Types of Insulation
Mineral wood and fiberglass insulations are available in different forms. These include:
- Blanket insulation: It comes in the form of batts or rolls. They come in widths that fit standard attic trusses, floor joists, and wall studs.
- Loose-fill and blown-in insulation: This insulation adapts to any space without affecting its structure or finish. It is ideal for retrofits and hard-to-reach areas.
- Rigid fibrous or fiber insulation: This type of insulation is typically ideal for air ducts.
Installing Insulation
Proper installation ensures optimal thermal performance or R-value. This helps determine how well the insulation can resist the heat flow. Before we talk about popular insulation materials, it is important to take note of certain things.
- Consult multiple contractors. Get a written cost estimate for the R-value.
- Discuss the contractor's experience in the field. This can add significant value to the installation process. It can also impact the performance of the insulation.
- Seal any air leaks before the installation process. Ask your contractor for an air sealing service and the additional cost.
- Consider measuring the batt thickness. Also, check the gaps between them and the framing.
- Consider safety precautions. Also, review local building and fire codes.
Mineral Wool vs. Fiberglass: What Insulation to Choose
If you are looking to know the difference between mineral wool vs. fiberglass batts insulation, the steps below will help you make the right choice.
What is Mineral Wool Insulation?
Mineral wool is also known as rock wool or slag wool. It is made from rock or other minerals. They are melted through a high-heat process and turned into fibers. These fibers are further spun to manufacture the wool and compressed into large sheets. Mineral wool insulation comes in batts, rolls and loose fills.
What is Fiberglass Insulation Material?
Fiberglass insulation material is made from fine glass fibers. Glass is heated to extreme temperatures to create thin, fiber-like glass threads. They are then compressed to make batts, rolls and loose-fill insulation.
Mineral Wool vs. Fiberglass Insulation: What is Better?
Let’s discover the difference between mineral wool vs. fiberglass insulation with a detailed comparison of the two to help you make the right choice.
Thermal R-Value
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool batts are a great choice when it comes to thermal performance. They beat the fiberglass batts with a 22–37% higher R-value per inch. Mineral wool wins with an R-value of up to R15 for a 3.5-inch material thickness.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass offers an R-value of R13 for the same 3.5-inch material thickness.
Choosing a higher R-value will help lower your utility bills by regulating heat flow in your residence.
Fire Resistance
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool has an extremely high melting temperature. It can withstand fires up to 2,000°F. This makes it a good choice for exterior installations. It does not exude smoke or spread flames in the event of a fire.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is less resistant to fire. It can melt at temperatures around 1,200°F.
Moisture Resistance
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool comprises rock or slag fibers. This makes it naturally moisture-resistant.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is less resistant to water and moisture. On getting wet, it can allow mold to grow freely.
Insulation Weight
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool is a denser material. It is too heavy for attics, where insulation rests on gypsum board.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is comparatively lighter and suitable for insulation application in areas like an attic.
Sound Control
Mineral Wool
The high density of mineral wool allows for better soundproofing. This quality makes mineral wool ideal for interior walls, ceilings and floors.
Fiberglass
The low density makes fiberglass less efficient than mineral wool. The difference is tough for humans to decipher.
Ideal Use
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool is used for basements, heated crawl spaces and exterior wall insulation. This material can also be used in continuous insulation applications.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is frequently used for insulation in attics, basements, garages and interior and exterior walls.
Installation
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool is easy to install and can be cut using an insulation knife.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is also easy to install but requires a utility knife with a straight edge to cut properly.
Make the Right Choice
Before installing mineral wool, fiberglass batts insulation or any other insulation type in your home, consider various factors, such as budget, moisture control and place of usage.
R-Value Insulation Calculator at Lowe's
Simplify your insulation project with our R-Value Insulation Calculator. Provide the depth of the existing blown-in insulation (in inches) and click the button to calculate the approximate R-value for your job.