A Look At The Pros And Cons Of Rock Wool Insulation For The Home

Even though it's not as popular as fiberglass batt insulation, rock wool insulation is still a highly sought after choice for homeowners. Rock wool insulation does have its advantages and disadvantages. Here is a look at a few of those to help you decide. 

Pro: Rock wool insulation can have a higher R-value rating than traditional fiberglass batt insulation. 

One of the biggest reasons people make the choice for rock wool insulation installation instead of others is the fact that rock wool can have a higher R-value rating than others. A higher R-value rating means the insulation is better capable of thwarting the passage of heat, which is super important in certain areas of the country or when the insulation is being used for certain applications. 

Con: Rock wool insulation may require the additional installation of a vapor barrier in certain applications. 

Unlike fiberglass batt insulation, rock wool insulation does not come from the manufacturer with an attached paper backing that acts as a vapor barrier. Therefore, if you are installing the insulation in an area where a vapor barrier is important, such as in the roof, you may have to install a vapor barrier separately. Keep in mind, however, that vapor barrier installation is not necessary in all parts of a home. 

Pro: The insulation does not contain fiberglass particles. 

Having fiberglass in your home insulation is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be a problem for some people who are highly sensitive to the particles. Rock wool insulation contains no fiberglass.

Con: It is best to have the insulation professionally installed. 

While not necessarily a con, it is best if you have rock wool insulation installed by a professional. Rock wool can release a lot of dust during the installation process, and anyone working with it should have on the proper protective gear. Likewise, rock wool insulation installation is not as fail-safe as some of the simpler types of insulation; it is easier to make a mistake during installation that affects the overall performance of the material. 

Pro: Rock wool insulation does an excellent job of deterring sound transfer. 

If you are looking for a type of insulation that can help deter sound transfer between walls, rock wool insulation is definitely the better choice. The closely compressed wool fibers of this insulation do a better job of encapsulation sound waves as they move through. Therefore, this insulation is a common preference in multi-family dwellings, hotel rooms, and sound studios.