Rockwool RW5 50mm

ROCKWOOL RW5 50mm Technical Specifications

ROCKWOOL RW5 50mm Acoustic Mineral Wool is a high-density semi-rigid stone wool insulation slab used for acoustic, thermal and fire insulation in walls, floors, ceilings, partitions and roof constructions. With a nominal density of 100kg/m³, RW5 is a denser option than RW3 and is suitable for demanding acoustic insulation systems.

Product Specification

Suitable Applications

ROCKWOOL RW5 50mm can be used in a wide range of acoustic, thermal and fire insulation applications. It is commonly installed within:

• Stud walls and partition walls
• Party wall soundproofing systems
• Floor joist cavities
• Ceiling voids and suspended ceiling systems
• Drylining and acoustic wall systems
• Roof and general building insulation applications
• Studios, media rooms, offices and commercial spaces

Acoustic Use

ROCKWOOL RW5 is used to help absorb sound within wall, floor and ceiling cavities. Its high-density stone wool fibre structure helps reduce sound movement inside the void and can improve the overall performance of a complete soundproofing system.

RW5 is mainly used to help with airborne noise, such as voices, TV noise, music and general room-to-room sound transfer. In floor and ceiling systems, it can also support the wider acoustic build-up by reducing resonance within the cavity.

Common System Uses

• Between timber studs in wall soundproofing systems
• Between floor joists as part of a floor soundproofing build-up
• Above suspended ceilings or within ceiling voids
• Behind acoustic plasterboard systems
• Combined with Tecsound acoustic membranes
• Combined with resilient bars or furring channel systems
• Used with acoustic sealant to reduce weak points around edges and junctions

RW5 vs RW3

The main difference between RW5 and RW3 is density. ROCKWOOL RW3 is typically 60kg/m³, while ROCKWOOL RW5 is 100kg/m³. RW5 is the denser option and may be preferred for higher-spec acoustic, fire or thermal insulation requirements.

Important Performance Note

ROCKWOOL RW5 is an acoustic insulation slab, not a complete soundproofing system on its own. It performs best when used inside a full wall, floor or ceiling build-up with suitable acoustic boards, membranes, isolation products and properly sealed joints.

The final soundproofing result will depend on the existing structure, cavity depth, installation quality, surrounding materials and how well gaps and flanking paths are controlled.

Handling Advice

ROCKWOOL RW5 slabs can be cut to fit between studs, joists and other framing. For best results, cut the slabs neatly so they fit snugly within the cavity without being heavily compressed. Over-compressing mineral wool can reduce its effectiveness within the acoustic build-up.

If you are unsure whether RW5 50mm is the correct thickness or density for your project, please contact our team before ordering. We can help advise on the most suitable insulation and soundproofing system for your room, noise issue and available cavity depth.

How to Install ROCKWOOL RW5 50mm Acoustic Mineral Wool

ROCKWOOL RW5 50mm Acoustic Mineral Wool is a high-density insulation slab designed to be fitted into wall, floor and ceiling cavities as part of an acoustic insulation system. With a density of 100kg/m³, RW5 is denser than RW3 and is often used where a heavier mineral wool slab is preferred.

The 50mm thickness is suitable for many common stud walls, floor joists, ceiling voids and acoustic partitions. For the best result, the slabs should be cut neatly and fitted snugly without being heavily compressed.

What You’ll Need

• ROCKWOOL RW5 50mm Acoustic Mineral Wool slabs
• Measuring tape
• Insulation saw or sharp serrated knife
• Straight edge or board for cutting
• Gloves
• Long-sleeved clothing
• Dust mask
• Safety glasses
• Waste bag for offcuts
• Acoustic sealant, if sealing around the system

Before You Start

Check the available cavity depth before fitting the slabs. ROCKWOOL RW5 50mm is suitable for cavities that can accept a 50mm slab without excessive compression.

Because RW5 is a higher-density slab, it can feel firmer and heavier to handle than lower-density mineral wool. Work carefully when cutting and fitting, especially above head height or between ceiling joists.

Step 1: Prepare the Area

Before installing the insulation, make sure the cavity or frame is ready. The installation area should be:

• Clean — remove dust, loose debris and leftover materials.
• Dry — avoid installing insulation into damp cavities.
• Clear — check for cables, pipework, fixings and other obstructions.
• Stable — make sure studs, joists or framing are secure before fitting.

Take care around electrical cables, pipework and other services. Do not cut or damage existing services when fitting the slabs.

Step 2: Measure the Cavity

1. Measure the width and height of the cavity between studs, joists or framing.
2. Check the cavity depth to confirm that 50mm RW5 is suitable.
3. Mark the required slab size before cutting.

For a secure friction fit, cut the slab slightly oversized by a few millimetres. This helps the insulation stay in place and reduces gaps around the edges.

Step 3: Cut the RW5 Slabs

1. Place the slab on a stable cutting surface.
2. Use a straight edge or board as a cutting guide.
3. Cut the slab using an insulation saw or sharp serrated knife.
4. Trim carefully around pipes, cables and awkward shapes where needed.

Clean, accurate cutting helps the slab fit properly and keeps the cavity evenly filled. Try to avoid leaving gaps around the edges, services or framing.

Step 4: Fit the Slabs into the Cavity

1. Place the cut slab into the cavity.
2. Push it gently into position.
3. Make sure it fits snugly between the studs, joists or framing.
4. Check that the slab fills the space evenly without being crushed.

The slab should sit securely in place, but it should not be heavily compressed. A neat friction fit is usually best for acoustic performance.

Step 5: Fill Gaps and Awkward Areas

Use offcuts to fill small gaps around edges, joists, studs, pipes and irregular spaces. The aim is to keep the cavity evenly filled with no obvious voids.

Sound can travel through weak points, so careful fitting around awkward areas can help improve the overall acoustic result.

Step 6: Add the Next Acoustic Layer

Once the RW5 is fitted, the next part of the soundproofing system can be installed. Depending on the project, this may include:

• Acoustic plasterboard
• Standard plasterboard
• TECSOUND acoustic membrane
• Resilient bars
• Furring channels
• Floating floor layers
• Acoustic sealant around edges and joints

ROCKWOOL RW5 performs best as part of a complete acoustic build-up. The insulation absorbs sound within the cavity, while boards, membranes and isolation products help add mass and reduce vibration transfer.

Installing RW5 50mm in Walls

For stud walls, party wall upgrades and acoustic partitions, fit the RW5 between the vertical studs. Cut each slab to fit snugly, then install the chosen plasterboard or acoustic lining system over the frame.

For higher-performance wall soundproofing, RW5 is commonly combined with acoustic plasterboard, Tecsound membrane, resilient bars or furring channels, depending on the wall construction.

Installing RW5 50mm in Floors

For timber floor systems, fit RW5 between the floor joists. The slabs should sit securely within the void without dropping, sagging or leaving large gaps.

RW5 can help reduce sound movement through the floor cavity, but impact noise from footsteps usually requires additional products such as acoustic underlay, resilient layers or a floating floor system.

Installing RW5 50mm in Ceilings

For ceiling systems, fit RW5 between ceiling joists or within the ceiling void. Work carefully overhead and cut the slabs to manageable sizes where needed.

For improved ceiling soundproofing, RW5 is often used with resilient bars, furring channels, acoustic plasterboard, Tecsound membrane and acoustic sealant.

Installation Tips

• Wear PPE — use gloves, long sleeves, eye protection and a dust mask when cutting and fitting mineral wool.
• Cut slightly oversized — this helps the slabs friction-fit into the cavity.
• Avoid over-compression — heavily compressed insulation may reduce acoustic effectiveness.
• Fill the full cavity — avoid gaps around edges, joists, studs, pipes and cables.
• Use offcuts carefully — small pieces can fill awkward spaces and reduce waste.
• Choose the right thickness — 50mm RW5 is best for cavities that can accept this depth without crushing the slab.
• Use within a full system — combine with suitable acoustic boards, membranes and sealants for better results.

Important Soundproofing Note

ROCKWOOL RW5 is an acoustic insulation slab, not a complete soundproofing system by itself. It helps absorb sound inside the cavity, but the final result depends on the complete wall, floor or ceiling build-up.

For best results, combine RW5 with suitable acoustic boards, membranes, isolation products and acoustic sealant. If you are unsure whether RW5 50mm is the right thickness or density for your project, please contact our team before fitting. We can help advise on the most suitable system based on your room, cavity depth and noise issue.