Why use wool insulation in your home?

WOOL INSULATION IS A TECHNICAL PRODUCT

Industrial processes make wool insulation a serious technical product rather than an artisan luxury. Prior to being used for insulation, wool needs to be scoured, moth proofed, and the fibres opened into a uniform batting. Blending a binder with the wool fibres prevents wool insulation from slumping and ensures it lasts the life of the building.

INSULATION & THERMAL EFFICIENCIES

Specifications and requirements vary by building type and regulations. Where wool insulation is being designed into the fabric of a building, a technical assessment is required to ensure appropriate performance is achieved. For DIY and general home improvement work, follow the manufacturers guidance on installation.

LOW CARBON FOOTPRINT

British wool has a low carbon impact from farm gate to site. Another significant consideration is that coarse dark wools have a lower impact (than higher value light coarse wools) due to its lower cost.

FLAME RETARDANT

Wool has a high nitrogen content and contains moisture making it naturally flame resistant without the need for added chemical treatments, extinguishing itself when the source of the flame is removed. Wool requires high levels of oxygen in order to burn which limits the spread of flames and provides resistance to smouldering, especially true in the case of clothing, interior textiles and carpets. Wool insulation passes British and European standard fire tests to ensure it is fire safe and fit for purpose.

BREATHABLE COMFORT

Wool fibres are breathable, meaning they can maintain an ambient temperature, and absorb and release moisture without reducing thermal performance unlike fibre glass-based products.

AFFORDABLE & COST SAVING

Used in the home, wool insulation helps to reduce energy costs and prevents the loss of heat energy in the colder months, thus reducing costs and carbon emissions. Over its life, wool insulation will pay for itself many times over. With so many benefits from a natural, renewable fibre source – why would you not choose wool?

THE HEALTHY OPTION

Wool improves air quality and health by absorbing and locking away pollutants such as volatile organic carbons (VOCs) from the air more rapidly than other fibres.

NOISE REDUCTION

Wool acts as a sound absorber and lowers noise transmission, significantly reducing noises that can be heard throughout a building. Sound absorption is important in both commercial and residential applications because it assists in creating a more pleasant environment.

DURABLE & RESILIENT

Due to British wool fibres being like a coiled spring they return to their original shape during long term use, and insulation can last the lifetime of the building.

NATURAL & RENEWABLE

Wool grows naturally on sheep and is 100% natural and not man-made. As long as there
is grass to graze on, water to drink, air and sunshine sheep will produce a new fleece every year, making wool a renewable fibre source.

SAFE TO TOUCH & WORK WITH

Wool is perfectly safe to touch and requires no specialised safety clothing or equipment to handle. Wool insulation is easy to install, causes no irritation to the eyes, skin or lungs and wool fibres present no hazard to health. Although wool insulation can be handled without the use of PPE, it is recommended for fitters to wear PPE when installing insulation in a loft in case fibreglass or remnants of other hazardous elements are present.

SUPPORT BRITISH FARMERS

Keep your home environment healthy, and help support British farmers – always insist on a British Wool Certified product, and discuss your specific requirements with one of the recommended insulation suppliers.