There are some great options for insulating your home that all have their own different pros and cons. Fiberglass insulation has been one of the most popular for a long time for its ability to slow heat transfer, its fire resistance, and low cost; but how does it hold up to Rockwool Insulation? Here in Charlotte NC Rockwool insulation is used widely in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings for many of its outstanding properties. To make sure you get the full benefit of this insulating product let’s take a closer look at what Rockwool insulation is and some of the great qualities it has that set it apart from the rest.

1. What is Rockwool Insulation?

To truly understand the potential of Rockwool Insulation, which is a type of mineral wool, it helps to know how it’s made. This material is primarily made from a steel byproduct called slag and basalt rock. These materials are then heated to temperatures of over 2,900 degrees Fahrenheit which will liquefy them into something like lava. Once the materials are melted and mixed they are blown into a spinning chamber that stretches the liquid into fibers as it cools. The fibers are then compressed into mats of a material that resembles sheep’s wool, and that is why it is called Rockwool. Using this process of superheating eliminates all organic matter from the final product making this an insulating material that will be more resistant to mildew and mold.  Rockwool insulation has between 16 and 40 percent recycled material falling short of Cellulose insulation which is made up of nearly 85 percent recycled material.

2. Why Use Rockwool?

It is hard to argue with the lasting durability of Rockwool insulation due to the nature of the materials and processes used to make it. If installed properly this insulating material can last the life of your home with minimal degradation of its properties.  As with anything, there are pros and cons so let’s take a look at why Rockwool may or may not be the right choice for your next project.

• Heat Retention

All three types of insulating materials, Fiberglass, Cellulose, and Mineral wools, are effective at keeping your home comfortable year-round, but what separates Rockwool from the rest? R-value is a measurement of how thermally reflective a material is.  The higher the number the better the material is at reflecting heat.  Rockwool offers a high R-value at 3 to 3.3 per inch of insulation while fiberglass has an R-value of 2.2 to 2.7. Cellulose insulation has a slightly higher R-value at 3.2 to 3.8, but like fiberglass, it can compact and degrade over time while Rockwool’s thermal properties will remain stable for the life of your home.

• A Great Soundproofing Material

Rockwool outperforms all other insulations when it comes to its ability to soundproof a room. Because of its density and tight-knit fibers, not only does it slow the spread of heat it also slows sound waves. Rockwool is twice as dense as fiberglass and it’s that density that can cut down on outside noise, if not block it completely. While the density of this material makes it great at soundproofing, it also makes it heavy at a little over 1.5 pounds per cubic foot which may not work for your project needs.

• Fire Resistance

Since Rockwool insulation is literally made from rocks and steel that has to be superheated to over 2,900 degrees to be able to melt and mix the materials, it is safe to say that it has highly effective fire resistance properties. Mineral wool products, in general, can resist fire and heat up to 1,400 degrees while some Rockwool products can resist temperatures of over 2,100 degrees before melting, smoking, or catching fire.  With this material properly installed in your home, it can create a fire-resistant barrier between your walls and floors that can spare you valuable time in case of an emergency.

• Moisture Resistant, Prevents Mold

Due to the composition of materials that create Rockwool, this insulation type is perfect for areas of high humidity. Rockwool is vapor permeable and moisture resistant meaning it will allow water to drain away and evaporate out without dampening the material.  Add the fact that it also has no organic material for mold and mildew to grow on, and is tested and certified to be resistant to fungal growth; makes Rockwool a great insulating option for cleaner air in your home.

In conclusion, Rockwool Insulation can be a great addition to your home insulating project. This material does come with a higher price tag than other types of insulation but has many benefits that may outweigh the cost. With its ability to resist moisture and maintain temperature levels in our humid southeast climate, this product can give you the comfort and clean air you’ve been looking for. Furthermore, the bonus of soundproofing the hustle and bustle of Charlotte NC, while also providing a fire-resistant barrier in your home are all the reasons you should consider talking to a professional about Rockwool Insulation.

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