All About Glasswool Insulation

In a recent blog, we had a look at the various types of insulation materials you can use in your home and their strengths and weaknesses. Today, we’ll be exploring in detail what is widely regarded as one of the more popular types of insulation: glasswool.

This particular insulation material is recommended by wholesale insulation specialists for its high effectiveness when it comes to trapping heat. Here are a few reasons why it’s so good at what it does as well as some more information on what exactly it is.

How is it made?

Glasswool is created using recycled glass, sand and limestone. Here are the steps on how this particular type of insulation is created:

  • First, the glass, sand and limestone are put into a furnace for melting at a controlled temperature. Once it is molten, it passes through a channel into a cylindrical container with small holes.
  • The container spins rapidly and the molten glass flows out of the holes horizontally where they are blasted with air or hot gas, turning them into fibres.
  • The fibres then fall onto a conveyor belt below where they form a fleecy coat by interlacing with each other. This fleecy coat can then be used for insulation.
  • Alternatively, the wool can be sprayed with a binding agent and then cured in an oven to create flexible batts.

What makes glasswool so effective?

Glasswool is primarily used for acoustical and thermal purposes and is placed in wall cavities. The millions of tiny glasswool fibres trap air, restricting airflow and making it harder for the heat to pass through it. This is cost efficient as well, as its thermal properties can cut utility costs on things such as heating and air-conditioning.

Glasswool is a very flexible type of insulation as well and can come in batts and rolls. If a particular area of the house is more vulnerable and more likely to be exposed to thermal changes than the rest, then you can install greater amounts in those sections. Glasswool is also a non-combustible material which is a great perk to have for something that is housed in your ceiling and walls.

Glasswool R-values

The R-value is the rating system used to determine how effective a type of insulation is. As a rule of thumb, the higher the rating, the more effective the insulation is. The thickness of the insulation material – for example – will affect the R-value in a positive way.

The three types of R-values are:

  • Up R-value – This rates the effectiveness of insulation when it comes to keeping heat inside the house. This is important for the winter season and colder days.
  • Down R-value – The opposite of the “up” R-value, this rating gauges the effectiveness of insulation for keeping heat out of the house, which is crucial for summer.
  • Total R-value – The total R-value combines the other two together for the overall rating. This is what is most commonly shown when you’re browsing for insulation.

The R-value of glasswool insulation can range from anywhere between 1.2 and the highest rating, which is 7. To get the most out of the R-value, it is important to follow the instructions and install the insulation properly.

Installing insulation incorrectly could result in the glasswool being compressed, which will affect the R-value in a negative way. If done properly, glasswool will retain its assigned R-value for a long period of time, due to the fact that it does not settle after being installed.

Things to look out for

Unfortunately, like all forms of insulation, glasswool is not immune to water damage. Because glasswool relies on tiny air pockets for optimal performance, it’s important to ensure that it is always kept dry.

If your glasswool insulation does get wet due to storm damage, inspect it on all sides and assess the extent of the damage. If your insulation is only slightly wet, you’ll be able to dry it out and reinstall it. However, if it is severely soaked, you will need to replace it entirely.

Acoustic glasswool

Acoustic glasswool is a special type of glasswool material that is made specifically for soundproofing. This particular product has a golden physical appearance and – like its standard insulation counterpart – is also non-combustible. Acoustic glasswool can also double as insulation but may hold a lower R-value than the dedicated glasswool insulation range.

Buy wholesale insulation today

At Insulation Essentials we have over 20 years of experience in the industry and are more than happy to help with any questions you may have when it comes to insulating your home. As wholesale insulation specialists, you’ll find our competitive prices affordable on all insulation types, including glasswool.

Check out our full range glasswool at wholesale insulation pricing here. Please do not hesitate to give us a call on 03 8339 7111 or contact us via our online form today to find out more.