What is the difference between Rockwool and Owens Corning EcoTouch

As I am sure you already know, insulation is one of the key factors in creating a pleasant, energy efficient and comfortable home which also has more value than an uninsulated house. However, it can often be a somewhat tricky decision to choose the exact type of insulation that you want to get installed in your home.

Different forms of insulation can vary in their maintenance requirements, their benefits, drawbacks, etc. so it is essential to be well acquainted with knowledge about different types of insulation.

Two very well known types of insulation are Rockwool and Owens Corning. Each of these types has advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss in detail so that you can figure out which one is the ideal type of your situation and needs.

First of all, Rockwool insulation is a rock based mineral fibre insulation which is made up of basalt rock as well as recycled slag. This combination results in a non-combustible product, which is a major advantage, and it means that there are no additional flame retardants in the material. Compared to most insulation materials, Roxul is more fireproof. For people that want to take extra measures to protect their homes from fire, Roxul can be a good choice.

Roxul-logo

This type of material is also resistant to moisture, and, even if it does get wet, it usually functions just fine after drying down as long as there is no physical or chemical degradation in it.

Due to the inorganic nature of the material that Rockwool is made of, it is highly unlikely that it will get mouldy, which is often another deciding factor for people that are picking a type of insulation.

Another feature that Rockwool is quite well known for is that it is supposed to be an aid in soundproofing one's walls. When it is installed in the walls and ceilings of a house, it is true that Rockwool can reduce the transfer of sound, but it cannot block it completely, so do not expect that if you are thinking about purchasing this insulation material.

A deciding factor for some people is the fact that Rockwool is not that easy to deal with and install in a house. Whether you are doing the job yourself or getting it done by someone, it causes you a bit of a hassle to handle and you also do need to wear heavy duty gloves, long sleeved clothing, etc. as the material does have a chance of causing irritation.

A few issues that you may want to consider when you are thinking about buying Rockwool include the fact that it is more expensive than other forms of insulation such as Owens Corning EcoTouch. It is also a little harder to get your hands on, as not everyone keeps it in stock. Lastly, it crumbles very easily, so you have to be careful while transporting it not to break off chunks of it.

Next, let's talk about Owens Corning. This is a popular company that manufactures fibreglass for the insulation of houses. This material does not have the fire resistant qualities that Rockwool has, but it is not an issue for many people that have taken other safety measures for fire. If you wish for your walls and ceiling to be fireproof, however, Owens Corning EcoTouch might not be the choice for you. Another Owens Corning option could be their Thermafiber mineral wool range. Found here https://www.insulation4us.com/insulation-materials/thermafiber.html

Another thing to keep in mind is that this glasswool material is not hydrophobic like Rockwool is, so there is a greater chance of the material developing mould, which can be a bother to get rid of. If you live in an area where mould is common, the maintenance of this insulation material might be too troublesome to deal with.

Owens Corning fibre glass does not significantly aid in providing a soundproofing effect to the house as compared to the Rockwool material. It may add a little bit of sound resistance, but nothing major. Many people do not care for soundproofing their house, in which case Owens Corning EcoTouch can be a good choice for their insulation.

A major bonus with Owens Corning EcoTouch material is that it is easy to work with although you must keep in mind the fact that, for some people, it can be irritating to the skin. It is absolutely essential to cover up in long sleeved clothing, wear protective gloves and masks while working with this fibre glass. There are some coated forms of fibre glass that do not have a risk of causing a rash on the skin but they are typically more specialised products.

One of the main benefits of choosing Owens Corning EcoTouch over the insulation material by Rockwool is that it is quite a bit cheaper than the Rockwool. This is one factor that draws a lot of people in and causes them to choose it over the other more expensive options. In addition to this, it is also much more widely available that Rockwool and other insulation products, making it less of a hassle to find. People from many different areas of the country can find this insulation material on our website , which is why it is so popular.

Not as many precautions need to be taken while transporting the product, too, as it does not need the special care that the relatively fragile Rockwool material may need.

So, to sum it all up, both insulation materials do have their advantages and drawbacks. If you are on a strict budget or are finding it difficult to get Rockwool in your area, Owens Corning EcoTouch is a good alternative. It does, after all, provide good enough insulation to the house and is very easy to obtain and handle.

However, if you are looking for those extra benefits, such as fire resistance, moisture resistance, mould prevention, soundproofing, you might want to think about investing a little extra money in purchasing Rockwool or Thermafiber material instead. It may be worth the extra money in the long run, as you will save on maintenance.

Rockwool Insulation and Owens Corning can be bought in our online store insulation4us.com and delivered to your door or jobsite.