Rockwool Comfortbatt and Safe’n’Sound: How They’re Different

If you’re looking for insulation, you may have come across Rockwool Comfortbatt and Safe’n’Sound. Although Rockwool makes both products, there are some key differences. What are they?

Safe’n’Sound is a stone wool batt insulation specially made for sound dampening, while Rockwool Comfortbatt is a semi-rigid stone wool batt insulation designed for fire and water resistance. The two insulators also differ in price, design, and R-value.

To help you make the best decision for your needs, I’ve put together a side-by-side comparison of Rockwool Comfortbatt and Safe’n’Sound insulations below. I’ll also answer some questions you may have about both products, so let’s begin!

Are Rockwool Comfortbatt and Safe’n’Sound Insulation the Same?

Rockwool Comfortbatt and Safe’n’Sound are not the same.

Rockwool Comfortbatt is a stone wool insulation designed for thermal and acoustic insulation. Since it’s semi-rigid, it’s easy to handle and install.

Safe’n’Sound, on the other hand, is a lightweight, flexible insulation made from recycled wood fibers. It’s designed for acoustic insulation but also comes in handy sometimes for thermal insulation.

Rockwool Comfortbatt

Pros

• High R-value
• Fire and water-resistant
• Durable
• Easy to install
• Ideal for use in both new construction and retrofit applications

Cons

• More expensive than other types of insulation
• Much heavier than other insulation materials
• Not eco-friendly

Safe’n’Sound

Pros

• Better soundproofing
• Lightweight and flexible
• Easy to install
•  Affordable

Cons

• Health hazard
• Low R-value

Is Rockwool Comfortbatt More Heat-Resistant Than Safe’n’Sound?

You have to consider both products carefully in the area of heat resistance. Here are some differences of note.

•  R-value: R-value measures a material’s ability to resist heat flow. Rockwool Comfortbatt has an R-value of 3.7, while Safe’n’Sound has an R-value of 3.5. Rockwool Comfortbatt is better at keeping heat where it needs to stay, but not by a huge margin.
•  Fire-resistance rating: Rockwool Comfortbatt has a fire-resistance rating of A1, while Safe’n’Sound has a fire-resistance rating of A2. Rockwool Comfortbatt is less likely to be a fire hazard than Safe’n’Sound, but again, not by much!

Overall, for keeping heat under control, Rockwool Comfortbatt is better.

What Happens If Rockwool Comfortbatt Gets Wet?

Rockwool Comfortbatt insulation doesn’t soak up water. If a lot of water gets on the outside, it will drain away instead of into the insulation.

That also makes Rockwool Comfortbatt relatively low-maintenance, as you don’t have to worry about mold and mildew getting in.

If you want to be extra sure, you should wipe down the areas around your insulating material when you get the chance. The insulation has water resistance, but the other things surrounding it don’t.

Does Rockwool Comfortbatt Require a Vapor Barrier?

Vapor barriers are typically used in areas with high humidity levels. They prevent moisture from passing through the walls and causing the growth of mold and mildew.

If the building code in your area requires a vapor barrier, you must install one when using Rockwool Comfortbatt.

You should consult a local contractor or building code official to determine if you need a vapor barrier for your project.

Comfortbatt and Safe’n’Sound: Which Offers Better Acoustic Insulation?

In terms of acoustic insulation, Sound’n’Safe works better than Rockwool Comfortbatt. But why is that the case?

The answer lies in the science behind the product. Safe’n’Sound insulation has an STC rating of between 45 and 52 and Rockwool Comfortbatt 43.

Since STC rating measures a material’s ability to prevent sound transmission, the higher the rating, the more effective the material is at soundproofing.

Soundproofing is any method of decreasing the transmission of sound between two spaces. It can be used to reduce noise pollution or to improve privacy.

Multi-family homes often use soundproofing, as do basement suites and commercial settings where a quiet, peaceful work environment is preferred.

Also, when you consider that Safe’n’Sound’s high melting point is 2,150°F (1,177°C), its fire resistance isn’t bad either.

Combined, these two features make Safe’n’Sound insulation ideal for various interior applications.

Is Safe’n’Sound Insulation Eco-Friendly?

Safe’n’Sound insulation is made from recycled glass wool. It’s also manufactured using a closed-loop process, meaning there’s no leftover waste from manufacturing.

Since it’s non-toxic and safe to handle, you don’t have to worry about inadvertently hurting your loved ones if Safe’n’Sound is anywhere in your house.

Speaking of eco-friendly insulation, you may be interested in my other article on the subject, 9 Types of Green Insulation Ranked: Which is Best?

Is Rockwool Comfortbatt Considered a Health Risk?

As a result of its manufacturing process, Rockwool can release some small particles into the air. However, these particles are typically less than 10 microns in diameter and aren’t considered a health hazard.

Although inhaling these particles can irritate the respiratory system, they’re not as much of a health hazard as asbestos or fiberglass. This is because Rockwool fibers are single-monofilament strands and don’t separate easily.

Does Rockwool Comfortbatt Require Any Ventilation?

Whether Rockwool Comfortbatt requires ventilation depends on the installation area.

For instance, for every 300 square feet (27 square meters) of attic space, you’ll need one square foot of ventilation.

Ventilation in this area may need to be increased by a factor of two if you don’t have a vapor barrier.

Similarly, ventilation is required for basements and crawl areas. The standard rule of thumb for basement ventilation is one square foot of ventilation for every 1,500 square feet (139.35 square meters) of floor space, with the vents positioned on opposite walls to maximize cross circulation.

Can You Paint Over Safe’n’Sound?

Generally, you should have no problems lightly painting Safe’n’Sound with a sprayer.

This is because the paint acts as a binder, preventing the Safe’n’Sound from shedding some of its fibers.

Use a roller to apply an even coat of Safe’n’Sound over a larger area for the best results.

How To Install Comfortbatt and Safe’n’Sound Insulation in Your Home

Whether using Rockwool Comfortbatt or Safe’n’Sound insulation, installing either needn’t be hard. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

1. Use a tape measure to get the length and width of the area you need to insulate.
2. Cut the insulation to size.
3. Fit the insulation into the space, using heavy-duty staples to secure it.
4. Cover the staples with tape to create a seal and prevent any air from escaping.

The entire process should take a few hours. Once you install the insulation, you will immediately notice a difference in the noise level in your home.

In addition, your energy bills will decrease because the insulation will keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Conclusion

Rockwool Comfortbatt and Safe’n’Sound are both excellent insulation materials. Rockwool Comfortbatt is denser than Safe’n’Sound, making it better for water and fire resistance.

However, Safe’n’Sound is a great option for soundproofing. It’s also easier to install, making it a better choice for DIY projects.

Sources

Scott Mcgillivray: Sound Insulation Explained | Green Match: Insulation – Why Is It Important? | Soundproof Anything: Is Rockwool Insulation Waterproof? What you need to know!