BEST LOFT ROLL INSULATION *
Loft roll called 'loft board' or 'loft roll' is easier to install correctly than other insulants such as PIR rigid insulation boards because it adapts to any slight imperfections in the substrate and knit together, eliminating any air gaps. When buying an insulation roll it is worth considering a few simple factors such as roll width, length, type and thermal conductivity. While width determines the ease of installation, length determines the coverage area and number of joints. Type of insulation roll on the other hand refers to different roll parameters and ingredients used in the production. Regardless of the type, the most important factor when choosing an insulation roll is its thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity refers to the intrinsic ability of a material to transfer or conduct heat. The lower the thermal conductivity of a roll, the better its thermal performance.
Let’s take a closer look at the most popular insulation rolls used in UK market. Below, you will find information of the most types of insulation rolls together with their applications and main points of concerns. For sure, having a basic understanding of the differences between mineral wool and fibreglass you can quickly determine which option is the best solution for your specific situation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BEST LOFT ROLL INSULATION
UK TYPES OF LOFT INSULATION ROLL
STONE WOOL INSULATION ROLL
GLASS WOOL INSULATION ROLL
LOFT ROLL SIZES ǀ MANUFACTURERS ǀ THICKNESSES
INSULATION ROLL BUILDING REGULATIONS
8 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ROCK WOOL AND GLASS WOOL
LOFT ROLL WEIGHT
LOFT ROLL vs SOUNDPROOFING
LOFT ROLL INSTALLATION DIFFICULTY
LOFT ROLL DRYING POTENCIAL
LOFT ROLL FIRE RISK
LOFT ROLL SKIN IRRITATION/RASH
LOFT ROLL INSULATION PRICES UK/M2/COST
CONCLUSION
LOFT INSULATION DO'S AND DON’TS
UK TYPES OF LOFT INSULATION ROLL
Generally speaking, there are 2 types of roll insulation - stone or glass. Each roll has different parameters and other ingredients are used in the production of these rolls. While both types of wool are ideal for insulating your loft, they may have different insulating properties. Both rock wool (mineral wool) and glass wool (fibreglass) can be produced in a variety of densities, making both options versatile and suitable for a wide range of building applications.
Stone wool is pretty much just what it sounds like: stone and minerals spun into wool. Stone wool roll is made of basalt - volcanic rock melted at a temperature of over 1400°C. This type of roll products derive their thermal properties from tiny pockets of air trapped within the physical structures of the stone wool.
Stone wool roll is composed of raw materials of volcanic origin, so you can expect its excellent acoustic insulation. Rock wool is one of the most commonly used insulation materials for soundproofing.
MANUFACTURERS
Rockwool ǀ Terra
Fibreglass is made from glass fibres rather than rock, but also works extremely well as an insulator. It is also the cheapest and easiest type of insulation to install, so you will be able to install or replace your insulation more quickly than other types.
They become even more popular due to the fact that they are readily available in well known stores near your location such as B&Q, Wickes or Travis Perkins.
MANUFACTURERS
Ursa ǀ Isover ǀ Superglass ǀ Knauf
Glass wool brand comparison table
LOFT ROLL SIZES ǀ MANUFACTURERS ǀ THICKNESSES
Rolls are 1200mm wide and ready-cut to produce three, 400mm centre rolls, or two, 600mm wide rolls and manufactured to a minimum density of 10Kg/m3 meeting the requirements outlined within relevant sound related Building Regulations. Loft Rolls are available in various thicknesses covering 11m2, 15m2, 15.6m2, 24m2. All are delivered in polythene wrap, which is designed for short term protection only. They should be kept indoors or undercover and off the ground to stay fit for use. Range of acoustic rolls features products from industry-leading manufacturers such as Isover, Knauf, Ursa, Terra, Rockwool or Superglass. The rolls of loft insulation you can buy come in lots of seemingly random thicknesses, for example 50mm, 60mm, 75mm, 80mm 100mm, 120mm, 150mm and 170mm. The reason for this is that the insulation manufacturers are trying to make it easier to hit the 270mm thickness spot.
INSULATION ROLL BUILDING REGULATIONS
According to current building regulations recommended thickness for loft insulation should be at least 270mm. This figure can vary slightly, depending on the type of materials used – for example, the recommended depth for rock wool is 250mm, whilst for cellulose it’s just 220mm. By insulating your loft to the recommended depth of 270mm you can save wasted energy and money. All lofts in new build homes will have been designed to carry storage loads of 25kg per square metre plus the weight of a person walking in the loft (BS 6399-1:1996). Currently, the recommended R-value for attic insulation is between 6.1 and 7, a combination of thickness and conductivity. Knowing where you stand with the recommended R-value for attic insulation will ensure that you receive the right insulation for your home.
8 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ROCK WOOL AND GLASS WOOL
The main difference is that while glass roll represents an entire array of insulation materials, the other represents an insulation solution developed by a manufacturer (ROCKWOOL).
Rock wool vs Glass wool comparison table
LOFT ROLL WEIGHT
Rock wool is slightly heavier than glass mineral wool, easier to cut, move and fit into place. In applications like an attic, where the insulation will be resting directly on the gypsum board, the weight of mineral wool could be prohibitive, making fiberglass a better choice.
LOFT ROLL vs SOUNDPROOFING
Rock mineral wool is also a denser material which means it provides exceptional protection against excess noise. Being almost 2 times denser than glass wool, it has better acoustic properties.
LOFT ROLL INSTALLATION DIFFICULTY
With a density over 2 times that of glass wool, rock wool doesn't tend to flop over as easily as fiberglass, making it easier to put in place. Because it’s denser, it’s also heavier, which can make it more ungainly to handle during ceiling installations. The lower density fiberglass tends to be much more flexible. It is worth noting that despite its flexibility, stable, bonded glass fibers will not slump within the wall cavity, settle or break down in normal applications. In contrast to the flexibility of fiberglass, mineral wool is much more rigid because of its density. Some installers prefer the rigidity of mineral wool to the flexibility of fiberglass. Handling preferences can vary among installers, and in this category, it comes down largely to personal preference.
LOFT ROLL DRYING POTENCIAL
Rock wool has hydrophobic properties and can keep the water at bay and any problems that can result from water absorption. If you decide to go use glass wool, then you need to remember that it tends to gold the absorbed water which can lead to significant reduction of insulation effectiveness. Simply saying- when glass wool gets wet, it can absorb water, causing it to lose R-value.
LOFT ROLL FIRE RISK
Despite glass wool and rock mineral wool both being cited as non-combustible, the actual fire resistance of each product varies. Rock mineral wool delivers far more effective performance regarding fire resistance. While rock wool melting temperature is 1400°C, glass wool is 400°C.
LOFT ROLL SKIN IRRITATION/RASH
Both fibreglass and mineral wool insulation can cause skin irritation so it is important to wear gloves and protection when installing the material. However, most builders say from their experience that rock wool is less itchy and less irritating during the installation process. Fiberglass insulation is not generally considered to be dangerous, but it can irritate the skin and respiratory system.
LOFT ROLL INSULATION PRICES UK/M2/COST
Glass wool is the cheapest of all the insulation products, with rolls available from DIY shops for about £3.8/m2. Rock wool costs approximately £6.6/m2 as of 2022. Generally speaking fibreglass insulation costs 25 to 50% less than stone wool.
The cheapest rolls can cost as little as £23 for a roll which will cover around 8m2. This means you can insulate the loft yourself for less than £115.
LOFT ROLL INSULATION R-VALUE
The higher the R-value, the better. Glass roll has an R-value of approximately 2.2 to 2.7 per inch of thickness. Stone wool has a slightly higher R-value, ranging between 3.0 and 3.3 per inch.
CONCLUSION
To sum all up rock wool material delivers greater results. If you want to soundproof a wall or a ceiling, rock wool would be the best option. This is, of course, associated with higher costs. On the other hand, glass mineral roll, as it has a lower density, can be better compressed than stone wool roll - compressed to reduce its volume. If, however, you only care about thermal factors, ordinary fibre glass wool will do the trick. Although two of them are non-combustible, their melting point varies and this can affect the building structure in the event of a fire. Here again, rock wool is the winner. No wonder why this type of insulation is often used in commercial places, offering excellent soundproofing and additional fire safety. Moreover, it does not degrade over time. Here is the conclusion - if you insulate commercial places - use rock wool, if you insulate your own home - use glass wool.
LOFT INSULATION DO'S AND DON’TS
It’s a smart thought to know precisely the loft insulation dos and don’ts, as well as understanding the loft insulation rules and regulations too. When it comes to loft insulation dos and don’ts, the don’ts are particularly important to remember, as they mostly relate to saving you money.
DOS
-Do check your home’s existing insulation, particularly if your property is more than 10 years old.
-Do install only insulation that meets the regulations set out by the government.
-Do consider foam insulation if your loft is small or awkwardly shaped.
-Do research for the cheapest place for loft insulation 'near me'.
-Do shop around. While shops such as Srewfix, B&Q or Wickes offer good deals, online insulation shops can offer better deals. It is because products come to you directly from the manufacturer or seller without involving middlemen.
DON'TS
-Don’t underestimate the savings that you could experience on your energy bills by installing loft insulation in your home.
-Don’t try to do the job yourself - this is a professional product, and requires a professional installer.
-Don’t ignore the loft insulation regulations regarding aspects of quality and thickness.
-Don’t use insulation materials that have not been approved for use in lofts.
-Don’t lay loft insulation over electrical cables.
-Don't go for a cheaper alternative.
-Don't carry out loft insulation yourself.
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The information presented on this blog should not be considered as professional advice or a substitute for consulting relevant experts. Before making any purchase decisions or taking action based on the information presented here, it is strongly recommended to contact the product manufacturer directly to verify the details and ensure its suitability for your specific needs.
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