Glass Wool Insulation
Glass wool insulation is perhaps the most used type of insulation installed today. It is made by heating glass and sand to about 15000c causing the mixture to melt. This is then spun at high speed to form fibres, which are then stuck together using a resin binder, creating a thick web of fibres that is highly flexible and resembles sheep’s wool, Glass wool can also be used in the manufacturing of different products, including automobiles. As an insulator, glass wool works to trap air and slow the transfer of heat. In most cases, glass wool comes in a blanket form (called batts), but it’s also available as loose-fill.
Glass wool comes in rolls that can simply be unrolled between joists, making it very easy to install. It has good insulating properties, helping to keep heat in during the winter and heat out during the summer. 3 forms it may come in:
- Blown-in – If you are insulating an attic or wall cavities, blowing the insulating material will ensure peak effectiveness. You can also apply it over your existing insulation. Blown-in fiberglass has an R-value between 2.2 to 2.7 per inch.
- Batts – Fiberglass batts are ideal for placement between framing during construction in floors, walls, attics, and ceilings. The R-value can reach up to 4.3 per inch.
- Rolls – These can be cut beforehand to fit between studs and joists, making them exceptional for attics and floors. They also have a R-value of up to 4.3 per inch.
The R Values
R-values tell you how well a type of insulator prevents the transfer of heat. Simply put the higher the R-value, the better the material will insulate.
Fire Resistance
Made from recycled glass and sand, glass wool is a natural fire retardant that poses little to no fire hazard. There’s also glass wool materials that are treated with a fire retardant to improve the level of safety.
Energy Efficiency
During the manufacture process, about 70-80% of the glass wool is produced from recycled glass. Glass wool is resistant to insects. On average, glass wool can help reduce heating and cooling bills by 40% to 50%. In addition to energy savings, it can also help with noise reduction. Although glass wool has a satisfactory R-value if it’s not professionally installed, it can lose thermal protection over time.
