Most of us solely take care of house insulation just a few instances in a lifetime, so lots of the supplies used to insulate buildings are little recognized to the typical individual.
Affordably priced and acquainted to most installers, mineral wool is without doubt one of the hottest classes.
“There are just a few essential kinds of mineral wool insulation, mostly glass wool, slag wool and rock wool,” says Clive Holland, property knowledgeable and Repair Radio presenter. “Rock wool is constructed from volcanic rock comparable to basalt, whereas glass wool is made primarily from recycled glass, and slag wool is produced from blast furnace slag.”
He provides: “All of all these mineral wool have an identical fibrous texture, however rock wool tends to be denser and extra sturdy, which provides it an edge in a number of efficiency areas.”
The processes for manufacturing most mineral wools are broadly related. Uncooked materials is melted, then spun into fibres that are sure collectively into an insulation product comparable to a roll.
We should always make clear that ‘Rockwool’ is the model title of 1 specific rock wool producer. This isn’t the one model making rock wool insulation (initially generally known as ‘stone wool’), however its title has turn into a byword for rock wool itself, very similar to different genericides comparable to ‘hoover’ for vacuum cleansing and ‘google’ for looking the web.
Clive Holland is the previous host of Cowboy Lure on the BBC. Now a broadcaster on Repair Radio, the UK’s solely nationwide radio station for builders and tradespeople, Holland is without doubt one of the UK’s main property and DIY consultants.
Which is healthier: rock wool or different mineral wools?
Thermal insulation
When it comes to thermal efficiency, there’s not a lot to decide on between rock wool and different kinds of mineral wool comparable to glass wool.
In line with insulationgo.co.uk, sure examples of the 2 varieties can have the identical thermal conductivity, rated at 0.044 W/m·Ok. Nonetheless, glass wool is assessed as offering the next R-value (higher resistance to warmth move), at 3.2 m²K/W in comparison with rock wool’s 2.27 m²K/W.
With that stated, thermal insulation efficiency varies relying on the particular product (and its thickness). An exceptionally insulative rock wool product may outperform the typical glass wool insulation in terms of holding you cosy. So, it is all the time price researching the rated efficiency of mineral wool insulation merchandise (a number of are listed right here at B&Q) earlier than you select one.
Winner: different mineral wools comparable to glass wool (nevertheless it’s an in depth contest)
Acoustic insulation
Holland means that rock wool is the superior possibility for acoustic insulation, with “extraordinarily efficient soundproofing efficiency”.
That is as a result of far greater density of fabric in rock wool insulation, in comparison with glass wool particularly. One cubic metre of rock wool can weigh as a lot as 200kg, whereas the identical quantity of glass wool insulation would are inclined to weigh not more than 110kg.
“With regard to sound, rock wool excels over glass wool, and all different types of mineral wool, as an insulating medium,” says Jake Fry, founding father of Smallworks.
“It is because its denser fibrous construction absorbs sounds most successfully, resulting in the discount of noises, each by air and in addition by impression from the opposite aspect of the insulated floor.”
Fry recommends selecting rock wool to insulate properties near sources of undesirable noise, comparable to flats.
“It’s efficient at insulating the area from each greater and decrease sound frequencies, whereas a much less environment friendly materials comparable to glass wool wouldn’t meet the identical soundproofing necessities,” he says.
Winner: rock wool
Jake Fry is the Founding father of Smallworks, a home-building firm specialising in sustainable small housing.
Sturdiness & security
“Rockwool’s sturdiness is a giant plus – it holds its form over time and doesn’t sag or deteriorate as simply as different supplies,” says Holland.
“It additionally presents superior fireplace resistance, which makes it a wonderful alternative for enhancing a house’s security, and it’s extraordinarily efficient at managing moisture, which helps forestall damp or mould points.”
Electrician, Daniel Vasilevski of Professional Electrical, agrees that rock wool has the sting in terms of fireplace security – though many mineral wool merchandise present some advantages on this regard.
“There are distinct security benefits of mineral wool, particularly basalt-based merchandise [which are an example of rock wool], because it has resistance to each warmth and flame unfold. This turns into vital when operating wiring in wall cavities or ceiling areas.”
Winner: rock wool
Daniel Vasilevski is an electrician, and the Proprietor and Director of Professional Electrical. The corporate ceaselessly works alongside insulation installers throughout house renovations and builds.
Comfort
Mineral wool – together with rock wool – is mostly thought-about a comparatively straightforward type of insulation to put in. Which product might be easiest to place in place will depend on the mission.
“Rock wool is denser and holds its form higher than glass mineral wool, and this makes it extra steady in operating electrical circuits in partitions or ceilings – it won’t shift as simply, so it offers higher conduit and cable help over time,” says Vasilevski.
“However on the identical time, as a result of rock wool is denser it turns into a little bit harder to chop or to suit in opposition to junction packing containers than glass wool, which is softer and extra pliable.
“Whereas rock wool has benefits, glass wool might be a bit simpler to deal with in detailed work,” he provides.
Whichever kind of mineral wool insulation you select, you’ll have to be cautious when dealing with it.
“At all times put on gloves, lengthy sleeves, and lengthy trousers to guard your pores and skin, and a mud masks to stop inhaling wonderful fibres,” says Holland.
“Poor dealing with could cause irritation to each pores and skin and airways, so taking fundamental precautions is important – significantly for DIYers.”
Winner: varies relying on mission specifics
Environmental impression
Neither rock wool nor different mineral wools are typically significantly eco-friendly, as a result of carbon-emmissive processes concerned of their manufacture (for many merchandise of those varieties). Nonetheless, sure merchandise have decrease environmental harms or higher mitigations than others.
“Rock wool usually incorporates recycled metal slag, which helps cut back waste and makes it one of many extra environmentally accountable choices in the marketplace,” says Holland.
In the meantime, Earthwool branded insulation (like these examples bought through Amazon) is a glass wool possibility made principally from recycled glass, which provides it a comparatively small ecological footprint.
A number of insulation supplies are considered higher for the atmosphere than mineral wools of any kind. These embody cork insulation, sheep wool, straw bales and hemp.
Winner: it will depend on the product
Three kinds of mineral wool to think about:
Rockwool Thermal Insulation Roll – 100/200mm
Rockwool model rock wool insulation is understood for its wonderful thermal insulation and superior soundproofing. It comes at a slight premium.
Knauf Earthwool Dritherm 37 Cavity Insulation Slabs | 150mm (4.37m2 Per Pack)
Knauf’s Earthwool glass wool insulation merchandise are made principally with recycled glass, based on the producer.
Excessive Loft™ Eco-Thermal Constructing Development Loft Insulation Roll – Itch Free & Non-Toxin (5 Metre X W270 Mm X T50mm)
For those who do not just like the sound of mineral wool insulation, which may irritate the pores and skin and eyes when touched, there are a number of low-cost, low-irriation options. This instance is constructed from polyester.
How to decide on the suitable mineral wool insulation to your mission
Rock wool barely outperforms different mineral wools together with glass wool once we contemplate the supplies’ thermal efficiency, acoustic efficiency, sturdiness and comfort, all collectively.
“Rock wool stands out for its all-round efficiency, however the draw back is that it’s costlier than glass wool or slag wool, so for giant tasks the upfront value generally is a consideration,” says Holland.
“Glass wool, for instance, is less expensive and nonetheless gives good thermal insulation, although it doesn’t carry out as nicely by way of soundproofing or moisture resistance.”
No matter its greater value, rock wool stays Holland’s private advice, based mostly on its superior sturdiness and all-round efficiency. He suggests consulting an knowledgeable to search out the perfect product to your property.
“For those who’re a DIYer, take just a few images of your loft or the world you’re insulating and converse to your native builders’ service provider or DIY outlet – they might help you discover the suitable product to your finances and mission,” he says.
FAQs
How is mineral wool insulation utilized in properties?
Mineral wool insulation is a flexible class of supplies, bought in numerous codecs to swimsuit completely different home functions.
It’s usually used as cavity wall insulation or inner wall insulation, in addition to in pitched or flat roofs and as loft insulation. Rock wool, particularly, is standard as a noise-reducing cavity wall insulation materials in properties that are close to roads or different sources of noise air pollution.
Mineral wool pipe insulation is used round pipework to stop warmth loss and freezing.
What are the advantages of putting in mineral wool insulation?
Including mineral wool insulation to flooring, partitions or different components of a constructing can carry structural, vitality effectivity and high quality of life advantages.
“Mineral wool, in any type, is a superb all-rounder for constructing insulation, offering sturdy thermal efficiency, serving to to maintain warmth in throughout winter and out throughout summer time,” says Holland.
“It additionally contributes to vitality effectivity, slicing your heating payments and carbon footprint. Its soundproofing qualities are one other main benefit, and most varieties present an added layer of fireside security as they’re non-combustible.”
Holland notes that it may very well be price investigating your family’s eligibility for a authorities grant to assist with the prices of insulation – particularly if your property is just not at the moment insulated.
“Chatting with a neighborhood service supplier is one of the simplest ways to examine eligibility and get the method began,” he advises.
Feeling the chilliness? Take a step in direction of a hotter house with our guides to conservatory winterproofing, economical central heating habits, and tips on how to get most warmth from a wood-burning range.
