We are committed to helping you choose the best insulation product for your home. We make it our top priority that you have accurate information about all of our products. Rockwool or Earthwool? It’s your choice.
What is Earth wool Insulation?
Earthwool, also known as fiberglass or earth glass, comprises up to 80% of recycled glass material. Earthwool insulation is easy to install and handle thanks to its environmentally friendly binder resign.
Acoustic insulation made from earth wool is denser than regular insulation batts. This allows for sound absorption and prevents sound transfer inside the home.
Earth wool Insulation Key Benefits:
- High thermal performance
- Low itch factor
- Non-combustible
- It is odourless
- Warranty of 50 years
- Compression packed
What is Rockwool Insulation?
Rockwool, as its name implies, is made of rock like basalt. It is then melted and spun at high temperatures to make fibers used as insulation rolls or batts.
No binder resin is required. Rockwool and Earthwool insulation reduce heat transfer by trapping air inside tiny air pockets made by insulation fibers.
Rockwool insulation properties will be affected if it is compressed. Rockwool insulation has a reputation for being non-combustible and able to withstand Heat up to 1000°C.
Rockwool Insulation Key Benefits:
- Fire Resistance
- Acoustic ratings
- Non-combustible
- High thermal performance
- 10-year warranty
There are many other benefits to Rockwool pipe insulation, as mentioned below.
- The process can be controlled by temperature using piping insulation.
- Avoid vapor flow and condensation on cold surfaces
- Increase the efficiency of heating/cooling, power, and other process systems.
- Reduce the damage to the piping caused by fires or other accidents.
- To a large extent, reduce pollutant emissions into the atmosphere
Sometimes, steam traced/electric traced insulation, acoustic ceiling insulation, jacketing are used depending on the process/licensor requirements.
Based on the project specifications/ ITB requirements, fireproofing, fire protection, and acoustic isolation (to absorb vibration) can be provided.
- Cost – Earthwool and Rockwool
Rockwool insulation tends to be three times more costly than Earthwool insulation. This is because both products are made overseas.
Because Earthwool insulation can be compressed more easily than Rockwool, it is easier to transport and reduces transportation costs.
Kingspan pipe insulation is more expensive than Rockwool insulation. But don’t let that deter you. This product is excellent for applications that require fire ratings.
- Acoustic rating – Earthwool or Rockwool
Rockwool, due to its high density, is an effective barrier against noise transfer between rooms. It is suitable for many applications, including residential buildings, offices, and hospitals.
The acoustic product known as a sound shield, which earth wool insulation uses, is denser than regular thermal batts and can be purchased in R2.0HD to R2.5HD to R2.7HD to R4.0HD.
Rockwool and Earthwool are comparable in terms of their acoustic ratings. Both can absorb as much as 75% sound vibrations.
- Thermal Rating: Rockwool Vs. Earthwool
The R-value is the thermal rating of insulation. The Higher the R-value, the better the current performance.
Rockwool insulation has an R-value between 3-4 and 2.7 per inch, while Earthwool insulation has 2.2 to 2.7 per in. Rockwool is slightly more insulating than Earthwool.
- Fire Rating – Earthwool vs. Rockwool
Rockwool insulation is made of stone wool fibers that are non-combustible. It can withstand temperatures up to 1000°C. Rockwool insulation will not burn.
This means that it can help contain a fire and deter its spread. Rockwool insulation will not emit toxic smoke due to its low organic content. This is an essential feature of Rockwool, as toxic smoke inhalation causes more harm than fire.
The Earthwool insulation, which is non-combustible, will not be used as a fire starter. The fire performance ratings of Earthwool insulation have been determined following AS/NZ 530.3 code.
Acoustic insulation board indicates: Ignitability Spread of Flame: 0, Heat Evolved; 0, Smoke development: 0-1.
How to Install Rockwool?
We often talk about the benefits and importance of ensuring that our homes are well insulated. Rockwool is our favorite mineral wool. Let’s look at some tips and tricks to make the installation of Rockwool insulation easier.
Rockwool is a popular choice because of its fire-resistant and water-repellant properties. It can also be used to insulate buildings that are higher than building codes.
Acoustic floor insulation can be used for many purposes. You can use it to insulate exposed floors, protect interior walls from Heat, insulate basements, blanket exterior walls, and soundproof your attic, bathroom, and home theater from outside noises like traffic.
Rockwool insulation products are easy to use. There are many options. You can cut the batt with a bread knife or a drywall knife. Then, place it in its desired location.
Types of Piping Insulation Based on the Function of Insulation
- Hot Insulation
To prevent energy flow from fluid flowing, hot insulation is applied to the hot surfaces of the pipes. The primary purpose of hot piping insulation, therefore, is heat conservation. As Hot Insulating materials, Mineral Wool, Glass Wool, and Calcium Silicate are all familiar.
- Cold Insulation
Cold Insulation refers to insulation used on cold surfaces in piping systems to prevent heat loss from the outside (Cold Conservation) or condensation.
The most widely used cold insulation materials are expanded perlite foam and expanded polystyrene foam.
- Protective Insulation for Personal Protection
To prevent heat injury, personal protection insulation is available. Acoustic boards for walls are applied to expose piping surfaces above 65 degrees Celsius. You can leave exposed areas that aren’t accessible to construction personnel or operators.
Personal protection means that exposed surfaces within 600 mm horizontally and 2100 mm vertically from regular access, walkway, or work area must be insulated.
- Acoustic Insulation
All piping considered a sound source is eligible for Acoustic Insulation. Acoustic insulation is used to reduce noise and vibration to a minimum level. Acoustic insulation should be no thicker than 75mm.
Let’s See, What Is The Conclusion?
Rockwool has a high R-value, acoustic, and fire rating, but it is more expensive than Earthwool. Rockwool is not recommended for projects that have specific fire requirements.
Earthwool, however, will be more economical and non-combustible. You can choose from a range of R-values or density ratings for acoustic insulation panels to attain your desired thermal and acoustic results.