When to Use rockwool insulation panels？

Exterior Wall Insulation | ROCKWOOL

The exterior walls, alongside the roof, create the envelope of any building, safeguarding the people and possessions within.

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These walls include the largest surface area, making them crucial for minimizing heat loss. A significant portion of heat escaping a building happens through inadequately insulated walls.

With ROCKWOOL external wall insulation, living areas can become warm, energy-efficient, and compliant with contemporary building standards, in addition to offering improved acoustics, indoor comfort, and fire safety.

Understanding the significance of insulation for exterior walls and the benefits it provides is essential.

7 Things to Know About Rockwool Insulation

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Fiberglass insulation has traditionally been a favored choice for resisting heat transfer through a home's walls and ceilings. Although it provides a fire-resistant barrier between interior and exterior walls, fiberglass may not match the natural effectiveness of Rockwool. Like fiberglass, Rockwool is widely utilized for insulation in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Rockwool can be distinguished from fiberglass by analyzing its heat retention, fire resistance, moisture resistance, and soundproofing features. Continue reading to discover more about Rockwool insulation.

1. Rockwool is derived from rocks heated to form a molten state.

The manufacturing process of Rockwool insulation elucidates its superior fire-resistant properties. It primarily consists of basalt rock and a byproduct from steel production called slag. These materials are subjected to superheating, allowing them to merge into a molten, lava-like liquid. The melting process requires temperatures to exceed 2,900 degrees Fahrenheit.

This mixture is then directed into a spinning chamber designed to stretch the heated liquid into fine fibers, which are collected and compressed into a mat that can be cut into Rockwool insulation slabs.

This production process eradicates all organic materials, substantially enhancing the finished product's resistance to mold and mildew.

2. It comprises between 16 to 75 percent recycled content.

There is often confusion surrounding the percentage of recycled material in Rockwool insulation, primarily due to the general statistics about mineral wool insulation. Rockwool is a specific type of mineral wool insulation that has become so well-known that its name is often used interchangeably with the general term, 'mineral wool.' Typically, Rockwool insulation is produced with approximately 16 to 40 percent recycled materials, as stated by the manufacturer. However, the U.S. Department of Energy claims mineral wool insulation averages 75 percent recycled content.

This estimate is somewhat challenging to substantiate, given that the Department of Energy distinguishes between standard 'rock wool' insulation and 'slag wool' insulation, without indicating the differences in recycled content. Overall, it can be inferred that the recycled content in Rockwool insulation varies by specific product. Standard Rockwool may contain 16 to 40 percent recycled material, while slag Rockwool could have up to 75 percent.

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3. Rockwool is known for its remarkable heat retention.

Both fiberglass and Rockwool effectively maintain home temperatures during seasonal changes, yet Rockwool's thermal efficiency is superior. While fiberglass insulation offers an R-value ranging from about 2.2 to 2.7 per insulation inch, Rockwool boasts an R-value between 3.0 to 3.3 per inch.

Moreover, fiberglass insulation tends to degrade over time, leading to a loss in thermal efficiency. The construction method and materials used in Rockwool insulation ensure consistent thermal performance over the lifespan of the building, although Rockwool typically costs more per square foot than fiberglass insulation.

4. The insulation material is fire-resistant up to 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit.

As previously mentioned, Rockwool insulation is created from actual rocks and steel slag, needing to exceed 2,900 degrees Fahrenheit for material amalgamation. Consequently, mineral wool products can resist fire, flames, and heat up to 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit, while some Rockwool variants can withstand temperatures of up to 2,150 degrees Fahrenheit without melting, smoking, or igniting.

This remarkable heat resistance is advantageous for constructing homes, as it provides a fire-resistant barrier between the home's interior and exterior, as well as between different rooms and floors, which slows fire propagation. While fiberglass insulation also exhibits considerable heat resistance, it begins to melt around 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Rockwool is a highly durable insulation choice.

It is hard to contest the durability of Rockwool, which retains its thermal efficiency for decades with little reduction in R-value. This durability stems from the materials—rocks and steel slag—known for their robust nature and resistance to decay and corrosion.

Rockwool’s durability extends beyond its thermal efficiency, as its impressive resistance to water, mold, mildew, and fire further enhances its longevity. This is particularly relevant regarding its moisture-resistant properties, preventing the insulation from absorbing excessive humidity, which could otherwise lead to early product degradation.

6. Rockwool insulation provides effective soundproofing.

Though some might find Rockwool insulation's weightiness off-putting due to its greater thickness when compared to fiberglass, this characteristic aids in thermal retention and enhances soundproofing. Sound waves passing through the material experience substantial attenuation or complete blockage, resulting in effective soundproofing.

The density of Rockwool insulation, approximately 1.7 pounds per cubic foot, is crucial for its soundproofing capabilities, effectively reducing sound levels by 10 to 15 decibels. In contrast, fiberglass insulation, with a density of 0.5 to 1.0 pounds per cubic foot, typically reduces sound by only 4 to 10 decibels.

7. Rockwool allows moisture to escape and deters mold growth.

The formulation and structure of Rockwool make it a suitable option for high-humidity areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Rockwool insulation's moisture-resistant and vapor-permeable features enable liquid water to drain away rather than saturate the material, while gaseous water vapor can move freely without dampening the insulation.

Furthermore, as an inorganic material, Rockwool does not provide a nourishing environment for mold or mildew, dramatically reducing the likelihood of biological issues when walls are opened. Products made from Rockwool hold certifications for resistance to fungal growth.

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