When building or renovating a home, insulation may not be the flashiest topic—but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It impacts everything from your energy efficiency to indoor air quality, long-term durability, and overall comfort. For decades, fiberglass has been the go-to choice for insulation. It’s cheap, widely available, and familiar. But that doesn’t make it the best.
Enter Havelock Wool—a natural, high-performance alternative made from 100% sheep’s wool. And while it may sound rustic, don’t let that fool you. This material is backed by building science and time-tested natural performance. It’s redefining how modern homes can be built for both efficiency and wellbeing.
In this post, we’ll explore why more builders, renovators, and DIYers are turning to Havelock Wool over fiberglass—and why it might be the smartest insulation upgrade you can make.
The Problem with Fiberglass Insulation
Let’s start with the conventional option. Fiberglass insulation is made from fine glass fibers spun into batts or blown into wall cavities. While it has been widely used for decades, it comes with significant drawbacks that many homeowners and even some contractors overlook.
Here’s what you’re really getting with fiberglass:
Health Hazards: Fiberglass is an irritant to skin, eyes, and lungs. During installation, tiny glass fibers become airborne, posing health risks if inhaled. Over time, it can break down and release particles or VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into your living space.
Moisture Vulnerability: Fiberglass does not manage moisture well. If it becomes damp, it loses its insulating value—and even worse, it can trap moisture inside wall assemblies, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Shorter Lifespan: Over time, fiberglass insulation can settle or compress, especially in attics or walls, leading to a decrease in R-value and overall effectiveness.
Environmental Impact: Fiberglass is energy-intensive to produce and often includes additives like formaldehyde in some formulations. Its production and eventual disposal make it far from sustainable.
What Makes Havelock Wool Different?
Havelock Wool takes a radically different approach. It’s made from 100% sheep’s wool—just wool. No synthetic binders, adhesives, or chemical treatments. Just one of nature’s most remarkable fibers, repurposed to create smarter, safer homes.
Let’s dive into what sets it apart:
Moisture Management Like No Other
Wool is hygroscopic, which means it actively absorbs and releases moisture without losing its insulating power. This isn’t just a bonus feature—it’s critical for maintaining the integrity of your wall assemblies.
When moisture builds up behind drywall due to condensation, poor ventilation, or minor leaks, traditional insulation like fiberglass or foam does nothing to help—and can even trap that moisture, accelerating rot and mold growth.
Havelock Wool acts as a moisture buffer, helping to regulate humidity and dry out wall cavities naturally. This promotes a healthier structure and better indoor air quality.
Built-In Resistance to Mold, Mildew, and Decay
Sheep’s wool contains lanolin, a natural wax that resists mold and mildew. This means even if wool insulation encounters moisture, it’s far less likely to support microbial growth.
Fiberglass, on the other hand, offers no such protection. When damp, it becomes a perfect sponge for harboring mold colonies—something you definitely don’t want hidden behind your walls.
Safe to Handle—and Live With
No gloves. No masks. No hazmat suit required. Havelock Wool can be installed with bare hands. That’s a game changer for DIYers, but also a big deal for homeowners who care about long-term indoor air quality.
Havelock Wool contains:
No formaldehyde
No VOCs
No harmful off-gassing
And here’s something remarkable: it doesn’t just avoid contributing to poor air—it actively improves it. Wool has the unique ability to bind with and neutralize indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. These compounds are common in paints, finishes, and furniture, and wool acts like a natural air filter inside your walls.
Excellent Sound Absorption
Looking to create a quieter, more serene indoor environment? Wool outperforms fiberglass when it comes to sound control. Its dense, crimped fibers create more air pockets and friction pathways, making it a natural acoustic buffer.
Whether it’s keeping street noise outside or minimizing sound transfer between rooms, Havelock Wool contributes to a more peaceful home.
Long-Lasting Performance
Wool is an incredibly resilient fiber. It bounces back from compression, resists settling, and maintains its R-value over time. In fact, wool insulation installed correctly can last 50+ years without degradation.
Fiberglass? It’s more prone to sagging, shifting, or breaking down over time—especially in attics or older homes where air movement is an issue.
Sustainable and Renewable
Havelock Wool comes from sheep, a renewable resource that regenerates annually. The wool is sourced ethically, cleaned without harsh chemicals, and processed without synthetic additives. It’s compostable at the end of its life and requires far less energy to produce than fiberglass or foam insulation.
Simply put, it’s insulation that aligns with regenerative building practices and low-impact design.
Use Cases for Havelock Wool Insulation
Havelock Wool can be used anywhere you’d typically use traditional insulation—and then some. It’s available in both batts and blown-in form, making it highly versatile for various project types.
Walls (Interior & Exterior)
Use it in 2×4 or 2×6 framed wall assemblies to create a breathable, high-performance building envelope. It works great behind drywall and is especially valuable in homes that experience wide temperature swings or high humidity.
Attics and Ceilings
Because of its ability to manage moisture and prevent mold, wool performs exceptionally well in attic spaces, where temperature and humidity fluctuations can create condensation problems.
It also acts as a thermal and acoustic barrier, keeping homes warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and quieter year-round.
Floors and Crawlspaces
Wool’s durability makes it a great option for insulating floors and crawlspaces, where other materials may sag or degrade. Its breathability also prevents moisture buildup under flooring systems.
Vans, Cabins, and Tiny Homes
Mobile and small-space builders love Havelock Wool for its safety, flexibility, and mold resistance. In vans or cabins that see extreme environments, wool’s ability to regulate temperature and moisture makes it the clear winner.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Havelock Wool does come at a higher upfront cost than fiberglass. But consider the hidden costs of traditional insulation: shorter lifespan, higher HVAC usage due to thermal bridging, potential mold remediation, and long-term exposure to harmful chemicals.
With Havelock Wool, you’re paying for performance, peace of mind, and a healthier indoor environment. Plus, the material itself is so pleasant to work with that labor and installation can be quicker and less complicated—especially for small-scale or DIY projects.
Final Thoughts: Building a Better Envelope Starts with Better Materials
Homebuilding is changing. More homeowners are demanding performance and sustainability without compromising health or comfort. Insulation is no longer just about R-value—it’s about how a material performs as part of a larger building system.
So if you’re planning a new build, a remodel, or even a van conversion, take a closer look at wool. It’s not just the “natural” choice—it’s the smarter one.
Have questions about using Havelock Wool in your next project? Drop a comment below or reach out—we’d love to share more insights from the field and help you build better from the inside out.
GlassHaus premium doors offer unparalleled elegance and functionality, perfect for both home renovations and commercial projects. With their seamless design and smooth operation, these doors create stunning open spaces and bring in natural light. Ready to elevate your space? Get an instant estimate with our free quote calculator today: Get Your Free Quote.
