3 (little known) Benefits of Rockwool Insulation

Matt and Travis Brungardt tour the Experience Center at the Rockwool Factory in Ranson, WV. Learn about some of the little known benefits of Rockwool insulation and stay tuned for a factory tour to see how it's made.
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[@JohnathanBach]

I first learned of the superior benefits of Rockwool from you, Matt. Yes, Rockwool is more expensive than fiberglass, but the superior R-value, water repellant benefits, sound properties, and fire blocking benefits make it hands down the better option. I have insulated my first house completely with Rockwool, and I will never put fiberglass insulation in my house projects ever. Thanks Matt!

[@buildshow]

100%. Thanks Johnathan

[@douglaskern4256]

T r t. RThe t t

[@MrJimme2003]

Having had a house fire that actually started outside on the porch, caught the Styrofoam insulation behind the siding and was funneled up into the attic you better believe I plan to spring for this stuff when I finally get to build. If it Rockwool had been used it would have been a nuisance that was cleared up in a couple weeks. Instead I'm still dealing with the fallout 3 years latter.

[@JohnathanBach]

@@MrJimme2003 Man! So sorry to hear that. I hope you can soon get back on your feet. Prayers.

[@MrJimme2003]

@@JohnathanBach Thank you. I like to think I'm getting close. Not sure when it will be exactly, but everyday has to be closer right?

[@davidhoover2446]

I am an audio engineer - for anyone who doesn't know, 2" insulation absorbs down to about 500Hz, 4" thick down to about 125Hz. If you use acoustic panels with an air gap behind them or as baffles, you double the efficiency of the absorption generally speaking. Safe n Sound 3" works pretty well, but double that up to 6" to start absorbing frequencies under 100Hz. Their product is 3" thick usually going in a 4" stud bay and the air gap helps absorb more sound, however it is a trade off because 4" of insulation absorbs to lower frequencies.

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

Perfect info - that's what I was really wondering about. Thanks so much. I'm off a super noise highway. I already get good sound proofing but I want even better - so this is what i needed to know. Also the insulation and fireproof value and keeping out animals. This stuff is awesome.

[@frostman9661]

That's great info! However, what do you do to start blocking really low frequencies from a subwoofer? Such as 25-50hz?

[@bassplaya69er]

@@frostman9661 mass and isolation to block external low frequency ( or any noise TBH). Rockwool absorbs noise so it's great for acoustic treatment when uncovered / covered in breathable fabric or slotted panels. While Rockwool in your Walla will stop more sound than nothing, a better strategy to block external noise is multiple layers of heavy wall cladding, each layer mechanically isolated from each other. Alternating studs, using Every other stud for external cladding, and the other studs for internal with the studs staggered so there is an air gap between the external cladding and an internal stud for example. Double or tripping up on the thickest plasterboard you can get, or even splashing out for the noise blocking plasterboard and still doubling or tripping it up, and bonding each layer to the one before will give you a lot of mass. The alternating studs gives you some mechanical isolation. Take it further with isolating joist hangers etc. Still fill the void with rockwool, but make sure there is an air gap between the rockwool and either the external or internal cladding.

[@frostman9661]

@@bassplaya69er that's great info! Thank you!!

[@sapprdaddy]

Thank you. This is what I had wanted to know.

[@Billliamm]

The difference between 80 db and 40 db is 10000x. Not half. Awesome product.

[@TheBuccleuch]

Love the channel, guys! Clarification on dB scaling - the decibel scale is logarithmic, so for every reduction by 3dB, THAT'S "half as loud." A reduction of 10dB means 1/10th as loud. The reduction noted from 80dB to 34dB would be 0.000025 "as loud."

[@yentrader]

Glad someone caught that. 👍🏼

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

thanks - yeah that rockwool room was super quiet. I definitely have enjoyed the soundproofing and I can't wait to add more rockwool to my structure for insulation also and to keep out critters. This vid has me even more excited about it.

[@bassplaya69er]

Most people including you gets this wrong. 3dB increase / decrease is a doubling or halfing of sound energy, not loudness. A perceived doubling / halving of "loudness" is closer + / - 10 dB SPL for most people (psycho acoustics is subjective) Most non audio engineers would not notice a change in SPL less than 3dB A "doubling" of Uncorrelated noise sources will give increases of approximately 3dB spl - IE 2 trumpets will be approximately 3dB spl louder than 1 Trumpet. 2 trumpets are not perceived as twice as loud as 1 Trumpet. A "Doubling" or correlated noise sources, such as loudspeakers positioned close enough to couple at the relative wavelengths, will give an increase of 6dB spl. 2 speakers are also not perceived as twice as loud as one speaker. A 3dB spl increase requires a doubling of power (part of where the confusion comes from I think) if a speaker is producing 90dB spl at 100W, 93dB spl will require 200w (ignoring power compression and other losses)

[@allenclarke9642]

@@bassplaya69er and then to make things even more complicated the perceived loudness varies depending on frequency

[@bassplaya69er]

@@allenclarke9642 perceived absolute loudness is very frequency dependent and even perceived changes in loudness will vary according to the listeners personal equal loudness contours approximated by Fletcher munson curves. 100dB SPL at 2 - 4 KHz will be painful for most people without hearing loss Vs 100dB SPL at 20 - 100hz that most people will be fine.

[@wendya1580]

When we were getting work done on the house--new havoc and abatement of old ducting--we realized our blown-in insulation was about 3" deep. That was it. We wanted our 30 year old romex gone (the old knob-and-tube wasn't connected anymore). For that, we wanted the pitiful insulation gone--had it vacuumed out. We put pieces of subfloor up in the attic so the electricians could move around up there, and made sure they put in some lighting, as there's a lot of room up there. Once they were done, we needed to re-insulate. My husband saw your channel and other sources touting Rockwool. Our local Home Depot put it on sale, so we were getting pallets-full at decent prices. We weren't so worried about hitting R39. We laid down R15 between the joists, shoving it in to very narrow spaces and building it up to the right depth, and up the side gables. No need for baffles as no overhang, which is not uncommon in our neighborhood. A second layer of R12 went on, perpendicular to the first, over all areas where the subfloor pieces were not going to stay. At the edges of everything went a third layer of R12. On a 100F+ day, our interior ceiling went from 98F (no insulation) to 78-80F (with insulation). One area only got one layer so far, because of work that had to be done, is about 85F. It is far easier to cool down a house that is 80F than one that is almost 100F. And it was EASY to instal! And Rockwool had a monthly drawing for "best review"--which I won! $200!

[@georgekg5okf178]

I've Switched out my Pink to Rockwood back in 2016! Dropped my Utility Bill by 1/3!

[@SnappyWasHere]

In iowa where I live spray foam is hugely popular. 2” thick is most common. This leaves a huge open cavity in the walls where the wiring is. Electrical fires spread super fast and mixed with the fumes from the foam causes huge problems. After my neighbors shop burnt down due to that very thing I insulated my new post frame shop with Rockwool. So glad I did.

[@crhu319]

I'd never foam around wires. Only around conduits run through walls.

[@lizzieb6311]

Yes… while spray foam is the “sexy” product of the moment I would NEVER use it…not only the fire spread and fumes…but if you get a leak that runs behind the foam on the inbound side of the exterior sheathing or from roofline it does NOT present itself until tremendous damage is done of a major mold issue occurs. Old school “boring” rock wool is a tremendous product.

[@aksting]

That sound absorption demonstration was impressive. This would be incredibly beneficial for a home office space. If not every room.

[@PrimeWhoLeo]

The absorption changes again with drywall applied because echoes and reflected waves. Account for this and add surface absorbing materials on the drywall fyi. I used S & S in my home studio in between ceiling joists and walls and it made a great difference.

[@John-lp5xh]

​@@PrimeWhoLeowhat's s&s?

[@Im-a-machine]

Lebanon, Tennessee. My own DIY home improvement project for 2022. I removed the blown in insulation from my attic. Some places didn't even have any insulation or very little. Then I air sealed all of the penetrations with spray foam. Then I used Rockwool R30 insulation batts, and a second layer of the batts perpendicular to the ceiling joists. In effect I should have an R60 now for my attic. I can already tell a greatly improved comfort feeling within my house. Now that the summer months are here, lets see how the utility bills are for A/C. I'm really enjoying the Rockwool insulation!!!! Thank you Matt!

[@ceciliabora8589]

Where did you get the Rockwool? I'm near Lebanon and coming close to needing insulation on my build.

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

Yeah I did two layers on my roof - just a hut - still now I just need to do more on the walls.

[@Im-a-machine]

@@ceciliabora8589 I bought mine at Lowe's in Lebanon. It's not normally in stock, due to supply chain issues I guess? But I wanted R30 batts, so I ordered it at the Pro desk.

[@greggshaw7936]

I did this in my garage attic. Also framed out the garage walls flush to the concrete and insulated both voids with Rockwool. Garage was always cooler than the house ( with A/C ). No windows in the garage or garage door. Whst does that tell you about the impact of windows ? Very nice to work in even on hottest summer days in Regina, Saskatchewan.

[@skrimfisker]

I have used Rockwool here in Norway for the last 20+ years as a carpenter. Great product and fire safety. Great video Matt.

[@ricoludovici2825]

I used it in Germany maybe 5 decades ago. The owner/builder got a deal on Roxul in Denmark and I put it under the tile roof system. Only took 40 years for it to get to the US. Best stuff in the world.

[@GeraldLeenerts]

@@ricoludovici2825 ehh, forget Gutex?

[@ricoludovici2825]

@@GeraldLeenerts If it was expensive or effective, we didn't get it in Iowa. More like Celotex. That was the high-dollar corn-board.

[@kipcarroll5644]

50 years ago my family was blowing Rock Wooll into houses attics and walls. Great stuff. Never had one problem with it. My dad did presentations where he melted a copper penny in his hand packed with Rock Wool.

[@GlueTubber]

I've been using Rockwool for about the past decade to (slowly!) replace the insulation in my house. I put it everywhere, and I love it. Easy install, blocks fire, holds itself in place, deadens sound, superior insulation, won't compress like glass insulation, no off-gassing like foam. It's an awesome material. If I were building a new house, Rockwool would be everywhere.

[@staberdearth3130]

I worked with a number of Rockwool manufacturers over the years. Some made fireproof acoustic ceiling tiles (regular paper based tiles are not used in commercial environments) some made Rockwool batts. Interesting process, waste slag from metal melting processes is melted along with additives to control viscosity and melt/transition temperature in a shaft furnace (induction will not work for non conductive materials like it will for melting metals) and the molten product is fed to a spinning wheel (think cotton candy machine). The melt is spun off and has a leading shot head and a long tail which is blown into a large room or container, the shot upon cooling usually breaks off, falls to the bottom and is recycled to be melted once more. The Rockwool is gathered and processing into batts. The acoustic tile process involves adding color,usually whiteners and a clay based binder pressed out like dough, given a desired surface finish, cut to dimension then baked in a continuous oven. This process was how I knew it from over a decade ago, it may have evolved to optimize the process over the years.

[@alexisstarsmith1477]

I worked as a S&H warehouse position in an insulation supply company. We supplied. Rockwool & I loved it! Best insulation ever, I didn't get itchy, I could lay all over it - OK unlike fiberglas! I learned it was superior to fire unlike fiberglas! I fell in love with rockwool. Now 40yrs later I learn it's bug proof - just amazing+!

[@tonyramberg9697]

I can assure you it's itchy. Still way better than any other insulation

[@XS-ss7go]

In my opinion rock wool is best insulation ever invented

[@gramos9115]

I have just finished, even moved in , to my new timber framed house and was so reassured by this video as we fitted Rockwool inside and outside of the whole structure, including the roof . The wind is howling outside yet inside is a sea of tranquility . we used rigid outside then silicone colour coat rendering on top . I taped every seam , edge and joint to keep it airtight and we live without heating . I used 100mm XPS under the wood floors to keep us off the slab , so no underfloor heating needed. I struggled to get builders to understand the theory , now they want to know how to do it and would I fit an off grid system for their clients ! Rockwool is such an amazing insulator I even filled the interior walls with it and it helped create a peaceful interior .

[@royrobinson4636]

Great video! *Rockwool is the best investment in my home to date! 🥰 One of my major goals for our home is to be as energy-efficient as possible, to the point of being energy independent. Our yearly climate can range from 120f in mid-summer to 20f in mid-winter. Heating and cooling costs are rising fast and are becoming a major expense. Simply replacing the fiberglass insulation in the attic with Rockwool insulation has reduced my heating/cooling costs and energy consumption dramatically! I've also recently completed a 300 sq. ft. room addition/office space in the garage using Rockwool in the walls and attic. I have also noticed the improved noise reduction! *Rockwool has been a game-changer in my home! 😎

[@Tahu2323]

just put rockwool in my garage. Its gonna be a fabrication shop so I was really worried about fire resistance. Covered it in sheetrock and after watching this video I feel I made the right choice! Thanks for these videos!

[@godman5043]

My goodness, Rockwell answers so many of the problems that come with using older types of insulation. Rockwell will probably be the insulation I use in the remodel of my house.

[@justincoleman4133]

I've just installed 100mm of RW45 (UK spec, u-value 0.035) in between 175mm timber joists on my new flat roof extension. It's a warm roof construction with 120mm PIR for thermal insulation (yes has a VCL) and is covered in a 2mm poly membrane. The difference the Rockwool has made is truly spectacular. It's so good I wish I didn't have to cover. We're using the room before it's finished and after a few hours of letting dust settle feels great and breathable as Matt explained. Really great product.

[@bassplaya69er]

If you like the acoustics of the room with the uncovered rockwool, you can make up panels wrapped in a tight weave flame retardant cotton and hang from the walls / ceiling. Get art printed on canvas to improve WAF factor.

[@kaiyack]

Rockwool is also used in hydroponics. Same company. However, the horticulture version is made in The Netherlands.

[@georgevue8175]

Cool video - I built a plywood box to cover my emergency generator and lined it with 4 inches of Rockwool. The Rockwool fireproofs it and helps it run much quieter.

[@virgil3241]

Love this stuff, as a homeowner, and far from an expert, this stuff is so awesome to work with. Ease of cutting and fitting and installation. I have bats like this in my furnace room roof for just some sound dampening. And because it doesnt have fibres coming off, it can stay there unfinished

[@bobbys2160]

This product rocks. I've used this in my floors, walls ceilings and the heat and noise disappeared. plus I like the idea that a electrical short in the walls would essentially snuff the flames. Another bonus I notice no bugs migrating from the floors or walls. Rock on

[@bf6159]

I was introduced to this product via marketing and promotions. I live close to a Highway, too close. Because I had to take the place down to the studs, I opted to got with this product for both exterior and interior walls, it made a profound difference. I see the traffic and feel the large vehicles, but I don't hear them anymore unless I'm in the garage.

[@BBKConstruction]

Killer content. I’ve been using rockwool for a little bit and there are so many benefits. Easy to cut, easy to work with, and far superior over traditional fiberglass.

[@alwaysrockn2009]

How’s the weight of the product compared to cellulose or fiberglass? Does it cause a problem if it’s used in a ceiling?

[@huntera123]

What a great video. Mineral wool is the better insulation choice. It doesnt burn. It isn't ruined by water exposure. It is sound deadening. Bugs and rodents hate it.

[@TommyAlanRaines]

My new home will actually use Rockwool!

[@TheLatinMass]

Great info and glad to see Travis representing KC again like he does at the builder symposium at BLVD Brewery the last few years. It’s good to see builders who genuinely have an interest in better building science, construction techniques, and an overall better home!

[@KarelSeeuwen]

Hi Matt, it is great to see a channel like yours dealing with well insulated long lasting buildings. I live in Japan and it was a major headache trying to find builders who were competent in using the materials and techniques that you present. I had to hire an architect to design my house, because none of the the housing construction firms knew or were willing to use anything but the standard Japanese system which hasn't changed much in over 100 years. I hope you can convince more people to put in a little more up front for the long term benefits it will bring. Best of luck. Karel

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

I use this all over my studio. Love it.

[@robertbrodarick9607]

Matt, love your approach to informing the masses. Together with Travis you connect us with a full gamut of feature benefits. Your enthusiasm for these type of events and keen eye for curation help us learn so in a conversational way that bypasses a sales pitch. Here's to hoping the algorithm spreads more of these type of videos and you get more exposure! Thanks for the expert level content.

[@PoeRunCraftProvisions]

Matt, I can't believe you came to West Virginia and didn't stop by for a tour of our build! I've tried to apply "all reasonable" Build Show techniques to our on-a-budget-in-2022 BarnBuild. That's OK, I understand. Thanks for all the info over the years!

[@mesatex]

Matt, great video with the Rockwool plant. I have been using Rockwool since 2008 when we had to special order it from Home Depot in Arizona for our home. That is when we learned how much better it performs than our 1987 Centex home's paper faced batt... after that I got Rockwool into a property for a Phoenix area Catholic charity. Next we will be using Comfortboard on our first exteriors in Metro Houston. When allowed, I spec/ buy Rockwool for projects I work on.

[@MichaelM-to4sg]

Rockwool is a trademarked brand of mineral wool. The primary vendors in US are Roxul, the makers of Rockwool, and Owens-Corning, makers of Thermafiber. Of those 2, we only use Thermafiber unless constrained supply chains limit us to Rockwool. Thermafiber is marginally less $$ but the determining factor is Rockwool employs formaldehyde as binding agent. Thermafiber is certified formaldehyde free. We and our clients prefer best air quality available, that includes using building material w/o formaldehyde whenever possible

[@BobPritchard]

I switched to Owens Corning Thermafiber because Rockwool refuses to pull out of Russia after their invasion of Ukraine. Unethical company.

[@kjohannes6896]

@michael m Interesting! How do both rockwool and thermafiber compare to Johns manvile temp control mineral wool? I thought there were distinct differences between rock wool and the general mineral wool in what it’s made from?

[@MichaelM-to4sg]

@@kjohannes6896 Never seen JM mineral wool. Is it formaldehyde free? Rockwool vs Thermafiber are both types of mineral wool insulation. Other than the formaldehyde binder, I don’t know the exact chemical differences. Technically, both are fireproof rated and have same R-value of 4.2/inch

[@JamesCusano]

It was only back in 2017-2018 that Thermafiber started offering versions of their products manufactured without using formaldehyde, and it was at the same time that Rockwool started offering the same. There has been some debate as to whether the alternative versions are even necessary, since the amount of heat used to create mineral wool seems to burn off any formaldehyde used during manufacturing. Good to have options, though.

[@MichaelM-to4sg]

@@JamesCusano Formaldehyde is used as binder to produce the batts and sheets of Comfortboard. It is not used in the molten rock phase. Roxul claimed they too were eliminating the formaldehyde, using a different binding agent. I do not know what happened to that product. As of 2021, the MSDS published by Rockwool for ComfortBatts, SafeNSound and Comfortboard 80 all list levels of formaldehyde.

[@karlhungus545]

Did my entire house with ROXUL way back in 2009. Fiberglass is peasant insulation. Have a look at how much better it stays in the wall cavity 10 years later too...no slumping.

[@suspicionofdeceit]

Indeed, fiberglass is a junk god awful menace.

[@Publicname6570]

just had an ADU (granny flat) buit. i installed rockwool safe and sound in the bedroom/living room wall myself to counter television noise. SUPER easy DIY product. i regret not specifying it for the rest of the build.

[@RafaelSwit]

I’d love to replace current insulation with Rockwool. @Matt Risinger any chance you might make a video for DIYers with existing homes (not a new build), on just how to make insulation and moisture barrier upgrade, without ripping off the roof? Including information and options for various parts of the country would be amazing.

[@scrivyscriv]

I had no idea the value and benefits of rockwool until I started watching these videos. I'm currently finishing out my second story, starting from just a bare floor that was never finished out during the initial build. It took a bit of time to get the rock wool batts, they are a special order item at the blue home store and impossible to get at the orange store. I believe there is about a three fold difference in price between fiberglass and rockwool! It installs just as easily in real life as these videos make it look. Last week I placed my sheetrock order from a local building supplier, and knowing I would need more insulation down the road, I asked the supplier if they carried it... He responded that I was probably in the 1% of people in the area that used it. It's hard to figure out when someone is giving genuine advice and recommendations, or if they are just repeating the status quo.

[@Californians_go_home]

Why are you buying at a box store? Go to an insulation supplier. If you aren’t a BoT

[@scrivyscriv]

@@Californians_go_home I don't know any insulation suppliers. If I find someone local I would prefer to use small business for the next phase of the build

[@mikefranks4528]

Great chemistry between you guys. Explanations never skip a beat. Thanks for a great presentation. I will be installing rockwool in my van for the awesome insulation, safety (fire resistant) and, of course, sound proofing.

[@euroasiabtlimited3208]

Love it . I also now only use and recommend Rock wool . I love the open flow insulation system . Building in climates that are hot in the summer and cold in winter , open flow is the only way that a complete open vapor flow without condensation problems . Lime and builders sand mix for renders is another great way for exterior finishes . It can be coated onto a expanded metal mesh .

[@morrishowell7410]

I have to agree that this is the only home insulation on the market today. Regular fiberglass insulation should be outlawed. Cutting in around electrical outlets alone makes this so much more efficient as well as wiring in the walls, ect. The cutting of this insulation with a knife alone makes installation much easier, the particles do not hang in the air, and as you install it, you can hear the noise level drop. It is more expensive, but you are actually getting the return on your investment, very rare in today's world. I really can't say anything else other than the fact that it is harder to get, but it is worth the extra effort. Finding it at Lowe's or Home Depot is not easy. Find an old lumber yard in your town that still works hard for your business and have them order it in for you. You will be amazed by this product if you use it. And thank you Matt for educating us on this product, I would have never come upon it without your videos.

[@billjohnson7347]

Great video. I own a 70 year old home in the PNW. There isn't any insulation in the wall cavities. I'm going to install new siding and at the same time remove the sheathing, insulate from the outside, reinstall the sheathing and install the new siding. I'll be using Rockwool to insulate it.

[@thompson4620]

Quality insights as always, thanks!

[@robertrada4783]

I’m glad the US is finally catching up to the rest of the world. Was using rock wool in recording studios….. decades ago.

[@bradkubota6968]

Mice WILL burrow into it. Blew my mind. Bastards tunneled in my newly refreshed small addition up a 7ft wall and across an 11ft length of ceiling. They tunneled better than Guzman. Still a big fan of this over fibreglass. DIY tip. I run my electrical at the same length as the bat lengths if possible.

[@firemanj35]

Wow really great suff Matt. Thanks for the info

[@brucecampbell6133]

An important dampening mechanism of the safe and sound in the "maze" is the sound attenuation on the surface of the insulation; killing the echo (like an anechoic chamber). Once the wall is covered with sheetrock that mechanism is eliminated and the main benefit is sound dampening through the wall.

[@johnhufnagel]

I have plans to close the envelope of my attic soon, and one of the issues constantly coming up is moisture buildup under the sheathing, and that fiberglass insulation will prevent air movement from drying out that sheathing. sounds like rockwool is the answer to that problem.

[@benkranz59]

On a job 2 years ago and all the interior insulation was stored outside in winter for reasons unknown to me. By the time we needed to insulate we lost 10s of thousands of dollars of fiberglass insulation and only had to throw away 2 bag of Rockwool because they were full of mud

[@zefrum3]

Interesting! Thanks for the material review

[@Murrdogg]

Love the details, especially that basement interior

[@enriquealdogarcia4850]

Hi, many thanks!! it was really a completely didactic video. Many thanks

[@savydude1]

Love it. But the products are hard to get in Canada.

[@daviddunsmore103]

Any idea why that would be? You'd think that it'd be ideal in our climate, where insulation values are more critical, in addition to all the other benefits. 🤔

[@michaelmcewan5074]

Awesome Video! Just the information I need for a huge project in my own home. Thanks Matt! Great info, I truly appreciate it!👍

[@ricoludovici2825]

I just about came unstuck with that display of the Comfort Board over wood studs. I am building a vacation house in the WUI above Las Vegas - cold/dry climate. I did a LOT of research because nobody in the County building department had any idea about 1) full basement, 2) unvented attic, 3) fire-resistant construction. The house is next to a deep/steep ravine with mountain fir and pine trees and low, dry vegetation. Coming from SoCal, I truly understand about fire. I specified all fireproof and fire resistant materials on the outside. Where they are not fireproof, like the glulam beams, they get covered with fiber cement board to match the Hardie siding. Walls are covered with OSB sheeting [NOBODY has any idea about ZIP panels, not engineer or building department], ZIP-taped sheeting seams, Tyvek [builder put up to keep dry while waiting for the 7 month backorder of my Comfort Board]. Then we put up 1x nailers with Hardieplank over them to finish the outside. I felt pretty good to see that first display of the wall system. That is exactly what I ended up with through my research.

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

yeah I had no idea Rockwool can replace any kind of vapor insulation material. That was probably the best info in this vid.

[@ricoludovici2825]

@@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 What I got was that Rockwool does not trap or hold the vapor. Hence no need for vapor barrier. However, I still wonder about this. Because if the outside is 15* and the inside is 72*, somewhere in the middle it will be 32*. Still seems to me that there will be ice formation.

[@JamesCusano]

@@ricoludovici2825 There's a section in the 2021 IRC book that details the different continuous insulation R values needed for different climate zones to reduce or negate the need for a vapor retarder.

[@ricoludovici2825]

@@JamesCusano I have the 2021 IRC. I broke the back at the climate zone section and the insulation section, making copies for the county plans examiner [a 54 year old woman from Calcutta who had never built a house]. Since this is a cold/dry climate - Zone 5 - I didn't bother with the vapor barrier. It was a lot more important in Minnesota, where I lived before.

[@tccdlinux1471]

Excellent, I learned a lot. Sure makes me push foam to a smaller roll.

[@TheSpatulaCity]

Love the stuff. Wish it was cheaper though.

[@micahwilson9346]

You talk about this protects against wildfires. This also gives it the added benefit of being protected from neighbor houses on fire. A lot of neighborhood fires spread to multiple homes because of being densely packed.

[@jjb3406]

Incredible! I sure could use this in my 1910 farm house.

[@classifiedinformation6353]

OK, I am now sold on Rockwool. Especially, because I own an old house.

[@scorpio6587]

I have been wanting to learn about below grade rockwool, especially exterior.

[@buildshow]

I’m looking forward to using it below grade on a future project. The anti-termite benefits are fantastic

[@Hedgehodge-]

@@buildshow do you happen to have a link to the study they did pretty please :)

[@GM8101PHX]

I design houses as a hobby, the exterior walls start with 16x8x4 colored concrete block with colored mortar so painting is not necessary, then 1 1/2 thick Kevlar 8 x 4 panels with aluminum facing acting as the vapor barrier, then steel framing 2x6 packed with Rock wool insulation and finally 5/8 inch Drywall panels pre painted on the interior face with fire retardant paint prior to install, then the exterior (seen) face of the drywall gets the same paint which comes in any colors you choose! My assumption is this would be a fire proof building. Even the interior walls are insulated and paint treated as the wall is constructed. The block is grouted every 32 inches with rebar re-enforcement inside and around any windows or doors! High strength security doors for the exits and hurricane roll shutters for all windows also makes it very safe from home invasions!! The windows would be bullet resistant glass, the doors would be Master Security Doors which keeps any bullets fired at it and withstands over 93 sledge hammer blows without penetration!! Would it cost a bunch of money ? Yes, but it would withstand hurricane force winds. The wall framing is welded together along with roof trussing known as Perfect Wall Inc. Fire treated lumber is used inside the steel framing for doors, windows and the kitchen where cabinets will be hung. In my current home I used 1/2 inch plywood to start on the wall so the cabinets would screw into the plywood even they do not hit any studs. A whole house 20k generator would give consistent power even if there is a major power failure supplied via a 1,000 Gallon diesel fuel tank underground and with a 10,000 gallon potable water tank buried under ground. Why the extreme prep? I worked in my local county jails and inmates told me how they get in to your home during a home invasion!! I went home and took care of any issues to harden my home. I have been told I have a fortress of a house, with the strong security doors, block construction and security doors. I also have flood lighting all around and cameras so I can see outside with the shutters closed!!

[@MrDavrosPatel]

Another great informative video Matt! Would love to know more about the Fiberglass Z Girt product mentioned in this video as well as the black faced comfortboard. Thanks.

[@chevy7698]

Great Video.. I bought this product based off your reviews on it , Thanks

[@gavhoffdrums3129]

A house built with this system is gonna be super efficient! Crazy, but definitely gonna make the build more expensive!

Except it won't. Rockwool needs massives amount of fossil fuels to get created in the first place.

[@kjohannes6896]

I’d like a video that compares rock wool to other mineral wool competitors. Not a lot of info out there on that and I’d love to learn.

[@r7boatguy]

I can compare it to the stuff from Menards. When installed it seems similar, but the Menards stuff is terrible to work with. I installed some in the ceiling of my basement, and had to wear goggles. It sheds dust and fibres. Safe n Sound doesn't.

[@kjohannes6896]

@@r7boatguy I used the Menards stuff recently too and I had the same experience. Wasn't expecting that.

[@tedspens]

I never thought about I joist webbing being more combustible. I'm going to recommend Rockwool to my clients.

[@mankind5709]

One thing they didn’t speak about was using a plastic cover over the rock wool to seal the rock wall under the dry wall. There is a Swiss product that uses a tape that seals called SIGA Majrex

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome stuff Matt, thanks for the info! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@Quietcold007]

This was good. Rockwool rules.

[@elischultes6587]

When I was in construction we only used Rockwool as a fire protectant.

[@Prorex1911]

I live in Abilene where we just had over 10k acres burn in the hills. Our 1968 house ( I remodeled with Rockwool from watching you back in 2017/18) was about a mile away from one that started a month prior to this last big fire. One lady who is a nurse lived in her family’s house that was passed down and it all got burned without insurance. I’d love to talk with you Matt if you ever come to Abilene. I’d love to help her out but I’m not in the position to do so financially.

[@Wolfiecolada]

i love rockwool. it's difficult to find many rockwool products in my area but there are 2 products here so far, 2x4 walls 16" OC and the comfort wool that is a little thinner, about maybe 3 inches thick or 2 1/2 - 2 3/4 inches thick. i hope they start carrying more locally. only available around here at lowes far as i know.

[@henrycarlson7514]

Interesting , Thank You. I need to get some

[@ericwotton2046]

I found rockwool to keeps out radiant heat much better than less dense fiberglass. It does come at a cost in my area but installing it you can tell the difference.

[@Kybossls]

Matt, I hope you are reviewing this video, my question for you or anyone with knowledge. I am remodeling a 1973 house with rock wool, 50 years old no bugs or wood damage. This rock wool has paper and then they installed plastic before the sheet rock. I’ve opened up the outer walls for the remodel. Should I remove the old stuff and replace with new, had thought about spray foaming the walls, however you have educated me with the rock wool. There is a little paper damage from moisture, not moldy but a little change in color. Thanks in KY

[@AaronSchmid1]

Anyone else miss the old intro??!?!?!?! I say it for him now! edit: its on the end now? guess i have to watch till the end :D

[@sewersideproductions2606]

All I know is that I used three layers between floors (basically shoved as much as I could in the space) and it totally killed most sounds. I couldn’t hear a Super Bowl party happening upstairs, and any noise that did happen to make it through it sounded miles away. It’s tedious to install and expensive (where I live the price recently jumped about 20 bucks!!), but if a quiet space is important to you, it’s an excellent product. Additionally, ‘Whisper clips’ and ‘resilient channels’ before installing the ceiling panels further improved sound-squashing function.

[@roBLINDhood]

I’d be very interested in how that sound tunnel works once drywall is up.

[@buildshow]

Less good. Much less good. That’s why my studio has filter fabric over Rockwool and it’s really dead sounding

[@ricoludovici2825]

@@buildshow The sound bounces off the smooth drywall surface. The bare insulation sucks up the sound waves.

[@johnwhite2576]

Matt you need to clarify- if you are talking about deadening sound reflections WITHIN your studio, yes, u r correct obviously ,BUT for reducing sound transmission to the OTHER room/side of wall, you WANT mass, as much drywall as possible!

[@Casmige]

I just got through doing a Rockwool between the wall stud remodel. I put so much Rockwool into the remodel?,a 1900 ft.² 3-bedroom was finished out at 950 ft.² We put insulation on the back of our insulation and then insulated that for good measure... Can never have enough insulation...

[@ricoludovici2825]

I hope you staggered the joints.

[@kf5hcr176]

I built our house with 8 inch metal studs and had the walls insulated with rockwool, The insulation installed was $4k by Bob Mutina from west Columbia, TEXAS, fine man by the way, and we recouped that within two years of very low electricity usage. We have four central ACs and our electric bill was $100-$190 per month. The utility company has changed our meter three times as they figured a 5000 sq foot house should be using more power. My question to you experts is: I have an uninsulated attic, fully decked, how can I lay rockwool over the decking and still be able to walk upon it? Are the insulation boards dense enough it will support a man's weight without being distorted? Thanks for the fine presentation. Take care

[@Darrell_Coquillette]

I put this in my shop walls. But I've been trying for the last six months to get some for the attic. I can't find it anywhere. When will I be able to have heat and cooling in my shop? Maybe next year I guess.

[@D.N.R.911]

Thanks a lot, love the details

[@connbyrn]

Matt maybe it’s cause I’m 29 and almost there myself if not already am but I’m loving the gray in the hair

[@Iampalindrome]

The display at 4:50 is using a vapor barrier yet they are talking like you don't need one. Can someone clarify here?

[@ralphkrahn7440]

Have it in our home ,Kitchener ,On🇨🇦 Working on your new plant in Milton ,On ,🇨🇦👍👍

[@leestebbins5051]

It used to be readily available at the local big box store but no more. Couldn’t get in 2022 and currently 2-3 month back order.

[@JohnathanAulabaugh]

I think the comparison between rock wool vs spray foam is the real question. I looked at rock wool and it was significantly expensive over fiberglass for my floor joists.

[@jimgardner5129]

I've put Rockwool (nee Roxul) in my attic and most of my basement. Living on a busy and noisy corner, heading downstairs to the den, in the basement, traffic and sirens have disappeared. Plus, the den warmed up significantly also. I'm a happy camper. Just wish I had the funds and patience to open all the main level exterior walls and replace the beige 50s-60s insulation. Sadly, it would be cheaper and easier to add insulated aluminum siding, which I'd hate.

[@terrybussenger6233]

I live in Northern Illinois, building our retirement house with a GC. If we use 5.5 Comfortbatt in the exterior walls (2x6, 16oc) with 1/2 zip sheathing, do we still need insulation board on the exterior wall and do we need a vapor barrier on the inside? I think in this video you indicate no vapor barrier is needed? Thanks, love your "delivery" of the content!

[@user-qq2qj3mx1w]

Rockwool awesome~

[@damham5689]

Mineral wool does have so many more benefits than fiberglass does. But just FYI. Technically fiberglass is also made of "rocks / mineral" fiberglass is made from sand which is.....rock and minerals.

[@macrapidito1]

Hi! I'm renovating a 100 YO double brick walls home located at PA, USA and Rockwool is my go to insulation how ever my only question is... Is rockwool an Insulation that is open to vapor diffusion? open to vapor diffusion is = to say Vapor permeable? does somebody has an answer to this question? Do I have my answer at minute 2:10 ? Thanks in advance for your help

[@maxhunter3574]

Does Rockwool provide any added structural rigidity like closed cell foam insulation? Also how does the fire resistance compares to closed cell foam that has the fire retardant in it?

[@user-dr2pg8fk2i]

Short answer is no on structural. Fire resistances is better because it inherently doesn't want to burn.

[@sissymurphy9620]

Had my whole modular 2440 sq ft house 2x6 stud walls done with roxul rockwool in 2004 and love it , cost me extra but worth every penny . I now cannot find the solid panels to do my basement walls Hint separate studs from outside and inside studs transfer heat and cold . I am now putting another layer of it in the attic . I live in southside VA no bugs , no miosture, no rodents ( I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY AND RODENTS ARE HORRIBLE )and does no harbor mold LOVE IT LOVE IT BUT NEED IT FOR MY BASEMENT WALLS IN THE SOLID PANELS . I really don't want to finish my basement I just want to warm it up . No access to the basement from inside , did not want it . But use it for storage , floors are insulated to the house

[@mariokajin]

Actually 30db is ten (10) times more silent than 60db. Actually 10 times less intensive sound.

[@juaneato]

Hi. I live in Florida and own a home that has radiant barrier OSB installed by the builder. D.R. Horton smart home. I was wondering if adding more radiant barrier to the rafters will help cool the attic even more. Eaves and ridge vents.

[@johnbryant4410]

Love Rockwool, but it's NEVER in-stock @ Lowe's, and Home Depot doesn't carry it.

[@JamesCusano]

Lowes also doesn't stock, or even special order, Comfortboard - which is also pretty annoying. Home Depot used to carry Rockwool when it was branded as Roxul, but they switched entirely to Thermafiber since they can get it all from the same manufacturer as their fiberglass insulation.

[@robertfontanetta1867]

@@JamesCusano My Home Depot on Long Island still carries it but only in R15 and R23 in 16" size. They are carrying much more Thermafiber however. Lowe's generally has more but again only in the above size, although they do carry R30 as well.

[@chadms2]

I’ve had problems getting/ordering a non-stocked Rockwool product in the Dallas area. As a homeowner with enough knowledge to be dangerous (this channel has taught me so much), I have been tackling several of my own home improvements. I have been trying to order their ComfortBatt for 2x4, 24” OC walls for some time now. I have an LLC and tried to setup accounts with the sellers and distributors in the DFW area (even those you mention), but they have told me they are too busy for my business. Anyone at B1S or Rockwool able to assist. Take my money!

[@tysleight]

Find a contractor friend and give them a " management fee" and use there accounts on a cash basis. My guy is my former boss that I was laid off from in 2009. He is big enough that he gets huge discounts and like a few grand on a house ( I only do 1 remodel a house every other year on the side).