GlassWool
Light and extremely flexible mineral insulation from the fusion of silica sand and recycled glass (up to 80%). In drywall systems, it acts as an acoustic spring, dissipating sound energy and blocking heat transfer.
Drywall partition. The low dynamic stiffness of glass wool allows it to function as a perfect acoustic damper inside the cavity, breaking the sound bridge between the two plasterboard skins.
Light, elastic and intrinsically safe. Glass wool is the leading insulator of dry-construction systems: it fills empty cavities, transforming thin walls into formidable barriers against thermal loss and noise.
The production cycle is an example of circular economy. Silica sand and recycled glass cullet (up to 80%) are melted at 1400 degrees C and transformed into microfibres. The most recent technologies have replaced phenolic glues with formaldehyde-free bio-based binders, making modern glass wool safe for indoor air quality.
In a plasterboard partition, sound passes through the first rigid board (the mass) and makes the air in the cavity vibrate. Filling this void with glass wool solves the problem: thanks to its low dynamic stiffness and high open porosity, the material acts as a spring that dissipates acoustic energy as heat (viscous friction).
Standards
European and international references applicable.
Physical properties
Usage environment
Glass wool is the preferred insulation for lightweight drywall systems where weight is critical. It is not recommended for external cladding (ETICS) due to lower density and mechanical strength: rock wool panels are required instead.
Documented applications
TAV. DPlasterboard drywall partitions
Primary use: filling drywall stud cavities for acoustic isolation between rooms.
Non-habitable loft spaces
Unrolled batts laid flat on the last slab to block winter heat loss.
Timber frame construction
Insulation press-fitted between structural posts in lightweight timber frame wall systems.
Acoustic ceilings
Glass-veil-faced panels in suspended ceilings for in-cavity or exposed sound absorption.
Acoustic Absorption in Drywall System (Coefficient alphaw)
TAV. EIn a Massa-Molla-Massa drywall system, glass wool acts as the acoustic spring. Its low dynamic stiffness (s' < 15 MN/m3) breaks the rigid sound bridge between the two plasterboard skins, enabling sound insulation values (Rw) above 50 dB in a single partition.
Used in these systems
TAV. SReference regulations
2 norms- D.P.C.M. 05/12/1997Determination of the Passive Acoustic Requirements of BuildingsIn force
- UNI 11367UNI 11367: the acoustic class of dwellingsIn force
Informational links to the regulatory framework. Always verify the current text on the official source.
Operational documents from this sheet
Specification clauses, site checklists and compliance dossiers generated from the graph — and kept in sync when a cited norm changes. Join the waiting list.
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