Wool fibre insulation growing in popularity with builders

Recent changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, along with a greater focus on whole life carbon and net zero in construction, are making sheep's wool insulation a popular choice in construction.

Wool and other natural materials such as hemp, flax and wood fibres, are commonly used in a variety of roof, wall and floor applications. Suppliers such as Thermafleece convert coarse fleeces into insulation.

The wool's irregular structure gives body to the insulation as well as helping absorb sound. It's also very warm. When combined with an inert binder to
prevent slumping, the wool remains effective for the life of the building. Consisting of nearly 50 per cent carbon it is on effective way of locking up carbon dioxide.

Even a thin 50mm layer of sheep's wool insulation on a solid wall con generate potential energy savings of around 80 per cent for that element whilst providing a moisture balance and breathability," explains Mark Lynn, MD of Eden Renewable Innovations.

"And just as wool carpets can destroy formaldehyde, the same processes work for sheep's wool insulation."

Article published in 'Self Build and Design' Magazine

July 2022