Whatever the reason, noise pollution can make a huge impact on your appreciation of your home. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution – cork sound insulation. Read on as we look at the different types and how it’s fitted…
Cork sound insulation is an acoustic insulation material created from cork, which is a natural and sustainable resource derived from the bark of cork oak trees. It is frequently used in buildings and spaces to reduce and control noise transmission. Cork has excellent sound-absorbing characteristics due to its unique cellular structure, which is made up of millions of small air-filled spaces.
Cork's ability to block sound comes from its unique cell structure. Its honeycomb-like cell structure makes it an excellent sound absorber. It is made up of around 40 million cells in a small area, so sound is trapped and absorbed when it tries to pass through it. As such, a thin coating (about 3/32 inch thick) can decrease sound by 10 dB.
This makes it ideal for making homes, offices, and buildings quieter, especially for mid to high-pitched sounds and echoes.
Originally taken from the bark of cork oak trees, cork is ground down into granules before being turned into insulation. But there’s more than one type of cork sound insulation as it is extremely versatile. So, which is the right choice for you?
One of the most popular types of cork sound insulation comes in the form of cork boards, or alternatively, as sheets or panels. By installing cork boards, your interior space will be transformed, as well as giving you a functional and versatile solution to soundproofing. These panels vary in size, shape and thickness – with thicker panels at 50mm depth and thinner sheets at under 10mm.
Another option is cork insulation rolls. As they have a much smaller depth of under 5mm, these do offer less insulation than the other options. However, their size can also be a bonus in certain circumstances – more on this later!
Alternatively, there’s the option for a sprayed cork solution. This is a recent innovation that enables homeowners to harness the insulative properties of cork without taking up much-needed space in their properties. SprayCork is a flexible replacement for conventional insulation. In a single application, it combines soundproofing and thermal wall insulation. It provides a membrane that is 100% waterproof, 100% breathable and guaranteed not to fracture.
When it comes to creating quieter, more comfortable and environmentally friendly indoor spaces, cork sound insulation emerges as a remarkably versatile and effective solution.
There are many advantages to using cork, including:
Cork is a highly effective thermal insulator, which helps to maintain stable indoor temperatures and enhance energy efficiency in buildings.
Cork's unusual cell structure makes it an excellent sound absorber, reducing noise transmission and producing quieter, more comfortable rooms.
Cork is a renewable resource that can be gathered without hurting the trees, making it an eco-friendly insulation option.
Cork insulation can be used in a variety of forms, including sheets, rolls and sprayed granules, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, including flooring, walls and ceilings.
The way you’ll install your cork sound insulation will vary depending on the type you use.
In most cases, you’ll need to use an adhesive to fit insulation boards. They’re typically installed on interior walls. First, they’ll need to be fitted onto the wall. Afterwards, you’ll need to plaster over them before doing any decorating.
Altogether, this can lead to the space within the room being depleted.
A thin corkboard roll is excellent for covering other surfaces or sturdy materials (such as porous fibreboard, cardboard or foam). It is fitted using an adhesive. To achieve a flat, uniform look, you’ll need to firmly press the roll against the wall to ensure it’s smooth against the surface.
An acoustic cork underlay is an excellent approach to insulate rooms from unwanted noises, vibrations and sounds. Using cork under the floor will also lessen the sound of steps and creaking floors, which will increase the room’s comfort. Cork flooring can also decrease air and impact sounds over a wide frequency range.
The simplest installation method has to be sprayed cork insulation. As it sounds, this form of insulation is applied via a spray, which can create a smooth, flawless surface with only two 3mm coats of SprayCork and a final 2mm skim of plaster. You can also apply it outdoors, where it’s used in a similar manner to a render.
This will also ultimately depend on the option you choose. Cork boards are effective for absorbing sound, but they’ll take up a large amount of space in your home. Meanwhile, cork roll is inexpensive and easy to install, but as it’s much thinner, it won’t provide as much acoustic insulation as other options. However, it’s often a handy solution for smaller spaces, such as a summer house.
Fortunately, there’s one option that brings together the best of both worlds…
To reduce external noise and retain space in your home, CorkSol SprayCork offers everything you need. The insulative coating provides insulation of up to 12 decibels – and with only 8mm of space required, you’ll avoid cutting off your interior space with bulky cork boards.
As well as keeping out unwanted noise, SprayCork also offers a myriad of benefits, from thermal insulation to damp resistance. If you’re ready to shield your home from noisy neighbours and motorways, get in touch with our friendly team today to learn more or arrange a quote.
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