Sustainable Building Materials

Fiberglass Insulation vs. Mineral Wool Insulation

Fiberglass insulation

Fiberglass insulation has been a gold standard for many years to insulate our homes.

Pros:

• Offers a relatively high resistance to heat transfer (a 2×4 wall is rated an R-11);
• Comes in batts of many widths and as a loose-fill, making it easy to install in any wall or attic space;
• Can come faced in kraft paper for a built-in vapor barrier;
• Affordable.

Cons:

• Utilizes only 20% to 30% recycled material;
• When compressed or wet, its R-value significantly decreases;
• Though non-combustible, won’t provide a great fire block.