FIBERGLASS BATTS & MINERAL WOOL
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Primarily Used in Renovations & New Construction
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Good for Sound Attenuation and Thermal Control
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Relatively Inexpensive and Easy to Install
Fiberglass Batt insulation, also known as rolled insulation, is a traditional insulation product that's been around for decades. It is precut and packaged in bags and then installed onsite with either a Kraft paper facing or unfaced. The Kraft paper is supposed to provide a vapor barrier which is not required in South Florida. It is often used in both residential and commercial new construction or renovation projects for both thermal control and sound attenuation. R-values ranged from 3.5" R11 all the way up to 14" R49 but in south Florida we commonly used 10" R30 in attic floors and 3.5" R13 for walls.
It is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. While it's not an air barrier like spray foam, it does a decent job at separating a hot attic space from cool living space. We primarily use Owens Corning, but the main manufacturers are Johns Manville, Knauf and Certainteed. Fiberglass has a density of anywhere between 0.7lbs-1.0lbs/cubic foot depending on the material.
Mineral wool insulation, also known as Roxul or Rockwool, can be used for both thermal and sound applications, but is primarily used for sound attenuation in South Florida. It has a high density of 2.5lbs/cubic foot and is the best cavity insulation for attenuating sound. In residential homes it is commonly used around bathrooms, bedrooms, utility rooms, theaters and more. Commercial projects will often use in partition walls between units, utility rooms and restrooms.
It is most commonly offered in a 3" thickness to fit a 2x4 stud wall but can be special ordered in thickness ranging from 1.5" all the way up to 7.5". The main manufacturers are Rockwool, Owens Corning and Johns Manville.
