Mineral Wool Insulation?

[GypsyKarma]

Hey guys!

Ive been doing a ton of research on insulation and aside from the prodex, mineral wool batting seems to be the best bet. BUT I want to talk to someone who has actually used it before jumping in. Installation, who did you order from, how is it working out.... any tips appreciated!

[Belegedhel]

When I was re-insulating my trailer, I was sold on the idea of the mineral wool, or "rock-wool" as well, but the huge road block I ended up running into was that it was not available anywhere locally (and I live in the 4th largest city in the US).

I eventually talked myself out of using it and going with a 1.5" thick fiberglass bat with a reflective layer already installed. This stuff is used for insulating ductwork and water heaters and was available from the big-box stores like Home depot. I used this batting on all the curved sections of the trailer, and used several layers of solid foam board in the (lower) regions of the trailer where the walls are basically flat. With this strategy, I felt like I was overcoming the concern about fiberglass absorbing/retaining water, allergies aren't an issue, and if the interior catches fire, I figure it will be a loss long before the interiors of the wall get involved.

good luck!

[TheGreatleys]

I used a layer of bubble foil followed by 1.5" rockwool. Check out the relevant posts on my blog at thegreatleys.com/journal. Sorry I am too lazy to find the posts to direct link to at the moment.

Rockwool was great for this application. Makes a nice tight-as-a-drum installation, and it's pretty easy to work with. Get an insulation knife to cut the sheets and some spray glue to hold it to the walls while you put it up. I got regular 3.5" batts at the big box hardware store and cut them in half to get approximately 1.5" thick. Doesn't need to be exact.

[GypsyKarma]

Thank you! This is exactly what I was thinking about doing, but didn't know if it would dicentegrate. Did you get comfortbatt? My home depot only has safe n sound and its not rated with an r factor soo....I wasn't sure.

Thanks!

[TheGreatleys]

I got comfort batt. Safe and sound is denser so it has a lower r-value. If your home depot doesn't have comfort batt, you can order it online and pick up free in the store. Don't quote me on it but I think it took 4 packs to do the whole interior of my 27'.

[A W Warn]

I've used rock wool a gazillion times during my 45+ year career in commercial construction, usually for sound dampening on interior walls and/or on suspended ceilings. I do not recall ever using it in and exterior wall application for thermal insulation. I have done demolition projects where rock wool was remove after 25-30 years and it was still functioning perfectly.

In the past there were issues with rock wool containing asbestos, but I doubt that is still the case.

I know rock wool will sometimes give off a slight sour urine odor if it gets damp.

I do not have any experience with the comfort batt brand.

[AlbertaBound]

I am currently insulating mine with roxul comfort batt. All the box stores carry it here. I used 3.5" R14 cut in half to fit. 1.5" is available but is twice the price.

[cameront120]

Better than fibreglass as it has a slightly higher R-value and is hydrophobic. That is, it naturally repels water. It's also pest resistant. I specify it almost exclusively in my houses.

[onelisab]

Cameont120 Are you referring to roxul comfort batt?

[cameront120]

Originally Posted by onelisab

Cameont120 Are you referring to roxul comfort batt?

Yes, I'm referring to Roxul. Comfort Batt is typically used between joists/rafters.