Two separate challenges now have a single solution

Wall systems in today's commercial buildings must do much more than subdivide space. They are expected to block the transmission of unwanted noise from one area of a building to another.

At some time, wall systems must also provide critical protection for everyone in the building-from plant workers and office staff, to visitors and costumers-against the spread of fire.

Roxul AFB mineral fibre insulation not only provides a superior barrier to sound transmission, It significantly improves the fire-resistant qualities of any wall system.

We put fire protection in noise control

Fire. It's somehting you dont think about on a day to day basis, but when it strikes, the consequences can be devasting. Consider these fire facts:

Staistics show that typical company will have a fire every 2 or 3 years

Only about 50% of the companies that experience a major life survive in the long run

The total cost of fire to the economy is approximately 1.0% of the GNP

The loss in human terms is an even greater tragedy.

The 54% factor

A National Research Council Canada (NRC) study A-4051.1 by M.A. Sultan and G.D. Lougheed entitled "RESULTS OF FIRE RESISTANCE TEST ON FULL-SCALE INSULATED AND NON-INSULATED GYPSUM BOARD PROTECTED WALL ASSAMBLIES", reports:

"Insulation Effects -Mineral Fibre - In non-loadbearing (1x2) assemblies, the installation of the mineral fibre insulation in the wall cavity provided a 54% increase in the fire resistance rating compared to a non-insulated assembly"

None of the other insulating materials had any affect. only Roxul

Mineral fibre is the only insulation that can actually increase the fire resistance rating of a wall system

The thicker the better

As a general rule, an extra inch of Roxul AFB insulation will add an extra 12 minutes of fire protection to a gypsum wall assembly. Those extra minutes could prove to be the critical difference.

This rule is illustrated by the following chart from NRC report A-4051.2;

Effect of Mineral Fibre Insulation Thickness on the Fire Ressitance

Put fire protection in noise control. Choose Roxul AFB mineral fibre insulation

Make a Sound decision Based on the Facts

Put fire protection in noise control. Choose Roxul AFB mineral fibre insulation.

ROXUL AFB Sound Control

Make a Sound Decision Based on the Facts

Fact#1: Density Does Matter

Roxul AFB improves sound transmission loss by absorbing sound in the wall cavity, as well as increasing the mass of the wall system.

In a variety of studies and reports, researchers noted that an increase in transmission loss is expected with an increase in mass. This can be achieved by increasing a product’s thickness or substituting a denser material. Since the sound transmission is based upon the wall system and not the individual elements, the increase of mass should be considered for all the components. In this way, performance is enhanced for the entire system.

Clearly, an insulating material’s ability to reduce sound transmission improves with density.
Sound absorption of an insulation material improves with increasing air flow resistivity. In a study conducted by the National Research Council Canada, entitled “Summary Report For Consortium on Gypsum Board Wall: Sound Transmission Results”, the air flow resistivity of both glass fibre and mineral fibre insulation was measured.

Density and airflow resistivity for samples of absorptive material.

The results clearly show that, because of their inherently higher density, the mineral fibre samples deliver dramatically better air flow resistivity than the glass fibre samples. If an insulation demonstrates high air flow resistivity, then it will deliver better sound absorption

Fact#2: AFB Delivers High Performance at Low Frequencies

STC ratings claimed by most insulating products are arrived at by tests conducted with sounds that fall in the mid-range frequencies.

The reality is that much of the noise that must be controlled in today’s commercial applications is produced in the low frequency, or bass, range.

In a test entitled “COMPARED ACOUSTICAL TESTING AT LOW FREQUENCIES”, conducted in 1996 by HGC Engineering of Mississauga, the performance of Roxul mineral fibre insulation was compared to the performance of glass fibre insulation in the lower 1/3 octave bands.

The normal and random incident sound absorption coefficients were calculated based on tests performed in accordance with ASTM standard E1050-90.

The testers concluded:
“As evidenced by these data, the Roxul products appear to provide more low frequency absorption than the glass fibre products.”

Random Incidence Sound Absorption Coefficients, in 1/3 Octave Bands

The capability of an insulating material to absorb sound waves and influence a reduction in sound transmission is expressed by the sound absorption coefficients. The higher the coefficients, the better the sound absorption.

The Conclusion is Clear. Because of its superior product characteristics which deliver higher performance, Roxul AFB is the better sound insulation.

ROXUL AFB Wall Systems

With Roxul AFB, you are using the insulation that provides superior performance in the critical areas of fire protection and sound control.

In the following15 commercial wall systems, Roxul AFB delivers an excellent Fire Resistance Rating and superior Sound Transmission (STC) reduction across a wide band of frequencies including those in the low range.

The right hand column shows the results of acoustical tests done on these Roxul AFB wall systems at the internationally-recognized Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories.

For other wall constructions not shown here please contact Roxul Technical Services. For further details of the illustrated constructions, consult the UL or ULC Design Manual. All STC Ratings are based on
Type X gypsum board.

General Product Information:

Roxul products are mineral wool fibre insulations made from basalt rock and slag. This combination results in a non-combustible product with a melting point of approximately 2150°F (1177°C) which gives it excellent fire resistant properties. Roxul mineral wool is a water repellent, yet vapour permeable material.
Roxul’s unique manufacturing process delivers distinct advantages when compared to other commonly specified insulation products.

Performance/Applications:

Roxul AFB products are batt insulation products designed specifically for application in wall systems where acoustical performance and fire resistance are the primary concerns. This non-combustible lightweight product has excellent acoustical dampening properties and is dimensionally stable, which makes it ideal for friction fit into wall partitions and system applications, from party walls to plant/manufacturing walls. The product is chemically inert which means that it will not promote corrosion. AFB comes in a number of thicknesses to meet the requirements of both retrofit and new construction applications.

Compliance and Performance

Acoustical Performance ASTM C 423

Absorption co-efficients at frequencies (NRC)

Water Resistance

Impregnated ROXUL mineral wool is a water repellent yet porous material; nevertheless, it absorbs water only when it is pressed or forced into the material. When the pressure is relieved the water will
evaporate, and the material will dry with no loss of integrity to its dimensions, shape or performance characteristics.

Advantages

Research has proven that ROXUL mineral wool insulation enhances the fire resistance of wood and steel framed walls/ceilings.
Many wall designs requiring increased sound transmission properties have been tested by ROXUL, please consult our Technical Services Department for the best system for your needs.

Moisture absorption < 0.01% by volume
Non-corrosive
Non-deteriorating
Vermin proof

Warranty

As Roxul Inc. has no control over installation design and workmanship, accessory materials or application conditions, Roxul Inc. does not warranty the performance or results of any installation containing Roxul Inc.’s products. Roxul Inc.’s overall liability and the remedies available are limited by the general terms and conditions of sale.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties and conditions expressed or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose