ROCKWOOL details 65-year durability of stone wool insulation


Iain Hoey
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Technical bulletin highlights long-term thermal performance of stone wool insulation
According to ROCKWOOL, its newly published Technical Bulletin reveals that stone wool insulation retains its thermal properties for over 65 years in external wall systems.
The document outlines research from independent studies and real-world testing, including findings from the European Mineral Wool Manufacturers’ Association (Eurima) on mineral wool insulation.
One highlighted study was conducted by the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) on ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation recovered from a 1958 hangar at Copenhagen Airport.
The bulletin provides insights into how durability is defined in terms of as-built insulation performance.
It also demonstrates how ROCKWOOL products meet long-term performance expectations under real-world conditions.
Practical applications for specifiers and designers
James Francis, Product Manager for General Building Insulation at ROCKWOOL UK, commented on the relevance of the findings for building professionals.
Francis said: “This Technical Bulletin provides designers with credible evidence when considering the long-term performance of buildings post-occupancy.”
He explained that insulation’s role goes beyond the initial design phase, focusing on how it performs decades after installation.
The bulletin also connects findings to modern design standards, offering actionable insights for specifiers and designers.
Independent testing supports durability claims
The bulletin summarises real-world testing conducted on ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation.
The Danish Technological Institute’s study on materials recovered from Copenhagen Airport highlighted the ability of the product to maintain its properties over several decades.
This research aligns with broader findings from Eurima, which examined mineral wool insulation in various applications.
The technical findings strengthen the case for using stone wool insulation in buildings requiring long-term thermal performance.
Aligning durability with energy efficiency goals
ROCKWOOL’s Technical Bulletin reinforces the link between insulation durability and energy efficiency.
The company highlighted how retaining thermal performance can help reduce heating and cooling requirements in buildings.
The report also positions durability as a critical factor in meeting current energy standards, encouraging specifiers to consider long-term performance when choosing insulation materials.
ROCKWOOL publishes bulletin on stone wool insulation durability: Summary
ROCKWOOL has released a Technical Bulletin detailing research on the durability of its stone wool insulation.
The findings demonstrate that the product retains its thermal performance for more than 65 years in external wall systems.
Independent studies, including research from Eurima and the Danish Technological Institute, provide evidence supporting these claims.
The bulletin highlights how these findings are relevant for modern building standards, offering actionable insights for specifiers and designers.
James Francis of ROCKWOOL UK noted the importance of considering insulation performance beyond the design and handover phases, focusing on its role in reducing heating and cooling requirements over time.