Rockwool Insulation: Your Complete Guide

You won’t need staples. Add the insulation in the hole and cut any obstructions with a utility knife.
Here’s a quick rundown of water-resistant insulation. 
Yes, it is. If you have leftover pieces, you can recycle them too.

What Is Rockwool Insulation? 

Thicknesses, size, and installation options are insulation qualities to consider.
Well, we will go more into the details later when comparing it to other insulation but again, the short answer is that it is more expensive than other insulation. Is it worth it? That’s the question we need to address.

Why Use Rockwool Insulation

The insulation is moisture resistant. If it gets wet, let it dry and check on it once a month to make sure it doesn’t have mold. 
You will need to add a vapor barrier with a cement board. Place the barrier behind the board. This will stop the moisture from penetrating into your walls.
Installing each type of insulation is unique. For example, spray foam requires a special sprayer while fiberglass requires staples.

Rockwool Insulation Factors

• Sustainable – contains 75 percent recyclable materials. 
• Efficient – those who switch to rockwool often report lower energy bills.
• Fire-resistant – it withstands high temperatures before it melts. 
• Water-resistant – it resists and repels water. 
• Soundproof – it’s a great noise muffler. When used in walls and ceilings, it can reduce the sound transfer between the indoors and outdoors.
• Doesn’t degrade – made with rocks, so it’s stronger. 
• Mold-resistant – yes.
• Easy-to-install – doesn’t require staples.

Where To Put Rockwool Insulation

Rockwool insulation has many benefits.
When looking at the pros and cons, it’s best to compare it with other products. 

• Ceilings
• Attics
• Crawlspaces
• Walls
• Floors/Basements 

Where Not To Install Rockwool Insulation 

Rockwool insulation is extraordinary. The insulation protects your home from heat loss during cold weather. When it’s hot outside, the insulation keeps your house cool. It is energy efficient and can help you save money.
The insulation is un-faced, so it doesn’t have kraft paper or a foil barrier. You might need a separate permeable membrane to act as a vapor barrier.

Rockwool Insulation Vs. Other Insulation Types

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Efficiency 

Real rocks are heated to around 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit to the point of liquefaction. When melted, the rocks look like magma and are pressurized before being spun to create long strands.

• Rockwool – 3-4 per inch, range of R13 to R38.
• Fiberglass – 2-3 per inch, range of R11 to R37.
• Cellulose – 3-4 per inch, range of R11 to R30.
• Foam – 3-5 per inch, range of R3 to R25.
• Natural Fibers – 1-3 per inch.

Eco-friendly 

It would be hard to find better insulation for your home. When you sell your home, it will be more appealing to potential homebuyers. 

• Rockwool – 70-75% recycled.
• Fiberglass – 20-40% recycled. 
• Cellulose – 80-90% recycled. 
• Foam – depends on brand.
• Natural Fibers – usually 100% recycled. 
• Bonus: denim – 100% recycled. 

Cost

Here are the most common advantages that it offers:

• Rockwool – $1.50 to $2 per square foot.
• Fiberglass – $0.50 to $1 per square foot.
• Cellulose – $1 per square foot.
• Foam – $0.30 to $2 per square foot.
• Natural Fibers – $0.50 to $3 per square foot.

Fire-Resistance 

Rockwool won’t irritate your skin or throat like fiberglass insulation. However, don’t inhale it. You’ll need to wear a mask and goggles. 

• Rockwool – 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Fiberglass – 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Cellulose – 800 degrees Fahrenheit.  
• Foam – 700 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Natural Fibers – depends on the material.

Water-Resistance 

You might be wondering, but it can go anywhere. 
Fill in any gaps in the area where the insulation will go. Start with caulk around windows, doors, and other spaces that are half an inch wide. You can use expanding foam for larger cracks and gaps. 

• Rockwool – water-resistant.
• Fiberglass – yes, after resin application. 
• Cellulose – yes, after protectant is applied. 
• Foam – high-density, closed-cell. 
• Natural Fibers – sometimes.

Versatility

So it looks like cotton or fiberglass insulation but it’s made of rocks. The rocks are spread thin throughout the insulations. It doesn’t mean they are no longer rock hard, making for durable insulation. 

How To Install Rockwool Insulation 

The most common places or rockwool insulation: 
The R-value is the insulation based on thickness. Some areas need a thin layer of foam while others need six or eight inches of protection. A high R-value is a positive indicator that means the insulation has strong insulating qualities. The highest R-rating is 45.

Step 1: Fill Gaps With Foam/Caulk

Rockwool is a material that is known as mineral wool. The material is made from rocks, not wool

Step 2: Don Gear

Start from the bottom and outside of the house. The exterior walls, crawlspaces, and basement ceilings. Cut each piece and install it.

Step 3: Install In Floors And Walls

Rockwool is water-resistant.

Step 4: Install In Ceilings And Attic 

Enjoy Your New Rockwool Insulation

Here are the temperatures each insulation can withstand before it melts or catches fire:

Rockwool Insulation Conclusion

When it comes to fire protection, rockwool insulation is the best.
There are many insulation options available at different prices.