Mineral Wool and Fiberglass Insulation

Mineral Wool and Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is still the most popular because of its ease of installation and reduced cost. However, mineral wool is becoming popular as an insulation type. This article will attempt to explain the several advantages of mineral wool insulation over fiberglass in this article The top three benefits are:

  • It has superior fire resistance: Most are unaware that mineral wool is made from rock or slag, which is naturally fire resistant. Ultimately, this indicates that it can withstand higher temperatures without combusting. Therefore, it is safer to use insulation if there is a fire in your home or a metal building.
  • Superior in dampening Sound: Everyone wants a structure that reduces outside sound pollution. Insulation is the primary means of accomplishing this. Mineral wool is denser than fiberglass, making it superior in blocking sound.
  • Eco-friendliness: We live in a time when the population is becoming more environmentally conscious. Mineral wool is composed of a lot of renewable materials. This makes it preferred over fiberglass for many.

Now that I have touched on the three key benefits: soundproofing, fire protection, and eco-friendliness, I will elaborate on these areas:

Let’s start with Eco-friendliness:

 Mineral wool is primarily made of two raw materials: basalt stone and recycled slag. Basale is naturally abundant. It doesn’t have to be manufactured. The recycled slag comes from industrial waste from steel mills, so it helps the environment. Fiberglass, on the other hand, is made from manufactured materials. Therefore, it can be considered a drain on natural resources. So, if eco-friendliness is a big issue for you, mineral wool should be your choice. Moreover, mineral wool is heavier and denser, making it more durable than fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass tends to sag over time and will require straps to support it.

Soundproofing: Again, soundproofing is essential for an insulation choice. Mineral wool is an excellent choice in this area. The key reason it is a better soundproofing insulation is because it is denser. The denser the insulation, the more it blocks sound. The rating term is STC (Sound Transmission Class). It has an STC rating between 45-52, superior to fiberglass.

Fire Resistance: Nothing should exceed our interest more than safety when making an insulation choice.  Its non-combustible insulation can withstand temperatures above 1,000 C (1,800 F). This will effectively prevent fire from spreading. In addition, it doesn’t emit toxic smoke and gases.

So, why doesn’t everyone buy Mineral wool over fiberglass? Well, it costs more than fiberglass. If you have a large commercial or industrial project where eco-friendliness, soundproofing, and a fire barrier are critical, go with mineral wool. However, most people erecting a metal building or pole barn err towards fiberglass insulation because they want to save money! The other issues are essential, but their budget is the deciding factor. Another reason customers tend to select fiberglass insulation is because it is easily accessible. Mineral wool is more of a specialty insulation, and locating it can be challenging.