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
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.