Roxul Insulation

It isn’t often I go to visit a Home Depot® and am presented with a gift, but my visit to Pro Associate (aka as PASA) Diane at the Sparks, Nevada location was an exception.

I’ve been negligent in having her gift to me sit on my desk for months, before really investigating it, and I must say, I (who am hard to impress)…..am impressed.

In the “gift box”, which says Roxul® The Better Insulation™ is a small sample of insulation, as well as information about the product. For those who watch HGTV, Mike Holmes on Homes uses this product extensively.

Roxul® insulation is stone wool, manufactured from natural stone (basalt) and recycled materials. It is melted under intense heat, and then spun into fibers. Stone wool is the most fire-resistant of all mineral wool insulation.

Their ComfortBatt™, can be used in any perimeter wall, floor or ceiling where fiberglass insulation might otherwise be used. This semi-rigid batt has a unique flexible edge designed to compress as the batt is inserted into walls, attics, ceiling and floor frames. The flexible edge springs back, expanding the batt against framing members to give a complete fill. ComfortBatt™ compensates for normal variations in pole building commercial wall girt centers caused by distortion or warping. The special flexible characteristic at the insulation edge ensures the expected R-value is achieved. The 5-1/2 inch thick product has an R-value of 23.

Roxul’s exceptional thermal performance helps to reduce heating and cooling costs. It is outstanding in fire resistance as it is totally non-combustible.  It will not burn. This also helps prevent the spread of fire.

Roxul® insulation is water repellent – it won’t absorb water, which would compromise the R-value. It also resists rot, mold, mildew and bacterial growth. It also is an excellent sound deadener.

Installed, it fits snug between framing members, to provide optimum R-values. It is easy to install and (unlike fiberglass) it is easily cut with a long serrated knife.

For attic spaces, two layers of R-23 product can be laid perpendicular to each other and overlapping, to provide an R-46. As it is non-combustible, it can be placed around chimneys.

No product is apparently without some potential downsides, which must be weighed and balanced against the gains. It has been reported, by those who have installed it, as being more itchy and prickly to use than fiberglass products. Also, it apparently has a high formaldehyde content (up to 6%), which can negatively affect indoor air quality.

All things weighed, my wife and I wish we’d put Roxul insulation in the last building we constructed for ourselves (or our children), and will definitely consider it for our next one!

Anyone have a product they want me to research or critique – please post to this blog~!