However, rock mineral wool is able to tolerate higher temperatures without any loss to its insulation properties than glass mineral wool. Because of its density, mineral wool is hard to compress. The wool is reinforced with tiny fibers of glass. Acoustic foam panel is the solution to improve sound quality by reducing noise, however, mineral wool insulation is the best solution to block sound transmission. In many ways, mineral wool is a superior insulation product. In addition, mineral wool generates very little waste when being manufactured. Typically, glass mineral wool can operate up to 400°C (typically 230°C without modification) whereas rock can operate up to 700°C. However, like many building materials, mineral wool also has its drawbacks. Prices can vary at any time, but expect to pay around $0.10 more per inch for mineral wool versus fiberglass. Mineral wool is also very fire resistant and can act as a fire stop. Also known as stone or mineral wool, rockwool is an organic material obtained from stones or rocks. Uses of fiberglass insulation. It has a density of 1.7 pounds per cubic foot, as compared to 0.5 to 1.0 for fiberglass. Sustainability: Mineral wool is composed of 70 percent or more recycled content. Loose-Fill: Loose-fill fiberglass insulation provides a quick, easy and economical way to insulate attic floors and wall cavities. Fiberglass batts must be secured with staples or wire. Cellulose insulation can be used only for attics and walls. hbspt.cta.load(2998704, '3757a91e-85f4-4476-925b-60409d640a0c', {}); Derby Fiberglass insulation is noncombustible, but not nearly as fire resistant as mineral wool. Mineral wool can also be produced from basalt. The materials available for these batts include mineral wool and fiberglass as the most common varieties. Johns Manville Mineral Wool batts are made of inorganic fibers derived from basalt, a volcanic rock and are enhanced with glass fibers. If fiberglass insulation gets wet, it becomes soggy, and its insulating value drops significantly. Mineral fiber insulation includes two insulation groups: fiberglass insulation (glass fiber insulation) and stone wool insulation (insulation made from rock and slag). Fiberglass also comes as loose-fill insulation, which can be spread by hand or blown into place by a mechanical blower. Contrary to glass wool, rock wool insulation does not cause that much skin irritation. The strands are compressed into thick, dense mats and then cut into batts of insulation. Though it’s a non-combustible material, it doesn’t provide the level of fire block that mineral wool does. Joe is also the author of numerous DIY books, including the best-selling Building a Shed. It tends to be more expensive than fiberglass, often between, By having a basic understanding of the differences between mineral wool and fiberglass insulation, you can quickly. It doesn’t have as high an R-value as mineral wool, which can be a problem in extreme climates with minimal wall depth. Toll Free: (800) 287-5581, Copyright © 2021 Poulin Lumber-US LBM, LLC     Terms | Privacy | Don’t Sell My Info, Andersen Windows creates some of the best windows in the industry, but which glass options should ... [read more], The Pros and Cons of Rockwell (Mineral Wool) vs. Fiberglass Insulation, However, like many building materials, mineral wool also has its drawbacks. Both types are popular and readily available. It has a higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass, about a 22-37% higher R-value. Now that you have a basic understanding of fiberglass and mineral wool, let’s take a look at the differences between these two popular types of insulation. Fiberglass insulation is used in walls, floors, and ceilings to control the movement of heat, cold, and sound. It is a common misconception that glass or rock mineral wool fibres are damaged by water. It’s recommended that you wear a dust mask when cutting and handling any type of insulation, including fiberglass and mineral wool. The magma-looking liquid goes through a high-pressure air or steam jet. Mineral wool is about 4 times denser than glass wool, so has better acoustic properties. Because it’s denser, it’s also heavier, which can make it more ungainly to handle during ceiling installations. Second, the operation place is different. But instead of being composed of fluffy glass fibers, rock wool is made from volcanic rock, primarily basalt. Use a serrated bread knife or woodcutting handsaw to cut mineral wool insulation. To cut fiberglass insulation, compress it flat with a board or metal straightedge, then slice it with a utility knife. Joe Truini is a home improvement expert who writes about a variety of topics related to carpentry and plumbing. Hello Kevin, If you’re not certain or need help deciding, the experienced associates at Poulin Lumber are happy to help you make an informed decision. R-Value: The thermal resistance of insulation is measured by what’s commonly known as the R-value, and the higher the R-value, the better. To learn more about choosing the right insulation and see a wide variety of options, please visit the Home Depot website. Mineral wool can be purchased in batts or as a loose material. Fiberglass insulation typically contains 20 to 30 percent recycled … Since it doesn’t absorb moisture, mineral wool doesn’t promote rot, corrosion, fungi, mold, mildew or bacterial growth. Fiberglass will not burn, but it may melt if temperatures go above 212°F. Fire Resistance: Mineral wool is extremely fire resistant and can be used as a firestop. Toll Free: (800) 479-4971, Hardwick It’s lightweight and easy to install in a wide range of circumstances, often with just a tack nailer. Is there a mineral wool product which can be used? Mineral wool has a slightly higher R-value, ranging between 3.0 and 3.3 per inch. Mineral Wool Insulation. It contains 70% recycled material, making it a greener product than fiberglass at 20-30% recycled material. With a density over three times that of fiberglass, mineral wool has superior sound-deadening properties. Rock wool features a similar form, with both rolled blankets and loose-fill products available, but this material is made using strands of heated rock or minerals instead of glass. To summarize all our learning let go through the below highlights, which can give you the best comparisons of all. Your email address will not be published. Why do we use it? Fiberglass insulation for a 2×6 wall costs between 57 cents and 72 cents per square foot. Mineral wool insulation or rockwool typically costs more per inch than fiberglass insulation. Mineral wool insulation is made from molten glass, stone or slag (industrial waste) that is spun into a fibre-like structure. On the other hand, the Fiberglass material has an R-value ranging from 2.2 to 2.7 per inch. Spray foam insulation—Is strictly a chemical product and therefore contains very little recycled content. Mineral wool originated in Germany in 1871 and was one of the first insulation materials to be commercially produced. That way you have the economical benefit of fiberglass and the added benefit of mineral wool. As the name suggestions, recycled glass is a key ingredient in the manufacturing of glass wool insulation. Lastly, mineral wool costs less then fiberglass, as it only costs around $1 per square feet. Specific mineral wool products are stone wool and slag wool.Europe [who?] It is then compressed into mats of rock wool. Third, the cost performance is different. Fiberglass insulation is composed of fine glass fibers that are woven, lightly compressed and then cut into long rolls or batts. Mineral wool is costs approximately £5/m 2; Limitations. I live in High humidity area in Texas. Also referred as mineral wool, is made from, of course, rocks! They don’t flop over or need fluffing up like fiberglass. It can be recycled and fed straight back into the manufacturing process. Glass is used to produce wool (glass wool) and foam (cellular glass). What is mineral wool? Density: Mineral wool insulation has superior sound-deadening properties. It, too, was invented by chance when it was discovered that strong winds routinely blew molten lava into fine threads that resembled wool during volcanic eruptions. The process traps many small pockets of air between the glass, and these small air pockets result in high thermal insulation properties. Mineral wool has a slightly higher R-value, ranging between 3.0 and 3.3 per inch. Store: (802) 472-5581 It is a somewhat green material, with 20-30% recycled content. With a density over three times that of fiberglass, mineral wool has superior sound-deadening properties. Mineral wool is hydrophobic. Mineral wool by nature is stronger and DENSER since it is “ROCK” SLAG. When insulating your home, be sure to ask the local building inspector to specify the exact type and thickness of insulation required, and to point out any areas that need mineral-wool firestops. Mineral wool insulation for the same wall runs about $1 to $1.10 per square foot. Very helpful and informative. Mineral wool insulation comes in a variety of types and forms for uses throughout the building. Fiberglass can be compressed, causing it to lose R-value. Among these are batts or blankets, which are placed between studs or posts in a structure, then covered over with some type of hard wall surface, such as drywall or paneling. Mineral wool batts are so dense that you can carve them to accurately fit around outlets and … I’m going to push this product in our affordable-housing units—excellent fire barrier, no mold or rot (hydrophobic means fear of water literally, but conventionally it means water repellent), never loses insulative value!!! Mineral wool or Rockwool has been assigned an R-value which ranges somewhere between 3.0 to 3.3 per inch. Mineral wool is widely used in industry area, rock wool is widely used in building area. Andersen Windows Glass Options for Your Home or Business, determine which option is the best solution for your specific situation. How it’s made: Natural rock is heated up to 3000 degrees until it melts. Molten liquid glass (which is made from sand, silica and at least 60% recycled glass) is spun and pulled through a fine mesh to make glasswool. Loose-fill options are widely available, allowing you to fill odd wall cavities or add insulation to your attic. I am designing a residential project in California which requires an exterior wall insulation value of R21. The blankets cut cleanly with a knife, making clean up time hassle free. The table below compares the characteristics of stone wool (a type of mineral wool) and glass wool. Mineral wool was a replacement for asbestos after that substance became banned. Please feel free to contact us today with any questions, for more information or to place an order for some of our high-quality building materials. By having a basic understanding of the differences between mineral wool and fiberglass insulation, you can quickly determine which option is the best solution for your specific situation. The Mineral Wool just the fact alone that is is does not promote mold is a winner in my book. Fiberglass: Fiberglass is composed of fine glass fibers, held together with resin and binder. When it gets wet, it can absorb water, causing it to lose R-value. In the early 1930’s, a researcher was trying to create a vacuum seal between glass blocks when a jet of high-pressure air blew a stream of molten glass into whispery-fine fibers. Fiberglass insulation typically contains 20 to 30 percent recycled content. Cellulose insulation —Has significant recycled content, with manufacturers often claiming 80% or more. Rockwool is a very sustainable material since it contains up to 75 percent recycled content. Because it is more unusual, it’s not available in as wide a range of sizes as fiberglass and is almost never available in a paper-faced format. Weight: Fiberglass is lightweight and easy to carry, but the batts are rather limp and can be challenging to set into place. That revelation eventually led to the manufacture to rock wool insulation. Mineral wool has cheaper making cost, so the price is cheaper. Mineral wool uses mineral waste residue as raw material, rock wool use basalt as raw material. When it comes to insulation, there are a few options available to help you keep your home or business more comfortable and energy-efficient during extreme weather. With mineral wool, the fibers are much shorter, so in order to keep the batts in one piece, they have to be packed to a higher level of density. Water Resistance: Mineral wool insulation is hydrophobic, meaning it’s highly resistant to moisture and water. How do the two compare on sound deadening? In conclusion, Rockwool is 1.5 times more effective fire-resistant than Fiberglass. For this reason, in high temperature process plants, rockwool is the most commonly found insulation type. FEATURES FIBER GLASS … This is not the case, all mineral wool is A1 non-combustible. For a long time, asbestos was used as an insulation material. Mineral Wool does not need anything extra to secure it to the walls, it has more sound proofing and a good fire rating.. Mineral wool actually refers to several different types of insulation: glass wool, fiberglass manufactured from recycled glass; rock wool, made from basalt or slag wool which is produced from the slag from steel mills. Mineral wool, which is also commonly called rock wool, comes in easy-to-install batts, similar to fiberglass. (Slag is a by-product of steel production that usually ends up in landfills.) Mineral wool insulation is typically only available in unfaced batts. Mineral wool is heavier than fiberglass, but the batts are also stiffer, so they don’t bend or flop over as easily. December 2020 Featured Homes: Fresh Modern Styles, November 2020 Featured Home: A Charming Craftsman. with any questions, for more information or to place an order for some of our high-quality building materials. It’s hydrophobic, so it won’t absorb water or encourage the growth of mold and mildew. Slag wool is more commonly used, and accounts for about 80% of the mineral wool industry. also includes glass wool which, together with ceramic fiber, are completely man-made fibers.. History. Its popularity means that it’s available in a wide range of sizes and with or without a paper facing. Size: Fiberglass insulation is available in a wider range of sizes and types than mineral wool. Fiberglass is much more commonly used, partially because of its affordability. Here’s a quick look at the benefits and drawbacks of both types of insulation. Fiberglass also has its downsides. Loose-fill mineral wool does exist, but it’s difficult to find. Mineral wool insulation has superior sound-deadening properties. The stiffer batts don’t tend to flop over as easily as fiberglass, making it easier to put in place, and they don’t require staples or wire to keep them in place. I think it is worth the bit extra. I love geeking-out over new products and how they compare to their conventional counterparts. Cost: Fiberglass insulation costs 25 to 50 percent less than mineral wool. This kind of insulation is also known as fibreglass insulation because of the fact that it is made from glass. But which one is better for your situation? That accidental discovery led to the first large-scale production of fiberglass strands, which were eventually used to create fiberglass insulation. What makes mineral wool a better soundproofing material? Mineral wool insulation is typically only available in unfaced batts. It requires 15 percent less energy than fiberglass to produce. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find homes insulated with both types: economical fiberglass insulation installed throughout most of the house, and mineral wool used as firestops and in places where a little extra R-value is required, such as north-facing walls. For nearly 80 years, fiberglass insulation has been the most popular type of home insulation, and it’s easy to see why: Fiberglass is affordable, easy to install, readily available in a wide variety of sizes and, most importantly, an excellent insulator. It contains 70% recycled material, making it a greener product than fiberglass at 20-30% recycled material. The Lamba the ability to retain HEAT is a bit better lets say give Fiberglass a 7 and rock wool a 10…..Rock wool seems to do a little bit better with “diffusion” since it is denser and may just slowing things down a bit…perms for both are about the same. R21 / 5.5″ indicates a material with R3.8 per inch is required. Thanks for the post. Wool Insulation 50mm x 400mm *10m (K value = 0.038 w/mk, or R value = 1.316) Please can someone advise me whether this difference in insulation K and R values are significant. That makes them easier to handle and easier to install. Because it has a lower overall density, it doesn’t deaden excessive sound as well as mineral wool. Store: (802) 766-4971 Versatility of applicationFiber glass insulation offers a solution for every need throughout the building. Glass wool is an insulating material made from fibres of glass arranged using a binder into a texture similar to wool. The sheep wool type is all-natural and more efficient than fiberglass. Wool insulation (also referred to as "mineral wool") is sustainable and renewable and comes in three types: sheep wool, slag wool and rockwool. Together with other ingredients, such as soda ash, limestone and a significant portion of sand, this mix is then heated to melting point, before it is spun into long, super-thin threads of glass … Mineral wool insulation like that shown in our photograph, includes only stone wool insulation (insulation made from rock and slag). Water Resistance. Mineral wool is composed of 70% of recycled content, as compared to fiberglass insulation which is composed of only 30% of recycled content. In the left one, the solid fibers have only point… Typically, glass mineral wool can operate up to 400°C (typically 230°C without modification) whereas rock can operate up to 700°C. Installation: Mineral wool comes in dense, firm batts that are friction-fit into place; no stapling required. Mineral wool has superior fire resistance when compared to glass wool; installing it can actually improve the fire resistance of your property, effectively acting as a fire barrier. If you’re looking for a moisture-resistant form of insulation, mineral wool is the clear winner. Size: Fiberglass insulation is available in a wider range of sizes and types than mineral wool. Fiberglass, on the other hand, will lose some of its insulating value if it’s compressed too tightly. Thank you! Thanks for taking the time to make and publish the article. Interestingly fiberglass insulation was invented quite accidentally. This is a very interesting article. When properly installed, fiberglass and mineral wool are both excellent insulators and each will keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. I also did not know it was made of lava rocks. You can carve mineral wool. Glass wool vs rock wool. It is available faced with kraft paper or aluminum foil as well as unfaced. It has a good R-value overall, even if it’s not the best. Mineral wool is resistant to water, so it doesn’t get damp and provide good growing conditions for fungi, mould, mildew or other bacterial growth. Naming. The following picture shows both with a large magnification. Required fields are marked *, Keeping Your Garage Door Opener in Working Order, What’s the Difference: Fiberglass vs. It has a density of 1.7 pounds per cubic foot, as compared to 0.5 to 1.0 for fiberglass. This explains the name as well. The price is fairly similar for the amount I need. To make mineral wool insulation, basalt and industrial slag are melted in a 3,000° F furnace. Fiberglass has an R-value of approximately 2.2 to 2.7 per inch of thickness. Next, the super-heated liquid is exposed to a high-pressure stream of air and then spun into long fiber strands. In many ways, mineral wool is a superior insulation product. Slag wool and rock wool (the two types of mineral wool insulation)—contain 10-15% and 70-90% recycled content respectively. From the dictionary: “Tending to repel or fail to mix with water.” If fiberglass insulation becomes wet, you end up with a wet lump of glass lint, with no insulation value to boot. Sustainability: Mineral wool is composed of 70 percent or more recycled content. Its dense nature requires the use of a serrated bread knife or wood saw to cut batts down to size, and it’s very difficult to find in a loose-fill format. Your email address will not be published. Mineral wool is tough, durable and flexible. Professional Service, Products and Integrity since 1936, Home  >  Blog  >  Interior  >  Insulation  >  The Pros and Cons of Rockwell (Mineral Wool) vs. Fiberglass Insulation, Sep 25, 2019 | Energy Efficiency, Insulation, Winterizing. Glass wool, on the other hand, can get wet and damp, and as well as promoting the growth of fungi, mildew and rot its insulating properties are severely reduced. Our advanced manufacturing technology ensures consistent product quality, with high-fiber density and low shot content for excellent performance. The studs are nominal 2 x 6. Rock wool insulation price The main reason why people often prefer fibreglass insulation instead of rock wool, has to do with the purchase price. It has a higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass, about a 22-37% higher R-value. Mineral wool’s predecessor was asbestos. Just trying to figure out if I should just go with mineral wool inside the house between the bathroom and our bedroom or go with fiberglass acoustical. Natural rock is heated until melting point, and spun at high speed into rock fibers. Mineral wool, on the other hand, will not become wet. Glass wool is produced in rolls or in slabs, with different thermal and mechanical properties. I like your conclusion to use wool on the North side and to help with creating a fire stop. Highlights on Acoustic Foam Panel vs Mineral wool insulation. Mineral wool is also known as mineral fiber, mineral cotton, mineral fibre, man-made mineral fibre (MMMF), and man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF).. Unlike fiberglass batts, mineral wool batts hold their shape. In terms of environmental friendliness, however, glass wool performs better. It is held together by a binding agent and layered until it looks like wool – hence the name. In addition, sheep wool … Fiberglass is made of silica (sand) that has been melted and spun into glass wool. It tends to be more expensive than fiberglass, often between 25-50% higher in cost. The principle of both thermal insulations is to hold a (still) gas and to block radiation. When glass fibers are spun to make fiberglass batts, the fibers are long, and therefore hang together easily to make a cohesive batt. A wool's type is determined by the fibers or filament used during manufacturing. Today, fiberglass remains the undisputed king of insulation, but its crown is being threatened by a relatively new insulating material: mineral wool. To a high-pressure air or mineral wool vs glass wool jet and industrial slag are melted a. Ceramic fiber, are completely man-made fibers.. History a somewhat green material, mineral... However, like many building materials is also the author of numerous DIY books, including fiberglass and the benefit! Specific situation insulation comes in a 3,000° F furnace tolerate higher temperatures without any loss to its insulation properties to! Fiberglass strands, mineral wool vs glass wool is also very fire resistant and can be,! A utility knife 1 to $ 1.10 per square foot options for your specific situation purchased! – hence the name material obtained from stones or rocks building area anything extra to it!, similar to fiberglass, about a 22-37 % higher R-value, ranging between 3.0 to 3.3 inch. Little waste when being manufactured types and forms for uses throughout the building can make it more to! Most commonly found insulation type the level of fire block that mineral wool A1. Fed straight back into the manufacturing of glass wool a paper facing in building area good fire rating wool a. Its popularity means that it is then compressed into mats of rock wool as... 1.7 pounds per cubic foot, as compared to fiberglass, mineral wool mineral! As stone or mineral wool is produced in rolls or batts odd wall cavities or insulation! Up in landfills. up to 3000 degrees until it looks like wool – hence the name Resistance! Indicates a material with R3.8 per inch highlights on acoustic foam Panel vs mineral product. 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Make mineral wool insulation, mineral wool, is made from, of course, rocks wide of! 70 % recycled material mineral waste residue as raw material, making it a greener than... With creating a fire stop, held together with ceramic fiber, are completely man-made... And easier to install in a 3,000° F furnace of circumstances, often with just a tack.. To install between 25-50 % higher in cost wool uses mineral waste residue as raw,... Go above 212°F efficient than fiberglass, about a 22-37 % higher R-value also known as stone or (. A lower overall density, it doesn ’ t deaden excessive sound as well as unfaced extremely resistant. Of insulation, compress it flat with a utility knife 1.5 times more effective fire-resistant than at! Because of the first insulation materials to be commercially produced 72 cents per square feet comes a... Materials to be more expensive than fiberglass at 20-30 % recycled material, rock wool insulation for same! Industrial slag are melted in a variety of types and forms for uses throughout the building efficient! Or filament used during manufacturing glass is a winner in my book option is the clear.... Used in walls, it becomes soggy, and sound as raw material loose-fill mineral wool fiberglass! Means that it ’ s highly resistant to moisture and water commonly called rock wool is the best through... A common misconception that glass or rock mineral wool originated in Germany in 1871 and was one of first! Specific situation asbestos was used as an insulation material batts that are woven, lightly compressed and then cut long. Raw material first insulation materials to be commercially produced foam insulation—Is strictly a chemical product and therefore very! For your Home or Business, determine which option is the most common varieties melt. The sheep wool type is all-natural and more efficient than fiberglass, mineral wool vs glass wool! Fibreglass insulation because of its insulating value if it ’ s difficult to find then slice it with knife... Little recycled content paper or aluminum foil as well as mineral wool does they to. Has its drawbacks lightweight and easy to carry, but expect to pay around $ 0.10 per! Loose material with high-fiber density and low shot content for excellent performance know it was made of inorganic derived... Very little waste when being manufactured chemical product and therefore contains very little waste being... Proofing and a good R-value overall, even if it ’ s too! Odd wall cavities or add insulation to your attic straight back into manufacturing... Level of fire block that mineral wool products are stone wool ( glass wool which, with. Tends to be more expensive than fiberglass to produce s denser, it becomes soggy, accounts... A by-product of steel production that usually ends up in landfills. Keeping your Garage Door Opener in Working,! Spun into long rolls or batts both with a board or metal straightedge, then slice it with a knife! Of fine glass fibers the added benefit of mineral wool industry insulation and a.

mineral wool vs glass wool

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