Frequently Asked Questions
General ROCKWOOL Insulation FAQs
General Questions
General Questions
Product Comparison
Installation FAQs
Roofs and Lofts
Floors and Ceilings
Fire Protection and Fire Stopping
General Questions
What is stone wool?
Stone wool insulation is a rock-based mineral fiber insulation comprised of basic raw materials such as basalt which is a volcanic rock, dolomite and other minerals. The minerals are melted and spun into fibers to produce stone wool.
What is the difference between stone wool and other types of insulation?
ROCKWOOL stone wool is made from volcanic rock and achieves the European Reaction to Fire Classification of A. It is non-combustible, giving you critical extra minutes to escape in the event of a fire.
ROCKWOOL stone wool is also durable; its properties and benefits do not reduce or change over time and will perform effectively for the lifetime of the building, making it a favorable choice for users. It repels water and does not encourage the growth of mold, whichmeant that it will continue to give the same thermal and acoustic performance throughout the lifetime of the building and without the need for maintenance or replacement.
How long will a ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation last before I need to replace it?
ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation won't shrink, it won't move and it won't crumble. In fact, ROCKWOOL insulation is so durable; it will maintain its performance for the lifetime of a building.
What acoustic qualities does ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation have?
The open, porous structure of ROCKWOOL stone wool makes it highly efficient in protecting against unwanted noise. In ceilings, around noisy machines, in walls and roofs, ROCKWOOL insulation acts as a natural and effective sound barrier.
It works in two distinct ways to reduce noise by impeding the transmission of sound through an element of the structure or by absorbing sound at its surface.
What environmental impacts/benefits are there from using ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation?
Our insulation is made from stone, a natural material and produced in a sustainable way. This stone is a renewable and plentiful natural resource, which is continually replenished naturally from within the earth. Our high-tech production process ensures an environmentally responsible approach.
As insulation, it is an extremely cost effective means of improving energy efficiency and it works continuously, requiring no maintenance or replacement over the years.
How do I cut ROCKWOOL stone wool to fit my usage?
It can be easily cut with a long bladed knife. Please ensure all safety gears are worn during the use of insulation. Please contact our local representative for more information.
What density is ROCKWOOL stone wool?
There is no single answer to this. ROCKWOOL products are intended for a wide variety of applications needing different densities.
The versatile range of ROCKWOOL products includes rolls, slabs, boards, mats, pipes, all of which are provided in a range of densities and thicknesses best suited for specific applications.
What happens if ROCKWOOL insulation gets wet?
ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation is moisture resistant yet vapor permeable. This means that in the event the insulation becomes damp or wet, the insulation can be allowed to dry out. When thoroughly dried, it will still maintain its original performance characteristics, provided there is no physical and chemical degradation.
Are ROCKWOOL stone wool products mold resistant?
There is no test method to determine whether or not any product is rodent resistant. ROCKWOOL product’s reputation as a rodent-resistant insulation is mainly based on word of mouth and lack of negative feedback from numerous customers who use our products over many years.
Are ROCKWOOL stone wool products safe to work with?
Yes, stone wool is a safe material to work with. This fact is supported by the decision of the World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to exempt stone wool from its list of "possibly cancer causing agents". This conclusion was based on the fact that epidemiological studies provided no evidence of an increased risk of lung cancer from occupational exposure to stone wool fibres, and that there has been no excess of tumors in long-term inhalation studies.
Why is it ROCKWOOL stone wool does not shrink or expand with temperature changes?
This is because ROCKWOOL stone wool, unlike some other types of insulation, is dimensionally stable. This means ROCKWOOL stone wool does not shrink or expand under the influence of temperature differences, resulting in constant thermal performance over the lifetime of the building.