Celotex Vs Rockwool

With ever-increasing energy bills, many of us are looking at improving the insulation of our homes or workplaces. Celotex and Rockwool are two well-established companies with solid reputations in the field. What’s the difference between them and which is best for the job that you want to do?

Celotex

Celotex, based in Hadleigh, Sussex, belongs to Sant-Gobain, a French multinational. Celotex produces multi-purpose insulation boards. These are suitable for insulating any structure’s floors, roofs, and walls. Celotex has two production facilities in England and distributes its products throughout the United Kingdom.

Rockwool

The Rockwool group has its headquarters in Denmark and began producing stone wool in 1937. Its UK factory is in Bridgend, South Wales. 

Rockwell derives stone wool from volcanic rock and claims that its product makes an excellent insulation material and offers protection from fire. Rockwool products are also available from building suppliers nationwide.

The Differences: Celotex vs Rockwool

The main difference between the two products is that Celotex is a board, and Rockwool is a fibre. Both products have their advantages. When installing insulation, it’s important to ensure that the insulation layer is consistently applied. You want the same thickness of insulation throughout. 

 Stone wool (and other insulation rolls) are less efficient as an insulator than boards like Celotex.

On the other hand, Rockwool is fire-resistant, but Celotex is not. Also, Rockwool is better as a sound insulator than Celotex – so if you are insulating a kids’ playroom, you might consider using Rockwool.

If you are insulating a vertical surface, such as a wall, you will find Celotex is easier to work with. With Rockwool, you will find it difficult to maintain a consistent thickness from top to bottom as the fibre will tend to slide down. However, if you are insulating a horizontal surface – your loft floor, for example, you will find Rockwool easier to apply and fit into awkward corners.

What Users Say

User forums tend to concentrate on two properties – efficiency as an insulator and ease of use. Everyone agrees that Celotex is a more efficient insulator – one user said it was twice as effective as Rockwool. 

People agree that Rockwool is easier to use but can irritate your skin. Celotex can be messy because you have to cut it to the size you want. You should wear safety glasses when cutting Celotex.

Some users point out that Celotex contains a fire retardant and that the boards give off a lot of smoke and fumes when they burn. 

A Final Word

You may choose to use both products when insulating your home. Use Rockwool for horizontal surfaces like your loft floor and Celotex for vertical surfaces like dividing walls. You will find it much easier and quicker to insulate your loft with Rockwool. You can easily ensure that the floor is completely covered without having to cut borders to fit. 

If you are still determining how thick your insulation should be, many websites will give you advice. Generally, older properties will need more than newer buildings. Regardless, both types of insulation will provide the needed upgrades to your home and energy efficiency.