Knauf Earthwool Insulation
Knauf Earthwool insulation is a glass fibre product manufactured only by Knauf Insulation, a leading global manufacturer of insulation materials and systems. Knauf Insulation operates globally, with production facilities and sales offices in numerous countries, offering a wide range of insulation products for residential, commercial and industrial applications. It’s a popular product in the field of thermal and acoustic insulation and is available in a large range of products and thicknesses to suit various applications.
What is Knauf Earthwool Insulation Made of?
Knauf Earthwool is made of glass mineral wool, predominantly consisting of sand and recycled glass. The manufacturing process involves melting the raw materials, fiberising the molten glass into fine fibres, processing them into a mat-like structure and packaging the final insulation product for use in construction applications. Earthwool is made of up to 80% recycled glass with a sustainable bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde.
The super-soft and easy to handle material of Earthwool makes this product our preferred glasswool option for installation.
Thicknesses and R-Values of Earthwool Insulation
Knauf Earthwool insulation comes in a range of R-values to meet different thermal insulation requirements. The specific R-values available may vary depending on the product type and thickness. However, as a general guideline, Earthwool insulation offers R-values ranging from R2.0 to R6.0 for standard residential applications. Typically, as the insulation R-value increases so does the thickness of the product. Knauf also offers a high-density acoustic range of glasswool products called SoundShield, providing significantly higher thermal and acoustic performance without largely increasing the thickness.
Applications of Knauf Earthwool Insulation
Knauf Earthwool insulation offers a wide range of applications in various areas of residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Following are some common applications where Knauf Earthwool insulation can be used:
- Walls: Earthwool insulation can be installed in both exterior and interior walls to reduce heat transfer and enhance thermal performance. It helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and improves energy efficiency.
- Ceilings and roofs: Earthwool is commonly used in ceilings and roof spaces to prevent heat gain or loss. It helps create a thermal barrier, keeping the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. Properly insulated roofs also contribute to energy savings and reduce the workload on HVAC systems.
- Floors: Installing Earthwool FloorShield insulation underneath raised timber floors helps improve thermal efficiency and sound insulation. When installed between floors in multi-level dwellings, Earthwool also reduces noise transmission between the different levels of the building.
- Attics and crawl spaces: This insulation is suitable for insulating attics and crawl spaces, where temperature regulation is crucial. It creates a barrier against heat transfer and helps prevent moisture buildup, promoting a healthier and more comfortable living environment.
- HVAC ducts: Earthwool insulation can be used to insulate HVAC ducts to prevent energy loss due to air leakage. Insulated ducts help maintain desired temperatures, increase system efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Pipes and plumbing: Knauf Earthwool insulation can be wrapped around pipes and plumbing systems to prevent heat loss or gain. Insulated pipes help maintain water temperature and conserve energy, especially in hot water supply systems.
- Industrial applications: Earthwool is utilised in various industrial settings, such as factories, warehouses and manufacturing facilities. It provides thermal and acoustic insulation, improves energy efficiency and creates a more comfortable working environment.
- Acoustic applications: Earthwool insulation has good sound absorption properties. The higher density SoundShield is particularly suited for acoustic applications. Earthwool SoundShield is commonly used in theatres, recording studios, conference rooms and other spaces where noise control is essential.
- Agricultural buildings: Knauf Earthwool may also be used in agricultural buildings like barns and stables. It helps regulate temperature, reduces moisture buildup and creates a more comfortable environment for livestock.
The thermal efficiency, sound absorption capabilities and fire resistance of Knauf Earthwool insulation make it a popular choice for a wide range of insulation needs in residential, commercial and industrial construction projects.
Benefits of Knauf Earthwool Insulation
Knauf Earthwool insulation is a high quality glass fibre insulation with significant benefits for use in your home. Here are some of the key advantages:
Excellent thermal performance
Earthwool insulation has excellent thermal properties, which means it helps keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. It reduces heat transfer through walls, ceilings and floors, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing heating and cooling costs.
Energy efficiency
By minimising heat loss or gain, Earthwool insulation contributes to overall energy efficiency in your home. It reduces the need for excessive heating or cooling, which leads to reduced energy consumption and lowers your carbon footprint.
Acoustic soundproofing
Earthwool insulation has excellent sound absorption properties, making it an effective choice for reducing noise transmission between rooms or from outside sources. It helps create a quieter and more peaceful living environment, particularly in urban areas or near busy roads. The Knauf Insulation Acoustic range provides insulation that successfully dampens the transmission of undesired noise from outside sources and between adjacent rooms.
Fire resistance
Earthwool is non-combustible and provides effective fire resistance. It can withstand high temperatures without releasing toxic gases or contributing to the spread of flames. This enhances the safety of your home and can buy valuable time in the event of a fire.
Moisture management
Earthwool insulation is breathable and allows moisture to pass through, preventing condensation and moisture buildup within the walls. This helps prevent mould growth and the associated health risks, ensuring a healthier indoor environment. Note that despite this, insulation should not get wet.
Convenient installation
Earthwool comes in various forms, including batts, rolls and loose-fill, allowing flexibility in application. It can be easily cut to fit into irregular spaces, making it suitable for both new construction and retrofitting existing homes.
Sustainable and environmentally friendly
Earthwool insulation is made from recycled materials, such as glass or slag, and has low embodied energy. It is also recyclable at the end of its life cycle, contributing to reduced landfill waste. Using Earthwool insulation helps reduce the overall environmental impact of your home.
Health and indoor air quality
Earthwool is free from formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. As with polyester insulation, it does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or airborne particles, making it a safe choice for those with respiratory sensitivities or allergies. It helps improve indoor air quality by reducing air infiltration and the entry of outdoor pollutants.
Durability and longevity
Earthwool insulation is designed to be long-lasting and retains its thermal and acoustic performance over time. It does not settle or sag, ensuring consistent insulation coverage throughout the lifespan of your home. The product has a 50-year warranty.
Is Earthwool Better than Fibreglass?
Earthwool is one of the most comfortable-to-install glasswool (fibreglass) insulation products available on the Australian market.
Earthwool Insulation
Earthwool is produced from recycled bottles using ECOSE technology. Throughout the manufacturing process, a binder is formed to bind the fibres together, all with the exclusion of chemicals and artificial colouring.
Earthwool insulation is often favoured for several reasons. First, it’s known for its environmentally friendly properties. Made from recycled glass and renewable resources, it offers a sustainable insulation option. Additionally, Earthwool is relatively easy to handle and install, which can be appealing for homeowners or contractors looking for a hassle-free process. It also has good thermal properties, helping to keep your home energy efficient and comfortable.
Fibreglass Insulation
Fibreglass insulation is a well-established and widely used insulation material. It’s effective in providing thermal resistance and is readily available in various forms, such as batts and rolls. Fibreglass is a versatile choice, suitable for different applications. It’s worth noting that fibreglass insulation requires careful handling due to the potential for some skin irritation, making protective gear advisable during installation.
How to Install Knauf Earthwool Insulation
Insulation saves on energy bills, so it’s important to install it sooner rather than later, especially if you live in areas with very freezing or scorching weather.
Earthwool Ceiling Insulation Installation
In your home’s roof space, insulation batts for the ceiling are carefully positioned, fitting snugly between the timber joists located just above the ceiling. To access the roof space, ceiling insulation installers either use the manhole or remove roof tiles, all with the aim of minimising any disruption to your home.
Inside the roof space, the Earthwool Insulation Ceiling batts undergo custom cutting to precisely match the space between the ceiling joists. A keen eye for detail is essential at this stage to eliminate any gaps that could compromise the insulation’s thermal performance. You won’t need any specialised fasteners to secure the ceiling insulation, as the batts comfortably rest on top of the plasterboard ceiling.
Earthwool Underfloor Insulation Installation
Earthwool underfloor insulation is positioned right beneath your home’s flooring, placed securely between the timber floor joists. This area is often quite challenging to access, depending on how high the floor is above the ground.
Earthwool FloorShield insulation is available in batts that require precise cutting to match the necessary length, ensuring a proper fit between the floor joists. Since achieving this snug placement is crucial for optimising thermal performance, we recommend hiring experienced underfloor insulation installers to do the job for you. They’ll ensure quality workmanship, leading to significant energy savings over time.
To guarantee long-term stability and effectiveness, Amelior’s professional insulation installers use woven strapping stapled to the timber supports. This ensures that the Knauf Earthwool Underfloor insulation batts will remain in place for the life of your home.
Knauf Earthwool Insulation Review
At Amelior Insulation we have years of experience working with Knauf Earthwool insulation, and our customers have consistently praised its exceptional qualities.
One standout feature of Earthwool insulation is its remarkable comfort during installation. Unlike traditional insulation materials, Earthwool is less itchy and causes minimal skin irritation.
The compressed packaging of Earthwool insulation is a practical advantage that greatly facilitates transportation and storage. The compression process allows for smaller, more compact bags, while still containing a higher square meter coverage within each bag. This efficient packaging not only makes our logistics more streamlined but also ensures we can provide cost-effective solutions to our customers.
Knauf Earthwool Insulation Installation
With our understanding of Earthwool insulation and its qualities, we take pride in delivering professional insulation installation services. Our experienced team is committed to utilising Earthwool insulation’s features to enhance your home’s thermal performance, soundproofing and overall comfort.
Amelior Insulation does installations and roof insulation inspections in Canberra, Sydney, Blue Mountains and surrounding areas. We are a business that adheres to insulation standards in Australia and maintains effective communication with clients. To organise your installation with Knauf Earthwool insulation, call or text Phil on 0450 858 568. We look forward to assist in addressing your installation requirements.