Soundproofing Foam Vs. Fiberglass

Density

• Fiberglass is denser than foam and offers a wider range of densities, from about 3 pounds per cubic foot to 6 pounds per cubic foot. The density for foam is approximately 2 pounds per cubic foot. Open-celled foam has air resistance, reducing the amplitude of sound waves, while the greater density of fiberglass captures sounds with lower frequency.

Soundproofing Performance

• Foam and fiberglass serve different soundproofing needs. Understanding how they both perform is a gateway to finding the most suitable soundproofing materials. Fiberglass performs best in lower frequencies ranging between 250 Hz and 1,000 Hz. Beyond this frequency range, fiberglass performance begins to diminish. Foam, on the other hand, performs better in higher frequencies ranging between 100 Hz and 4,000 Hz.

Installation Needs

• The installation needs for soundproofing foam versus fiber glass are different. Acoustic foam is easy to cut, easy to install and can be cut to fit any needed shape to be mounted in the room. Fiberglass, on the other hand, requires careful, lengthy and laborious cutting and installation. It is also difficult to cut through fiberglass, to form smaller pieces.

Cost Differences

• The cost differences of soundproofing foam versus fiberglass also help determine which of the two is more appropriate for the project at hand. While fiberglass is more cost-efficient for larger projects, acoustic foam is more appropriate for smaller projects. Fiberglass prices are significantly lower than foam prices. Soundproofing foam and fiberglass are comparable to each other in performance, and choosing the right option should account for your specific needs and budget.