Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common technical questions from engineers, specifiers, and contractors about GlassRock mineral wool insulation products.

Product Selection

What is the difference between Glass Wool and Stone Wool?
Glass Wool is manufactured from silica sand and recycled glass, offering excellent thermal and acoustic performance at lower densities — ideal for building insulation, HVAC, and automotive applications up to 300°C. Stone Wool is produced from basalt rock and slag, providing superior high-temperature resistance (up to 750°C), better mechanical strength, and enhanced fire performance — preferred for industrial, marine, and fire protection applications.
What maximum service temperatures do GlassRock products support?
Glass Wool products are rated to a maximum continuous service temperature of 300°C. Stone Wool Boards and Loose Wool are rated to 750°C. Stone Wool Pipe Sections are rated to 650°C per ASTM C547. Wire Mesh Blankets in Stone Wool are rated to 750°C — making them suitable for high-temperature industrial equipment and piping systems.
How do I select the right density for my application?
Density selection depends on the application: low-density blankets (10–24 kg/m³) suit horizontal and cavity applications where weight is a concern; medium-density boards (40–80 kg/m³) are typical for walls, roofs, and HVAC ductwork; high-density boards (100–200 kg/m³) are used where mechanical strength, walkability, or fire performance is paramount. Our technical team can assist with density selection for specific projects.
Are GlassRock products non-combustible?
Yes. All GlassRock mineral wool products — both Glass Wool and Stone Wool — are classified as Non-Combustible per ASTM E136 (vertical tube furnace at 750°C) and achieve Class A1/A2 fire classification under EN 13501. Flame Spread Index is 0 and Smoke Development Index is less than 50 per ASTM E84.
What are the acoustic performance (NRC) values for GlassRock products?
Glass Wool blankets and boards achieve NRC values of 0.75 to 1.05 depending on density and thickness (tested per ASTM C423). Stone Wool products achieve NRC values of 0.95 to 1.05 — making Stone Wool particularly effective for noise-critical applications such as mechanical plant rooms, cinema construction, and industrial acoustic enclosures.

Installation & Application

Do mineral wool products absorb water?
Mineral wool fibres are inherently hydrophobic (water-repellent) when produced with appropriate binder systems. GlassRock products have low water absorption, and inorganic fibres do not support fungal or microbial growth. However, for applications subject to prolonged moisture exposure (e.g. cold pipe insulation below dew point), a vapour barrier facing or additional weatherproofing system should be specified.
Can GlassRock products cause corrosion to metal substrates?
GlassRock mineral wool products are non-corrosive to carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, and aluminium under normal dry operating conditions. The products are inorganic and do not contain chlorides, sulphates, or other corrosion-promoting agents above acceptable thresholds.
Are GlassRock pipe sections available for all pipe sizes?
GlassRock Glass Wool and Stone Wool pipe sections are available for pipe diameters from DN15 (1/2") to DN600 (24"). Sections are supplied as pre-formed half-sections (split longitudinally) for easy installation on existing or new pipework. Custom sizes can be produced for special applications — contact our technical team for non-standard pipe specifications.
What facings are available for GlassRock products?
GlassRock products are available with a range of factory-applied facings including: plain (unfaced), aluminium foil-scrim-kraft (FSK), reinforced aluminium foil, glass cloth, wire mesh, and other custom facings. Facing selection depends on the application, service temperature, and whether a vapour barrier or reflective surface is required. Visit our Facings & Finishes section for the full range.
Are GlassRock products certified to ISO 9001:2015?
Yes. GlassRock Insulation Company S.A.E operates under an ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, independently accredited by IAS (International Accreditation Service) — an IAF (International Accreditation Forum) full member. CE marking has also been achieved for applicable product ranges. All certifications are available for review upon request.
Can GlassRock products be used in marine and offshore applications?
Yes. Stone Wool Boards (D-40 to D-200 kg/m³) and Stone Wool Pipe Sections are widely specified for marine and offshore insulation due to their non-combustibility, high-temperature resistance, and resistance to vibration. They comply with fire performance requirements typically demanded by marine classification societies. Contact us for marine application specifications and approvals.
How do I request a technical data sheet or product sample?
Technical data sheets (TDS) for all GlassRock products are available upon request. Visit our Technical Document Library or contact our technical team directly at info@glassrock.com.eg. Product samples can be arranged through our sales team — please specify the product, density, and facing required when making your request.

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