Is glass wool expensive?

Author: Ruby

Nov. 04, 2024

Glass Wool vs Mineral Wool: Which Is Best for Insulation?

Insulating your home and making it heat efficient has become a necessity for any property. Insulating your walls prevents heat from passing through, which means you&#;ll save on your energy bills and enjoy a much more comfortable home year-round. 

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When installing insulation, materials often used include glass wool or mineral wool insulation, which are cheaper alternatives to foam insulation. Both types of wool insulation are popular among contractors, and are suitable for a range of uses including cavity walls, but which one really is best for insulation? 

Mineral wool insulation comes out on top over glass wool insulation in many aspects; however, glass wool is more affordable and effectively does much the same job. So, the answer to which one is better depends on your needs and budget.

To help you choose between the two type, let&#;s check out the benefits and drawbacks of both types of wool thermal insulation. 

What Is Glass Wool Insulation? 

Glass wool, also known as fibreglass insulation or glass mineral wool, comes from glass fibres. Manufacturers create these fibres by heating the glass until it melts, then spin it quickly to create thin, hair-like glass fibres. These fibres are then gathered to become an effective insulation material. 

When packed together, these glass fibres create little air pockets to act as a barrier to heat. Since air is a poor conductor of heat, it helps trap the heat in its place and prevent it from entering or exiting the room. Glass wool comes in rolls, batts, loose-fill, and within insulation boards. 

Main Benefits of Glass Wool Insulation 

  1. In most cases, glass wool is more affordable than mineral wool. 
  2. Glass wool is highly sustainable and has a low impact on the environment.
  3. Glass wool insulates your home efficiently and reduces your energy bills. 
  4. The thickness of glass wool allows it to be installed almost anywhere. 
  5. Due to its thickness and affordable price, glass wool can be installed in large areas without costing a fortune. 

Main Drawbacks of Glass Wool Insulation

  1. It tends to gather moisture, which could harbour mould, mildew, fungi, and bacteria.
  2. The installation process of glass wool is harder than mineral wool, since it&#;s softer and more malleable.

What Is Mineral Wool Insulation? 

Sometimes referred to as stone wool, rock mineral wool, or rock wool, mineral wool insulation is created from raw materials like volcanic rock and stones. 

These raw materials go through a melting process similar to that of glass wool. The material is melted, spun into fibres, and then packed into batts, rolls, or slabs. 

To tell them apart, you&#;ll notice that the mineral wool has a grey colour from the rocks and stones used to create it. As for the glass wool, it has a distinguishable yellow tinge due to the curing agent. 

Main Benefits of Mineral Wool 

  1. Mineral wool is fairly easy to install because of its stiff nature.
  2. It&#;s relatively denser and thicker than glass wool, which makes it a great soundproof acoustic insulator. 
  3. It&#;s highly resistant to fire and moisture.
  4. Mineral wool provides excellent heat insulation to lower your energy bills throughout the year. 

Main Drawbacks of Mineral Wool

  1. Sometimes mineral wool doesn&#;t fit in certain places because it&#;s thicker than glass wool. 
  2. Mineral wool is more expensive than glass wool, so using it to install insulation over large areas will have cost implications.

Glass Wool vs. Mineral: Which One Is Better for Insulation? 

Now that you know how to differentiate between them, which one should you choose to insulate your home? 

Good thermal and acoustic insulation are among the 7 main considerations we outline below that should help you decide which insulation material you should use.  

1. R-Value

The most important factor in any insulator is its R-value. A material&#;s capacity to resist heat flow at a given thickness is measured by its R-value. The higher the R-value of the material, the better its thermal performance, energy efficiency, and suitability as an insulation product. 

When comparing glass wool and mineral wool insulators, you&#;ll find that there&#;s a slight difference between their R-values and therefore their thermal efficiency. 

Glass wool has an R-value of 2.2 to 2.7 per inch, while mineral wool has an R-value of 3 to 3.3 per inch. This means that a mineral wool insulator is a little better at resisting heat flow than its glass wool alternative. 

Higher R-value: Mineral wool insulation

2.Sustainability

Both insulators are made out of materials that exist abundantly in nature, such as sand and rocks. However, glass wool consists of 85% recycled glass and 15% sand, which makes it highly sustainable and environmentally friendly. 

On the other hand, mineral wool is made of recycled slag, stones, and rocks. Although the percentage of recycled materials that go into mineral wool production isn&#;t as high as that of glass wool, it&#;s still incredibly sustainable, too. 

Mineral wool production has a lower carbon footprint than that of glass wool. Additionally, even though glass wool could technically be recycled, there isn&#;t a clear system in the UK to put used glass wool back into the industrial cycle. 

So, with all factors considered, mineral wool is the more sustainable option.

Higher Sustainability: Mineral wool insulation

3. Acoustic Insulation

Whether you live on a busy street, have noisy neighbours, partition walls, or want to soundproof your home studio, you&#;ll need insulation materials that provide effective acoustic insulation. 

Since mineral wool is much denser than glass wool, generally it has a better ability to prevent sound from travelling in or out of a property. Glass wool may also double as a sound absorber, but it just doesn&#;t perform as well as mineral wool since the glass fibres are less dense. 

Higher Sound Insulation: Mineral wool insulation

4. Cost

Prices may vary depending on the exact product and brand you use. However, glass wool generally costs around 10% less than mineral wool.

If you&#;re on a tight budget and want to reduce your costs, opting for fibreglass instead of stone wool may be the more cost effective option. It&#;ll do pretty much the same job and minimise heat loss for a lesser price. 

Also, residential and commercial places in cities with moderate temperatures all year long don&#;t require high-heat insulation. 

If you live somewhere that doesn&#;t experience huge swings in temperature throughout the different seasons, you may not really need the higher cost mineral wool insulation. Glass wool would possibly be a much better cost effective option. 

Lower Cost: Glass wool insulation

5. Moisture Resistance

Moisture is known to be one of the biggest reasons for property damage. Once it seeps in, it creates a welcoming environment for mould, mildew, fungi, and plenty of other infestations. 

So, if it tends to rain a lot where you live, or if your property is constantly subjected to moisture, you need a powerful line of defence. 

Between glass wool and mineral wool insulation, the latter is much more resistant to moisture. Glass wool can get damp if exposed to high moisture, which won&#;t only cause infestations but also decrease its insulation properties. 

When choosing between both materials for home insulation, mineral wool insulation is a clear winner when it comes to repelling moisture, though in some instances it may still be necessary to add a separate vapour barrier.

Higher Moisture Resistance: Mineral wool insulation

6. Fire Resistance

Both glass wool and mineral wool insulation are non-combustible and can highly resist fires. However, the ability of mineral wool insulation to resist fire is far better than glass wool.

That is why mineral wool insulation is sometimes used as a fire stopper to limit fires from spreading. 

The reason behind that difference is the melting point of each material. Both materials are classified as Euroclass A1 Non-Combustible. This means they can both withstand high heat, but to what extent? 

The melting point of fibreglass wool is 400 &#;, which is relatively high. The melting point of mineral wool, on the other hand, goes up to &#;. Such a high boiling point means that mineral wool could withstand more than twice as much heat.

So, if fire resistance is of utmost importance to you, install mineral wool insulation for better performance.

Higher Fire Resistance: Mineral wool insulation

7. Install Insulation Process

The installation process of both materials is quite similar. All you need to do is cut the wool in the desired size and install it on your walls or floors. But which material is easier to handle? 

Mineral wool is thicker and heavier since it&#;s denser than glass wool. However, that high-density structure makes mineral wool relatively firm and easier to cut and install. Its rigidity makes it suitable for friction fitting which can simplify the installation process.

As for glass wool, it&#;s lighter and thinner than mineral wool. This makes it too loose and limp to cut precisely and install exactly where you need it. 

If you&#;ll be doing your construction or renovation project by yourself, opt for mineral insulation. However, if the space doesn&#;t allow for thick materials, glass wool is usually your better option. 

Easier Installation Process: Mineral wool insulation

Insulation Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular insulation material? 

When it comes to insulating houses and flats, people typically opt for cellulose, fibreglass, or open-cell spray foam. Of these three insulations, the most popular one is fibreglass insulation, since it can be used in a range of situations, including loft insulation, insulating between timber frame walls,

Not only is this type of insulation available and effective, but it&#;s also relatively affordable compared to other insulation methods. It is perhaps the most straightforward to install and could be attempted by the person even with the most basic DIY skills.

What is the cheapest, most effective insulation? 

Expanded Polystyrene, or EPS, is the cheapest material to insulate your place effectively. In fact, EPS scores the highest R-value per pound compared to other insulating materials. For that reason, many people choose EPS to protect their homes. 

Glass wool insulation is still relatively cheap, though, and performs excellently.

What material has the highest insulation value? 

Among all the different materials used for insulation, vacuum-insulated panels have the highest R-value. The reason for the stellar performance of vacuum-insulated panels is that they have minimal, if not zero, atoms to conduct any heat.

Their heat-insulating performance can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years, so you won&#;t need to worry about replacing them any time soon. 

Glass Wool vs Mineral Wool &#; Which Is Best For Insulation?

Now that you know the difference between the two main types of wool insulation, you should be able to select the right insulating material for your project.

Mineral wool insulators are a fantastic choice and good alternative to other materials like spray foam insulation. However, when being used to cover large surfaces, such as wall cavities or internal walls, this can sometimes be overly expensive. If you don&#;t want to run the risk of going above your budget, fibreglass insulators are an excellent thermal and acoustic insulation alternative with a much more affordable price tag.

If you still need help adding insulation, no worries; we&#;ve got you. As the UK&#;s number one resource for all things insulation, we at will help you find the best insulation contractor in your area. Get your free quote with us, and we&#;ll take it from there. 

Get Your Insulation Quote

The Pros and Cons of Glasswool Insulation

Glasswool insulation is a type of insulation made from recycled glass that is spun into a wool-like material. It is used in a variety of applications, such as thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and fireproofing. Glasswool insulation is a cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption, as it helps to keep your home or business warm in winter and cool in summer. It is also non-combustible, meaning it can help to protect your property from fire. Additionally, glasswool insulation is quick and easy to install and can last for up to 50 years. To ensure optimal performance, it should be installed by a qualified professional, and should be inspected regularly for any damage or deterioration.


Pros:

Glasswool insulation is a great way to reduce energy costs by keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Glasswool insulation is a great way to reduce energy costs by keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This is because glasswool insulation offers superior thermal insulation, meaning that it can keep heat inside the home during the winter months, and keep the cool air inside during the summer months. This helps to keep your home more comfortable year round, and also helps to reduce energy costs by reducing the amount of energy needed to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Additionally, glasswool insulation is lightweight, easy to install, and non-irritating, making it a great choice for any home.

It is made of recycled glass and is a sustainable, environmentally friendly option.

Glasswool is an insulation material made from recycled glass which is a sustainable, environmentally friendly option. The recycled glass is melted down into a molten state and then spun into a fine fiber. This fiber is then woven into a mat-like material which is then used as insulation material. The use of recycled glass in the production of glasswool leads to fewer resources being used and fewer emissions being released into the atmosphere. This helps to reduce the impact of human activities on the environment. Additionally, glasswool is a great material to use in insulation because it is fireproof, provides good acoustic insulation, and is easy to install. All of these features make it an ideal choice for insulation projects.

It is non-combustible, making it a safe option for insulation.

Glasswool is a type of insulation made from molten glass spun into fibers. It is non-combustible because the molten glass is spun into such a thin fiber that it does not provide enough energy to sustain a flame. This makes it a safe option for insulation, as it will not catch fire or emit dangerous fumes when exposed to heat or flames. Glasswool also provides good soundproofing, as the thin fibers also absorb sound waves.

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It is typically easy to install, even in hard to reach places.

Glasswool insulation is great for hard-to-reach places because it's lightweight and easy to handle. It also comes in pre-cut batts and rolls that are designed to fit into tight spaces like between studs or joists. Plus, it has a low odor and doesn't require wearing protective gear when installing, so it can be done quickly and efficiently. Glasswool is also resistant to water and fire, so it's an ideal insulation material for hard-to-reach places that may be exposed to moisture or high temperatures.

It is a good sound absorber and can help reduce noise in your home.

Glasswool is an excellent sound absorber and can be used to reduce noise in your home. It works by absorbing sound waves and preventing them from bouncing off hard surfaces like walls, ceilings, and floors. The glass fibers that make up glasswool act as miniature sound absorbers, reducing the amount of echo and reverberation in a room. This helps to dampen sound and reduce noise levels. Glasswool insulation can also help to prevent outside noise from entering the home, making it quieter and more comfortable. In addition, glasswool is easy to install and doesn't require any special tools or knowledge. It is safe to use in residential settings and is more cost-effective than other soundproofing materials.

It is an effective insulator and can help reduce your energy bills.

Glasswool is an effective insulator because it is made from sand, recycled glass, and other natural minerals that are melted together and spun into fine fibers. These fibers trap air and create an air barrier that slows down the transfer of heat. This helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which reduces your energy bills. Additionally, glasswool is a non-combustible material, so it is also a safe choice for insulation.

It is a long-lasting material and can last up to 50 years with proper installation.

Glasswool is an excellent material that is known for its long-lasting ability. This is due to its strong physical and chemical properties, such as its high melting point and its resistance to thermal shock. It also has good dimensional stability, meaning that it will not shrink or expand over time. Additionally, glasswool is fire-resistant and is able to withstand high temperatures. All of these characteristics make it a highly durable material that can last up to 50 years when properly installed. It is also an environmentally friendly material that is considered to be non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, making it a great choice for insulation in any home.

It is mold and mildew resistant, helping to keep your home free of allergens.

Glasswool is a great material for keeping your home free from allergens due to its mold and mildew resistance. This is because glasswool is made from molten glass which is then spun into fibers. The molten glass is heated to a high temperature which creates a material that is not conducive to mold and mildew growth. Additionally, the material is naturally hydrophobic, meaning it repels moisture, so it does not easily absorb water which can promote the growth of mold and mildew. By using glasswool insulation in your home, you can be sure that your home is free from mold, mildew, and other allergens!

It is an affordable option for insulation.

Glasswool is an affordable option for insulation because it is made from recycled glass, which reduces the cost of production. Additionally, glasswool is lightweight and easy to install, making it a cost-effective solution. It also has good thermal and acoustic properties, making it ideal for insulation in both residential and commercial properties. Additionally, it is fire resistant, making it a safe option for both indoor and outdoor applications. All of these factors contribute to its affordability and make it an ideal choice for insulation.

It can be easily cut and shaped to fit any space.

Glasswool insulation is composed of fine strands of glass that are spun together to form a soft, lightweight material. This material is very flexible and can be easily cut and shaped to fit any space. The flexibility of glasswool makes it ideal for insulating difficult-to-reach areas, as it can be wrapped around pipes, corners, and other irregular shapes without losing its insulating properties. Additionally, glasswool is durable, so it can withstand being cut and shaped without tearing or fraying.

Cons:

It can be difficult to install in some hard-to-reach areas and may require professional help.

Installing glasswool in hard-to-reach areas can be difficult because it often requires specialized tools and skills. The insulation material itself can be difficult to manipulate in tight spaces, and the installer may need to work in awkward positions to get the job done. Additionally, the installer must be careful to ensure the insulation is properly cut and sealed to prevent air leakage and maintain the integrity of the material. It is also important to wear proper safety equipment as glasswool can be sharp and can cause injury if handled improperly. For these reasons, it is usually best to seek the help of a professional when installing glasswool in hard-to-reach areas.

It can be difficult to remove if needed and may require professional help.

Glasswool is a type of insulation made from glass fibers that can be installed in walls and ceilings for thermal and acoustic insulation. It is very effective at providing insulation, however, can be difficult to remove if needed. The glass fibers tend to cling to surfaces, making it difficult to pull out. Additionally, it can be difficult to reach all of the glasswool in wall cavities, making it hard to remove completely. Moreover, due to its fiberglass composition, it should be removed with caution as it may cause injury if proper protective gear is not used. For these reasons, it is often best to consult with a professional to have the glasswool removed.

It is not considered eco-friendly if not disposed of correctly.

Glasswool, which is made of glass fibers, can be an eco-friendly material when recycled or disposed of properly. However, when it is not recycled or disposed of correctly, the glass fibers can end up in landfills or be released into the atmosphere, where they can cause a variety of environmental issues. The glass fibers can take hundreds of years to break down, and can easily become airborne and contaminate soil, waterways, and the air. In addition, the glass fibers may contain formaldehyde and other toxins, which can be hazardous to human and animal health. For these reasons, it is important to dispose of glasswool appropriately to ensure that it does not have a negative impact on the environment.

It can be more expensive than other types of insulation.

Glasswool is a type of insulation that is made from recycled glass, and it can be more expensive than other types of insulation due to its unique material composition. Glasswool has superior thermal and acoustic qualities compared to other types of insulation, making it a great choice for insulation in areas where sound and thermal insulation are of the utmost importance. Additionally, glasswool is also resistant to fire and is not prone to mold or bacteria, making it a good choice for areas that require extra protection from fire and other environmental factors. All these factors add to the cost of glasswool insulation, making it more expensive than other types of insulation.

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