The Most Advanced
ROCKWOOL Insulation
Collection in America

Yes. ROCKWOOL batts are designed for DIY installation. The friction-fit design means no staples or adhesives are required. Simply cut to size with a serrated knife and press firmly between studs. Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask during installation.

Unlike spray foam, ROCKWOOL requires no special equipment or professional certification. Most homeowners can complete a room in a few hours.

For most applications, yes. ROCKWOOL typically costs 30–50% more than fiberglass batts, but offers significantly better performance across multiple dimensions:

• Superior fire resistance (non-combustible vs. melts at 500°F)
• Better soundproofing (STC 52 vs. STC 37 in same assembly)
• Moisture and mold resistance (hydrophobic vs. absorbs water)
• Dimensional stability (doesn't sag or settle over time)

For interior walls, home theaters, or any moisture-prone area, ROCKWOOL is the clear choice. For attic floors where sound and moisture are less critical, fiberglass may be adequate.

R-value requirements depend on your climate zone (per IECC 2021):

• Southern US (Zones 1–2): R-13 minimum in 2×4 walls
• Mid-Atlantic (Zone 3–4): R-20 in 2×6 walls or R-13 + R-5 CI
• Northern US (Zones 5–8): R-20 + R-5 CI or R-13 + R-10 CI

ROCKWOOL ComfortBatt R-15 (2×4) and R-23 (2×6) meet or exceed requirements in most climate zones. Adding ComfortBoard 80 as continuous insulation provides additional performance and eliminates thermal bridging through studs.

ROCKWOOL Safe'n'Sound in a standard 2×4 wall assembly achieves STC 45–52, compared to STC 22 for an empty wall and STC 37 for fiberglass. In practical terms:

• Normal conversation becomes inaudible through the wall
• Loud TV or music becomes barely audible
• Home theater sound is contained within the room

For maximum soundproofing, combine Safe'n'Sound with resilient channels and double-layer drywall to achieve STC 56–60+.

Yes. ROCKWOOL products are tested and listed in the UL Fire Resistance Directory for use in fire-rated assemblies. ROCKWOOL FireBatt and commercial products are used in 1-hour, 2-hour, and 3-hour rated assemblies per ASTM E119 and UL 263.

ROCKWOOL also passes NFPA 285 multi-story fire propagation testing, making it suitable for use in exterior wall assemblies on buildings over 40 feet in height — a critical requirement that many foam insulation products fail.

ROCKWOOL stone wool is vapor permeable with a perm rating of approximately 30–50 perms, making it a Class III vapor retarder. This allows moisture vapor to pass through the wall assembly and dry to the exterior, preventing moisture accumulation and mold growth.

This is a significant advantage over closed-cell spray foam, which acts as a vapor barrier and can trap moisture in wall assemblies in certain climate conditions. ROCKWOOL is particularly well-suited for mixed-humid climates (Zones 3–5) where walls need to dry in both directions.

Yes. ROCKWOOL batts are available in widths for both wood and steel stud framing systems. For steel stud walls, ROCKWOOL is particularly advantageous because:

• Steel conducts heat 400x more than wood, making thermal bridging a major issue
• ComfortBoard 80/110 as exterior continuous insulation dramatically reduces thermal bridging through steel framing
• ROCKWOOL's non-combustibility is especially important in steel-framed commercial buildings

Key installation tips for ROCKWOOL ComfortBoard 80/110:

• Install boards horizontally with vertical joints staggered minimum 12"
• Use ROCKWOOL-approved long-shank screws or mechanical fasteners
• Tape all joints with compatible flashing tape for air barrier continuity
• Maintain minimum 3/4" air gap between ComfortBoard and cladding for drainage
• For 2"+ thickness, install in two layers with staggered joints
• Coordinate with window and door rough openings for proper flashing integration