Choosing the right insulation for your project can be a balancing act between performance, safety, sustainability and long-term comfort. Natural wool insulation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those looking to build or renovate more responsibly, but questions sometimes arise around durability and the risk of moth damage. While untreated wool can be vulnerable, high-quality products like Sisalwool are carefully treated using natural methods to guard against infestation, giving you all the benefits of wool without the worry.
What is the best performing insulation?
In this article, we compare wool insulation with two of the most commonly used synthetic alternatives: fibreglass and foam. From thermal performance and air quality to ease of installation and environmental impact, here’s how they stack up.
| Feature / Property | Wool | Fibreglass | Foam (Polyurethane, EPS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal Insulation (R-value) |
(approx. R 0.035–0.040 per mm) |
(R ~0.022–0.043 per mm) |
(R ~0.040–0.070 per mm) |
| Air & Moisture Regulation |
Absorbs and releases moisture |
Performance drops when wet |
Requires vapour barriers |
| Sustainability |
Renewable and biodegradable |
Not biodegradable, energy-intensive |
Petroleum-based, not biodegradable |
| Fire Resistance |
Naturally flame-resistant |
Requires chemical treatment |
Flammable unless treated |
| Sound Insulation |
Dense and fibrous |
||
| Allergy/Health Risk |
Hypoallergenic, no microfibres |
Can irritate skin and lungs |
May emit VOCs if not sealed properly |
| Durability & Longevity |
Long-lasting if kept dry |
Can sag or settle over time |
Long-lasting if protected from moisture |
| Ease of Handling |
Easy and safe to install |
Requires protective equipment |
Skilled installation often needed |
| Cost |
Higher upfront investment |
Lower to moderate |
Moderate to high, depending on type |
Wool Insulation
Wool provides moderate thermal insulation but excels in other areas. It naturally regulates air and moisture, absorbing and releasing vapour without losing performance. It’s highly sustainable, being renewable and biodegradable, and also naturally flame-resistant. Wool offers excellent sound insulation and is safe to handle, as it’s hypoallergenic and contains no harmful fibres. It’s durable if kept dry and easy to install, though it comes with a higher upfront cost compared to synthetic options.
Fibreglass Insulation
Fibreglass delivers moderate to high thermal performance but performs poorly when wet, as its insulation value drops. It’s not biodegradable and has a high energy production cost, making it less sustainable. It offers moderate fire resistance (requiring chemical treatment) and good sound insulation, though it can irritate skin and lungs during handling. It’s reasonably durable but can sag or settle over time. Installation requires protective gear, but fibreglass is relatively low-cost, making it a budget-friendly option.
Foam Insulation (Polyurethane, EPS)
Foam insulation provides high thermal performance, with strong resistance to heat transfer. However, it requires vapour barriers to prevent moisture issues. It’s petroleum-based, non-biodegradable, and flammable unless treated, giving it poor sustainability and fire resistance ratings. It offers moderate sound insulation and may emit VOCs if not properly sealed. Foam is long-lasting if kept dry but often requires skilled installation. Its cost ranges from moderate to high, depending on the specific foam type.
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