Most commercial tiles use mineral fibres, while Rockfon ceiling tiles use stone wool. This one difference makes Rockfon different. With rock wool, which is made from volcanic rock, it won’t burn, is water resistant, no mould will grow on it, and it will still absorb sound. Rockfon tiles are also sound absorbers. The tiles RCT stocks are from the Rockfon Arctic range. This guide will highlight the differences between Rockfon and standard mineral fibre tiles and explain why it is valuable.
Stone wool vs mineral fibre
Both materials are spun mineral products, however, some differences exists. Standard mineral fibre The most popular commercial tiles in the UK are wet felted with mineral wool, perlite, clay, and starch. These tiles are cost effective and offer balanced versatile performance. Stone woolThe foundation of Rockfon is made of volcanic rock, which has the unique properties of being non-combustible and not absorbing water – properties that mineral fibre cannot offer.
Fire performance
Rockfon tiles usually possess an excellent reaction-to-fire classification because stone wool has non-combustible characteristics. Rockfon tiles do not assist in fire spreading and generate low smoke. Conversely, ordinary mineral fibre tiles have a fire reaction rating that is one lower. Therefore, if the highest fire classification is the goal, Rockfon’s stone wool is the only choice. As always, please refer to the specific product, and ceiling build-up for the relevant rating.
Moisture and mould resistance
Standard tiles warp and sag when exposed to humid environments, but this is not the case for Rockfon tiles. This is due to the water repellant characteristics of stone wool, which grants it superior dimensional stability. Stone wool is also resistant to mold and mildew as the microorganisms that cause these issues have no food source and therefore stone wool does not rely on added antimicrobials.
Acoustics and durability
Relative to regular mineral fibre ceiling tiles, Rockfon provides better acoustic absorption and equal sound absorption to premium acoustic tiles. Moreover, stone wool has good durability and longevity. The bright Arctic finish enables good light reflectance and helps brighten spaces. Stone wool products are unique due to the combination of excellent fire resistance, moisture resistance, acoustics, and durability.
The Rockfon Artic range
The tile RCT stocks is Rockfon ArticA stone wool tile with a new modern white top coat finish. It is available in square edge, tegular edge for 24mm grids and microlook edge for 15mm grids. RCT stocks these in 595mm x 595mm and 1195mm x 595mm. This tile provides all the advantages of stone wool including fire safety, moisture and mould resistance and acoustic absorption.
When to choose Rockfon over mineral fibre
If high fire ratings, moisture resistance or durability are important, you should consider Rockfon. If these aren’t issues, then a basic mineral fibre tile will be more economical for a standard budget office. A lot of projects use both: Rockfon in the more sensitive areas and mineral fibre in the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rockfon a mineral fibre tile?
No. Rockfon tiles are made with stone wool. Stone wool is made out of spun volcanic rock. This is different than standard wet-felted mineral fiber tiles because it is completely non-combustible and water-repellent.
Which Rockfon tile does RCT stock?
RCT distributes the Rockfon Artic range. These are stone wool tiles with a clean white finish and square, tegular, or microlook edges in 595 x 595 mm and 1195 x 595 mm sizes.
Why does Rockfon have better fire performance?
Rockfon tiles are classified as non-combustible because stone wool. Standard mineral fibre tiles are typically classified one rating lower. Please check the rating for each specific build-up.
Does Rockfon resist mould?
Yes, without added antimicrobials, stone wool naturally resists mold and mildew because there are no microorganisms for those fungi and bacteria to feed on.
We offer the Rockfon Artic line of stone wool products at our Rockfon category page.
Is Rockfon appropriate for your project? Call 01939 251 450 for straight advice, or request a bulk quote with our price guarantee.
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