Hey everyone! I'm building a new two-story ranch home and I've been hearing a lot about Rockwool Safe'n'Sound insulation. I'm curious if it makes sense to use it for all my interior walls and floors. Our house has an open concept design with a U-shaped staircase that leads to the basement, which doesn't have doors at the top or bottom. Would it be beneficial to install Rockwool in the basement ceiling, considering sound can still travel up the staircase? Or should I just focus on using it in the bedrooms and laundry room?
8 Answers
Honestly, you could save some cash by sticking to standard insulation unless you're planning on decoupling the drywall. Sound will still transfer through the studs, so just putting something in there can help to a point.
Definitely a great idea! A lot of people are moving away from carpet, so having any kind of sound dampening is crucial. I've seen plenty of advice from folks on this platform about the mechanics of soundproofing, so it's worth diving into those resources.
I’ve insulated nearly every wall and the basement ceiling, and although it doesn't make things completely soundproof, it’s done wonders for my home theater. If I could do it all over again, I absolutely would!
It's important to manage your expectations. If you want to cut down on sound, having a door there would definitely help. Rockwool in the ceiling can assist but is nearly useless without closing off that staircase. Focus on the bedrooms first, especially while the walls are still exposed. And don’t skip over the plumbing stacks—those can carry sound too!
I would go for Rockwool as long as you plan out any electrical or wiring you'll need first. Once that insulation is in, running wires through the studs will be quite a hassle later. Think ahead!
Installing Rockwool is worth it for sure! Regular drywall does a poor job blocking noise. It sounds like you're already ahead with planning, so just take the plunge. It also serves well as insulation, especially with your climate control needs. Go for it!
Before diving in, make sure to figure out your soundproofing goals and how much is good enough within your budget. It might help to read some articles to understand how far you want to take it. You can always add more insulation later if needed!
I went ahead and insulated all my interior walls with Rockwool, and it's been fantastic! The noise reduction is noticeable, and installation was pretty affordable since my walls were already open during the build. Just a heads up, my house is only one story, but I think it would work well regardless of your layout. You might want to consider it!
Totally! I did a similar thing with my new construction and managed to coordinate the timing perfectly with the builders. I brought in the insulation just as they were wrapping up drywall!
I disagree; even without a door, I insulated my plumbing stacks while I had the walls open, and it did help reduce noise significantly! Adding insulation in bathrooms is also a smart move.