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Welcome to visit【Zhongyuan Energy-saving Material Co.,Ltd】Official Website！
Good insulation is one of the most important steps to increase living comfort and save energy. Glass wool has played a major role in this for years and is widely used in insulating roofs, floors, walls, and cavity walls. However, glass wool is not a "one size fits all" solution.
The performance of glass wool is strongly related to the quality of the material, the chosen thickness, and the way it is applied. In this knowledge base article, we explain the insulation value of glass wool, what exactly glass wool is, and the advantages and disadvantages of a high or low insulation value.
What insulation value does glass wool have?
The insulation value of glass wool is determined by the lambda value (0,031–0,044 W/mK) and the Rd value, which depends on the thickness. The lower the lambda value and the higher the Rd value, the better glass wool insulates heat.
Average insulation value of glass wool per thickness (table)
The examples below are frequently used in practice (glass wool rolls with λ-class 032/035/037). Below, you can see how the insulation value of glass wool increases with different thicknesses and lambda classes:
| Glass wool type (λ class) | Thickness | Rd value |
|---|---|---|
| Glass wool 032 | 90 mm | 2,80 |
| Glass wool 032 | 170 mm | 5,30 |
| Glass wool 035 | 90 mm | 2,55 |
| Glass wool 035 | 140 mm | 4,00 |
| Glass wool 037 | 90 mm | 2,40 |
| Glass wool 037 | 120 mm | 3,20 |
What is glass wool and how is it made?
Glass wool is a mineral wool: a wool-like material made of fine glass fibers. It is made by melting and spinning (recycled) glass into fibers, after which it is formed into blankets, rolls, or sheets. Due to the air trapped within the fiber structure, glass wool provides strong thermal and sound insulation.
Comparison of insulation value of glass wool with other materials
Insulation value of glass wool vs. rock wool
The insulation value of glass wool compared to the insulation value of rock wool are quite similar. However, we often see that glass wool performs slightly better for thermal insulation, while rock wool is slightly heavier and has more mass.
Insulation value of glass wool vs. PIR and EPS
PIR has a lower lambda value and achieves higher performance with less thickness
EPS is pressure-resistant and cost-effective, but less flexible
Glass wool remains popular because of its combination of price, performance and versatility.
Advantages of high insulation value glass wool vs. low insulation value glass wool
| Context | Benefits |
|---|---|
| High insulation value glass wool | • Ensures a stable and comfortable indoor climate • Limits heat loss in winter and keeps heat out in summer • Contributes significantly to lower energy costs • Also improves the sound insulation of the home • Fits well with current insulation requirements and sustainability goals |
| Low insulation value of glass wool | • Lower investment with limited insulation thickness • May be sufficient for unheated areas or temporary solutions • Sometimes applicable when construction space is limited |
Disadvantages of high insulation value glass wool vs. low insulation value glass wool
| Context | Disadvantages / points of interest |
|---|---|
| High insulation value glass wool | • Often requires more thickness, which does not fit in every construction • Higher material costs than with thin insulation • Correct placement is essential to maintain performance |
| Low insulation value of glass wool | • Insufficient protection against heat loss • Less living comfort, especially in winter and summer • Higher energy costs in the long term • Greater chance that additional insulation will be necessary later |
In practice, we see that choosing glass wool with an insulation value that's too low leads to unnecessary energy loss. That's why we always consider the right balance between thickness, application, and insulation performance, ensuring the chosen glass wool solution delivers long-term benefits. Therefore, we recommend against attempting the work yourself; have it done by a specialist.
Choose glass wool as a smart insulation solution for your home
Glass wool is a versatile insulation material that we use in various insulation services, from roof and attic floor insulation to interior walls and cavity walls. By applying the material correctly and tailoring it to the home's construction, we ensure a sustainable and effective insulation solution. Want to know if glass wool is suitable for your home and which insulation offers the most return? Request a free insulation scan now.
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