All You Need to Know About Rockwool Insulation

Insulation is a process that requires careful material selection and installation to ensure it serves its purpose.

Be it residential or commercial space, insulation helps to enhance energy efficiency by preventing heat escape from the premises. Here, cautious selection of the insulation material is the key.

Although many insulation materials are available in the market, Rockwool is considered one of the most popular and effective insulation manufacturers in the World. 

What Is Rockwool Insulation?

Rockwool is the UK’s leading manufacturer of stone wool insulation. From thermal insulation to sound insulation, pipe insulation to cavity barriers, Rockwool offers a variety of insulation options. Some of the products include: Rockwool pipe insulation, Rockwool thermal insulation, and Rockwool acoustic insulation.

What Is Rockwool Made Of?

Rockwool insulation, also known as mineral fibre wool insulation, comes in a batts design. It is similar to fibreglass, but its manufacturing criteria and material are different. Rockwool insulation is made of actual rocks and minerals. 

Rockwool manufactures its stone wool insulation by melting basalt and slag and spinning it to create fibres. The procured material is used for the Rockwool insulation products, which give the best result, whether acoustic or wall insulation.           

What Is Rockwool Used For?

Rockwool is a popular insulation material commonly used in construction, automotive, and industrial applications. It is used behind and around wires, pipes, and electrical boxes. 

How To Install Rockwool Insulation?

The installation of Rockwool insulation is quite easy. Although it is not toxic and not as itchy as fibreglass insulation, it makes dust, so there's a need for a dust mask and long gloves to avoid inhaling dust and mild itching.   

The Rockwool insulation installers are well aware of the installation process, so it’s always good to hire professional installers for the insulation job.

For do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts, it is advisable to refer to the Rockwool installation guide for best results.

How To Cut Rockwool Insulation?

Rockwool boards have a soft and fibrous texture, which is quite similar to a bread loaf. So, if you are wondering, ‘How to cut Rockwool?’, you can use a bread knife that can cut the Rockwool smoothly.

Even the company recommends using a serrated blade to easily cut through the Rockwool board. It is not advisable to use utility knives as they may dull too fast and tear the batts.

How To Install Rockwool Insulation In The Ceiling?

There are many ways to install Rockwool ceiling insulation. Slabs and suspended acoustic ceiling insulation can be slotted between the rafters of the suspended ceiling. They can be put on the top of the ceiling, or better, you can use glue or fix the slabs mechanically against the bottom of the load-bearing construction for the desired performance. 

How to do it?

1. Measure the area: How much insulation is needed?
2. Decide the focus: Depending on your property, you will need sound-absorbing ceiling panels more than the ones offering thermal retention.
3. Insulate from above: Access can be much easier if you insulate your floor from above, wherever possible.
4. In most cases, contractors consider Rockwool insulation soundproof for ceilings.

Do You Need A Vapour Barrier With Rockwool Insulation?

Rockwool insulation comes un-faced, so there is no foil barrier or kraft paper. Therefore, based on the situation, you may be required to install an independent permeable membrane that will act as a vapour barrier.

Is Rockwool Insulation Safe?

Rockwool insulation emits a small number of fibres into the air. These are less than one fibre per cubic cm. According to research, even if inhaled, these fibres do not cause any harm, either to our lungs or our health. This makes Rockwool the most popular and safe material for insulation applications.  

Rockwool Wall Insulation

All commercial and residential properties are furnished, keeping the insulation needs in mind. In the UK, insulation is one of the most essential and crucial aspects considered for achieving energy efficiency, living comfort and cost savings on energy bills within the building. 

Reputed building contractors prefer to use only the best material for insulation purposes. Rockwool wall insulation over the decades has become the most preferred choice. It has been designed to boost acoustic performance and reduce thermal transmission.

• Separating wall: Improve energy efficiency and safety of your living space with natural acoustic, fire and thermal insulation.
• Partition wall: Enhance comfort and privacy of your living space with fire resistance and soundproofing.
• Internal dry lining: Experience enhanced comfort and thermal performance with dry lining, which is placed against the inside of the outer wall.

Rockwool Fireproof Insulation

Besides walls, Rockwool offers pipe insulation brackets that provide the best thermal insulation. If you install the Rockwool fire sleeve on your pipes, you can get up to two hours of fire resistance*, making it a safer choice.

Advantages Of Rockwool Insulation

1. Rockwool material has great water retention capacity, which is advantageous against power/equipment failures.
2. Rockwool material can hold 18–25% air, providing the root system adequate oxygen and enough for the media to get completely submerged.
3. Rockwool is available in multiple shapes and sizes (from one inch to huge slabs) for different hydroponic applications.
4. Rockwool is a durable insulation material, which does not break down or fall apart easily.

Rockwool insulation price depends on the size of the building, the thickness of the walls, and the quantity required. In the UK, you can contact Galaxy Insulation and Dry Lining – a leading company providing complete insulation solutions to residential and commercial clients since 2009. The company offers a complete range of Rockwool products with expert guidance and installation solutions. For more information, get in touch today!