In building and industrial insulation projects, glass wool, as a commonly used inorganic fiber insulation material, is widely used due to its low thermal conductivity, good sound absorption, and light weight. Based on different molding methods and structural forms, glass wool is mainly divided into two categories: glass wool boards and glass wool felts. Although both belong to the glass wool system, they differ significantly in performance characteristics, construction methods, and applicable scenarios. This article analyzes the differences between glass wool boards and glass wool felts from an engineering application perspective.

First, there are fundamental differences in structural form. Glass wool boards are fixed products, typically with a fixed thickness and size. Their internal fiber structure is relatively dense, resulting in strong overall rigidity and a stable board-like shape. Glass wool felts, on the other hand, are primarily flexible, mostly in rolls or sheets. Their fiber arrangement is looser, providing good flexibility and bendability, making them suitable for wrapping and laying.

Second, their mechanical properties are emphasized differently. Due to different molding processes, glass wool boards exhibit superior compressive strength and dimensional stability, are less prone to sinking or deformation during long-term use, and are more suitable for applications requiring a certain level of structural stability. Glass wool felt emphasizes elasticity and resilience, returning to its original shape after slight compression, but its overall compressive strength is relatively weak, making it unsuitable for sustained loads.

Third, both have advantages in terms of construction adaptability. Glass wool boards have regular dimensions, facilitating standardized installation in wall, ceiling, and partition systems, resulting in a high degree of overall flatness after construction. Glass wool felt, due to its flexibility and high cutability, is more suitable for covering ducts, pipes, and irregularly shaped equipment, offering greater construction adaptability in complex structures and curved surfaces.

Fourth, their thermal insulation and sound absorption performance differ. Under the same thickness and density, the thermal conductivity of glass wool boards and glass wool felt is not significantly different. However, in practical engineering, glass wool boards, due to their structural stability, are more conducive to maintaining long-term thermal insulation effects. Glass wool felt, with its more open fiber structure, has certain advantages in sound absorption and noise reduction applications, and is commonly used in HVAC systems and computer room noise reduction projects.

Fifth, their applicable scenarios are clearly different. Glass wool boards are primarily used for interior wall insulation, partitions, roofing, and equipment insulation—areas requiring high flatness and stability. Glass wool felt, on the other hand, is widely used in air conditioning ducts, industrial pipelines, storage tanks, and equipment insulation, and is a common choice in HVAC and industrial insulation systems.

Finally, from a system design perspective, glass wool boards and glass wool felt are not simple substitutes, but rather complementary solutions tailored to different engineering needs. A reasonable engineering selection should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the usage environment, construction conditions, performance requirements, and system structure, rather than simply comparing material types.

In general, glass wool boards emphasize structural stability and standardized installation, making them suitable for building envelopes and standard applications; glass wool felt focuses on flexibility and construction adaptability, making it more suitable for complex structures and equipment insulation. In building insulation material engineering practice, scientifically distinguishing and rationally selecting glass wool boards and glass wool felt helps improve the overall system performance and long-term durability.