Why Exterior Insulation Products Like Rockwool and Powerwool Are Gaining Popularity in BC Construction
As building codes in British Columbia continue to evolve and energy efficiency becomes a top priority for developers and homeowners alike, exterior insulation systems are seeing a major rise in popularity. Semi-rigid and rigid mineral wool products like Rockwool Comfortboard™ and Powerwool are leading the charge. These high-performance materials are transforming the way building envelopes are designed, delivering long-term value across residential, commercial, and multi-family construction.
At White Glove Contracting, we’ve seen firsthand how incorporating these products into siding and exterior cladding projects can deliver meaningful benefits—both immediately and over the long term.
What Are Rockwool and Powerwool?
Rockwool and Powerwool are leading suppliers of mineral wool insulation boards, typically used as part of a continuous exterior insulation system. These boards are made from spun rock or slag fibers and are offered in semi-rigid or rigid formats, designed to be installed behind siding systems on exterior walls.
They provide multiple benefits, including:
Superior thermal performance
Fire resistance
Acoustic dampening
Vapor permeability
Resistance to mold and mildew
Key Benefits of Exterior Mineral Wool Insulation
1. Energy Efficiency & Thermal Bridging Prevention
Installing continuous insulation like Rockwool or Powerwool over the exterior sheathing helps eliminate thermal bridging—a major source of heat loss in conventional wood-framed buildings. This dramatically improves the building's overall energy performance, reducing heating and cooling demands throughout the year.
2. Fire Resistance and Non-Combustibility
Mineral wool is naturally non-combustible and can withstand temperatures over 1,000°C. For multi-family and commercial projects in BC, where fire safety is critical, this makes exterior mineral wool insulation a smart and code-compliant choice.
3. Moisture Management and Durability
Unlike foam-based insulation products, Rockwool and Powerwool are vapor-permeable and hydrophobic—meaning they allow walls to breathe while resisting water absorption. This minimizes the risk of trapped moisture and contributes to a more durable building envelope.
4. Acoustic Performance
These products also deliver superior sound insulation, an added bonus for multi-family developments where noise transfer between units or from exterior sources can impact tenant satisfaction.
5. Sustainable and Recyclable
Mineral wool products are made from natural and recycled materials, contributing to LEED credits and satisfying green building requirements. They’re also 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
Why Are Builders and Developers Switching to Mineral Wool?
In the past, continuous exterior insulation was considered a premium upgrade. But as Step Code requirements and energy benchmarking tools (like EnerGuide and Passive House) become more common, products like Rockwool and Powerwool are now standard components in achieving code compliance and energy targets. More municipalities across BC are enforcing tighter building envelope requirements, and mineral wool solutions are proving to be one of the most cost-effective ways to comply.
Partner With White Glove Contracting for Expert Exterior Installations
White Glove Contracting has experience installing Rockwool, Powerwool, and other high-performance exterior insulation systems on projects ranging from commercial buildings to large-scale multi-family developments. Our team understands the nuances of building envelope science, and we work with general contractors, developers, and homeowners to deliver airtight, energy-efficient solutions that meet and exceed BC building code standards.
Whether you’re aiming to hit Step Code targets or simply want to build a better, more efficient home—exterior mineral wool insulation is the smart choice.
Contact us today for a quote or to learn more about integrating exterior insulation products into your next project!