New Sound Transmission Class testing, conducted by Applegate Insulation, reveal an environmentally sustainable, energy saving option for reducing noise pollution in buildings that have party walls. Noise pollution is an overlooked health hazard, which may increase susceptibility to heart disease, hypertension and result in many harmful effects such as hearing loss, tinnitus, increased stress and sleep deprivation.

According to the National Research Council Canada, “For most types of sound, the benefits of sound insulation only occur for STC ratings substantially above STC 50 … An effective STC of 55 is therefore recommended as a realistic goal and STC 60 as a more ideal goal for party wall sound insulation.” 

The new sound transmission testing shows that Mr. Insulate Cotton Armor Acoustical and Thermal Blanket insulation meet the CNRC recommendations with the below ratings for party walls which are commonly found in condominiums, rental units, meeting or conference rooms, hospitals, schools, hotels, apartments, home theaters, offices and commercial buildings:        

• R-19 Cotton Armor insulated wall: 59 STC with two layers of Cotton Armor:    62 STC
• R-13 Cotton Armor insulated wall: 57 STC with two layers of Cotton Armor:    60 STC

The higher the STC rating the better the sound deadening ability of the material.

(Above party wall STC ratings were calculated according to ASTM E-90 testing for sound transmission loss in double 24  inches o.c. wood stud walls with one 5/8-inch layer type X gypsum on each side.)

Cotton Armor is an insulation hybrid that utilizes the ancient insulating and acoustical properties of cotton that is coupled with a proprietary technologically cutting-edge fiber layering process. Because Cotton Armor is made from recycled cotton denim fibers it is as comfortable, non-irritating and as safe to use as your favorite pair of jeans.

Additionally, it is sized for 16 inch o.c. and 24 inch o.c. residential and commercial framing, which combined with its unique layering reduces compression, gaps and voids that can significantly decrease acoustical and thermal performance. Cotton Armor blanket insulation is both easier to properly size and to install, than yester-years batts.

Consequently, its reduced installation time and enhanced acoustical & thermal performance are welcomed by both installers and building operators.

Even when used in a single wall configuration, Cotton Armor delivers extraordinary acoustical performance:

• An R-13 Cotton Armor insulated wall has a 52 STC
• An R-19 Cotton Armor insulated wall has a 53 STC
• An R-21 Cotton Armor insulated wall has a 54 STC

(Single wall STC ratings were calculated according to ASTM E-90 testing for sound transmission loss in 24 inch o.c. steel stud walls and one 5/8th inch layer of type X gypsum on each side.)