Glass Wool Insulation
Glass wool (also called fibreglass insulation or glasswool) is a mineral fibre thermal and acoustic insulation material manufactured by spinning or blowing molten glass (containing 40-80% recycled glass cullet) into fine fibres bonded with a thermosetting resin binder. Available in batts, blankets, and rigid/semi-rigid boards across a wide range of R-values (R1.5 to R7.0+), glass wool is the most widely used insulation material in Australian residential and commercial construction. It is non-combustible when tested to AS 1530.1, has excellent thermal performance (thermal conductivity 0.030-0.044 W/mK), and provides significant acoustic absorption (NRC 0.90-0.95). Major Australian manufacturers include Bradford (CSR), Fletcher Insulation (Pink Batts), and Knauf Insulation (Earthwool), all producing locally with high recycled content. Glass wool products are CodeMark certified and comply with AS/NZS 4859.1:2018 for thermal insulation materials and NCC energy efficiency provisions (Section J for commercial, Part H6 for residential).
- Residential ceiling insulation
- Wall cavity insulation
- Acoustic insulation
- Commercial building insulation
- Underfloor insulation
Glass wool was first commercially produced in the 1930s, with Owens-Illinois and Corning Glass Works (later Owens Corning) pioneering fibreglass insulation in the United States. The Australian market developed in the post-war construction boom, with local manufacturing established by the 1950s-60s. CSR Bradford has been manufacturing glass wool in Australia since the 1960s, becoming the dominant brand. Fletcher Insulation (originally NZ-based) entered the Australian market with Pink Batts. Knauf Insulation, a global manufacturer, entered the Australian market more recently with Earthwool products using their bio-based ECOSE Technology binder. Significant improvements over the decades include: higher recycled glass content (now up to 80%), formaldehyde-free binders (ECOSE), improved dust and itch reduction through fibre refinement, higher R-value products for the same thickness, and purpose-designed acoustic products. The NCC has progressively increased minimum R-value requirements across all climate zones, driving demand for higher-performance products. Recent innovations include DriTherm moisture-resistant technology and high-density acoustic slabs.
DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.