Glasswool insulation
Glasswool is a type of insulation material that is made from recycled glass. It is commonly used in buildings to insulate walls, ceilings and roofs to keep the interior of the building warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Glasswool is also used in a variety of other applications, such as soundproofing and as a filter material. Because it is made from recycled glass, glasswool can be considered a sustainable material.
It is similar in some respects to rockwool, but glasswool is made from recycled glass, whereas rockwool is made from basalt, a type of volcanic rock.
Glasswool is made by melting recycled glass and spinning it into fine fibres which are then formed into insulation batts or rolls. The melted glass is mixed with other materials, such as boron or alumina, to give the glasswool its insulation properties. The process of making glasswool is similar to the process used to make other types of fiberglass insulation.
There are many different types of insulation materials available, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. Comparing glasswool to other types of insulation can be difficult because it depends on the specific application and the performance criteria that are important in that situation. In general, glasswool is a sustainable insulation option that can provide good thermal insulation and soundproofing properties. It is also relatively easy to instal and can be used in a variety of different applications. However, it is not as effective as some other types of insulation at preventing the passage of moisture, so it may not be the best choice in damp or humid environments.
Glasswool can also be irritating to the skin and respiratory system. It is important to use protective gear, such as gloves, masks, and goggles when handling glasswool to avoid irritation. Additionally, glasswool products can be flammable, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing it to ensure that it is used safely. Glasswool itself is non-flammable, but the wrapping, resin binder, and some facings may burn.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Aerogel insulation for buildings.
- Acoustic insulation.
- Cavity wall insulation.
- External wall insulation.
- Floor insulation.
- Glass wool v reflective foil insulation.
- Insulating concrete form.
- Insulation envelope.
- Insulation for ground floors.
- Phenolic foam insulation.
- Reducing thermal bridging at junctions when designing and installing solid wall insulation FB 61.
- Roof insulation.
- Solid wall insulation.
- Solid Wall Insulation: Unlocking demand and driving up standards.
- Specifying insulation for inverted roofs.
- Ten facts about Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation to help specifiers.
- Thermal insulation for buildings.
- Transparent insulation.
- Types of insulation.
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings for people to come home to... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
























