In terms of thermal insulation materials, rock wool and glass wool are the two most commonly used materials, which can make your home or business more comfortable and energy efficient. Rock wool and glass wool are inorganic fiber materials, both appearance and performance are relatively similar, below, Xiaobian to explain the advantages and disadvantages of rock wool and glass wool, so that you can better choose the right material.

1. Rock wool

Rock wool is mainly made of basalt and slag materials. In many ways, mineral wool is a quality insulation product. Compared to glass wool, it has a higher R value, about 22-37% higher. It contains 70% recycled material, making it a more environmentally friendly product than glass wool, which contains 20-30% recycled material. The density of rockwool is more than three times that of glass fiber, which has excellent sound insulation properties. Harder cotton batting is not as fluffy as glass wool, so it is easier to place in place and does not require staples or wire to hold it in place. Rockwool is hydrophobic, so it does not absorb water, and it does not breed mold, bacteria, etc. In addition, the fire resistance of rock wool is very high, which can play the role of fire prevention.

However, like many building materials, rockwool has its drawbacks. It tends to be more expensive than glass wool, typically costing 25-50% more. In addition, because rockwool is denser, it is also heavier, which makes it more clumsy to handle during ceiling installation. Its dense nature requires the use of a serrated bread knife or a wood saw to cut the cotton tire to size, and it is difficult to find a loosely filled form.

2. Glass wool

Glass wool is made from quartz sand (sand) or recycled glass. The use of glass wool is more common, in part because of its affordable price. Overall, it has a good R-value, even if it's not the best. Another reason for the popularity of glass wool is that it is available in a variety of sizes to add veneers. Glass wool is a green material that contains 20-30% recycled ingredients. It is lightweight and easy to install in a variety of environments, usually using only a flat-headed staple gun. Loose fill options are extensive, allowing you to fill in strange wall holes or add insulation to your attic.

Glass wool also has its drawbacks. Glass wool can be compressed, causing it to lose its R-value. When it gets wet, it absorbs water, causing it to lose its R-value. Although it is a non-combustible material, it does not provide the same fire rating as rockwool. Its R value is not as good as rockwool, and the overall density is lower, so it does not dampen the sound as much as mineral wool.

Both rock wool and glass wool have good thermal insulation properties. Rockwool has better fire resistance and stronger sound insulation, but it is heavier. The price of glass wool is more affordable and the operation is simple, but some properties are not as good as rock wool.