How does stone wool maximise insulation?

Choosing the right type of insulation is absolutely crucial if you want to maximise the long term performance of properties. Some materials perform very well, but deteriorate over time. In other cases, a material can develop issues because of expansion and contraction. Stone wool has proven to offer consistent performance. We want to have a closer look here, then you can talk to us if you want architects in London to help you create the perfect home.

What is it?

Stone wool is known by many names, including rock or mineral wool. Whatever you call it, the material is the same. It generally begins life as volcanic basalt. Once molten, spinning or drawing turns the rocks into a fibrous material. It can then be made into rolls and sheets.

There are plenty of significant benefits with stone wool insulation. For example, it is fire resistant and has incredible thermal and acoustic insulating properties. In addition, it repels moisture. The flexibility is astonishing too, ensuring it can work for all kinds of property designs.

How does it ensure long term performance?

There are two really important factors to keep in mind when you think about stone wool insulation. They show that it is one of the best options for different properties. Read on to learn more, and talk to top architects in London if you have questions about materials.

Firstly, you can join sections of stone wool insulation effectively to create a continuous layer. It traps air and prevents flaws like gaps. That is crucial because even tiny gaps can allow heat to escape and compromise the performance. As long as installers work carefully and knit the sections together, you can achieve a complete layer of insulation.

Secondly, stone wool has an incredible ability to retain its shape for a very long time. Even if surrounding materials expand and contract over time, the insulation won't develop issues like gaps. It also won't degrade. So, it is an ideal choice, especially for dynamic buildings where humidity, the temperature, or even settlement could cause movement and changes.

Proof of performance

People may be sceptical about the claims that stone wool insulation is so good. However, several studies prove the performance. A notable one from the University of Salford's Thermal Measurement Lab (with leading manufacturer Rockwool) supports the claims.

There are also some exceptional real world case studies that prove the performance. The most quoted is Copenhagen Airport. Rock wool insulation from Hanger 4 at the site was tested in 2023, 65 years after installation. It was still performing as well as it ever had, with no change in any of the properties.

Think about the details with top architects in London

It can be difficult to ensure that real world buildings achieve the high level of thermal performance in the designs. It's even more difficult to ensure they retain it over the long term.

Using the right materials and installing them correctly is crucial. Luckily, products like stone wool offer proven performance. They can help deliver airtight, climate resilient properties. Even better, they are sustainable and have impressive green credentials.

If you're looking to design your dream high end home but want to make sure it will have the long term performance you want, we'd love to help. Coffey Residential can look at every angle to create the perfect homes. This includes the shape and architecture, materials, and even climate factors. So, speak to us if you want to discuss anything with leading architects in London.