Glass Wool Or Mineral Wool: Which One to Choose?

You need to make sure that the materials and tools you use for insulation are the best and that the materials you use are appropriate for the job at hand. Fiberglass and mineral wool are two of the best materials, but which is better in different situations?

What is glass wool insulation?

Glass wool insulation is sometimes referred to as fiberglass, which makes sense considering that it is actually made from glass fibers. To make it, glass is heated to extremely high temperatures until it reaches its melting point and then is spun rapidly to form glass fibers. These fibers are bound together and used as an insulating material.

It works by using pockets of air that act as a barrier to ensure that heat does not escape. Glass wool is used in a variety of ways, including in insulated panels, rods, rolls, and loose insulation.

What is mineral wool insulation?

Mineral wool insulation is also known as asbestos or rock wool. It is made from a range of raw materials such as rocks and stones in a process very similar to the one described earlier for glass wool insulation. These materials are again melted at high temperatures and then spun into fibers. The mineral wool is then usually packaged into boards, rolls, or rods.

Formaldehyde-free Glass Wool

Which is more sustainable?

If sustainability is your main consideration, then glass wool may be the best choice for you. This is because it is made up of about 85% recycled material, compared to about 70% for mineral wool. This means that glass wool tends to be a better choice with a lower environmental impact.

Which material is better for blocking sound?

If you live in a noisy area and are constantly disturbed by loud noises from outside your house, mineral wool is a better choice for blocking sound through walls and floors because it is a denser material than glass wool. It also helps prevent sound from leaving your home and disturbing your neighbors, which may be important if you have a drum kit or guitar that needs extra soundproofing. If this is a big concern, there are many specific soundproofing products to choose from.

What is the R-value of glass wool and mineral wool?

R-value relates to the ability of a material to resist heat at a given thickness. the higher the R-value, the better it will resist heat transfer. When comparing the R-value of glass wool and mineral wool insulation, they both have a thermal conductivity of around 0.044 W/mK, so they are very similar in this respect.

Formaldehyde-Free Glass Wool

Which one is easier to install?

Mineral wool is generally considered easier to install because it is easier to cut and install, which is important if you are doing it yourself rather than hiring a professional to help. Mineral wool is heavier and easier to install in place, while glass wool is often difficult to fit into certain spaces when you need it.

Which is cheaper?

This will depend on the specific product and brand you use, but glass wool is usually about 10% cheaper than mineral wool, or more. Therefore, if you have a strict budget, then cheaper glass wool may be your first choice.

Which material is more resistant to burning?

It goes without saying that you want the insulation product you choose to be as fire resistant as possible, and both options are non-combustible. That said, mineral wool is much more fire resistant and can even be used as a fireproof material. So if making sure your home is as fireproof as possible is your top priority, then mineral wool will be the choice for you.

Which material is more moisture resistant?

Moisture can form and cause a lot of damage to a property if not taken care of properly, and mineral wool is certainly the more moisture resistant of the two. It has a natural resistance to water and will not suffer from moisture. This is not the case with glass wool, which can be subjected to moisture, thereby reducing its insulating properties.