Earthwool vs Rockwool – Pricewise Insulation

Choosing the most appropriate insulation product for your home is important to us! That’s why we make it our top priority to provide you with accurate information on all our available products. The choice is yours – ‘Earthwool vs Rockwool’?

What is Earthwool Insulation?

Earthwool also referred to as fibreglass, is made from up to 80% recycled glass material. With an environmentally friendly binder resign (ECOSE Technology), earthwool insulation is soft to handle and install. Earthwool acoustic insulation is denser than regular insulation batts which enables sound absorption prevents sound transfer from outside to inside the home.

Earthwool insulation key benefits:

• High thermal performance
• Low itch factor
• Non-combustible
• Odourless
• 50 year warranty
• Compression packed

What is Rockwool Insulation?

Rockwool as the name suggests is made from rock such as basalt. It is melted and then spun at high temperatures to create fibres which make up insulation batts or rolls and no binder resin is used.  Both Rockwool and Earthwool insulation, restricts heat transfer by trapping air in tiny air pockets created by insulation fibres. It is important not to compress Rockwool insulation as this will reduce its insulating capabilities. Additionally, Rockwool insulation is known for its exceptional fire ratings as it is non-combustible, does not conduct heat and can withstand temperatures of above 1000°C.

Rockwool insulation key benefits:

• Fire Resistance
• Acoustic ratings
• Non-combustible
• High thermal performance
• 10 year warranty

Cost – Earthwool vs Rockwool

In Australia, Rockwool insulation is generally three times more expensive than Earthwool insulation. One reason for this is that both products are manufactured overseas and as Earthwool can be compressed more than Rockwool this allows for easier transportation and reduced transport costs. Don’t let the higher price tag of Rockwool insulation deter you! This product offers great acoustic, fire, thermal and moisture ratings for any application where fire rating requirements must be meet.

Acoustic rating – Earthwool vs Rockwool

Due to its high density, Rockwool is highly effective barrier in reducing noise transfer between rooms and is suitable for a variety of applications such as residential buildings, offices, hospitals, and retail stores. In contrast, earthwool insulation has an acoustic product called sound shield which is higher in density than regular thermal batts and available in R2.0HD, R2.5HD, R2.7HD and R4.0HD. When comparing, Earthwool vs Rockwool in their acoustic ratings, both are similar in their performance and have the capability of absorbing as much as 75% of sound vibrations.

Thermal rating – Earthwool vs Rockwool

The thermal rating of insulation is referred to as the R-value and the higher the R-value the greater the thermal performance. Rockwool is said to have an R-value of 3-4 per inch, whilst Earthwool insulation is 2.2 – 2.7 per inch. This means that Rockwool has slightly higher insulating capabilities than Earthwool.

Fire Rating – Earthwool vs Rockwool

Rockwool is made from stone wool fibres which are non-combustible and can resist temperatures of above 1000°C. Rockwool insulation won’t burn, which means it can assist in containing a fire to a certain area and delay the spread of flames. Due to its minimal organic properties, Rockwool will not produce toxic smoke. This is a very significant feature of Rockwool as more people are harmed from toxic smoke inhalation than the actual fire.

Similarly, Earthwool insulation is considered non-combustible which means the material will not act as a fuel source for the fire. Earthwool insulation has been tested in accordance with AS/NZ 1530.3 code and has indicated fire performance ratings of the following; Ignitability: 0, Spread of Flame: 0, Heat Evolved: 0, Smoke Developed: 0-1.

What’s the conclusion?

Overall Rockwool offers high r-values, acoustic and fire ratings, but for a higher price tag than Earthwool. So, unless a project specifies Rockwool to meet a certain fire requirement, Earthwool will be a far more cost effective solution and in still non-combustible. Earthwool insulation is available in a variety of R-values and density ratings to achieve your desired thermal and acoustic results. Feel free to Contact Us if you require more information on any of our insulation products.

Knauf Earthwool Ceiling Insulation Batts

From $ 8.68 p/m2 inc. GST

Buy Now

Knauf Earthwool Sound Shield Wall Insulation Batts

From $ 8.39 p/m2 inc. GST

Buy Now

Knauf Earthwool Acoustic Mid-Floor Insulation Batts

From $ 10.76 p/m2 inc. GST

Buy Now

Knauf Earthwool FloorShield Insulation Batts

From $ 18.16 p/m2 inc. GST

Buy Now