Has anyone used Hemp Insulation for damping material?
Rather than being a loose material or floppy fabric, it is more rigid.
1 Like
I imagine it works similarly to the rigid rockwool panels? Should be much less hazardous to breath in the fibers.
AI Overview
Hemp batt insulation offers good sound absorption, with STC (Sound Transmission Class) ratings often around 44, comparable to cellulose and better than fiberglass, but generally lower than high-density mineral wool (STC 45-50+). Its dense, fibrous nature effectively dampens noise, but the specific STC depends on the wall assembly, density, and thickness, providing excellent sound insulation for quieter spaces.
Typical STC Ratings for Hemp Insulation:
Around 44: A common estimate for hemp insulation in standard wall assemblies.
Context: This places it in the range where you hear muffled sounds but not specific words.
How it Compares:
Better than Fiberglass:
Hemp provides more noise protection than standard fiberglass batts.
Similar to Cellulose:
Its performance is often close to cellulose fiber insulation.
Lower than Mineral Wool:
Mineral wool batts typically achieve higher STC ratings (45-50+).
Key Benefits for Sound:
Natural Absorption:
Hemp’s fibrous structure is excellent at absorbing sound, making it ideal for noisy environments.
Vapor Permeability:
It allows moisture to pass, preventing mold and improving indoor air quality, which contributes to overall comfort.
In Summary:
Hemp batts are a strong choice for enhancing sound control in walls, floors, and ceilings, offering a significant upgrade over basic insulation for creating quieter interiors.
1 Like
STC is always linked to the mass of the absorber, and the tangle randomization. I have learned as you have shown that Mineral wool, or RockWool checks off all the correct boxes. As for fibres blowing around, there is very little actual air exchange in a ported system. If the driver motor is reasonably balanced in it’s forward and rearward stroke there is almost no air transfer to the environment. Many woofers are biased to the rearward. So the linear travel offset is the maximum amount of air the system can push out and into the enclosure.
1 Like
I can think of no conceivable situation where the listening experience would not be enhanced by the presence of hemp. YMMV.
5 Likes
Im with you brother.
1 Like