Commercial procurement teams often face the challenge of balancing strict energy codes with tight project budgets. Glass wool insulation provides a reliable solution by delivering high thermal resistance at a cost typically 10% lower than rigid mineral wool, making it a strategic choice for large-scale building envelopes and HVAC systems.
Alla Cina Isolamento Termico, our technical team helps B2B buyers specify the right glass wool solutions for performance, compliance, and cost efficiency—contact our team at https://chinathermalinsulation.com/ to discuss your project requirements.
This guide examines the technical criteria necessary for effective B2B sourcing, including the correlation between density and acoustic performance. We analyze how Man-Made Vitreous Fibre (MMVF) products achieve thermal conductivity as low as 0.027 W/m·K and withstand service temperatures up to 350°C. You will also find actionable steps for verifying Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for batts containing up to 90% vetro riciclato, ensuring compliance with both performance standards and ESG mandates.
What Is Glass Wool?
Lana di vetro is a Man-Made Vitreous Fibre (MMVF) insulation produced by spinning molten glass—often containing up to 90% recycled material—into a fibre matrix bonded with resin. It offers low thermal conductivity (0.027–0.035 W/m·K), high acoustic dampening, and non-combustible performance suitable for temperatures up to 350°C.
Composizione materiale: MMVF Structure and Manufacturing
Glass wool falls under the classification of Man-Made Vitreous Fibre (MMVF). Manufacturers produce this material by centrifuging molten glass into fine fibres and bonding them with a thermosetting resin. This process creates a fibrous network designed to trap air pockets, which effectively resists heat flow. The final product is commercially available in various formats, including flexible blankets, rigid batts, and pre-formed pipe sections, allowing for versatile application in building envelopes and mechanical systems.
Sustainability and chemical stability are key components of modern glass wool production. Many batts utilize significant recycled content, with some formulations containing up to 90% recycled glass to align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. Chemically, the material maintains a pH around 9 (slightly alkaline) and demonstrates moisture absorption rates below 0.1% by volume, ensuring durability in diverse environmental conditions.
Core Technical Properties: Densità, Conductivity, and Fire Ratings
B2B buyers must evaluate glass wool based on specific performance metrics verified by international standards. Conduttività termica (λ) typically ranges from 0.027 W/m·K for high-performance blankets to 0.035 W/m·K for standard slabs when tested under ASTM C518 or C177. Density requirements vary by application; building products generally fall between 10 E 80 kg/m³, while high-performance pipe insulation is often specified at 64 kg/m³ to ensure structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
Fire safety and temperature limits are critical for industrial and commercial specifications. Standard glass wool withstands service temperatures up to 350°C per ASTM C411, with specialized binder formulations extending this tolerance to 450°C for industrial use. In terms of fire compliance, these products achieve Non-combustible Grade A status (GB/T 8624) and exhibit minimal flame spread indices according to AS 1530.3 standard, reducing liability in high-risk environments.
B2B Applications (Residential, Commercial Structures, Soffitti)
Glass wool insulation serves three critical B2B sectors: residential thermal control, commercial acoustic isolation, and specialized ceiling systems. By leveraging specific densities (12 kg/m³) and facings (7µm aluminium), it achieves R-values between R1.3 and R2.5 while complying with AS/NZS 4859.1 standards for non-combustibility up to 300°C.
High-Performance Wall Systems: Residential Thermal Control and Commercial Acoustics
Residential construction projects prioritize thermal efficiency and sustainable material sourcing. Standard batts ranging from R1.3 to R2.5 frequently utilize 80% recycled glass to meet specific cavity wall insulation requirements. Technical performance data indicates that materials with a thermal conductivity of 0.032 W/m.K allow 100mm installations to reduce roof cavity temperatures by approximately 8°C. This consistent thermal barrier supports precise energy modeling for timber and steel-framed buildings, ensuring compliance with regional climate zone standards.
Commercial structures require rigorous acoustic control alongside thermal regulation. High-density glass wool batts provide essential sound isolation for partition walls in corporate offices and industrial machine rooms, effectively mitigating noise transmission between zones. Beyond acoustics, proper wall insulation impacts operational expenses, with data showing up to a 30% reduction in heating and cooling energy costs. This dual functionality validates the ROI for retrofit and new construction projects that demand both environmental control and acoustic separation.
Specialized Ceiling and Industrial Applications: Fire Safety and Compliance
Ceiling and applicazioni industriali necessitate strict adherence to fire safety protocols. Standard glass wool functions as a non-combustible material capable of withstanding temperatures up to 300°C, ensuring compliance with NCC 2019 Volume 1 and AS/NZS 1530.3 standard. For high-heat industrial environments, such as boiler insulation and HVAC ductwork, specialized glass wool variants maintain structural integrity and thermal performance in operating ranges up to 450°C.
Moisture control and installation efficiency drive product selection for large-scale ceiling systems. Rolls featuring 7µm aluminium facing meet AS4200.2 sealing requirements, which prevents condensation buildup in suspended and false ceiling assemblies. Logistically, 12 kg/m³ density rolls maximize coverage efficiency, with a typical 55mm thickness unit covering 18 metri quadrati. This combination of moisture protection and rapid deployment supports tight project timelines in commercial fit-outs.
Key Performance Metrics: Understanding R-Value in Glass Wool
R-value measures thermal resistance, defined as the capacity of glass wool to resist conductive heat flow. It is primarily determined by thickness and density, with typical glass wool performance ranging from R-2.2 to R-4.0 per inch (25 mm). Higher R-values indicate superior energy efficiency and temperature control.
| Thickness Spec (mm) | Typical R-Value (US) | Common B2B Application |
|---|---|---|
| 25 mm (1 pollice) | R-2.2 – R-2.8 | Duct wrap, acoustic liners |
| 50 mm (2 inches) | R-4.4 – R-5.6 | Partition walls, metal buildings |
| 89 mm (3.5 inches) | R-11 – R-15 | Standard wood-frame cavities |
| Multi-Layer / Stacked | R-30, R-38, R-49+ | Soffitte, high-performance roofing |
Certified Rock Wool Insulation for Industry & Costruzione
Glass Wool vs. Other Insulation Materials: A Quick Comparison Table
Glass wool matches mineral wool in thermal conductivity (0.044 W/m·K) and R-value (0.57 per pollice) while costing approximately 10% less. Tuttavia, it has a lower melting point (400°C vs. 1400° C.) and lower density (25-30 kg/m³), making it less suitable for high-heat or high-moisture applications compared to rigid mineral wool.
| Performance Metric | Lana di vetro | Lana minerale (Lana di roccia) |
|---|---|---|
| Conducibilità termica | 0.044 W/m·K | 0.044 W/m·K |
| Melting Point | ~400°C | ~1400°C |
| Densità (Acoustic Grade) | 25–30 kg/m³ | 45–50 kg/m³ |
| Contenuto riciclato | Fino a 86% | Fino a 70% |
| Moisture Resistance | Low (Hygroscopic risks) | High (Water-repellent) |
| Relative Cost | Baseline (Lower) | +10% Premium |
Thermal Performance and Cost Efficiency
For standard building envelopes, glass wool provides a compelling value proposition by matching the thermal efficiency of mineral wool at a lower price point. Both materials typically achieve a thermal conductivity of 0.044 W/m·K and an R-value of roughly 0.57 per pollice. This parity means that specifiers can substitute glass wool in walls and ceilings without compromising the calculated thermal resistance of the assembly, provided the thickness remains consistent.
The primary differentiator in this category is cost optimization. Glass wool procurement costs are generally 10% lower than comparable mineral wool products, offering significant savings for large-scale residential or commercial projects where specialized fire resistance is not the governing factor. Inoltre, glass wool often supports sustainability goals more aggressively, with products containing up to 86% recycled glass content compared to the 70% average found in mineral wool batts.
Sicurezza antincendio, Densità, and Moisture Resistance
While both materials carry non-combustible (A1) classifications, their engineering thresholds differ sharply under extreme conditions. Glass wool has a melting point of approximately 400°C, which is sufficient for general building safety but inadequate for fire-stopping applications. In contrast, mineral wool withstands temperatures up to 1400°C, making it the mandatory choice for high-heat environments, industrial pipe insulation, and fire-rated assemblies where structural integrity during a blaze is critical.
Sustainable Procurement: How to Source Eco-Friendly Glass Wool
Sustainable sourcing requires verifying high recycled content (often up to 80%) and bio-based binders that reduce formaldehyde. Procurement should mandate EPDs and HPDs to ensure compliance with low-carbon regulations like the Buy Clean California Act, targeting GWP limits near 2.68 kg CO₂e/m² for light-density boards.
Assessing Recycled Content and Bio-Based Binders
Glass wool insulation functions as a significant sink for waste glass, with leading product lines incorporating up to 80% contenuto riciclato (cullet). High cullet levels lower the melting temperature in the furnace, directly reducing energy consumption and minimizing the extraction of virgin raw materials such as sand and limestone. Procurement specifications should explicitly require third-party verification of recycled percentages to ensure the material contributes effectively to waste diversion goals.
The sustainability profile of glass wool also depends heavily on the binder technology used to hold the fibers together. Buyers should prioritize bio-based binder technologies—often derived from plant starches or polycarboxylates—over traditional phenol-formaldehyde resins. These “no added formaldehyde” formulations improve indoor air quality, enabling products to achieve stringent certifications such as Eurofins Gold1. Additionally, assessing manufacturer capabilities for closed-loop recycling helps distinguish suppliers who can reprocess clean off-cuts back into insulation from those who rely on open-loop downcycling into concrete aggregate.
How to Work With a Reliable Glass Wool Manufacturer or Supplier
To ensure reliability, prioritize manufacturers holding ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications who can prove compliance with product standards like ASTM C665 or EN 13162. A credible supplier will provide transparent Technical Data Sheets (TDS) detailing specific thermal conductivity (λ), fire ratings (ASTM E84), and density tolerances, rather than generic marketing claims.
Verifying Manufacturing Certifications and Compliance Standards
Reputable manufacturers distinguish themselves through rigorous plant-level management systems and verifiable product standards. You should request proof of ISO 9001 certificazioni, which validate quality control consistency, and ISO 14001, which confirms environmental management practices. Beyond factory operations, reliable suppliers must demonstrate product adherence to core industry specifications such as ASTM C665 for light frame construction, ASTM C612 for boards, or EN 13162 for European markets. These certifications separate engineered insulation products from low-tier commodity options that may fail to meet building codes.
Evaluating Technical Data Sheets and Performance Metrics
IL Technical Data Sheet (TDS) serves as the primary tool for validating product quality, and buyers must demand specific numeric values rather than vague marketing descriptions. Analyze the declared Thermal Conductivity (λ-value) and R-values for specific thicknesses to ensure they match energy modeling requirements. Fire performance metrics are equally vital; verify results for ASTM E84, looking for a Flame Spread Index of ≤25 and Smoke Developed Index of ≤50, or ASTM E136 for non-combustibility claims.
Physical properties such as density (kg/m³) and thickness tolerances directly impact installation quality and thermal efficiency. Non-uniform thickness creates thermal bridges, so strict tolerances are a sign of manufacturing precision. For specialized applications, look for advanced performance data in the TDS, such as water absorption tests (PER ESEMPIO., BS EN 1609) or maximum service temperature ratings, which can reach up to 650°C for industrial-grade mineral wool.
Domande frequenti
What are the latest non-formaldehyde binder systems for B2B glass wool?
Modern formaldehyde-free glass wool primarily uses bio-based polycarboxylate (plant-based), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or lignin-based binders. These systems allow products to achieve thermal conductivity ranges of 0.034–0.062 W/m·K and Class A1 fire ratings without the off-gassing associated with traditional phenol-formaldehyde binders.
How do you install glass wool to prevent settling in walls?
To prevent long-term slumping, installers should cut batts 5–10 mm oversize for a tight friction fit within the stud cavity. If stud spacing exceeds 450 mm, mechanical restraint straps are required at vertical intervals of 300 mm or less to hold the insulation securely in place.
What wind-uplift ratings can glass wool achieve in commercial roofing?
Glass wool assemblies in commercial flat roofs typically achieve wind-uplift ratings between FM Class 1-90 and Class 1-150. Advanced systems have tested up to Class 1-180 (approximately 180 psf design uplift pressure) under FM 4474 protocols.
Is it safe to combine glass wool with spray foam insulation?
SÌ, but code compliance requires a thermal barrier (usually ½-inch gypsum) to separate the spray foam from the interior space. Glass wool acts as a non-combustible supplemental layer (melting point 700–900°C) but does not replace the fire protection barrier required for the foam itself.
Does the type of facing (Kraft vs. Foil) change the insulation’s R-value?
The facing material itself does not increase the R-value of the glass wool batt; it primarily acts as a vapor retarder. Tuttavia, foil facing can add approximately R-1 to R-2 to the overall assembly performance if, and only if, it is installed facing an unventilated air space.
What are the risks when importing compressed glass wool?
Importers face two main risks: incorrect HS code classification, which can trigger penalties up to 300% of duties, and product damage from over-compression during transit, which permanently reduces the material’s thickness and effective R-value.
