Rockwool Insulation

Mineral wool is a fiber insulation like fiberglass, but it is made of natural materials instead of glass. There are two types of mineral wool: rock wool consists of fibers of natural stone (basalt or diabase, for example); slag wool consists of fibers made from iron-ore waste. It is sold in batts and as loose-fill, just like fiberglass.

Advantages

  • Mineral wool is naturally moisture-resistant. It retains most of its insulating qualities even when wet.

  • Higher R-value than fiberglass insulation because of it's higher density.

  • Sound
is blocked much more by mineral wool, so the interior of a building
suffers less
acoustic invasion.

  • Mineral
wool will not burn until temperatures reach beyond 1,800°F, slowing
down house fires and giving the fire services more time to respond.

Disadvantages

  • Protective gear must be worn when installing/removing mineral wool insulation: the tiny slivers will lodge in skin and are small enough to be inhaled. 

  • Inhaled
slivers of mineral wool irritate the alveoli and can cause lung
disease.

  • Expensive in comparison to fiberglass insulation.

  • Over the years, it can start to sink, compress, and sag, especially if it had been laid into ceiling or vertical walls, leaving air gaps where air can penetrate the house.

  • It is difficult to install into small spaces and unusual/awkward gaps.

  • The nature of mineral batts and wools is that there will always be gaps when it is laid. Even the smallest of margins along the sides and between the layers can mean loss of R-value, up to 50% in some cases.

  • Once damp or wet, it can become moldy, which can spread to other areas.

  • Mineral wool will not easily dry if it becomes damp or wet. In many cases, the only solution is to remove the wet parts and replace them.

Some

mineral wool insulation has data that suggests inhaled slivers of fiberglass irritate the alveoli and can cause lung disease.

For professional rockwool insulation installation/removal, please call us today to set up and appointment or for more information.