Mineral wool batts open to interior?
Hello all,
I have a basement split into two, half finished and half not separated by an interior wall. Home theater on one side, all mechanicals on the unfinshed side along with a workout area and storage. I’m not looking to sound proof, as noise isn’t really that bad between the two, even a decrease of 5% just to dull it slightly when the furnace or well pump is running wouldn’t hurt. I have several bags of safe n sound batts that I’d like to just place in the open studs as I don’t have any other use for them. Can I do that and not drywall off the other side, or do the mineral wool batts have to be covered on both sides? (I don’t know if the fibers can float around like fiber glass does even after it’s installed; mineral wool after installing and not being touched seems stable compared to fiber glass and isn’t covered in the rim joists on the interior) If they do need to be covered, can I use something other than drywall to cover them, something thinner?
Thanks!
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Replies
If this is an interior wall (not a wall built against a foundation wall or an exterior wall), then you don't need to cover the mineral wool -- it's not a fire risk. Mineral wool isn't too bad about dust as long as you don't disturb it. If you want a thin covering, you could try luan or 1/4" hardboard. You could even use 1/8" hardboard, but that stuff is easier to damage if something gets pushed into it.
Bill
Thanks Bill,
Yes, an interior wall. It has a drain pipe and some electrical run along the studs, so if I had to finish it with drywall I'd have to involve a plumber and electrician. If I can just put the batts in the studs, perhaps just screw the 1/8 hardboard around the pipe hangers to cover most of the wall, that would be super easy, barely an inconvenience.
Wow wow wow wow.
I'm going to have to ask you to get all the way off my back for quoting from pitch meeting. :)