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rockwool price / availability across regions

gekljklefgje

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May 20, 2022
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17
Rockwool is not available in any of my local stores (North TX). I can order it online from some stores by pallet (lowes.com, hometownbuildingcenters.com) but the price is quite high ($80+/bag for R15 2x4 )

I changed the zip code to some other regions and found out the availability / pricing is much better in some cases, available in store at ~$50/bag. Why is there such a big difference in rockwool pricing & availability? still a shortage / seasonal high demand in some regions?
 
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gekljklefgje

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May 20, 2022
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I wonder if the price around me would come down if I wait for a few months, right now it's almost 50% higher
 

theoldwizard1

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Feb 22, 2011
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SE MI
I believe Rockwool is a brand name. I think the generic term in "mineral wool".

The stuff is great for sound deadening and is more fire retardant than other insulation, but inch for inch, it is no better than fiberglass.
 

Walkers

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May 17, 2021
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Cave Creek Az
I believe Rockwool is a brand name. I think the generic term in "mineral wool".

The stuff is great for sound deadening and is more fire retardant than other insulation, but inch for inch, it is no better than fiberglass.
It is my understanding, having never used it myself, that it doesn't make you itch like fiberglass. If true this would make it very desirable, but I have never seen it for sale here in the southwest.
 

frankd

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Aug 5, 2014
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677
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Long Island, NY
I believe Rockwool is a brand name. I think the generic term in "mineral wool".

The stuff is great for sound deadening and is more fire retardant than other insulation, but inch for inch, it is no better than fiberglass.
I'm pretty sure it actually does have a higher R-value that fiberglass. filling a 2x4 wall with rockwool will get you an R-value 15, whereas fiberglass is r-12.
$80 here on Long Island NY as well. I'm shocked at how expensive it is.

Other benefits are that it's better for soundproofing, doesn't make you itch, and it doesn't absorb water or encourage the growth of mildew.
 

tjpavlov

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May 18, 2012
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Location
Providence, RI
I think the biggest advantage of Rock wool is its density. You can almost carve it around obstructions. It may have a similar R value as fiberglass but I think it's way easier to get a great install with.
 

budget76

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Jan 19, 2016
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502
having renovated a house that had rockwool initially and I replaced/added a bunch of fiberglass, I can say 10000% the rockwool is MUCH nicer to work with. Even without the itchy factor, its just a superior product to cut/handle/form around obstructions etc.
 

BombShelter

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Nov 16, 2015
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State of Hockey
Mineral Wool, Yes, much better R-factor, you can compress it and it won't lose it's R's, it doesn't get moldy if it gets wet and it doesn't need fastners, you push it into the spot and friction holds it. It's fire retardant and sound deadining.

I cut mine with a hacksaw blade, it's pretty easy, it still has some dust so I use goggles and a mask. I'm surprised they don't have it, check with the commercial building suppliers like White Cap
 

wagoncrazy

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Location
Newhall CA
We installed Rockwool in our 3100 sq ft single story house 2 years ago (remodel down to the studs) and without a doubt...it's performed way better than fiberglass does. Our house stays cooler for longer in summer, and warmer for longer in winter.
My wife and I installed it all in a weekend, with just masks and goggles. I can't remember the exact count by it was probably 80 bags of it.
The vaulted cielings with their 2 x 12 rafters took 2 layers of the 5 1/2 inch thick stuff. That was the smartest thing (for keeping the cooling and heating bill down). I highly recommend getting it.
 
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budget76

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Jan 19, 2016
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Also unlike fiberglass rodents do not use Rockwool for nesting.
my 1950's rockwool-insulated house counters this statement. Ceilings had mouse signs all over when we ripped out the old ceiling/drywall etc. Had to replace some with fiberglass b/c it was the cheaper option at that time
 

Hobby_Man22

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tx
my 1950's rockwool-insulated house counters this statement. Ceilings had mouse signs all over when we ripped out the old ceiling/drywall etc. Had to replace some with fiberglass b/c it was the cheaper option at that time
I agree. Everytime i mow a field mouse makes his way in.
 

mepstein

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Sep 17, 2010
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1,286
I did my workshop in rockwool. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Even at the higher price, I would do it. I won’t touch fiberglass again.
Buy a large, non serrated knife from the dollar store. It’s the perfect rockwool cutting tool.
 

Just_Steve

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Jun 2, 2020
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Location
Dutchess County, NY
my 1950's rockwool-insulated house counters this statement. Ceilings had mouse signs all over when we ripped out the old ceiling/drywall etc. Had to replace some with fiberglass b/c it was the cheaper option at that time
I stand corrected.

The below is directly from Rockwoll's official web site.

Are ROCKWOOL products rodent resistant?

There is no test method to determine whether or not any product is rodent resistant. ROCKWOOL’s reputation as a rodent-resistant insulation is mainly based on word of mouth and lack of negative feedback from numerous customers who use our products in “cottage country”. That being said, if a certain pest type is a nuisance to your particular area, best practice is to protect the insulation.

Never to old to learn.
 
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Imatk

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Mar 13, 2008
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322
Yep rockwool is awesome. No ITCHY! And forms really well.
 

GrayFlattop

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Jan 18, 2018
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Location
Chicago

Johns Manville TempControl® R-15 Mineral Wool Insulation Batt 3-1/2" x 15-1/4" x 47"​

Menards - $30.60/bundle (after 11% rebate) - my local store has 128 bundles in stock.
 

ducatithunder

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Dec 15, 2016
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Annapolis-ish, MD
Best bet is likely big box stores like HD. When I did mine I ordered to get the bulk discount price. IIRC the bulk discount was more then 10 bails. This combined with the Military discount was roughly sub $23 a bail for R23 comfort batt. I would encourage you to buy to atleast get the bulk discount. If you end up returning the unused portion so be it.
 

Hobby_Man22

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Nov 16, 2020
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tx
Best bet is likely big box stores like HD. When I did mine I ordered to get the bulk discount price. IIRC the bulk discount was more then 10 bails. This combined with the Military discount was roughly sub $23 a bail for R23 comfort batt. I would encourage you to buy to atleast get the bulk discount. If you end up returning the unused portion so be it.
That's what I did. You get 10 percent off
 

Hobby_Man22

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tx
I won't use rockwool anymore because it blocks the cell signal, but it has great sound blocking attributes which was what I was after. Could be a damn hurricane outside and you wouldn't know it.
 

finn

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