Why wool insulation?

Natural science that works for you and our planet

No other material, natural or man-made, has the qualities and adaptability of wool.

Wool is hygroscopic, enabling it to absorb and release water vapour. This natural phenomenon, unique to wool, distinguishes it from synthetic insulation. Insulation R-values are typically tested in dry laboratory environments and don’t model the moisture present in real-world conditions. What this means is that although R values of other insulation materials may look great on paper, their performance once in your wall or ceiling system is often a very different story. Many other insulation materials can release toxic vapours too, while wool filters your air.

The unique properties of wool insulation mean it excels in managing moisture while maintaining its thermal performance. This crucial benefit helps reduce the risk of moisture buildup, which can cause mould within your home.

Here’s the technical bit…Wool adsorbs water (That’s right – adsorbs – not absorbs). Once inside the fibre, there is a temporary chemical bond (hydrogen bond) attaching water molecules to the surfaces of inner structures of the fibre. Adsorbtion is exothermic, meaning that it releases heat back into your home just when you need it. Breaking the hydrogen bond and freeing the water molecule, desorption, requires heat. This provides free cooling as required. Wool insulation, when enabled by the right wall and ceiling linings works like wool clothing does. It keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer, just like your favourite merino tee shirt.

The structure of wool fibre delivers exceptional functional and technical performance, and you can also be confident that you’re making the right choice for the delicate ecosystem of our planet. The Foreverbreathe system combines wool insulation with wall linings and rigid air barriers that enable wool to perform at its best.

Talk to us about how the Foreverbreathe system can work for you.