Sheep Wool Insulation: Sustainable Efficiency for Environmentally Conscious Living

Sustainability and energy efficiency are playing an increasingly important role in the construction world. But how do you combine environmental friendliness with high-performance insulation properties? The answer might be surprisingly simple: sheep wool. This natural material not only offers excellent thermal insulation but also unique properties such as moisture regulation and health benefits. But how good is sheep wool really as an insulation material, and are there any disadvantages?

Read on to learn everything important about sheep wool insulation – from its benefits to practical tips for application.

 

Table of contents

  • Sheep wool as insulation material
  • Advantages of Sheep Wool Insulation
  • Sheep wool insulation – disadvantages in focus
  • What is the price of sheep wool insulation?
  • Making sheep wool insulation yourself – is that possible?
  • Conclusion
  • The MedSalus sheep wool products

Schafwolle als Dämmstoff

1. Sheep wool as insulation material

What is sheep wool insulation anyway?

Sheep wool insulation refers to the use of sheep shearing wool as a material for insulating buildings. This natural product comes from the annual shearing of sheep and is then thoroughly cleaned, processed, and turned into insulation mats, rolls, or other insulation products. Sheep wool is a particularly sustainable raw material, as it is completely biodegradable and can be produced in a continuous cycle without exploitation. Many manufacturers rely on ecological methods to produce the material in an environmentally friendly manner and without harmful additives, such as chemical flame retardants. The result is an insulation material that is safe for both the environment and humans.

Sheep wool is excellent for thermal insulation of walls, roofs, floors, and even as impact sound insulation. In addition to its insulating properties, sheep wool also scores points for its natural ability to absorb and release moisture without losing its insulating effect. This contributes to a balanced indoor climate and helps prevent mold formation. Furthermore, sheep wool is fire-resistant and provides excellent protection against heat and cold, making it a versatile and safe insulating material.

Typical applications:

  • Thermal insulation of walls: Interior and exterior walls can be insulated with sheep wool to sustainably increase the energy efficiency of a building and avoid thermal bridges. This natural insulating material is particularly suitable for older buildings or half-timbered houses.
  • Roof insulation: Sheep wool is particularly flexible and easy to install, making it ideal for sloped roofs and between rafters. Due to its adaptability, it also fills hard-to-reach gaps, providing optimal insulation.
  • Floor Insulation: Sheep wool is excellent for basement floors, intermediate floors, or as an underlay for wooden floors. It provides pleasant thermal insulation and helps to minimize energy losses through the floor.
  • Impact sound insulation: Under screed or laminate, sheep's wool effectively reduces sound between floors. This is particularly useful in multi-family homes or offices to address noise issues and increase living comfort.
  • Partition walls: Sheep wool is often used in partition walls for acoustic insulation to reduce sound between rooms. This is ideal for offices, practices, or even living spaces where quiet and privacy are important.
  • Insulation in timber and half-timbered buildings: Sheep wool is perfectly suited to natural building methods and is used in timber and half-timbered houses to combine historical construction techniques with modern energy efficiency.
  • Formwork and Ceilings: To reduce heat loss upwards, sheep wool is often used in ceilings or formwork. It not only provides effective thermal insulation but also contributes to improved air quality due to its breathable properties.

Additionally, sheep wool is also an excellent contribution to sustainability in construction. Compared to synthetic insulation materials, less energy is required for its production, and it can be easily composted at the end of its life cycle. Therefore, for environmentally conscious builders or renovators, sheep wool offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional insulation materials.

Are you interested in the versatile properties of virgin wool? Read our blog article Virgin Wool Properties – for Sleep, Insulation, and Garden and learn more about the advantages of this natural material. 

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Ein Schaf steht seitlich im Bild

2. Advantages of Sheep Wool Insulation

Sheep wool insulation is the ideal choice for sustainable and healthy building.

Excellent thermal insulation

With a thermal conductivity (lambda value) of 0.035–0.04 W/(mK) depending on the product type, sheep wool offers a competitive alternative to synthetic insulation materials such as mineral wool. The fibers effectively retain heat inside and prevent thermal bridges.

Natural moisture regulation

Sheep wool can absorb up to 33% of its own weight in moisture without losing its insulating properties. This means that it helps to improve the indoor climate – especially in humid areas such as bathrooms or basements.

Environmental protection and sustainability

In contrast to synthetic insulation materials, sheep wool is completely biodegradable, renewable, and often available locally. Additionally, its production and processing require less energy.

Health benefits

Sheep wool is free from toxic chemicals (as often found in synthetic fabrics) and promotes a healthy living environment. It even filters pollutants like formaldehyde from the air.

Outstanding sound insulation

Thanks to its elastic fiber structure, sheep wool has strong acoustic properties and is excellent for sound insulation. 

Did you know that sheep wool is not only impressive as an insulating material? It also convinces as a sleeping material with its unique properties. Read more about it in our article A duvet made of sheep wool – warm, healthy, and healing.

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Dach mit Dämmmaterial

3. Sheep wool insulation – disadvantages in focus 

"In addition to the obvious advantages of ecological and natural insulation, there are some disadvantages that should be considered when planning and deciding on sheep wool:"

Limited availability

Sheep wool is not available everywhere in sufficient quantity and in all forms. This can lead to longer delivery times or a limited selection of products.

cost intensity

Sheep wool is generally more expensive than conventional insulation materials such as mineral wool, polystyrene, or cellulose. The price reflects the higher effort in production and processing as well as the limited availability.

fire protection requirements

Raw sheep wool is indeed difficult to ignite, but for use as insulation material, it usually needs to be treated with natural fire retardants such as borates to be classified as difficult to ignite (B1 or B2 according to DIN 4102).

Sensitivity to pests

Sheep wool is a natural product and therefore more susceptible to moths and other pests. With appropriate protective treatments and good processing, sheep wool insulation is reliably protected from pests. However, without these measures, there may be an increased susceptibility, especially in damp or poorly ventilated environments.

moisture absorption

Although sheep wool can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture without losing its insulating properties, there is a risk of mold formation or impairment of the material structure with prolonged moisture exposure.

Even though sheep wool insulation has some disadvantages, it remains an impressive material for ecological construction projects. For those who want to enjoy the benefits of sheep wool in other areas, we offer high-quality MedSalus sheep wool products. 

Discover MedSalus sheep wool products now  

4. Sheep Wool Insulation - Price and Costs Overview

As mentioned, the price varies depending on the manufacturer, quantity, and quality. On average, however, you should expect costs between 30 and 60 € per m². For larger projects, there are often discounts. Due to their durable properties, the higher initial costs are offset by lower heating costs. 

Tip: Compare providers and pay attention to certifications such as the Cradle-to-Cradle label to purchase high-quality products. 

5. Conclusion

Sheep wool insulation combines natural efficiency with ecological responsibility. It impresses with outstanding thermal insulation, moisture-regulating properties, and sustainable production. Whether in new construction or renovation – sheep wool offers an environmentally friendly alternative that promotes health and well-being alike. For those who value a healthy indoor climate and sustainable building, sheep wool is the ideal choice.

Nevertheless, it is important to carefully weigh the advantages against potential disadvantages in order to make an informed decision that suits your construction project.

But sheep wool can do much more than just insulate! Our MedSalus products stand for the highest quality in organic standards and are produced fairly. They bring the benefits of sheep wool directly into your home and ensure a pleasant feel-good climate. Discover our handcrafted products that are sustainably and lovingly made. 

Discover MedSalus sheep wool products now   

6. The MedSalus sheep wool products

 

Die Medsalus Schafwollprodukte

Bed blanket made of sheep's wool from MedSalus

Temperature regulating and breathable – for a healthy and natural sleep.

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Pillow made of sheep's wool from MedSalus

Support neck and head ideally while providing allergy-friendly freshness.

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Underlays made of sheep's wool from MedSalus

Ensures maximum sleeping comfort while simultaneously protecting the mattress from moisture.

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Children's set from MedSalus

Perfectly tailored to the needs of the little ones – free from harmful substances and cuddly soft.

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Set options from MedSalus

Practical complete packages of duvets, mattress toppers, and pillows, ideal for any home.

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Do you know how to properly care for wool products? Check out our article Washing Wool – Tips for Proper Handling of the Natural Product to optimally clean your MedSalus products.


FAQ

How good is sheep wool as insulation material?

Sheep wool is one of the best ecological insulation materials on the market. It offers excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, regulates moisture, and is sustainable – ideal for environmentally conscious construction projects and a pollutant-free living environment.

Can you make sheep wool insulation yourself?

Yes, a DIY sheep wool insulation is possible if you have access to raw wool. The fibers need to be cleaned, dried, carded (brushed), and processed into mats. It is important to apply a final impregnation against moisture and pest infestation to ensure durability and functionality.