Stone wool and glass wool insulation are two of the most commonly used insulation types in residential construction. We’re going to cover their main differences as well as their pros and cons.
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Chapters
0:00 Mineral wool vs fiberglass
0:40 Stone wool insulation manufacturing
2:27 Rockwool products
2:48 Fiberglass insulation manufacturing
4:00 Owens Corning products
4:30 Cost differences, weight, density
5:05 Thermal drift
5:56 Sound proofing
6:21 Waterproofing
7:02 Fireproofing
7:47 Ease of use
8:13 Health risks
8:58 Recycling
10:00 Options products
10:18 Vapor permeability

Stone wool. Its main ingredients are basalt rock, slag, coke and recycled stone wool waste. Basalt rock is a dark, igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of molten lava. It makes up 98% of the final product. Slag is a by-product of the smelting of metals like iron, copper, lead and nickel. Coke is made by heating coal or oil in the absence of air. The most popular stone wool manufacturer is Roxul or Rockwool. Comfort Batt is a semi-rigid product used inside homes on walls connected to the exterior. Comfort Board is a compressed, rigid product used outside homes for continuous insulation. Safe n Sound is used in interior partitions.

Fiberglass or glass wool insulation. Its main ingredients are sand or silicon dioxide, soda ash or sodium carbonate, limestone or calcium bicarbonate and crushed up recycled glass called cullet. The most popular fiberglass manufacturer is Owens Corning. Their EcoTouch Insulation is available in batts, rolls, and blown-in loosefill.

Cost differences. 6 pieces of 16inx48in R30 Rockwool insulation costs $61 at Lowe’s. This equivalent 16inx48in R30 Fiberglass insulation costs $64 at Home Depot but it contains 11 pieces. Stone wool is almost twice the price of fiberglass. Since stone wool 3 times denser it is also heavier. A single batt of R30 stone wool weighs 6.6 pounds while an equivalent batt of R30 fiberglass weighs 3 pounds.

Both of these insulation types operate on the insulating property of air trapped between the fibers. This loss of R value over time is called thermal drift. The high density of the stone wool equals more trapped air and better sound absorption properties than fiberglass. Stone wool insulation is naturally hydrophobic or waterproof because it is made of basalt rock. Fiberglass on the other hand isn’t waterproof. It can absorb water and moisture, become compacted and lose all insulating properties. Stone wool is naturally fire resistant up to 2000F because it has a high melting point. Fiberglass is not as fire-resistant, it will burn. The kraft paper or foil facing will make it burn even quicker. Stone wool is easier to install because the dense, firm batts friction-fit into place and don’t require any stapling both on the walls and ceiling. Fiberglass is floppy, so it needs to be secured with staples or wire.

You must wear gloves, long sleeved shirts and a respirator when handling both of these materials. If it touches your bare skin, tiny shards of rocks or glass will be embedded in it and causes rashes. The marketing for their “recycled content” is very tricky.

Vapor permeability is the ability to allow movement of water vapor molecules through the material. I’ll make another video that dives into permeability and perm rating but rock wool is vapor permeable. If it’s used as continuous exterior insulation it allows your facade to breathe and dry out. Fiberglass is also vapor permeable, but you have to be careful with the orientation of the foil or paper faced batts. They must face inward in cold climates and outward in warm climates.
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SOURCES:
   • National Slag Association Iron and St...  
   • How It's Made, Fiberglass Insulation.  
   • How It's Made - Stone Wool Insulation  
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   • How to Soundproof Ceilings Between Fl...  
   • How to finish your garage  
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#mineralwool #rockwool #fiberglass #insulation #comparison #architecture #construction #design