Insulation blowing is a very important feature in maximizing the energy efficiency of your home and minimizing additional costs. Insulating your space to protect against air leakage and providing a buffer between interior and exterior walls can provide a huge benefit for your home. There are a few types of insulation and each has its own specific benefits. Our Specialists are trained to determine the best fit for your home. Fiberglass insulation, cellulose insulation, and rockwool insulation are the three main types of insulation used to insulate attics. Fiberglass insulation is a popular choice, slowing the process of heat moving through the walls and ceilings of your home. However, there are other types of insulation that offer greater protection and benefits that might be worth researching. Rockwool insulation is used both in residential, as well as commercial buildings. Rockwool insulation, however, differentiates itself in its high heat retention, fire resistance, moisture resistance, and soundproof abilities. Perhaps rockwool insulation would be a better fit for your home. Let’s dive in and see why!
Rockwool Insulation Composition
Rockwool insulation is made of basalt rocks and slag. Slag is a recycled steel byproduct. These rocks are heated to an extremely high temperature to mix and become lava-like liquid. The temperature to melt these elements reaches above 2,900 degrees Fahrenheit. The liquid mixture is then blown into a spinning chamber to stretch the liquid into fibers. The fibers are compressed into a mat-like structure that is then cut into pieces of rockwool insulation. Through this process, any and all organic matter is destroyed. This, therefore, increases the mold and mildew resistance of the rockwool insulation.
Rockwool Insulation: Is it actually recycled?
There is great confusion as to the true “green factor” of rockwool, as many confuse its capabilities with that of mineral wool insulation. Rockwool insulation is a specific type of mineral wool insulation. Standard brand-specific rockwool insulation is made of between 16 to 40% of recycled materials. The Department of Energy has stated that slag rockwool insulation can be made up to 75% of recycled material. Whichever type is used, however, you can rest assured that you are working with recycled material that is environmentally conscious.
Rockwool Insulation: Strongly Heat-Resistant
While numerous types of insulation blowing materials are capable of ensuring your home remains at normal temperatures year round, rockwool insulation, specifically, is extremely heat resistant and thermally effective. While fiberglass insulation offers an R-value of around 2.2 to 2.7 per inch of insulation. Rockwool insulation has an R-value of 3.0 to 3.3 per inch of insulation. Throughout the years, fiberglass insulation unfortunately begins to lose its thermal efficiency, as the material itself begins to break down. Due to its specific creation process, however, rockwool insulation does not undergo a similar decomposition. Rather, the thermal strength of the rockwool insulation remains stable throughout its lifetime. This comes at a cost, however. Rockwool insulation does cost more than fiberglass insulation.
Rockwool Insulation: 1,400 Degrees
Rockwool insulation is created at 2,900 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure all materials are properly melted and mixed, creating very effective insulation. Due to this construction process, mineral wool insulation products, including rockwool insulation, are capable of resisting fire and flame temperatures exceeding 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit. Certain rockwool insulation is able to withstand temperatures up to 2,150 degrees Fahrenheit without melting, catching fire, or even smoking. These capabilities make rockwool insulation an excellent contender for use in homes, as it serves as a strong, fire-resistant barrier between the outside and inside of the home and rooms. The rockwool insulation would slow down the spread of a fire, should that occur. Note that fiberglass insulation, in comparison, begins to melt around 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rockwool Insulation: Disputeless Durability
Rockwool insulation is commonly known for its two important features: its heat resistance and its durability. Rockwool insulation is not only able to withstand high temperatures but also retain its thermal properties throughout its lifespan without losing or degrading its R-value. The reason? Its composition. The materials are melted down, yet do not lose their natural ability to resist high temperatures or decay over time. Rockwool insulation is multifaceted. Along with its heat-resistant abilities, it also has great resistance to water, mold, and mildew. These moisture-resistant properties are incredibly important in a home, to ensure that the rockwool insulation will not be ruined by water or humid air that enters the attic.
Rockwool Insulation: A Great Sound Barrier
Rockwool insulation is a thicker type of insulation, as compared to fiberglass or cellulose insulation. This girth is not all for naught, however. Its composition, in its attempt to maximize fire and moisture resistance, also creates a great sound barrier. As sound attempts to move throughout the rockwool insulation, it is greatly slowed, if not stopped altogether. The thickness of the rockwool insulation serves to block the noise. The density, however, creates the ability for it to be soundproof. Due to a density of 1.7 per cubic foot, rockwool insulation is able to reduce sound by 10 to 15 decibels. In comparison, fiberglass insulation is capable of only reducing sound by 4 to 10 decibels.
Rockwool Insulation: Mold Prevention
Rockwool insulation’s composition makes it a great option for homes that are built in high-humidity climates, as well as for rooms that are specifically high-moisture, such as kitchens or bathrooms. Water will drain from the rockwool insulation, rather than soak into it. Water vapor can pass through the rockwool insulation material without damaging it at all. These features are incredibly significant for homeowners who seek to maximize the longevity of their home and protect it from the natural elements.
Rockwool insulation, as it is composed of rocks and slag, is an inorganic material. Mold and mildew, therefore, are incapable of utilizing the insulation as an energy source and thus cannot thrive. Funguses, in addition, are unable to grow in rockwool insulation. In fact, rockwool insulation is certified as fungus-resistant, as well.
Is this the option for you?
Rockwool insulation is one of the most versatile options available when seeking to insulate your home. Our Specialists will be able to assess your spaces and determine specifically the needs of your home. It is always important, however, to be educated in the space and understand the benefits of each type of product offered. Insulation blowing is a fantastic and effective way to protect your home from the outside elements, while also reducing your energy costs. The products used in this process depend on your home’s needs. Fire resistant, mold and mildew fighting, perhaps rockwool insulation is the right option. Cost-efficient and green, perhaps cellulose insulation is what you need. We are here to help you find the best product for your home to insulate your home once and for all! Give us a call today.