Cut the Noise: Why Proper Insulation is Important

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

Why the acoustics of buildings are worth thinking more about and how fibrous insulation can be the solution to mitigating stressful sounds. 

With the Read, Listen, Watch® (RLW) initiative, RoofersCoffeeShop® has made it easier than ever for members of the roofing and construction industries to learn how they want, when they want.  Whether you want to read a transcript, listen to a podcast or watch a webinar, the Coffee Shop has made it possible for you to learn your way. 

In a new RLW, All About Roof and Wall Acoustics, Heidi J. Ellsworth visits with Antoine Habellion, the head of technical for ROCKWOOL North America for a conversation about roof and wall acoustics and stone wool insulation, including what sound is and how to mitigate noise. 

Antoine previously worked in Paris, France as a building science engineer for ROCKWOOL France. He has a master's degree in civil engineering and an advanced master's degree in building science.  

“We spend so much time focusing on thermal comfort and we definitely struggle with that too, just like visual comfort,” says Antione. “But acoustic is kind of always kinda left behind, unless, we are designing something like a theater or like a concert room, we ususally forget about it as a design element.” 

Antoine goes on to explain the importance of mitigating noise within a room. Nearly everyone can benefit from better acoustics and more thoughtful building design. “I think there are very rarely cases where the acoustics in a building doesn't matter,” says Antoine. “All the buildings occupants benefit from more thoughtful acoustics.” He goes on to explain that different building codes require different kinds of acoustics and what the standards are.  

He explains that the key to good acoustics is proper installation and choice of material. He notes that fibrous insulation, like stone wool, is ideal for insulating material from the roof to the façade and everything in between. ROCKWOOL, produced using volcanic rock that has been transformed into stone wool, has insulation and acoustic performance capabilities to diminish noise.   

“It can interfere with communication and concentration,” says Antoine. “It might sound like a little bit of a small thing, but to me it's very important.” 

Read, Listen, or Watch this informative RLW about roof and wall acoustics today and start learning more about acoustics, sound and what fibrous insulation can do for a building. 

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