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Rock wool is the most used thermal/acoustic insulation in Morocco for RTCM 2015 compliance. Made from volcanic rock (basalt) melted and fiberized. Lambda 0.033-0.040 W/m.K, A1 fire rating (non-combustible). Brands: Isover, Rockwool, Knauf.
RTCM 2015 requires: zone 1 (Agadir) 8 cm min, zones 2-3 (Casa-Rabat-Marrakech) 10 cm, zones 4-5 14 cm, zone 6 (Ifrane-Midelt) 18-20 cm. Extra cost pays back in 2-3 winters via heating savings.
Rock wool: equivalent thermal, BUT A1 fire rating (non-combustible vs PSE class E), much better acoustic (-50 dB vs -25 dB), vapor-permeable. Cost: +20-40% over PSE. For facade ETI: rock wool recommended for fire safety + road noise.
ITI (interior): 90-180 MAD/m², simpler, no facade work, but loses 5-7 cm of space, thermal bridges at slabs. Ideal for apt reno. ITE (exterior): 220-380 MAD/m², kills all thermal bridges, includes facade restoration. Ideal new build or full reno.
Uninsulated home (pre-RTCM 2015): ~120-180 kWh/m²/year heating. With 10 cm rock wool throughout (RTCM zone 3): 50-80 kWh/m²/year = -55%. For 200 m² Casa villa: 4,000-9,000 MAD/year savings. Insulation premium paid back in 4-7 years.
Modern mineral wools (Isover, Rockwool) are IARC-classified non-carcinogenic since 2002 (bio-soluble fibers). Installation: wear FFP2 mask, gloves, glasses (short-term skin/eye/respiratory irritation). Once enclosed: no risk.
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