Denim insulation does sound pretty cool, but honestly, I'd be cautious if noise reduction is your main goal. I helped a friend install denim insulation in his converted garage studio a couple years back. It was easy enough to handle—no itchy fiberglass mess, which was a huge plus—but the noise dampening wasn't as impressive as we'd hoped. It definitely muffled some sounds, but traffic noise still seeped through more than expected.
Moisture wasn't a huge issue for him, but he did mention noticing a slight musty smell after a particularly humid summer. Nothing major, but something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to odors or humidity.
If noise is your biggest concern, have you looked into rock wool insulation? I used it in my own bedroom remodel (also a super light sleeper here, so I feel your pain), and it's been fantastic at blocking out street noise. It's not as eco-friendly as denim or hemp, but it's fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, and really effective at soundproofing. Installation was straightforward too, though you'll definitely want gloves and a mask—it's not itchy like fiberglass, but it can still irritate your skin a bit.
Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there since you're still exploring options. Good luck with your tiny home build—sounds like an exciting project!
Rock wool's definitely effective, but I'm curious—has anyone here tried combining insulation types? Like maybe denim or hemp for general insulation and then adding acoustic panels or soundproof drywall on top? I've seen this layered approach used in tiny home builds before, and it seems to strike a balance between eco-friendly materials and solid noise reduction. Wondering if it's worth the extra effort and cost though...
I've seen folks try that layered approach, and honestly, it can work pretty well...but the cost and hassle add up fast. Denim or hemp insulation is great eco-wise, but pairing it with acoustic drywall might be overkill unless you're parked next to a freeway or something.
I get your point about the acoustic drywall being a bit much, but honestly, noise can sneak up on you in weird ways. A friend of mine built her tiny house near a quiet country road—thought she'd be fine—but turns out tractors at dawn aren't exactly soothing background noise, haha. She ended up retrofitting with acoustic drywall anyway. Sometimes a little extra upfront hassle saves you from bigger headaches down the line...just depends on your location and tolerance for early-morning farm equipment serenades.
Fair point on noise being tricky, but acoustic drywall isn't always the best bang-for-buck solution:
- Consider window upgrades first—soundproof glazing can often tackle road noise more effectively.
- Strategic landscaping or fencing can also buffer early morning tractor symphonies without retrofitting walls.
Just something to think about...
