to stuff anything larger than R19 into the ceilings will reduce the outcome.
On the other hand, the output of fibers of identical density has been the same after using an R-value product. As a result, it encourages buyers to choose the least expensive material available.
Making Use of Duct Liners
By overlaying the ducts with the proper duct liner, sound can be shielded. The liner is made of an insulating object that reduces sound reflection from within the ducts. One may grab a decent product like Reflectix, which is both cheap and effective.
Applying Flexible Ducts
Users can modify the route of the sound by installing flexible ducts. It helps to insulate sound to some level. But users must make sure that they will use high-quality materials. A reputable manufacturer, such as Dundas Jafine, manufactures high-quality flexible ducts.
Soffits Sound-Insulating
Soffits are useful for places where a duct is exposed to direct sound. However, people usually choose MDF and other good insulating substances, although a dedicated user may occasionally use a drywall and GG mix as well.
Noise Cancellation Baffle
When users employ a sound baffle box, the simple notion at work is that you are attempting to make sound travel a long journey. The more complicated and elongated the passage, the more sound can be reduced. The only issue is that they are only beneficial when the vents are long, such as an HVAC vent.
Usage of Dead Vent
Vents are usually used for air circulation, and they ensure that any soundproof space does not become claustrophobic. It is very easy for sounds to move from the vent to the room and vice versa.
The dead vents will act as a barrier between the room and the main HVAC system. Absorption, insulation, and decoupling are all in action in this case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Advantageous to Have a Greater R-Value for Soundproofing?
Higher R-values imply better insulation. Any form of insulation added to save power will help to soundproof the walls to some extent, but additional modifications are required for major noise-dampening. Another alternative is constructing a secondary insulated wall against the existing inner wall.
Is R-30 Insulation Helpful for Sound?
Furthermore, Eco-Touch insulation increases the sound transmission class (STC) of walls and ground components. R-30 Eco Touch Insulated is intended for attics, floors, ceilings, and impermanent crawl areas.
Is R-Value Important for Soundproofing?
Structural insulation materials’ primary goal is to limit air passage through the walls. Based on the season, it traps air to keep heat or cold out or in. The higher the R-value, the better it keeps air and sound from passing through the wall. That does not imply that all sounds are silenced.
Bottom Line
To conclude, if you are concerned about what R-Value is best for soundproofing, then the answer is that this range is extended from R-13 to R-23. Moreover, R-13 and R-19 are the overall best values.
