Buying guide
About Acoustic Roll Insulation
Acoustic partition roll is a specialist insulation material designed to reduce sound transmission through internal walls and partition systems. Commonly made from mineral wool or glass mineral fibre, it is installed between the studs of timber or metal partitions to help create quieter, more comfortable rooms.
Whether you're building a new stud wall, converting a loft, separating bedrooms or improving sound insulation between a home office and living area, choosing the right thickness is important. The best option depends on the wall construction, the level of noise you want to reduce and the space available within the partition.
What Is Acoustic Partition Roll?
Acoustic partition roll is a flexible, sound-absorbing insulation material designed to fit between wall studs. Unlike thermal insulation alone, it is selected primarily for its ability to absorb sound energy within the wall cavity.
It helps reduce airborne noise, including speech, television noise and everyday household sounds. However, performance also depends on the plasterboard layers, studwork, airtightness and how the wall connects to floors and ceilings.
Key benefits to using APR include:
Noise reduction: Helps reduce sound travelling between adjoining rooms.
Thermal insulation: Many products provide additional heat insulation.
Easy installation: Flexible rolls can be cut to fit around studs and services.
Versatility: Suitable for bedrooms, home offices, internal partitions and some commercial applications.
Fire performance: Many mineral wool products offer excellent fire resistance, although the complete wall system must meet the required fire specification.
Which Thickness of Acoustic Partition Roll Should You Choose?
Acoustic insulation is available in several thicknesses, commonly 25mm, 50mm, 75mm and 100mm. The correct choice depends on the cavity depth and the wall's acoustic requirements.
25mm Acoustic Roll: Basic Sound Absorption
A thinner 25mm roll can be useful where cavity space is restricted or where modest sound absorption is required. It may suit certain lightweight partitions and retrofit applications.
However, it generally provides less sound absorption within the cavity than a suitable thicker product. It is not usually the first choice when meaningful privacy between bedrooms or living spaces is the priority.
50mm Acoustic Roll: Everyday Domestic Use
A 50mm acoustic roll is a popular choice for standard timber or metal stud partitions with a compatible cavity depth.
It can help reduce everyday airborne noise between bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways and living areas. For many domestic projects, it offers a practical balance between cost, ease of installation and acoustic performance.
It is important to select a product designed for the partition rather than assuming any 50mm insulation will deliver the same results.
75mm Acoustic Roll: Enhanced Sound Insulation
A 75mm roll can be appropriate for deeper stud cavities where improved sound absorption is desirable. It may be useful for home offices, children's bedrooms or partitions between frequently occupied rooms.
However, thicker insulation does not automatically guarantee a proportionate improvement in sound insulation. The performance of the entire wall construction matters, including its mass, cavity design and isolation between wall layers.
100mm Acoustic Roll: Deeper Partitions and Specialist Applications
A 100mm roll is commonly considered for deeper stud walls, including certain commercial partitions and residential walls where enhanced acoustic performance is required.
It can fill a larger cavity, provided the product and wall design are compatible. For particularly noisy environments, specialist acoustic wall systems may be more effective than simply increasing insulation thickness.
Acoustic Partition Roll Installation Tips and Final Advice
Measure the stud cavity before purchasing, and avoid compressing the insulation unnecessarily. Fill the cavity consistently, cut accurately around services and seal gaps around the finished partition where appropriate.
For the best results, consider acoustic plasterboard, additional plasterboard layers or resilient bars as part of a designed wall system.
