Need Help or Got a Question?
Send us your enquiry below and we’ll respond shortly.
Acoustic Batts Guide
Warranty & Shipping Information
A comprehensive guide to understanding acoustic batts — what they are, the different types available in Australia, where and how to install them, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Your Complete Guide to Acoustic Batts
Acoustic Batts is a term used to describe a wide range of soundproofing products available in Australia. Knowing the difference is essential to getting the best result for your project. In this guide we explain:
What Acoustic Batts are
The different types available
Where & how to install them
How to choose the right one
What are Acoustic Batts?
Acoustic Batts refers to soundproofing insulation products that come in a fibrous batt form, very visually similar to standard thermal insulation batts, which can be found in the loft space of most Australian homes (typically a panel 1160mm by 430 or 580mm).
Whilst standard thermal insulation batts do provide a level of soundproofing, Acoustic Batts are specifically designed to provide higher levels of soundproofing.
Key Principle
Density is Everything in Soundproofing
Acoustic Batts are made at a much higher density than standard thermal insulation batts.
Higher Density = Better Soundproofing
When 2 batts have the same thickness, the higher density batt will be more effective acoustically. However, when evaluating 2 batts with different thicknesses and different densities, then you need to consider the mass.
Lower Density
14kg/m³
100mm thick
Higher Density
20kg/m³
100mm thick — Superior ✓
Pink Batts Soundbreak
Pink Soundbreak batts are a next generation 'Softer Touch' glasswool product created using innovative new technology. Manufactured in Australia by Fletcher Insulation, the product is widely used in Australian homes and commercial projects. Soundbreak batts reduce sound transmission by up to Rw42 in a typical wall construction.
Density
24–26 kg/m³
Thickness
50–110mm
Material
Glasswool
Rating
Up to Rw42
Soundscreen
Soundscreen is a traditional Glasswool insulation product manufactured by Bradford Insulation in Australia. The batts are olive greenish in colour and available in 4 thicknesses and 3 widths to fit standard stud/joist spacings. Stated acoustic performance ranges from 50% to 85% sound transfer reduction.
Density
24–25 kg/m³
Thickness
60–110mm
Material
Glasswool
Reduction
50–85%
Polyester Acoustic Insulation
Made from 100% polyester, these batts offer a softer, easier-to-handle alternative to glasswool. As polyester is considered very safe and non-itch, no gloves or masks are required. White and fluffy in appearance, polyester acoustic insulation is available in a wide choice of widths and thicknesses.
Density
14–60 kg/m³
Thickness
100% Polyester
Safety
Non-itch
Handling
No PPE needed
Earthwool Acoustic Batts
Unlike Soundbreak and Soundscreen, Earthwool is manufactured overseas by Knauf Insulation. Available in 3 width options and 5 thicknesses, the batts are brown in colour and come highly compressed in a bag, which means fewer bags to transport.
Density
11–27 kg/m³
Widths
3 options
Material
Glasswool
Packaging
Compressed
Where to Use Acoustic Batts
Within the home, Acoustic Batts are primarily used in three different areas.
Ceilings
Usually within the ceiling space it would be more common to use a thermal insulation batt. However, there are times when a high level of soundproofing is required — such as home theater rooms, or when trying to reduce rain noise within a home that has a low pitched metal ceiling.
Walls
Soundproofing walls within a home is very common and highly recommended. Bathrooms and bedrooms generally require a medium level of soundproofing. Perimeter walls facing roads, playgrounds or pool areas require higher levels. Home theater or media rooms require the highest level.
Between Floors
Ground floors do not usually require acoustic insulation batts, but in multi-story homes or buildings, installing acoustic insulation batts between floors is highly recommended and will provide a much more enjoyable living space.
How to Install Acoustic Batts
Although installing acoustic batts is a fairly simple process, there are some important things to keep in mind regardless of which area you are insulating.
Fill every crevice of the cavity and no gaps allowed
Sound is like water and will find any leaks in your structure
Even a small gap will compromise acoustic performance
Use resilient mounts to attach plasterboard
Resilient mounts reduce impact noise through studs/joists
Technical Note
Resilient Plasterboard Mounts
When installing acoustic batts between studs/joists and then covering with plasterboard, use resilient mounts to decouple the plasterboard from the structure. This is particularly important when soundproofing between floors, as it significantly reduces the amount of impact noise that travels through the joists and studs.
How to Choose the Right Acoustic Batts
Follow these three steps to make the best choice for your project.
01
Check Size Requirements
Check the cavity depth and stud width you are working with. Stud widths will usually be 430mm, 580mm or 600mm. Cavity depths can be anything from 50mm up to several hundred mm between floors.
02
Choose Your Material
There is no standout material, acoustic performance is determined mainly by density and thickness. The decision generally comes down to personal preference and budget. In general terms, glasswool is normally cheaper than polyester, but not always.
03
Maximise the Mass
All things being equal, the more mass you can get into the cavity, the better the soundproofing. Choose the highest mass batt that fits your cavity and budget. Don't just compare densities, compare mass per square meter.
Mass Calculation Formula
Density ÷ 100 × Thickness = Mass per m²
Example A: 11kg ÷ 100 × 75mm = 825 Example B: 14kg ÷ 100 × 50mm = 700
→ The 11kg/75mm batt has more mass and will perform better acoustically.
Soundproofing Products Australia – ABN: 98108164781
If you have a question or need help with the ordering process, we’re here to make things simple and stress-free for you. Just fill out the form below with your enquiry and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Head Office & Warehouse:
116 Whitehall St, Footscray, Melbourne
Brisbane Warehouse:
51 Yarraman Place Virginia, Brisbane 3011
Gold Coast Warehouse:
Pailings Court Nerang, Gold Coast
Or please fill out the contact form below:
Head Office & Warehouse
116 Whitehall St, Footscray, Melbourne
Brisbane Warehouse
51 Yarraman Place Virginia
Helping you build a much quieter home or building just got easier.
Got questions? Don't be afraid to contact us by filling the form above.