Standing in front of rows of acoustic roll products, each with different thicknesses and specifications, can feel overwhelming. If you're wondering which thickness will actually solve your noise problems without breaking the bank, you're not alone. At DIY Building Supplies, we've helped countless customers navigate this exact question, and the decision is simpler than you might think.
What Is Acoustic Roll?
Acoustic roll is a mineral wool product designed to reduce noise transmission between rooms or floors. The material works by absorbing airborne sound waves, preventing them from travelling through walls, floors, and ceilings. We stock acoustic roll from trusted UK manufacturers including Knauf, Isover, and Rockwool, all producing high-quality glass mineral wool and rock mineral wool products.
The fibrous structure creates countless tiny air pockets that trap sound waves and convert their energy into heat. The thicker and denser the material, the more effective this absorption becomes, particularly for lower frequency sounds.
Choosing Thickness by Room Type
Home Offices and Study Spaces
For home working environments where you need to minimise household disturbance, 50mm to 75mm acoustic roll strikes the perfect balance. This thickness fits comfortably within standard stud wall constructions whilst delivering noticeable noise reduction.
We've supplied acoustic roll to numerous home workers, and feedback consistently shows that 50mm thickness makes a substantial difference. It's particularly effective at reducing conversational noise and typical household sounds like television and kitchen activity.
Bedrooms and Living Areas
For peaceful sleep or containing entertainment system noise, 75mm to 100mm acoustic roll delivers superior performance. The additional thickness provides better absorption across a wider frequency range, improving both high-frequency sounds (voices) and lower-frequency noise (bass or traffic rumble).
When customers tell us they're creating a bedroom in a converted loft, we typically recommend the 100mm option. Whilst it requires slightly more depth, the acoustic benefits justify the extra space, particularly for light sleepers.
Music Rooms and Home Cinemas
Spaces dedicated to music practice or home cinema require 100mm as your starting point. Some situations may benefit from 150mm acoustic roll, particularly with bass-heavy instruments or surround sound systems. The thicker material provides the mass needed to contain low-frequency sounds that easily penetrate standard building materials.
Understanding Building Regulations
Part E of the Building Regulations addresses sound insulation in residential properties. Whilst it doesn't mandate specific acoustic roll thicknesses, it sets performance standards your construction must achieve.
Key requirements for acoustic roll:
- Minimum density of 10kg/m³ (all our Knauf, Isover, and Rockwool products meet this)
- Adequate performance for separating walls between dwellings
- Reasonable acoustic privacy for internal walls within homes
A standard stud wall with 50mm acoustic roll typically achieves adequate performance for most internal applications. However, for bathrooms adjacent to bedrooms or walls near home cinemas, stepping up to 75mm or 100mm provides additional comfort beyond minimum compliance.
Installation Space Considerations
Standard Stud Walls
Most modern stud walls use either 75mm or 100mm timber or metal studs. With 75mm studs, you can comfortably fit 50mm acoustic roll with room for electrical cables. With 100mm studs, you can accommodate 75mm acoustic roll, or even 100mm with careful cable routing.
The 600mm width of acoustic roll from manufacturers like Knauf and Isover fits perfectly between standard stud spacings, making installation straightforward and minimising waste.
Floor Installations
Standard floor joists range from 150mm to 225mm depth, giving you more flexibility than wall applications. For most floor installations, 100mm acoustic roll provides excellent performance without compromising structural space or service routing.
Balancing Performance with Budget
Understanding the relationship between thickness and performance helps you make cost-effective decisions. Moving from no insulation to 50mm delivers dramatic improvement. Increasing to 100mm provides further benefit, but the improvement is less dramatic. Beyond 100mm, each additional increment delivers progressively smaller gains.
Consider these factors:
- Installation labour costs remain largely the same regardless of thickness
- Stepping from 75mm to 100mm often adds relatively little to overall project cost
- Long-term satisfaction often justifies the initial investment in thicker material
At DIY Building Supplies, we discuss the total project cost rather than just material price, helping you invest where it delivers the most value.
Your Quick Decision Guide
For basic acoustic privacy: 50mm acoustic roll delivers good results at an economical price point.
For most residential applications: 75mm provides enhanced performance for common soundproofing needs.
For demanding applications: 100mm should be your choice for music rooms, home cinemas, or building regulation compliance.
For specialist requirements: 150mm offers maximum performance but consider whether the space and cost are justified.
Remember that acoustic roll is just one component of effective soundproofing. Performance depends on the entire construction, including wall board mass, joint sealing, and preventing flanking transmission. Sometimes, using 50mm acoustic roll with meticulous installation delivers better results than 100mm in poorly detailed construction.
Complete Soundproofing Solutions
At DIY Building Supplies, we stock complementary products that work together with acoustic roll to create comprehensive soundproofing solutions:
- Acoustic sealant for sealing all joints and penetrations
- Sound-grade plasterboard for enhanced mass
- All necessary fixings and installation accessories
Our Nottingham-based team combines practical building experience with genuine product knowledge. When you contact us about acoustic roll thickness, you'll speak with people who understand both technical specifications and real-world installation challenges.
Why Choose DIY Building Supplies
We've built our reputation on providing exactly what customers need to complete their projects to the highest standards. Operating as an online builder's merchant allows us to maintain competitive pricing whilst providing comprehensive service and expert advice.
Whether you're soundproofing a single room or undertaking a complete renovation, choosing appropriate acoustic roll thickness sets the foundation for acoustic comfort in your space. The investment in quality insulation materials pays dividends through improved quality of life, better sleep, increased privacy, and enhanced property value.
Get in touch with our team at DIY Building Supplies to discuss your acoustic roll requirements. We're here to provide the practical guidance and reliable products you need to transform your space, with delivery available across mainland UK and customer service that puts your success first.
