PUF Panel vs Rockwool Panel — Which Is Better? Complete Comparison 2026
PUF and Rockwool are both excellent insulated panel cores — but they excel in different areas. PUF wins on thermal efficiency, moisture resistance, and cost. Rockwool wins on fire safety, acoustic performance, and high-temperature applications. As a manufacturer of both, PHOENIXX SMARTBUILD provides this unbiased, engineer-authored comparison to help you make the right choice for your specific project.
13+ Years Manufacturing Both Panel Types | 500+ Projects | ISO 9001:2015
Confused Between PUF and Rockwool? You're Not Alone
Every week, project managers, architects, and procurement teams face the same dilemma: should we use PUF panels or Rockwool panels for our building envelope? The answer is rarely straightforward because both panel types have genuine strengths — and choosing the wrong one can cost you significantly in terms of safety, performance, and budget.
Here's the real problem: most comparison information online is written by companies that only manufacture one type of panel, creating inherently biased content that pushes you toward their product. A PUF-only manufacturer will downplay fire concerns, while a Rockwool-only company will overstate thermal performance gaps. Neither gives you the full picture.
The consequences of making the wrong choice are tangible. Specifying PUF where Rockwool is required means failing fire audits, voiding insurance, and potentially endangering lives. Conversely, using Rockwool where PUF would suffice means overspending by 15–25% per square meter, adding unnecessary weight to your structure, and getting less thermal efficiency per millimeter of thickness.
PHOENIXX SMARTBUILD manufactures both PUF and Rockwool panels in-house — which means we have no incentive to push one over the other. This guide presents an honest, data-backed comparison to help you select the right panel for your specific application.
Wrong Panel Choice = Real Costs
- ✗Failed fire audits and insurance non-compliance when PUF is used in fire-critical zones
- ✗15–25% overspend when Rockwool is specified where PUF would have been sufficient
- ✗Moisture-related thermal degradation when Rockwool is used in humid or cold-storage environments
- ✗Unnecessary structural cost from heavier Rockwool panels where lightweight PUF would work
Right Panel Choice = Smart Investment
- ✓Full fire compliance with Rockwool in critical zones, cost savings with PUF elsewhere
- ✓Optimized thermal performance using PUF's superior conductivity where fire codes allow
- ✓Long-term moisture resistance in cold storage with PUF's closed-cell structure
- ✓Superior acoustic insulation with Rockwool where noise control matters
PUF vs Rockwool — Complete Parameter-by-Parameter Comparison
This is the most comprehensive PUF panel vs Rockwool panel comparison table available — covering 14 critical parameters that engineers, architects, and buyers evaluate when selecting insulated sandwich panels.
Head-to-Head Comparison — 14 Parameters
| Parameter | PUF Panel | Rockwool Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Core Material | Polyurethane Foam (PUF) | Mineral Wool (Basalt Rock Fibre) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.024 W/mK | 0.035–0.040 W/mK |
| Fire Rating | B2/B3 (Self-extinguishing) | A1/A2 (Non-combustible) |
| Max Temperature Resistance | 120–150°C | Up to 1000°C |
| Density | 40 ± 2 kg/m³ | 100–150 kg/m³ |
| Panel Weight (50mm) | ~10 kg/m² | ~18–20 kg/m² |
| Moisture Absorption | < 1% (closed-cell) | 1–5% (open fibre structure) |
| Acoustic Performance (NRC) | 0.25–0.35 | 0.90–0.95 |
| Thickness for R-2.0 | ~50mm | ~75–80mm |
| Cost (per sq.m, 50mm) | ₹800–₹1,200 | ₹1,200–₹1,800 |
| Installation Speed | Fast (lightweight) | Moderate (heavier panels) |
| Environmental Impact | CFC/HFC-free available | Made from natural basalt rock |
| Lifespan | 25–30 years | 25–30 years |
| Best Applications | Cold storage, warehouses, general industrial | Fire-rated buildings, acoustic walls, chemical plants |
Application-Specific Recommendations
Where each panel type delivers the best results.
Hybrid Approach — Best of Both
Many smart projects combine PUF and Rockwool panels in the same building for optimal performance and cost balance.
Manufacturing Plant Example
- • General exterior walls & roofing: PUF 50mm
- • Boiler room & electrical panel area: Rockwool 80mm
- • Cold storage section: PUF 100mm
- • Generator enclosure: Rockwool 60mm
This approach achieves fire compliance where needed, optimal insulation everywhere, and 10–15% overall cost savings compared to using Rockwool throughout.
When to Choose PUF, When to Choose Rockwool, and When to Use Both
Neither panel is universally “better.” The right choice depends entirely on your project's specific requirements. Here is a clear framework for making that decision.
Choose PUF When
- ✓Thermal insulation efficiency is the top priority
- ✓Cold storage, freezer, or high-humidity application
- ✓Budget-conscious project with standard fire requirements
- ✓Lightweight construction is needed to reduce structural steel
- ✓Thinner walls desired to maximize usable interior space
- ✓Clean room / pharma where fibre shedding is unacceptable
Choose Rockwool When
- ✓Fire safety is the primary concern (A1/A2 rating required)
- ✓Chemical plants, refineries, or high-temperature zones
- ✓Acoustic insulation is critical (NRC 0.90+)
- ✓Insurance or regulatory mandate requires non-combustible core
- ✓Building is near boilers, furnaces, or heat-generating equipment
- ✓Project requires FM Global or equivalent fire certification
Use Both When
- ✓Building has mixed-use zones with varying fire requirements
- ✓You want fire compliance in critical zones + cost savings elsewhere
- ✓Cold storage + production area under one roof
- ✓Some areas need acoustic barriers while others need thermal barriers
- ✓Budget optimization across a large industrial campus
- ✓Architect wants to optimize each wall section independently
The choice between PUF and Rockwool is not about which panel is “better” in absolute terms — it is about which panel is better for your specific application. PUF delivers unmatched thermal efficiency at 0.024 W/mK, making it the clear winner for cold storage, clean rooms, and general industrial buildings where standard fire ratings suffice. Its closed-cell structure means zero moisture absorption — a critical advantage in humid climates and refrigerated environments where Rockwool's open-fibre structure can absorb water and lose insulating capacity over time.
Rockwool, on the other hand, is irreplaceable when fire safety is non-negotiable. With A1/A2 fire classification and the ability to withstand temperatures up to 1000°C, Rockwool panels provide a level of passive fire protection that no PUF panel can match. Add to that superior acoustic performance (NRC 0.90–0.95 vs PUF's 0.25–0.35), and Rockwool becomes the only sensible choice for electrical rooms, boiler enclosures, chemical storage, and noise-sensitive applications.
For projects that require enhanced fire performance beyond standard PUF but don't need full Rockwool specification, PIR (Polyisocyanurate) panels offer a middle ground with B1 fire rating and thermal conductivity closer to PUF.
Real Projects — PUF and Rockwool in Action
PHOENIXX has delivered both PUF and Rockwool panel projects across diverse industries — each selected based on the application's specific technical demands.
PPUF Panel Projects
BC Foods Cold Storage — Mahua
Large-scale food processing cold storage facility requiring -25°C internal temperature. PUF selected for superior moisture resistance and thermal efficiency — achieving target temperature with minimal energy consumption.
Edkem Pharma Clean Room — Ahmedabad
GMP-compliant pharmaceutical clean room requiring ISO Class 7 particle control. PUF chosen for its smooth, non-fibre-shedding surface and superior joint sealing — critical for contamination-free manufacturing.
RRockwool Panel Projects
Reliance Industries — Jamnagar
Petrochemical refinery requiring non-combustible building envelope near high-temperature processing units. Rockwool panels provided A1 fire rating and 1000°C resistance — meeting stringent safety standards for hazardous environments.
Power Utility Substation — Gujarat
High-voltage electrical substation enclosure requiring both fire safety (non-combustible) and noise reduction (transformer hum). Rockwool delivered A2 fire rating with NRC 0.92 acoustic performance — meeting both requirements in a single panel.
Technical Specifications — Side by Side
Complete engineering data for architects, structural consultants, and procurement teams evaluating both panel types for project specifications.
PUF Panel Specifications
| Core Material | Polyurethane Foam (PUF) |
| Density | 40 ± 2 kg/m³ |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.024 W/mK @ 25°C |
| Fire Class | B2/B3 (B1 with PIR) |
| Thickness Range | 30–150mm |
| Panel Weight (50mm) | ~10 kg/m² |
| Water Absorption | < 1% |
| NRC Value | 0.25–0.35 |
| Max Temp Resistance | 120–150°C |
| Steel Options | 0.35–0.60mm PPGI/PPGL/SS |
| Coatings | SMP, SDP, PVDF |
| Blowing Agent | CFC/HFC-free (Zero ODP) |
Rockwool Panel Specifications
| Core Material | Mineral Wool (Basalt Rock) |
| Density | 100–150 kg/m³ |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.035–0.040 W/mK |
| Fire Class | A1/A2 (Non-combustible) |
| Thickness Range | 50–150mm |
| Panel Weight (50mm) | ~18–20 kg/m² |
| Water Absorption | 1–5% |
| NRC Value | 0.90–0.95 |
| Max Temp Resistance | Up to 1000°C |
| Steel Options | 0.40–0.60mm PPGI/PPGL/SS |
| Coatings | SMP, SDP, PVDF |
| Core Material Origin | Natural Basalt Rock Fibre |
PUF vs Rockwool Panel Pricing — 2026 Comparison
Indicative pricing per square meter from PHOENIXX SMARTBUILD. Final rates depend on order quantity, coating, steel thickness, and delivery location.
| Thickness | PUF Price (₹/m²) | Rockwool Price (₹/m²) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50mm | ₹800–₹1,200 | ₹1,200–₹1,600 | Rockwool 30–40% higher |
| 60mm | ₹950–₹1,350 | ₹1,350–₹1,800 | Rockwool 35–40% higher |
| 80mm | ₹1,150–₹1,600 | ₹1,600–₹2,100 | Rockwool 30–35% higher |
| 100mm | ₹1,400–₹1,900 | ₹1,900–₹2,500 | Rockwool 25–35% higher |
| 120mm | ₹1,650–₹2,200 | ₹2,200–₹2,800 | Rockwool 25–30% higher |
Important pricing note: When comparing costs, don't compare at the same thickness — compare at the same R-value. A 50mm PUF panel (R ≈ 2.08) provides equivalent insulation to approximately 75–80mm of Rockwool. At equivalent thermal performance, the cost gap narrows to 10–15% rather than the 25–40% suggested by same-thickness comparisons. Additionally, PUF's lighter weight can reduce structural steel costs by 5–10%, further narrowing the total installed cost difference.
Frequently Asked Questions — PUF Panel vs Rockwool Panel
Straight answers to the most common questions engineers and buyers ask when comparing PUF and Rockwool insulated sandwich panels.
Which is better for fire safety — PUF or Rockwool?
Rockwool is significantly better for fire safety. Rockwool panels are non-combustible (A1/A2 fire class) and can withstand temperatures up to 1000°C. PUF panels are self-extinguishing (B2/B3) but combustible. For fire-critical facilities like chemical plants, choose Rockwool. For enhanced PUF fire resistance, PIR panels (B1 rating) are available.
Which provides better thermal insulation — PUF or Rockwool?
PUF provides better thermal insulation. PUF thermal conductivity is 0.024 W/mK vs Rockwool at 0.035-0.040 W/mK. This means a 50mm PUF panel provides equivalent insulation to a 75-80mm Rockwool panel, resulting in thinner walls and more interior space.
Which is cheaper — PUF panels or Rockwool panels?
PUF panels are generally 15-25% cheaper than equivalent Rockwool panels. However, PUF requires less thickness for the same R-value, so the installed cost difference narrows. For standard industrial buildings, PUF offers better value. For fire-rated facilities, the Rockwool premium is justified.
Can I use PUF and Rockwool panels in the same building?
Yes, this is a common and smart approach. Many projects use Rockwool panels for fire-critical walls (near boilers, electrical rooms) and PUF panels for general walls and roofing. PHOENIXX manufactures both and can provide integrated solutions.
Which panel is better for cold storage?
PUF panels are the preferred choice for cold storage due to superior moisture resistance (zero water absorption in closed-cell structure) and better thermal conductivity. Rockwool can absorb moisture over time, reducing insulation performance in cold/humid environments.
Which panel lasts longer?
Both PUF and Rockwool panels last 25-30 years with proper installation. PUF maintains consistent thermal performance over its lifespan. Rockwool performance may decrease if exposed to moisture. For dry environments, both are equally durable.
How to Decide Between PUF Panel and Rockwool Panel
Assess Fire Safety Requirements
Check your local fire codes, insurance requirements, and the nature of materials stored or processed in the building. Facilities with flammable materials, boilers, or electrical rooms need Rockwool panels in those zones.
Determine Thermal Insulation Needs
Calculate the target U-value or R-value for your building envelope. PUF achieves the same insulation with 30-40% less thickness than Rockwool, which can save space and structural cost.
Evaluate Moisture Exposure
Assess humidity levels, condensation risk, and water exposure. Cold storage, freezer rooms, and high-humidity areas favor PUF due to its closed-cell, zero water absorption structure.
Compare Installed Cost
Get quotes for both panel types at the required R-value — not just the same thickness. Factor in structural savings from PUF's lighter weight and thinner profile, or Rockwool's insurance premium reductions.
Check Acoustic Requirements
If noise reduction is important (factories near residential areas, generator rooms, auditoriums), Rockwool offers superior sound absorption with NRC values of 0.90-0.95 vs PUF at 0.25-0.35.
Consult PHOENIXX Technical Team
As a manufacturer of both PUF and Rockwool panels, PHOENIXX provides unbiased recommendations based on your project's unique combination of fire, thermal, acoustic, and budget requirements.
Still Unsure? Let Our Engineers Recommend the Right Panel for Your Project
As a manufacturer of both PUF and Rockwool panels, PHOENIXX SMARTBUILD provides genuinely unbiased recommendations — we manufacture what your project needs, not what we want to sell.