Mineral Wool Insulation
(64 Products)Mineral wool insulation, also known as known as mineral fiber or mineral cotton, is the dependable choice for those wanting to reduce sound and heat transmission in their homes. Not only does it absorb sound energy, but it also saves energy whilst improving the acoustic and thermal performance of walls, floors and roofs. Aside from its insulating properties it also provides excellent in-built fire protection.
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What Is Mineral Wool Insulation?
With thermal, acoustic and fire preventative properties, Mineral Wool insulation stands as a robust insulation solution promising high performance over the lifetime of a build.
Derived from natural and recycled materials, mineral wool insulation is a product born from molten basalt rocks and slag, a byproduct from steel mills, which are spun into a fibre-like structure similar to wool, hence the name.
Highly versatile, mineral wool insulation can be used in various parts of a building, including walls, roofs, floors, and industrial applications. Its flexibility allows it to fit into irregular spaces, enhancing its insulation capabilities.
Mineral Wool Insulation Key Benefits
- Fire resilience - Euroclass A1 non-combustible
- Temperature maintenance
- Noise reduction properties
- Robustness
- Sustainability
- Water repellent and vapour permeable
How Mineral Wool Works As Acoustic Insulation
Porous materials, like mineral wool, help manage and diminish sound by permitting air to flow through their structure.
Its fibres are intricately interwoven, forming a dense network that contains numerous tiny pockets of air.
These air pockets within the material effectively trap sound waves, causing them to bounce, deflect, and ultimately dissipate within the wool's mineral fibre.
By slowing down the passage of these waves, mineral wool helps to reduce the amount of sound that can pass through a wall, floor, or ceiling where it's installed.
Mineral Wool Insulation Thermal Conductivity
Mineral wool, also known as rock wool or stone wool, is made from a selection of raw materials, such as stone and glass. Mineral wool insulation thermal conductivity varies from product to product. Rockwool RWA45 Acoustic Slabs have a low thermal conductivity value of 0.035 W/mK, whereas Rockwool Flexi Acoustic Slabs have a thermal conductivity of 0.038 W/mK.
Frequently Asked Mineral Wool Insulation Questions
Mineral Wool Insulation vs Fibreglass
For many decades, fibreglass insulation (also known as glass wool insulation or glass mineral wool) was the standard for home construction. So what are the main drawbacks?
First off, fibreglass is sourced from non-renewable materials, specifically plastic reinforced with glass fibres. Fibreglass Insulation is made from up to 30% of recycled glass, like Knauf DriTherm 37 (which is specifically designed for installation in external masonry cavity walls). Secondly, fibreglass insulation has been linked to adverse health impacts, including irritating the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
However, mineral wool and fiberglass exhibit a notable similarity in their composition and function. Specifically, glass and stone mineral wool insulates by capturing and retaining air within its intricate structure, thereby offering efficient thermal and acoustic insulation for various applications.
Let's consider the properties and differences between glass and stone mineral wool:
● Eco-friendly - Mineral wool is made of up to 80% recycled content, whereas fibreglass is only made from up to 30%.
● Weight - Mineral wool insulation slabs are far heavier than fibreglass slabs. They do not bend or sag as easily as fibreglass insulation slabs.
● Installation - Firm mineral wool slabs can friction-fit into place between studs and joists. Installing fibreglass can be more complicated because it requires staples and/or wires.
● Fire resistance - Both fibreglass and mineral wool insulation are classed as A1 non-combustible on the Euroclass scale, which means that they do not burn.
How to Cut Mineral Wool Insulation Material
Mineral wool slabs are soft and easy to manipulate. Despite the slabs being dense and thick, you can handle them with ease. There are a few different ways to cut mineral wool that does not require expensive equipment. One of the most popular ways to cut mineral wool slabs is with a serrated blade or with a woodcutting handsaw.
The first step is to mark the measurements on your slab. Marking measurements can reduce the possibility of mistakes. Once you have marked your measurements, you can begin cutting or sawing. It is important to cut insulation in a clear, open environment. You should also use safety equipment like goggles and aprons.
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