Mineral Wool Insulation
Mineral wool insulation is a versatile, fire-resistant material made from natural or synthetic minerals, offering excellent thermal performance, sound absorption, and fire protection for buildings.
Composition
Material designed to reduce heat transfer with specific thermal resistance properties
Properties
R-Value
R-3.0 to R-4.3 per inch
Provides good thermal resistance with consistent performance across a wide temperature range.
Density
2.5 to 8.0 lb/ft³
Available in various densities for different applications, with higher densities providing better acoustic performance.
Fire Resistance
Non-combustible (ASTM E136)
Can withstand temperatures up to 2000°F (1093°C) without burning, melting, or contributing to fire spread.
Sound Absorption
NRC 0.95-1.05
Excellent sound absorption properties, particularly at mid to high frequencies.
Moisture Resistance
High
Hydrophobic (water-repellent) properties allow it to shed water and maintain performance even after getting wet.
Compressive Strength
Varies by product (up to 11 psi)
Higher density boards provide good compressive strength for certain applications.
Applications
Exterior Wall Insulation
Installed in cavity walls or as continuous insulation, providing thermal performance while allowing walls to breathe.
Fire Protection
Used around fireplaces, chimneys, and as firestopping in commercial buildings due to its high temperature resistance.
Acoustic Treatment
Installed in walls, ceilings, and floors to reduce sound transmission and improve room acoustics.
Roof Insulation
Used in flat roofs, pitched roofs, and attics to provide thermal insulation and fire protection.
HVAC Insulation
Wrapped around ducts and pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent condensation, particularly in high-temperature applications.
Industrial Applications
Used in industrial settings for high-temperature insulation of equipment, vessels, and pipes.
Advantages
- Excellent fire resistance and high-temperature performance
- Superior sound absorption properties
- Water-repellent while remaining vapor permeable
- Maintains R-value across a wide temperature range
- Doesn't support mold growth
- Dimensionally stable with minimal settling over time
- Resistant to rodents and insects
- Often contains recycled content (particularly slag wool)
Limitations
- Higher cost than fiberglass insulation
- Heavier than fiberglass, requiring stronger support in some applications
- Can cause skin irritation during installation (though less than fiberglass)
- Requires proper protective equipment during handling
- Higher embodied energy in manufacturing compared to some natural insulations
- Less widely available than fiberglass in some markets
- Stiffer material can make installation in irregular spaces more challenging
- Dust during cutting and installation requires proper respiratory protection
Sustainability Profile
Insulation materials significantly reduce building energy consumption over their lifetime, often offsetting their production impact. Bio-based insulation options offer renewable alternatives to synthetic materials.