INSULATION
STONE WOOL:THE NATURAL SOLUTION?
James Francis, Product Manager - GBI at ROCKWOOL UK looks at the benefits of stone wool insulation.
T
he past few months have delivered a stark reality for anyone responsible for heating homes and businesses in the UK. A rise in the energy price cap means that bills are on an upward trend, and with a further increase on the horizon for October, it’s clear that the spotlight on energy efficiency will continue to shine brightly. It comes as no surprise then that minds of homeowners and bill payers across the nation are now firmly fixed on energy efficiency, with our recent research finding that 76% of consumers believe energy efficiency ratings are important when buying or moving home . As such, by ensuring the thermal performance of a home – whether during renovation or a complete new build - builders and developers can add value for future residents in more ways than one. Another study found, for example, that 70% of people would be willing to pay more for a property with improved energy efficiency. The same research also found that almost two thirds would pay more for enhanced insulation and double/ triple glazing. This demonstrates the value of investing in quality and high-performing materials that will improve energy efficiency. To answer this growing appetite, as well as comply with the legislative drive for energy efficiency, the industry needs to take considered action. Merchants are ideally placed to play a pivotal role in the sector having a positive impact on energy efficiency challenges through the natural properties of stone wool. By promoting easy-to-fit products that support energy efficiency - and ensuring tradespeople have the knowledge to effectively communicate these advantages when speaking with homeowners - merchants can help equip the industry to deal with the present landscape with methods that are also fit for the future.
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And offering these advantages needn’t be complicated, with all-in-one solutions meaning that fewer products are needed to address a wide range of applications. Stone wool products products are split into two distinct families - Thermal and Sound. As well as giving a clear application focus and making product choices simpler, this also introduces a new opportunity for merchants to satisfying the increasing need for sound insulation, particularly in the domestic arena. Energy efficiency is clearly a motivator, but consumers are also looking beyond thermal performance. Stone wool offers a host of additional benefits, including addressing the travel of noise into and around their properties, and providing confidence that their building insulation will not contribute to the spread of fire.
Stone wool maintains its shape and properties across a wide range of temperatures, and has the resilience to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of buildings over time. It has a proven ability to provide consistent performance – shown by tests even after 55 years’ use – without losing thermal properties.
Sustainability
Stone wool is manufactured from naturally- occurring volcanic rock which is continually replenished by the earth’s crust and its recyclability will appeal to today’s increasingly environmentally-conscious customer. From a commercial perspective, this also helps to keep
job costs down, reducing the need to remove site waste.
ROCKWOOL acoustic panels, rolls and slabs offer sound absorption characteristics because of an improved ratio of fibres to trapped air pockets due to their high density. The random orientation of stone wool fibres means soundwaves get absorbed by friction, moving back and forth between individual strands as they try to pass through the air trapped within the structure.
Natural fire protection ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation is non- combustible, can withstand temperatures in excess of 1000°C, and is classified as Euroclass A1 meaning that the insulation will not contribute to a fire. Beyond non-combustibility, if exposed to fire, stone wool insulation will not emit any significant toxic smoke. In addition to the performance benefits of stone wool, developers can also time and secure a better fit more easily than with rigid alternatives. This is because stone wool is typically friction fitted and is quick and simple to cut. As the spotlight continues to shine on energy performance – and especially with changes to Part L this month – it’s important that merchants call on the support available from manufacturers. With programmes such as in-branch demonstration experiences, manufacturers can empower merchant teams, as well as trades, with advice on the latest regulations, product application and how to communicate the advantages of stone wool to the customer. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net June 2022
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