Glass Fiber Vs. Glass Wool - What's the Difference?

Glass wool insulation is made from recycled glass bottles, sand and other materials. Glass wool is just another name for glass fiber insulation. It is also sometimes referred to as glass fiber insulation or glass fiber segments. They are melted at very high temperatures and then spun into fibers. The result is the creation of millions of tiny air pockets inside the insulation, which is what gives glass wool insulation its outstanding insulating properties.

Glass wool - like sheep's wool and down

You may be surprised to learn that glass wool insulation works very similarly to natural wool and down feathers. Various adhesives can be used to hold the insulation together. For decades, the glass wool part has been associated with eye, nose, skin and throat irritation, but fortunately, technological developments have led to huge improvements in product design, and softer, more comfortable insulation products are now available on the market.

 Glass Wool

Glass wool insulation - always dry!

Wet insulation is a dilemma in the best of circumstances, and glass wool insulation is no exception. It's easy to see why wet insulation doesn't work and can cause endless problems for homeowners if installed in wet conditions. First of all, glass wool relies on the microscopic air gaps inside - technically speaking, the air gaps are the true insulators. 

Now, if these get soaked with water, then your insulation is gone! In addition, wet glass wool insulation is prone to mold and mildew and introduces moisture into any installed area of the building, which can have potentially damaging results. For this reason, glass insulation should always be stored in an elevated and dry area, and if any part of the glass wool section becomes wet, it should be cut off, discarded and never used.

Why is glass wool insulation still so popular?

Glass wool insulation is still very popular, and for good reason. Most insulation comes from sand, one of the world's most abundant natural resources. Other additional benefits of fiberglass insulation segments are that they are resistant to pests and are non-combustible (won't catch fire) - an obvious benefit considering that they are always installed within the actual building frame. When properly installed in the roof, ceiling or under the floor of a home, glass wool insulation can last as long as the home itself.

How is fiberglass made?

As the name implies, recycled glass is the key ingredient in the manufacture of glass wool insulation. Along with other ingredients (such as soda ash, limestone and lots of sand), this mixture is heated to its melting point and then spun into long, ultra-fine glass fiber strands. A binder is added to the mixture and, after baking in a large oven, the insulation is sliced and cooled before being packaged. If you want to get more information about best glass wool wholesale, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.