How to Reduce Noise in Your Home Office Using Insulation
With so many of us now working remotely, it can be hard to blur the lines between “home” and “office” in your home office. If random dog barks and shrieks from your kids are regularly disrupting your Zoom meetings, it may be time to look into a more permanent solution to reducing noise. Thankfully, insulation is an easy and cost-effective way to reduce noise in your home office and may even help you save some money on your energy bills too!
How effective is insulation at reducing unwanted noise?
The effectiveness of insulated walls at reducing unwanted noise is measured based on their Sound Transmission Class (STC). STC is a scale that determines how well a material resists sound waves passing through it. The higher the STC rating, the more “soundproof” a wall or surface is. For example, an STC of 25 means that you can easily understand a conversation happening on the other side of a wall, whereas an STC of 50 means that the conversation would be virtually inaudible. Most insulation falls somewhere in a range of 40-50 when placed between two drywall sheets, meaning it provides excellent sound dampening.
The best types of insulation for reducing noise
Both fiberglass batt and spray or injection foam insulation are excellent at reducing noise. Below, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each.
Fiberglass batt insulation
Fiberglass batt insulation is one of the most cost-effective options for new builds. If you’re renovating a space in your home to use as your home office, fiberglass batt is an excellent option for insulating your room and reducing noise. Typical fiberglass batt insulation will have an STC of around 40-45. The one big drawback with fiberglass batt is that it still allows some airflow to move through, which reduces its soundproofing qualities.
Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation is an excellent option for both new builds and insulating existing structures as it can be installed through a small hole in the wall where the foam is then sprayed into the space using special equipment. Spray foam insulation does not allow airflow in the same way that fiberglass batt does, meaning it has slightly better sound dampening qualities (closer to an STC of 50). While spray foam can be slightly more expensive, it can yield better results both for insulating your home and reducing noise.
What are the benefits of using insulation for noise reduction?
Using insulation to reduce noise in your home office has numerous benefits. The first, obviously, is sound reduction, which can improve focus and reduce stress during your workday. Also, by using insulation to reduce noise, you reap the energy saving benefits of a better-insulated home. Professionally installed insulation in your home office means that your heating and cooling system won’t have to work quite as hard, reducing their energy consumption and even lowering your electric bill. This means you’ll get to work in a quieter home office that’s actively saving you money. Now that’s a win-win.
How do I install insulation in my home office for soundproofing?
The best way to update the insulation in your home office is to consult with an insulation expert who understands the different types of insulation available and which one will be best to soundproof your home. They use special tools to identify areas where air may be leaking through that are not visible to the naked eye, which is crucial for getting the maximum sound reduction. Insulation experts can then make custom recommendations about the types of insulation that are appropriate for your home office. At Koala Insulation, our experts are well-versed in all kinds of insulation and ventilation solutions. Our experts will arrive with state-of-the-art equipment to thoroughly inspect your home office and identify any areas in need of repair or improvement. They will provide a detailed assessment of the current conditions of your space and use their years of experience to design solutions that fit your home and budget. By hiring a Koala Insulation expert, you not only get to enjoy a more efficient home faster, but you also get to benefit from the years of energy savings that professionally installed insulation will bring.
