Here's an inexpensive alternative to mineral wool insulation

[BottleFed70]

I've been reading here the last few weeks and soaking up all the good information. So I guess it's time to post my own.

When I went to my local insulation supplier and told them what I was planning, they talked me out of the rigid mineral wool insulation and sold me AFB (Acoustical Fire Barrier). Which is still the same material, just in a more "fluffy and flexible" form. They told me that it has the following advantages:

- Cheaper (less than 1/2 the price of the regular rigid mineral wool) I bought a 85 sf/ft bundle of 2" thick insulation for $60 CDN (about $50 US).
- Weighs less due to higher concentration of air pockets
- Better R value (insulation value) due to higher concentration of air pockets
- Better seal because you lightly pack it into place and it "Expands" to fill any small gaps.
- Comes in regular sizes for use with steel studs (2" or 4" thick, 24"x48" or 16"x48" pieces depending on if you are using 24" studs or 16" studs).

Apparently this stuff is VERY common as it's used in apartments, duplexes, commercial buildings, etc... wherever building codes require a fire barrier. Just ask for "AFB".

The only downside I can think of is that it won't work well for applications where you want a rigid insulation (For example: Pregnant oven).

[hbracing]

this is good info thanks. Definatly worth checking out.......................

[jrow]

BottleFed70,

Whats the temperature rating on the AFB?

John

[BottleFed70]

BottleFed70,

Whats the temperature rating on the AFB?

John

Here's a link to the spec sheet:
http://www.dispro.com/upload/D1005.pdf

Looks like it is rated to 1382*F

[Crimson]

Where did you buy it from in Canada? I'm in Ontario and will be looking for some in the next few weeks.

[willy535]

most building supply companies that carry commercial construction material shoud have mineral wool.(and i'm not talking bout home depot or joes lumber)i think it pretty much code in commercial construction.look in directory for building supply.alot of companies make it,owens corning, john mansville...etc.i got mine outside buffalo,ny from a building supply co.they didnt sell lumber,it was all steel studs, concrete block...you know..commercial..mine was made by www.thermafiber.com it was cheap

[BottleFed70]

Where did you buy it from in Canada? I'm in Ontario and will be looking for some in the next few weeks.

Was a local company called "Steele's"

But like mentioned, this stuff is very common. Just about any insulation shop should have have it.

[defed]

willy,

what's the name of the place you got yours from? i'm also in WNY, but haven't called around yet to see who has what and how much.

thanks

Dave

[willy535]

hey defed,i pm'ed you a while ago cause i saw you where in wny...i'm in niagara co.helping friends out with an oven for our mc parts.it is mineral wool,thermafiber brand got it at HRS bldg supply in tonawanda.i spent around 66 dollars.havent finished stove yet but should have enough....willy535@yahoo.com

[defed]

willy,

ack! i did see the PM, but i got distracted and forgot about it!

how big is your oven? mine is 3x3x6 and about 104 sq ft to insulate. my oven is on hold for a bit while i try to get the barn wired up. built it last year and didn't have time/money to get that done. so, i figure i should get going on that before i bother finishing the oven!

i'm out neat batavia btw.