1. Stone Wool Insulation
Sustainable Solutions
for
Thermal, Fire, and Sound Control

2. Roxul® Inc.
NA division of Rockwool® International
Rockwool International (Denmark, 1909) - world’s largest
producer of stone wool - 23 facilities in 14 countries
Roxul NA headquarters in Milton, ON (1988) and facility
in Grand Forks, BC (1999)
Over 8,000 employees worldwide with 400 in NA

3. Best Practice
Roxul is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of
Architects Continuing Education Systems. Credit earned on
completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA
members. Certificates of Completion for non-AIA members are
available on request.
This program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing
professional education. As such, it does not include content that
may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by
the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of
handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will
be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.

4. Copyright Materials
This presentation is protected by US and
International copyright laws.
Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the
presentation without written permission of the
speaker is prohibited.
© Roxul 2008

5. Learning Objectives
Define stone wool insulation
Identify the difference between stone wool, glass fiber,
and foam insulation
Key features of stone wool – more than just R-Value
Sustainable aspects of stone wool and LEED credits
available
Applications for stone wool in commercial buildings

6. Commercial Insulation Types
Fibrous Plastic Foams
Glass Fiber Extruded Polystyrene
Stone Wool Expanded Polystyrene
Slag Wool Polyisocyanurate
Polyurethane (SPUF)

7. What Is Stone Wool?

8. What Is Stone Wool?
Recycled And Natural Materials
Produced from natural and abundant basalt rock and blast furnace
slag (residue of the smelting of metallic ore).
Spun-blown and has a variety of forms such as batt, board, blanket
and pipe insulation
Binders (resins and oils) can be added for rigidity, less dust and
water repellency
Basalt Slag

9. Production Process

10. The Big Picture
The Facts On Energy Consumption
Buildings consume over 40% of all
fossil fuels and contribute 40% of
1
all CO2 emissions in the world
2
AIA target is a 50% reduction by 2010
Further 10% reductions every 5 years
Carbon neutral in 2030
1. DOE (US Department of Energy), AIA, Architecture 2030
2. AIA HPB Position Statement

11. Why Specify Stone Wool?
The Top 6 Reasons
1.Fire Resistance
2.Water Resistance
3.Sound Resistance
4.Thermal Resistance
5.Dimensional Stability
6.Vapor Permeability

12. Why Specify Stone Wool?
The Top 6 Reasons
1. Fire Resistance
2.Water Resistance
3.Sound Resistance
4.Thermal Resistance
5.Dimensional Stability
6.Vapor Permeability

13. FIRE CONCERNS
1. Research Project On The Noise Insulation Provided By Exterior Walls In Wood
Construction, CMHC Technical Series 99-124

14. Monday Nov 15, fire in Shanghai, China kills 58 people.
The fire may have been caused by the
accidental ignition of polyurethane foam
insulation used on the buildings outer walls.
-Shanghai Daily
Local Authorities said two apartments next
to the destroyed building would be
renovated as well, and the foam cladding on
the exteriors would be replaced in favor of
fire resistant materials.
-China Daily

15. Why Specify Stone Wool?
1. Fire Resistance
Flame Spread1: 0
Smoke Development: 0
Non-combustible2 with a melting point of ~ 2150°F
1. ASTM E84 2. ASTM E136

16. Why Specify Stone Wool?
1. Fire Resistance
Temperature development in a standard fire (ASTM E119)
2192°F 1200°C stone wool melts
1832°F 1000°C
1472°F 800°C
1112°F 600°C fiberglass melts
steel loses load bearing capacity
752°F 400°C
polystyrene foam burns
392°F 200°C polyurethane foam burns
32°F 0°C
Minutes

17. Why Specify Stone Wool?
The Top 6 Reasons
1. Fire Resistance
2. Water Resistance
3. Sound Resistance
4. Thermal Resistance
5. Dimensional Stability
6. Vapor Permeability

18. Why Specify Stone Wool?
2. Water Resistance
Stone wool is hydrophobic (resins)
ASTM C 1104 Moisture Sorption 0.03%
Is unaffected by wet / dry cycles
Effective drainage plane

19. Why Specify Stone Wool?
The Top 6 Reasons
1. Fire Resistance
2. Water Resistance
3. Sound Resistance
4. Thermal Resistance
5. Dimensional Stability
6. Vapor Permeability

20. Why Specify Stone Wool?
3. Sound Resistance
STC1 ratings on over 15 commercial wall assemblies
This example is 51 (RAL-TL96-269)
½” gypsum board, 3 5/8” steel studs 24” center, 3”
AFB
1. Sound Transmission Class – tested to ASTM E413, E90

21. Why Specify Stone Wool?
3. Sound Resistance
STC ratings are poor indicators of sound resistance at
frequencies which are of most concern (below 125 Hz)
Sources of low frequency sound include speech, audio/video,
ventilation equipment, airplanes

22. Why Specify Stone Wool?
3. Sound Resistance
Low frequency noise is best tested using the
“Coefficients at Frequencies” method
Stone Wool provides more low frequency absorption
than glass fiber when tested to both normal and
random incidents of noise
Insulation Batt Thickness Avg. 1/3 Octave Band Center Frequency (Hz)
(inches) 63 80 100 125 160 200 250
Glass Fiber 3.5 .15 .18 .20 .24 .30 .40 .50
Stone Wool 3.0 .18 .23 .29 .34 .41 .51 .64
HGC Engineering Compared Acoustical Testing At Low Frequencies

23. Why Specify Stone Wool?
3. Sound Resistance
Higher density of stone wool delivers dramatically better airflow
resistivity compared to glass fiber
Higher air flow resistivity will deliver better sound attenuation
Density (kg/m3) Airflow Resistivity
Insulation Batt Thickness (mks rayls / m)
(inches) Average Standard Average Standard
Value Deviation Value Deviation
3.5 12.2 0.4 4,800 400
Glass Fiber
2 .5 11.7 1.0 3,600 200
Stone Wool 3.0 44.2 1.7 16,600 900
1.5 51.9 2.2 15,000 500
HGC Engineering Compared Acoustical Testing At Low Frequencies

24. Why Specify Stone Wool?
The Top 6 Reasons
1. Fire Resistance
2. Water Resistance
3. Sound Resistance
4. Thermal Resistance
5. Dimensional Stability
6. Vapor Permeability

25. Why Specify Stone Wool?
4. Thermal Resistance
R-value for most
products is 4.2 per inch.
Unaffected over long-
term
The flexible nature of
stone wool allows the
material to conform to
surface irregularities,
preventing thermal
short circuiting

26. Thermal Drift Overtime
7
6
5 ?
R-Value
4 ?
3
2
1
0
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Years
Stone Wool PolyIso XPS

27. Why Specify Stone Wool?
The Top 6 Reasons
1. Fire Resistance
2. Water Resistance
3. Sound Resistance
4. Thermal Resistance
5. Dimensional Stability
6. Vapor Permeability

28. Why Specify Mineral Wool?
5. Dimensional Stability
Not affected by thermal
cycling
ASTM C356 Linear
Shrinkage: 0.01% @
350 °F (177 °C)
Reduces long-term effects
caused by the stress of
thermal cycling

29. Why Specify Stone Wool?
5. Dimensional Stability
Does not warp, curl or cup
Minimizes thermal bridging
Provides a flush fit for
optimal performance

31. Why Specify Stone Wool?
The Top 6 Reasons
1. Fire Resistance
2. Water Resistance
3. Sound Resistance
4. Thermal Resistance
5. Dimensional Stability
6. Vapor Permeability

32. Advantages of Stone Wool
in a Cavity Wall Assembly
6. Vapor Permeability
Stone wool is not a vapor retarder
Good wall design should never include 2 vapor barriers
Vapor permeance exceeds 30 perms
“Breathable insulation” will not trap vapor
Excellent for walls with split insulation (i.e. batt + exterior)
Does not support mold or fungus growth
Maximizes drying potential
Great for mixed climates

33. Why Specify Stone Wool?
6. Vapor Permeability
Stone wool insulation will
not block vapor as it tries to
escape through the
exterior wall assembly
Interior Exterior

34. Why Specify Stone Wool?
The Top 6 Reasons
M Fire Resistance
M Water Resistance
M Sound Resistance
M Thermal Resistance
M Dimensional Stability
M Vapor Permeability

35. Where To Use Stone Wool
Commercial Applications
Cavity Walls
Rain Screens
Curtain Walls and Fire Safing
Roofing
Interior Stud Walls
Ceilings

36. Where To Use Stone Wool
Cavity Walls
Fire resistant
Water resistant
Sound resistant
Drainage capacity
Flexible / conforming
Vapor permeable

37. Disadvantages of Foam Insulation in
Cavity Wall Assemblies
1. Thickness of wall vs. Batt Insul in Stud
Wall
• Added cost of construction
• Reduction in floor space
2. Poor Sound Control
• Relatively low STC ratings for extruded Extruded Polystyrene
polystyrene1.
• Noise through hollow stud walls has
been a common occupant complaint.
3. Dimensional Stability of Extruded
Polystyrene
• Thermal expansion / contraction
4. FIRE CONCERNS
1. Research Project On The Noise Insulation Provided
By Exterior Walls In Wood Construction, CMHC
Technical Series 99-124

38. Disadvantages of Foam Insulation in
Cavity Wall Assemblies
FIRE CONCERNS
1. Introducing a combustible material
within the wall assembly.
2. May be confined between non- Extruded Polystyrene
combustible materials, but…
• Weep holes, control joints, etc.
• Plumbing and electrical penetrations
Weep Holes
• Gypsum sheathing joints
3. Concerns and requirements of IBC
Chapter 26 code
1. Research Project On The Noise Insulation Provided
By Exterior Walls In Wood Construction, CMHC
Technical Series 99-124

39. IBC Chapter 26 on Plastic
• Section 2603 - Foam Plastic Insulation
2603.5 Exterior Walls of buildings of Type I, II, III, or IV construction
of any height need comply to the following:
1. 2603.5.1 Fire-resistance-rated walls to be tested according to ASTM E
119 to substantiate that the fire rating is maintained.
2. 2603.5.2 Requires a ½” gypsum thermal barrier separating foam plastic
from the interior of the building. (some exceptions)
3. 2603.5.3 Potential heat of foam in any part of the wall shall not exceed
the potential heat in the wall assembly tested in accordance with NFPA
285.
4. Flame Spread and Smoke Development less than 25 and 450
respectively, when tested at the thickness intended for use (4” max).
5. Wall assembly shall be tested and comply with the acceptance criteria of
NFPA 285.

40. 2006 International Building Codes – Adoption by State
October 2009 – 36 States!!
Alabama Mississippi
Alaska Montana
Arizona Nevada
Alaska New Hampshire
Arkansas New Jersey
California New Mexico
Colorado North Carolina
District of Columbia Ohio
Georgia Oklahoma
Hawaii Oregon
Illinois Rhode Island
Indiana South Carolina
Iowa Tennessee
Kentucky Utah
Louisiana Vermont
Maryland Virginia
Michigan Wisconsin
Minnesota Washington

41. Why Specify Stone Wool?
One option to improve wall performance and Eliminate
Fire Concerns is to Eliminate Combustible Materials
from the wall assembly:
Use of Stone Wool Insulation in Exterior
Cavity Walls

42. Where To Use Stone Wool
Cavity Walls
“Semi-rigid…has huge advantages over foam
plastic insulation. It is extremely vapor permeable
and will dry like gangbusters when it is on the
exterior of the sheathing in a vented cavity. It also
does not burn…It results in a huge improvement in
performance compared to current practice…”
Joe Lstiburek, PhD., Building Science Corp

43. Where To Use Stone Wool
Cavity Walls

44. Cavity Wall Applications

45. Cavity Wall Applications

46. Cavity Wall Applications

47. Cavity Wall Applications

48. Cavity Wall Applications

49. Cavity Wall Applications
University of Chicago
Residence Hall

50. Where To Use Stone Wool
Lightweight rain screen
cladding systems
Superior water resistance
Superior fire control
Superior sound protection

51. Where To Use Stone Wool
Curtain Walls and Fire Safing
Spandrel panels
Fire safing
Image courtesy of International Firestop Council (IFC)

52. Where To Use Stone Wool
Curtain Walls and Fire Safing
Installed on site
Installed in factories
Multiple sizes to suit
conditions
Numerous UL listings

53. Stone Wool Roof Insulation
More Than Just An R
NRCA Manual of Practice says an ideal Insulation would have the following
properties;
Provides a thermal requirement for the building and stable substrate for the
membrane
It would be incombustible, moisture resistant, impact resistant, resist deterioration,
stable K (thermal conductivity), accommodate secure attachments, dimensionally
stable under varying temperature and moisture conditions and compatible with the
membrane

54. Where To Use Stone Wool
Roofing
Dimensionally stability
Fire Resistant
Sound Absorbent
Water Repellent
Lasting R-value
Conformation to minor
deck irregularities
Ease of installation
Can be fabricated

55. Where To Use Stone Wool
Roofing
Steel decks
Concrete decks
Wood decks
Single-ply
Tapered systems
Torch and mop applications

56. Stone Wool Roof Board
A rigid mono-density stone wool
board
Coated with a bitumen layer that is
compatible with a torch, mop and cold
The new leader in coverboard technology!
applied membranes
Dimensionally Stable Suitable for use as a coverboard,
Water Repellent
Fire Resistant re-coverboard and as a thermal barrier
Vapor Permeable: 33 perms
High R-Value A stable substrate for your roof
membrane that has an R-value

57. Stone Wool Roof Board
A rigid mono-density stone wool
board
Designed specifically for single-ply
membrane applications and
compatible with all membranes and
adhesive
Suitable for use as a coverboard,
re-coverboard and as a thermal
barrier

58. Where To Use Stone Wool
Interior Walls
Stays in place
Friction fit
Vibration resistant
1 hour fire rated walls
UL listings, MEA, LARR
Improves fire resistance by 54%.1
No other insulation material has
this effect
UL design No. U448
STC ratings
1. Sultan and Lougheed, National Research Council (NRC) Study A4051

59. Where To Use Stone Wool
Interior Walls
Corridors
Partitions
Demising
Walls
1. Sultan and Lougheed, National Research Council (NRC) Study A4051

60. Where To Use Stone Wool
Ceilings
Garage areas
Mechanical rooms
Utility rooms

61. Sandwich Wall Panel
Description
An insulating stone fiber wool, bonded to metal skin on
either side. Panel joints vary per manufacturer with
tongue & groove edges which maintain the features &
benefits of the SWP.
Features & Benefits:
Energy Efficient (High R-Value)
Cost Effective
(Lower Installation Costs)
Fire
Sound
Moisture
Wind Resistant
Elimination of Thermal Bridging

62. Sandwich Wall Panels
Firewall Applications
Sandwich Wall Panels can be
used in Firewall applications as
and alternative to:
Concrete / Masonry
Gypsum / Steel Stud
Stone Fiber Sandwich Wall
Panels can achieve 1, 2 & 3 hour
fire ratings.

63. Where To Use Stone Wool
Commercial Applications
Cavity Walls
Rain Screens
Stud Walls
Corridors
Interior partitions
Curtain Walls and Fire
Safing
Roofing
Sandwich Wall Panel

64. Sustainable Aspects of
Stone Wool
Stone Wool Insulation saves 128 times more energy
over the course of 50 years than was used for its
production, transport, and disposal.
Energy balance becomes positive after only 5
months after installation of the product.
Natural and abundant basalt rock and slag (recycled
content) is extracted within 75 miles of
manufacturing plant.
Cut waste is recycled back into new product. Zero
manufacturing waste going to landfills.

65. LEED Category & Credits Possible Points Using Stone
Wool
Energy & Atmosphere Up to 10 points
Materials & Resources 1 to 6 points
Indoor Environmental Quality 1 point
Innovation & Design Process 1 to 4 points
Possible Total Points 21 points

66. LEED Examples
Energy & Atmosphere Materials & Resources
EA Credit 1: MR Credit 2.1 and 2.2:
Stone Wool Insulation has higher R-Values Stone Wool products are dimensionally
for superior thermal properties and energy stable and sag resistant. When
efficiency. Overall contribution depends on removed undamaged Stone Wool may
R-Value used. be reused and recycled for other
projects. Stone Wool Insulation
products are sized for optimized fit,
enhancing performance and limiting
construction waste

67. LEED EXAMPLES
Indoor Environmental Quality Innovation & Design Process
EQ Credit 7.1: ID Credit 1 to 1.4
Stone Wool Insulation offer a higher R- Stone Wool Insulation provides superior
Value. This minimizes thermal cycling due to thermal performance and fire performance.
external conditions, contributing to a more
comfortable thermal environment

68. KROON HALL CASE STUDY
Project Name: Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Kroon Hall
Project Size: 65,000 Sq Ft
Location: new Haven, CT
Building Use: Educational (Offices, Classrooms, Auditorium)
Project Architect: Centerbrook & Hopkins Architects
Developer: Turner Construction Company
Construction Manager: Turner Construction Company
Insulation Used: Stone Wool
Applications Details: Roof & Cavity Wall
Reasons for Stone Wool Insulation Use: Thermal Stability and Non-Combustibility
Project Completion: Early 2009
LEED Certification Level Achieved: Platinum

69. Review
Buildings consume 40% of all fossil fuels
Stone wool is sustainable
Natural raw materials, high recycled content
Thermal, fire, water, sound resistance, and
dimensional stability
Key value added benefits
Multiple uses in commercial structures
Roofing, cavity wall, curtain wall and interior walls

70. ABOUT ROXUL
Roxul recycles its own waste and delivers Ø waste to the landfill
The water from our production is collected and reused
Storm water is collected for use in our own production
Recycled heat from our process is used to augment heating
Energy efficient lighting has been installed throughout the facility
A no-idling policy for vehicles minimizes pollution

71. THANK YOU!

73. ROXUL AFB® (Acoustical Fire Batt)
Benefits
Comfort, quiet and fire safe
Cleaner, better handling and packaging reference
Superior acoustical performance
Four times the density of a glass batt
Four times better airflow resistivity*
Testing criteria
* In situ sound transmission improves with density

74. CavityRock DD
Applications:
CavityRock DD is specifically designed for use in
cavity wall and rainscreen applications.
The outer layer of CavityRock DD offers even
better water repellency characteristics, while the
lower density inner layer improves its capacity to
conform to architectural features and minor wall
irregularities.
Compliance & Performance
Test to ASTM C612
Flame Spread = 0
Smoke Development = 0

75. ROXUL CurtainRock® 40/80
Various densities and dimensions available for
various applications
Numerous UL rated Curtainwall designs for
approvals.
Easily fabricated
Choice product for application

76. ROXUL DrainBoard®
Description
Designed for use with a damp proofing layer for both residential and
commercial applications up to a depth of 12 ft (3.7m) below grade.
Properly installed, Roxul DrainBoard® is a key ingredient in keeping
basements dry and comfortable.
Specification
Density: 9.3 lbs/ft3 150 kg/m3 (Target)
R-Value: 4.3 per inch
Binder: High
Compliance & Performance
Test to CAN/ULC S702
Flame Spread = 0
Smoke Development = 5

77. Roxul Plus
Applications
This product is designed specifically for exterior wall steel
stud applications.
Compliance & Performance
Test to ASTM C665, ASTM C553 & CAN/ULC S702
Flame Spread = 0
Smoke Development = <5

78. ROXUL RockBoard™
Description
Is a semi-rigid/rigid commercial board, that is a
general purpose board which has low thermal
conductivity and superior compressive resistance
which translates into good site durability.
The product is measured in ACTUAL density with
a recommended application temperature up to
232^C (450^F).

79. RockBoard 40
Specifications
Density: 4.0 lbs/ft3
64 kg/m3
R-Value: 4.1 per inch
Applications
Mechanical rooms,
parking garage
underdecking

80. RockBoard 60
Specifications
Density: 6.0 lbs/ft3
96 kg/m3
R-Value: 4.2 per inch
Application
Metal roof requiring
snow load

81. RockBoard 80
Specifications Application
Density: 8.0 lbs/ft3 Surfaces requiring wind load such as
128 kg/m3 substrate for stucco walls
R-Value: 4.1 per inch

82. Roxul Safe
Application
Fire stop product for application at ceiling and floor
juncture etc.
Perimeter gaps between concrete floor slabs and exterior
wall systems
Around conduit pipe and duct openings through walls and
floor slabs
Between fire walls and ceiling slabs
Used where non-combustible product is required.
Approved for most applications.
Minimum 4 lbs density required.
Always used with a fire & smoke sealant.