Earthwool vs Rockwool - Pricewise Insulation

What is Earthwool Insulation?

Earthwool is made from up to 80% recycled glass material. With an environmentally friendly binder resin (ECOSE Technology), Earthwool insulation is soft to handle and install. Earthwool acoustic insulation is denser than regular insulation batts. The result of this is better sound absorption and a reduction in 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 restrict 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, is highly resistant to heat transfer and can withstand temperatures of above 1000°C.

Rockwool insulation key benefits:

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

Acoustic rating - Earthwool vs Rockwool

Due to its high density, Rockwool is highly effective 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 SoundShield which is higher in density than regular thermal batts and available in R2.0HD, R2.5HD, R2.7SHD 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.

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 any significant 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/NZS 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.

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 is 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.