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 now architectural practice looks back at its concept project for a sustainable oceanic settlement 25 years on.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.























