Glass wool is a proven insulating material that is used in numerous construction applications - from thermal insulation to sound insulation and fire protection. It owes its popularity to its outstanding technical properties as well as its sustainable and safe production. But what exactly is glass wool, how is it produced and why is it so relevant for energy-efficient construction today?
What is glass wool?
Glass wool is an insulating material that is made from molten glass and processed into a fibrous structure. Visually, it is reminiscent of candy floss - soft, light and robust at the same time. The fine fibres of glass wool are created by a special defibration process that gives the material its typical cotton wool-like structure.
How is glass wool made and what is it made of?
The production of glass wool begins with the preparation of the raw materials. This includes natural materials such as sand, soda and lime as well as a significant proportion of recycled glass (up to 80%). This mix of raw materials is melted at over 1,000 °C in modern production facilities. The glass mass is then spun into fine fibres using centrifugal forces - similar to the process used to make candy floss.
Before the mat is cured and cut to the desired thickness and density, the existing fibres are cross-linked with a binding agent. This serves as an adhesive and gives the product its dimensional stability.
Binders - bio-based and safe
The SAGLAN glass wool products rely on bio-based bonding agents. These plant-based bonding agents do not contain formaldehyde or other substances that are harmful to health. This means that glass wool is harmless to health when used properly and is also ideal for construction projects such as residential buildings or schools.
Technical advantages
- Thermal insulation: Glass wool has a very low thermal conductivity and thus provides excellent thermal insulation in winter and summer
- Sound insulation: The open fibre structure absorbs airborne sound efficiently - a decisive advantage for quiet interiors.
- Fire protection: As a mineral insulation material, glass wool is non-combustible (building material class A1) and offers maximum safety in the event of fire.