Rock wool is an insulator made from volcanic and basalt rocks widely used for the insulation of constructions. In recent years, it has tended to replace glass wool despite its slightly higher cost, due to its better thermal and acoustic performance, but also for its less irritating composition. Let’s take a look at the characteristics of rock wool, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as its cost.
What are the characteristics of rock wool? What price ?
Rock wool is an insulating material of mineral origin, like its cousin, glass wool, which it has tended to replace in recent years. It is a natural material derived from volcanic, dolomitic and basaltic eruptive rocks. Rock wool is highly valued for its thermal and sound insulating properties. It is more effective than glass wool on this last point, but also less irritating. Light and efficient, it is appreciated for insulating homes and all types of construction.
As incombustible as glass wool, on the other hand it reacts much better to water and humidity since it does not absorb them, unlike its cousin which retracts on contact with them.
Stone wool has a higher price than glass wool, because of its advantages over the latter, but it is nevertheless attractive in terms of cost. Indeed, it takes an average of 10 to 15 euros per square meter for a thickness of 100 mm.
Stone wool is sold in the form of rolls, panels or flakes, which allows it to adapt to all needs. It is used to insulate walls, attics, ceilings, roofs and other elements both in new constructions and in the context of renovations.
What are the benefits of this insulation?
Rock wool is an insulating material that has certain advantages:
- Stone wool is inexpensive compared to many other insulators. It is indeed one of the cheapest materials on the market, although it is slightly more expensive than glass wool. It is an insulator with a very attractive price/quality ratio.
- It is an excellent heat and sound insulator. Thanks to its high thermal resistance, it helps to maintain a good indoor comfort temperature in the middle of winter without causing the energy bill to explode.
- Easy to install, rock wool comes in several flexible and semi-rigid formats to meet all needs.
- Rock wool is much more resistant to humidity and water than glass wool since it does not absorb them.
- It is a durable, rot-proof and incombustible material. It offers a good barrier against fire to slow the progression of fires.
- Rock wool is a breathable insulator, which allows air and water vapor to circulate. As a result, indoor air is less exposed to humidity and healthier for its occupants.
What are the disadvantages of this material?
If rock wool is an interesting material, it is not without its drawbacks:
- Rock wool is a good thermal insulator, which allows it to protect the house from the cold. On the other hand, it does not perform well against heat and does not protect the house from summer heat as well as glass wool.
- Rock wool is durable, but to preserve its insulating capacity, it must be replaced every 15 years on average, which has a certain cost.
- This insulation is less irritating than glass wool, but it is essential to protect yourself just as much to install it. Mask, gloves, glasses and protective clothing are strongly recommended, because its fibers are very volatile and dangerous for the lungs. Similarly, remember to put in place an airtight film to prevent the CMV from sucking up these particles and diffusing them into the air.
- The ecological balance of stone wool is relatively negative, insofar as it is not renewable and difficult to recycle. In addition, its production requires a lot of energy.