Mineral Wool as a Continuous Insulation Solution

Providing a host of benefits while meeting stringent code requirements for energy-efficient building design
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Sponsored by Owens Corning®
By Robyn Feller
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Safety of Installation

Mineral wool is manufactured in sizes that are safe and easy to handle on the job site, and it can be safely installed with regular construction scaffolding or mechanical lifts. Additionally, mineral wool does not pose any safety threats to the insulation installers.

Trends/Improvements/Innovation

There is a trend to reduce thermal shorts regarding continuous insulation with the emergence of several thermally isolating hangers on the market. The use of these systems allows the insulation to be continuous and uninterrupted so as to realize the full benefit of the prescribed R-Value.

Key Points to Remember

As we conclude, let’s quickly recap the most important points and benefits regarding using mineral wood as continuous insulation.

  • ASHRAE 90.1 defines continuous insulation as “insulation that is continuous across all structural members without thermal bridges other than fasteners and service openings. It is installed on the interior, exterior, or is integral to any opaque surface of the building.”
  • Use of continuous insulation minimizes thermal bridging and can have a dramatic impact on the energy efficiency of a building envelope.
  • Mineral wool has a high recycled content due to the composition of the natural composition of the fibers.
  • Mineral wool provides a cost-effective continuous insulation solution.
  • Mineral wool continuous insulation is durable, moisture resistant, flexible, UV resistant, noncombustible with a melt point above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and air/vapor permeable.
  • Mineral wool is a semi-rigid product that is easy to cut and install, and it can be used in both permeable and nonpermeable assemblies.
  • Assemblies that include mineral wool are capable of providing sound transmission coefficients (STCs) that improve the indoor acoustical environmental quality for the occupants of a structure.
  • Mineral wool continuous insulation is capable of contributing to a number of LEED credit categories.

End Notes

1Moukhallati, Dana. “Electrical fault caused The Address Downtown Dubai hotel fire.” The National. 20 January 2016. Web. 9 April 2018.

2Myo-ja, Ser and Sang-jin, Kim. “Fire turns luxury apartments into towering inferno.” Korea JoongAng Daily. 2 October 2010. Web. 9 April 2018.

3Schwankert, Steven. “Five Years Ago Today: The CCTV Hotel Tower Burns.” The Beijinger. 9 February 2014. Web. 9 April 2018.

4Fire Breaks Out at Monte Carlo Resort on Las Vegas Strip.” Fox News. 25 January 2008. Web. 9 April 2018.



Bentley Mills logo. Owens Corning develops, manufactures, and markets insulation, roofing, and composites. The company’s businesses use their deep expertise in materials, manufacturing, and building science to develop products and systems that save energy and improve comfort in commercial and residential buildings. www.owenscorning.com

 

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Originally published in June 2018


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