Wool vs. Fiberglass Attic Insulation: Why Wool is the Superior Choice for Your Home

When it comes to insulating your attic, there are a variety of materials to choose from. Two of the most popular options are wool and fiberglass. While both materials are effective at insulating your home, wool insulation stands out as the superior choice in many ways. Here’s why choosing wool over fiberglass can provide better comfort, sustainability, and health benefits for your home.

1. Wool is 100% Natural and Eco-Friendly

Wool insulation is a completely natural product made from sheep’s wool, which is renewable and biodegradable. Unlike fiberglass, which is made from a combination of synthetic materials like glass and plastic, wool is a sustainable option that minimises your environmental impact. By choosing wool insulation, you’re not only keeping your home warm but also contributing to a greener planet.

2. Superior Moisture Management

One of wool’s most remarkable properties is its ability to regulate moisture. Wool can absorb up to 35% of its own weight in moisture without losing its insulating properties, which helps prevent condensation issues in your attic. This is especially important in climates with high humidity or varying temperatures. Fiberglass, on the other hand, doesn’t handle moisture well and can lose effectiveness when wet, potentially leading to mould growth and structural damage.

3. Better Indoor Air Quality

Fiberglass insulation can release tiny glass particles into the air, which can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Wool insulation, however, is safe to handle and doesn’t release harmful fibers into the air. In fact, wool can even help improve indoor air quality by naturally filtering and absorbing toxins like formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide from the air. This makes wool a healthier choice for your family, especially if anyone in your household suffers from allergies or respiratory issues.

4. Naturally Fire-Resistant

Safety is always a priority, and wool excels here as well. Wool is naturally fire-resistant, making it an excellent choice for home insulation. Unlike fiberglass, which requires chemical additives to be flame-retardant, wool is inherently non-combustible and meets fire safety standards without the need for additional treatments. This makes wool a safer option for your home and offers peace of mind in case of a fire.

5. Longevity and Durability

Wool insulation is highly durable and long-lasting. It maintains its shape over time and doesn’t settle or degrade as easily as fiberglass, which can slump and lose its insulating power over the years. Wool’s natural resilience means that it provides consistent, effective insulation for decades, reducing the need for frequent replacements or maintenance.

6. Superior Thermal Performance

When it comes to keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, wool has excellent thermal properties. Wool fibers have a natural crimp, which helps trap air and create an effective insulating barrier. While fiberglass is also a good insulator, wool’s ability to manage temperature fluctuations better makes it ideal for homes in climates that experience extreme weather conditions.

7. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing

Choosing wool insulation supports sustainable agricultural practices. Sheep naturally produce wool every year, and it can be shorn without harming the animals. Many wool insulation providers also ensure that their products come from ethical, cruelty-free sources. In contrast, fiberglass production is energy-intensive and relies on non-renewable resources.

Conclusion

While fiberglass has been a popular choice for attic insulation for decades, wool insulation offers a range of benefits that make it a superior option for modern, eco-conscious homeowners. From its moisture-resistant properties and fire safety to its natural ability to purify air and superior durability, wool insulation provides long-term comfort, health, and sustainability. If you’re considering an upgrade to your attic insulation, contact us today to learn more about the benefits of wool insulation and how it can enhance your home’s energy efficiency while contributing to a healthier, greener future.

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