For homeowners and homebuilders, glass wool has been the insulation of choice for decades. While glass wool is still popular, another type of insulation is becoming increasingly popular in the insulation industry: rock wool insulation.
1. What is rock wool insulation material?
Rock wool, also known as mineral wool, uses easy-to-install cotton wool, similar to fiberglass. But instead of fluffy fiberglass, rock wool is made of rock, which seems simply impossible. Here's a brief introduction to the manufacturing process.
Natural rocks (basalt, omphamene, etc.) are heated in a furnace to about 1450 degrees until they melt into a liquid. The magma-like liquid is exposed to high-pressure air or steam jets and then spun into long fibers at ultra-high speeds. (Image: a cotton candy machine filled with liquid rocks.) These fibers** are harvested and compressed into thick, dense rock wool, which is then cut into the right size of insulating batting.
2. The unique composition of rock wool can produce high-performance thermal insulation materials with the following characteristics:
1. Made from natural, sustainable materials.
2. Usually contains up to 75% of the ingredients.
3. It retains heat well and traps air, thereby slowing down heat transfer.
4. Non-combustible, the refractory temperature is about 1000
5. High hydrophobicity.
6. Excellent sound insulation performance.
7. Higher insulation value than glass fiber.
8. Long-term performance - rock wool will not degrade over time.
9. Allow moisture to escape (prevent mildew).
10. The dense and sturdy cotton wool is fixed in place by friction and does not need to be bound.
3. Use rock wool insulation materials.
Rock wool insulation can be installed anywhere fiberglass or any other type of insulation is to be installed, including walls, floors, ceilings, attics, and small spaces. However, it is particularly suitable for rooms on the cold north side of the house as well as for interior rooms that require soundproofing, such as a **room or **studio.
Because stone wool is highly fire-resistant, it is ideal for use as a fireproof material between the floors of a house (and often meets code requirements).
Stone wool is also easy to use: sturdy batting can be cut with a serrated knife or hand saw to fit snugly in place. If wet, the water droplets will condense and roll off without soaking into the fibers. The stone wool fibers are compacted tightly together, and it is impossible for the insulation material to shift or collapse, which will greatly reduce its insulation value.
At this point, you may be wondering why stone wool is not the only type of insulation installed. Here's why:**
2 6 The cost of fiberglass insulation for the wall is 44 55 yuan per square meter. The cost of rock wool insulation for the same wall is about 81 yuan per square meter. This is a significant difference, especially when you insulate an entire home or large additions.
However, in most cases, you can recoup the extra cost by lowering your energy bills, as fiberglass insulation has an R-value of 19, while stone wool has an R-value of 23. Enhanced insulation allows you to keep you at home for long periods of time at a comfortable temperature without having to adjust your thermostat, which means you'll make up for your initial costs in a few years. In addition, with the long-term durability of rock wool insulation, your home will be well insulated and require little to no maintenance for years to come.