Rockwool in Australia: Fire Protection and More

What is Rockwool?

Rockwool is a non-combustible insulation material made from volcanic rock fibers, making it highly effective for fire protection and thermal insulation. Rockwool comes in various forms, such as Fireseal for building applications and Fibertex for industrial uses, each tailored to specific needs.

Fire Protection with Rockwool Fireseal

1. Fire Resistant – Rockwool Fireseal does not burn, making it a reliable choice for fire safety.
2. Prevents Fire Spread – It blocks fire from moving between rooms or floors, giving valuable time to evacuate and minimizing damage.
3. Meets NCC Standards – Fireseal complies with the National Construction Code (NCC), ensuring it meets Australia’s strict fire safety regulations.
4. No Toxic Fumes – Fireseal does not emit harmful gases when exposed to fire, unlike some other materials.

Common Applications of Rockwool Fireseal

• Multi-story buildings: Fireseal is commonly installed in high-rise apartments and offices, where its fire-resistant properties help prevent fire from spreading between floors and rooms.
• Bushfire-prone homes: Fireseal provides essential protection in homes located in high-risk bushfire areas, offering an extra layer of defense in walls and roofs.
• Party Wall Insulation: Fireseal party wall insulation batts are often installed between adjacent units in apartments or townhouses, providing crucial fire resistance between shared walls while also helping reduce noise transmission between homes.

Rockwool Fibertex: Board vs. Blanket

For industrial applications, Rockwool Fibertex is commonly used to insulate high-temperature environments like ovens, furnaces, and boilers. It comes in two main types: Fibertex boards and Fibertex blankets.

• Fibertex Board: Known for its rigidity and strength, Fibertex board is ideal for flat surfaces or where added structural support is needed. It provides consistent fire and thermal protection in environments that require a solid form.
• Fibertex Blanket: More flexible than the board, Fibertex blanket is suited for insulating irregular surfaces, piping, or curved equipment. It offers excellent fire and thermal protection while allowing for easier installation in challenging spaces.

Both Fibertex board and blanket provide superior performance in extreme heat conditions, ensuring that industrial equipment remains safe and well-insulated.

Shift from Rockwool Batts to SoundScreen

 In the past, Rockwool batts were widely used in Australia for sound insulation due to their dense, noise-reducing structure. Today, SoundScreen insulation (Glasswool) has become the preferred choice for acoustics. It offers better sound insulation for residential and commercial spaces, effectively reducing noise between rooms and from external sources like traffic, aircraft noise, etc.

Conclusion

Rockwool products, such as Fireseal and Fibertex, play a crucial role in Australian building and industrial safety, providing reliable fire protection. Whether in multi-story buildings, commercial spaces, or homes in bushfire-prone areas, Rockwool offers the performance needed for fire safety and comfort. Fireseal is ideal for residential and commercial fire barriers, especially in party walls, while Fibertex provides top-tier industrial insulation, with options for both rigid board and flexible blanket applications.