When choosing heaters, one of the leading materials is mineral wool, the characteristics and properties of which make it possible to increase fire safety, sound and heat insulation parameters of the facility. It has a natural composition, is easy to install, and its service life is up to 50 years. At the same time, mineral wool is affordable and is produced in the form of rolls or slabs, which makes its use economically viable.

The choice in favor of a specific insulation is due to their technical characteristics and properties. It is on them that the convenience of installation and the durability of the material depend. The characteristics of mineral wool are as follows:

• the thermal conductivity coefficient varies from 0.03 to 0.052 W / m · K, depending on the thickness and density of the layer;
• the length of the fibers is from 15 to 50 mm, and their diameter is 5-15 microns;
• maximum limiting operating temperature from +600 0 С to +1000 0 С;
• fiber material: glass, rocks (basalt, dolomite, etc.), blast furnace slag;
• the width of the slabs and rolls is 0.6-1 m, and the thickness is from 30 to 200 mm;
• material density from 25 to 200 kg / m 3.

The main properties of mineral wool insulation include:

• flexibility allowing for surface mounting with almost any geometry and for the formation of sealed seams;
• high fire resistance, due to which it is quite easy to ensure contact of heated structures with flammable materials;
• completely natural composition, no release of toxic or harmful substances during operation;
• optimal vapor permeability, preventing the formation of condensation on the surface with the material in contact as a result of a sharp temperature drop;
• resistance to biological influences: fungus, mold, rodents and other pests;
• soundproofing properties;
• hygroscopicity: as a result of moisture ingress, the material loses its insulating properties, therefore, during installation, it is necessary to lay high-quality waterproofing on top of it.

Types of mineral wool

The following types of mineral wool are produced, the characteristics and properties of which have significant differences:

• slag;
• stone wool;
• basalt wool.

Glass wool is the cheapest material, as it is made from recycled glass, sand, lime and chemical reagents in furnaces at high temperatures, followed by blowing under pressure from a centrifuge through a special grate. The thickness of the fibers is 5-15 microns, the length is from 15 to 50 mm. Due to the formaldehyde content, it is used for insulating non-residential premises: industrial workshops, warehouses, workshops, etc.

During installation, due to the fragility of glass fibers, personal protective equipment must be used to prevent them from getting into the body or eyes.

The thermal conductivity coefficient of glass wool varies from 0.03 to 0.052 W / mK. The maximum heating, at which all the properties of the material are preserved, is up to +450 0 С. The minimum operating temperature is -60 0 С. During operation, it does not lose its original volume and does not deform.

Slag

Slag wool is made from metallurgical waste, namely, blast furnace slag. For this reason, it has residual acidity, due to which, on contact with metal surfaces, oxidation processes can occur. In addition, the material is hygroscopic, which requires the use of high-quality waterproofing.

The thickness of the fibers varies from 4 to 12 microns, and the length is up to 16 mm. The thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.046-0.048 W / mK. The temperature range at which it is allowed to operate the material is from -50 0 С to +300 0 С.

The technical characteristics of mineral wool based on slag fibers do not allow it to be used for insulating pipes, insulating facades and various external surfaces. In addition, it, like glass wool, is fragile, therefore, during installation work, the use of personal protective equipment will be required.

Stone wool

Stone wool is devoid of the disadvantages of glass wool and slag wool - it has no fragility, has a high tensile strength, practically does not shrink over time, withstands high temperatures up to +600 0 С and low temperatures from -45 0 С. However, it is less hygroscopic.

Stone wool is made from diabase and gabbro fibers with a diameter of 5-12 microns and a length of 16 mm. Provides a coefficient of thermal conductivity from 0.048 to 0.077 W / mK.

Suitable for contact with any materials, bends easily, does not require the use of personal protective equipment.

Basalt wool

Basalt wool, like stone wool, is made from gabbro-basalt fibers with a diameter of 5-15 microns and a length of 20-50 mm, but does not contain mineral or binding additives. Due to this, the temperature range of its use increases from -190 0 С to +1000 0 С and provides the lowest level of hygroscopicity in comparison with other mineral wool insulation.

The thermal conductivity coefficient varies from 0.035 to 0.039 W / mK. The sound insulation level is 0.9-99 dB. The material belongs to the class of non-combustible, due to which it can come into contact with heated structures. The service life of basalt wool is up to 80 years.

Mineral wool brands and their characteristics

The parameters and characteristics of mineral wool insulation are classified according to the density of the insulation as follows:

• P-75;
• P-125;
• PZh-175;
• PPZh-200.

Minvata P-75 has a density of 75 kg / m 3 and is highly flexible. Suitable for thermal insulation of unloaded horizontal or with a minimum slope of structures, as well as communications. It is also used for thermal insulation of roofs, attics, ceilings, floors on logs, water and heating pipes, ventilation ducts.

Mineral wool P-125 with a density of 125 kg / m 3 differs from the previous brand in that it has excellent sound insulation properties, high strength and optimal flexibility. Its main field of application is insulation of gas or foam concrete walls, interior partitions, facades, balconies.

The characteristics of the types of mineral wool marked PZh-175 have a significant difference from conventional heaters, due to the increased rigidity, which allows installation on loaded and vertical structures. Their density is 175 kg / m 3, they have excellent soundproofing and minimal fire-fighting properties. Placed on steel, wood and concrete flat surfaces.

Minvata PPZh-200 has a density of 200 kg / m 3 and has increased rigidity and meets all the requirements of non-combustible materials for fire safety. They are used for thermal insulation of industrial, warehouse and retail facilities. Installation is possible only on flat surfaces with static loads, since the boards have minimal flexibility due to the use of a reinforcing inner layer.

Selection criteria for mineral wool

When choosing a suitable type of mineral wool insulation, it is recommended to rely on the following criteria:

• thermal conductivity coefficient and material thickness;
• density of sheets, characterizing the load on the insulated structures;
• indicators of hygroscopicity;
• type of material delivery: rolls or plates;
• soundproofing properties;
• the type of fibers and the presence of harmful chemical components in the composition;
• tensile strength and flexibility for insulating surfaces of complex shapes.

• despite the high cost of branded products, it is recommended to use it, since it has guaranteed characteristics and, most importantly, has a declared durability;
• the choice of rolls or slabs depends on the type and complexity of the insulation work, but should always be reduced to obtaining a minimum number of butt joints;
• it is better to refuse material with fibers located horizontally or vertically along the length in favor of chaotic ones, since it has greater strength;
• the cost of cotton wool is determined not only by the type of fibers, but also by their density, so it is important first of all to study the technical characteristics, and not look at the price;
• you need to find the best option to obtain a sufficient level of thermal insulation and at the same time not overload the supporting structure;
• for the insulation of residential buildings, mineral wool should be selected with a minimum content of formaldehyde resins;
• insulation, even with a minimum level of hygroscopicity, must be waterproofed in order to maximize its service life, therefore, appropriate changes must be made to the cost estimate in advance;
• before buying, it is important to make sure that the material meets the declared characteristics: sheet size, thickness, flexibility, shape retention.

In addition, for the convenience of installation, it is important to select mineral wool according to its rigidity, which will allow it to tightly dock with the crate, to exclude the appearance of air slots, gaps and other defects. This parameter can be influenced not only by the thickness of the layer, but also by the presence of a foil layer or reinforcing fibers.

Qualitatively in terms of rigidity, the following types of mineral wool can be distinguished:

• soft, used to insulate pipe communications (chimneys, pipes) or roofing cake;
• semi-rigid, used for external thermal insulation of facades and as a middle layer in sandwich panels;
• rigid, intended for the insulation of flat metal or wooden surfaces of walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, etc.

When selecting a material with a suitable thermal conductivity coefficient, the following criteria should be followed:

• data on average temperatures in winter and summer periods in a particular region;
• the thickness of the walls of the building and the thermal conductivity of the materials from which they were erected.

Usually, when buying, materials are purchased with a small margin of parameters. However, it is important not to forget about the economic benefit from obtaining real thermal insulation properties in comparison with the required ones and not to allow overpayments.

Advantages and disadvantages of mineral wool

Regardless of the specific type and characteristics, mineral wool has a number of the following advantages:

• ease of installation on any types of materials used in the construction of facilities;
• increased resistance to chemicals;
• preservation of all properties for at least 30 years;
• minimum shrinkage (1-5%, depending on the type of fibers) for the entire period of operation;
• increased fire resistance and fire safety;
• ease of processing;
• admissibility of installation in any type of premises with an optimal level of humidity;
• minimum coefficient of thermal insulation;
• vapor permeability, preventing the accumulation of condensate drops on the surface of contact with other materials;
• relatively low cost.

The disadvantages of mineral wool insulation include:

• hygroscopicity: when moisture accumulates, all properties are irretrievably lost;
• release during heating of formaldehyde and compounds based on it;
• the harm of small fibers entering the respiratory and visual organs.

Areas of use

The use of mineral wool based on the selection of characteristics is permissible for the following purposes:

• thermal insulation of front walls;
• insulation of heated communications, furnaces, chimneys and production equipment;
• insulation of roofing cake, walls, floors, ceilings, ceilings;
• insulation of refrigeration units;
• as a sound insulating material.

Despite the fact that the insulation contains a small amount of formaldehyde compounds, their concentration does not pose a danger to human health. The main thing is to fully comply with all the requirements of the installation technology in order to minimize the effect of moisture and exclude heating above the permissible limits.

The use of mineral wool separately as sound-insulating materials is not profitable, however, in the form of an additional property to thermal insulation, it is a very profitable investment of funds. In some cases, for example, when insulating a facade, to create an optimal acoustic environment inside the premises, it is not necessary to install a layer of sound insulation.

When comparing the service life of mineral wool with analogues, it turns out that they are approximately the same. At the same time, fibrous insulation is fireproof and does not emit toxic substances when operated in the permitted temperature regime. In addition, they are easier to transport and stack.

Mineral wool - insulation, the characteristics of which are in no way inferior to other types of heat-insulating materials, is the most popular in the construction and repair of various objects. The fibrous structure of various mineral rocks has different properties and differs in cost, which allows you to choose the most profitable option for installation.

Today there are several types of mineral wool, and slag wool is one of them. As the name implies, slag, waste of the metallurgical industry, is the basis of this roll insulation. And today we want to acquaint you with this method of insulating residential and non-residential buildings.

Interest in slag wool arose back in Soviet times. Then, a huge amount of slag was formed in the blast furnaces of domestic metallurgical plants, and the need for its processing became obvious. As a way out, the creation of slag wool was proposed, which contributed not only to improving the environment, but also to obtaining an effective insulation material, which was used not only at the enterprises themselves, but also went on sale.

The history of using slag wool, which has been in use for several decades, continues even now. However, at the moment, much more advanced fibrous insulation from the mineral wool family has appeared. However, slag wool is still bought, using mainly non-residential insulation in various directions.

How slag wool is produced

Blast furnace slags are transformed into a fiber that has a length of up to 60 millimeters with an extremely low thickness of 0.002-0.005 millimeters. These fibers are produced by blowing hot liquid slag with steam or compressed air. After receiving, the fibers are processed with a binder and formed into flexible sheets, convenient for transportation and storage in the form of rolls.

Technical characteristics of slag

• Flammability class - the material is non-flammable. At the same time, when exposed to a temperature of more than 300 degrees Celsius, such cotton wool can begin to melt;
• Sound absorption coefficient - 0.75-0.82;
• Thermal conductivity - 0.46-0.48 W / (m * K);
• The proportion of the binder is from 2 to 10 percent of the total mass;
• Heat capacity - 1000 J / (kg * K).

The advantages of slag

• Low cost. The main advantage of the material that makes it so popular. It is due to the fact that slag wool is made from wastes of the metallurgical industry, and its production is quite simple and has been developing for several decades;
• High insulating capacity. Slag wool is slightly inferior to stone or glass wool in this indicator, but the lag is very small, and with proper installation, the difference is not felt. In general, this indicator for this insulation is typical for any type of mineral wool;
• Simple installation. Again, the general quality of any mineral wool. The material is lightweight, so you can handle it even alone. At the same time, flexibility allows you to mount the insulation not only on straight, but also on curved surfaces. Cutting cotton wool is simple and for this, materials at hand are used;
• Sound absorption. The structure of the slag wool allows it to be successfully used as a layer that traps sound waves. In this case, the material can be used both on the walls and on the floors;
• Long service life. With proper use and the absence of external influences, such as high humidity, the service life of the insulation is half a century or more. But for this it is better to entrust the installation and insulation process to specialists;
• Biological stability. Slag, unlike many other heaters, is not interesting to insects or rodents.

disadvantages

Low environmental friendliness. In the composition of the material, phenol-formaldehyde resins are used as a connector. The amount of the latter depends very much on the quality of the material, and in the best samples it can be very insignificant. But it is still better to use such material outside the building, as well as wear personal protective equipment during installation. These items include glasses, a respirator, gloves, and heavy clothing. The blast furnace slags in the composition also have high acidity values, and when water gets on them, acid is formed, which can have a destructive effect on metals.

In general, the material has an extremely weak resistance to water and high humidity, and this is the main drawback that reduces the insulation qualities, technical characteristics and service life. Also, exposure to moisture limits the scope of the insulation. So, wooden buildings, insulated in this way, can begin to become covered with mold, but slag wool cannot be used at all to insulate a bath. At the same time, the cotton wool that has absorbed moisture becomes too susceptible to the harmful effects of sudden temperature changes.

Important! The process of installing such cotton wool by professionals should also be carried out because its fastening must be reliable and not allow sagging. The thing is that the slag wool is highly susceptible to vibration and can settle over time, leaving an entire section of the wall without insulation.

How to choose the right slag wool

• Try to research the market of well-known manufacturers. Do not buy material of dubious production, as in this case the quality of the final product is not guaranteed. And the quality, as we mentioned above, in the case of this material can have strong breaks. At the moment, the highest quality are German manufacturers who follow the technical characteristics and safety of their products;
• Domestic manufacturers, such as Kombinat Thermal Insulation Products LLC, Zavod Minplita CJSC, Minvata CJSC and several others also produce this product with high quality indicators. Moreover, their price is much lower than the same German counterparts;
• Decide if you need insulation or durability. In the latter case, purchase cotton wool with a random arrangement of fibers. If the fibers are arranged vertically, then the service life of the material will be shorter, but at the same time such wool will better absorb sounds and not let heat through;
• Depending on the different density of the material, the areas of application will be different. More dense is ideal for walls and ceilings, and less dense for the same attics.

The installation of the material takes place on a wooden lathing, which is mounted from beams corresponding to the width of the insulation itself. The lack of width of the wooden elements will lead to the fact that the subsequent finishing will squeeze the insulation, drastically reducing its insulating qualities.

In the process of laying, it is necessary to achieve the adhesion strength of the edges of the insulator to the crate, without leaving open areas. Otherwise, "cold bridges" will appear on the walls, which will significantly reduce the performance of thermal insulation.

The cotton wool itself is installed according to the principle of a kind of sandwich, when on one side the material is covered with a layer of waterproofing, and on the other - with a vapor barrier.

10.08.2017 0 comments

Mineral wool is one of the most popular insulation materials on the building materials market. It is used almost everywhere from private houses to water supply lines. It's not surprising, the material is cheap, easy to install and effective, but is everything so simple with it? Let's figure out what mineral wool is, how to choose and use it correctly.

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Types of mineral wool and production features

Despite the fact that several heaters are called mineral wool at once, they all differ in composition and in their properties. These include:

1. Slagged.

As you can see, the composition of mineral wool varies greatly, but what unites it? First of all, it is the structure of the material. Mineral wool consists of thin fibers intertwined with each other. They are tamped tightly to increase strength. The result is a flexible and strong structure with empty spaces between fibers. It is filled with air, which provides thermal insulation. The density of the mineral wool remains rather low, which greatly facilitates its installation and transportation.

Glass wool is the most famous, but far from the most popular type of insulation. It is made from recycled glass with the addition of sand, lime and several other chemicals. The mixture is poured into the furnace, where it is melted to a fluid homogeneous mass. The resulting substance is blown out under high pressure or using a centrifuge through a fine lattice, and thin fibers are formed.

The incandescent filaments settle in a special chamber, where a large one is formed from them tightly. In this state, they are not yet connected with each other and easily disintegrate. To fix the structure on the fibers, a binder mixture is sprayed in a uniform layer. Phenol-formaldehyde resin is most often used for this. The resulting structure is compressed and sent to cool. This gives the cotton wool a familiar look, but it is not yet ready for use. It is coated with a polymer composition and sent to the oven for repeated heat treatment, but this time softer. The last 2 operations give mineral wool slabs high strength and resistance to constant temperature changes and high humidity.

The production technology of the other two types of mineral wool is similar, the difference is only in the composition. In stone wool, basalt rocks are used as a basis, and waste from ferrous metallurgy is used for the manufacture of slag wool. It is clear that the structure of mineral wool-based heaters remains the same, but what the composition affects, we will figure it out.

The most flexible type of mineral wool. Features of the composition allow the production of material of different densities. Because of this, the density of rock-based mineral wool varies greatly. A denser material is used in cases where high strength is required from it. Sheathed metal structures in production facilities, pipes, loaded reinforced concrete structures and other elements subject to constant fluctuations or temperature changes.

Mineral wool from stone rocks is produced both in rolls and in rigid molding. If everything is clear with the use of the first type of material, then molded insulation is used to close pipes and vibrating elements. It provides a tighter contact of the mineral wool with the surface, thereby providing sound insulation. In this case, it is necessary to select not only the grade of the material, but also its shape so that it coincides with the insulated surface.

Stone mineral wool is used in cases where high strength is not required from it: in collectors, on technical floors, roofs. In addition to the lower price, its advantage is that the flexible material is easier to install.

Another plus of stone-based insulation is temperature resistance up to 800 degrees. Therefore, it is used not only as a heater, but also as a fireproof coating.

In some cases, stone mineral wool is produced with foil. A thin layer of metal significantly increases the strength and durability of the material, and also improves moisture insulation.

A cheaper type of insulation with a characteristic yellow tint. It is used in cases where increased requirements are not imposed on the strength of the coating.

A significant drawback of glass wool is a prickly surface. Insulation consists of many thinner pieces of glass that bite into. Their short length does not allow them to cause serious harm to humans, but after contact, pieces of glass remain on the skin, which can lead to chemical burns. Because of this, it is impossible to work with it without gloves, and it is advisable to use also protective glasses. Glass wool should not be used in living quarters and spaces where people constantly work.

Most often, glass-based mineral wool slabs are mounted under ventilated facades. There they remain protected from mechanical stress and human or animal contact with them. It is often used for thermal insulation of pipes. In this case, mineral wool mats are used, which are wound on a cylindrical surface. Outside, they are sheathed with a dense mineral cloth and fixed with wire or bundles.

Slag

A material that is used less and less. It is produced from the slag formed after metal smelting in a blast furnace. As it is not difficult to guess, this significantly reduces the cost of insulation, but its properties are not the best. Both thermal conductivity and chemical resistance of the material suffer.

Slag mineral wool is produced only in rolls. Due to its low rigidity, the material does not hold its shape well, therefore, plates from it are not molded. The main disadvantage of slag wool is vulnerability to moisture. Under the influence of water, chemical reactions begin to occur in it, and the integrity of the fibrous layer is broken over time. Over time, slag in the open air simply turns into rags. As you might guess, the service life of slag mineral wool is significantly lower in comparison with analogues. Slag wool is produced less and less, and it is usually used only for insulation of warehouses and garages due to the low cost of insulation.

The main characteristics of mineral wool

Let us immediately highlight several main criteria by which thermal insulation is selected:

• thermal conductivity;
• flammability;
• density;
• vapor permeability;
• soundproofing.

The main indicator is the coefficient of thermal conductivity of mineral wool. It is measured in W / (m * s) and usually ranges from 0.03 to 0.045. The lower the value, the better. It is the thermal conductivity of mineral wool that characterizes its main function - the ability to reduce heat flow through the insulated surface.

The quality of the waterproofing is often also important. It is characterized by the vapor permeability index, which is measured in g / (m * h * hPa). The higher the value, the better the insulation allows moisture to pass through, and it is not so unambiguous. Somewhere good ventilation is required, but somewhere the other way around. Initially, the mineral wool passes water well, therefore, in cases where waterproofing is required, it is necessary to use foil mineral wool.

Due to the fibrous structure, the mineral wool copes well with damping sound vibrations. The quality of sound insulation is indicated on the packaging with the AW mark, the value of which varies from 0 to 1. The closer the indicator is to one, the better the material dampens sound waves.

Soundproofing and insulation of concrete floors with mineral wool.

The density of mineral wool affects all of the above characteristics, but it is not indicated on the packaging for this. The indicator is used to calculate the weight of the structure, so, all other things being equal, a lower density is a plus.

The last significant characteristic of mineral wool is flammability. The material is non-flammable and has good heat resistance. It holds the structure and does not emit toxic substances at temperatures up to 650 degrees, and to increase fire safety, a special resistant mineral wool is produced with the appropriate marking on the package.

Choice of mineral wool

We have already figured out the peculiarities of the production of mineral wool and its properties, it remains to understand by what criteria to choose a heat-insulating material. Price is always one of the key criteria. It's not hard to choose a quality material, but why pay for properties you never need?

First, decide where you are going to use the insulation. Glass mineral wool for plastering is an excellent option for insulating the facade. And also glass wool can be used in technical rooms or for insulation of pipes. Despite the lower cost, it does the job well.

For industrial premises and internal insulation of houses, manufacturers recommend using mineral wool based on stone rocks. It is completely safe for humans and tolerates constant vibrations well. In places where waterproofing is required, it is better to use mineral wool with foil.

As for the slag, it is better not to buy it. The material is outdated and does not even justify its low cost. By saving on thermal insulation, you run the risk of facing the need to redo it in the future.

It is worth remembering that the main indicator that you should look at when choosing a material is the thermal conductivity of mineral wool. You buy a product for thermal insulation, and it is this parameter that characterizes it. The rest of the indicators are already selected for a specific object.

Now you know almost everything about mineral wool, its features and what it is. It remains only to choose a suitable brand of insulation and a store. In the event that you are not sure what exactly you need, it is better to turn to the builders or an experienced designer for advice.

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To keep the thermometer readings at the required level, regardless of the season, various heaters are called upon. And most people associated with construction prefer mineral wool.

Building your own home is one of the most troublesome and desirable goals of every person. The primary task in the design, together with the area, the location of the rooms, the height of the ceilings, is to ensure a comfortable temperature for a person. The microclimate at home should not depend on the environment.

Due to its properties, mineral wool can be used by builders not only as insulation, but also as a good means for sound insulation. Mineral wool insulation is widely used for thermal insulation of a bath (it is also used as a fire protection).

Scope of mineral wool

The scope of this type of insulation is wide:

• Warming and soundproofing of premises. This material is especially relevant for rooms with increased environmental requirements.
• Heat and sound insulation of pipelines, heat insulation of industrial units and equipment.
• Baths insulation.
• Heat and sound insulation of roofs.

The main technical characteristics and properties of mineral wool include:

1. Thermal conductivity. W / (m * K) is used as a unit for measuring the ability of cotton wool to retain heat. Information about the thermal insulation of mineral wool is almost always available on the packaging and is regulated by GOST (permissible value is 0.041-0.045).
2. Soundproofing. This parameter "speaks" about the ability of cotton wool to damp sound waves. This indicator is indicated by the Latin characters Aw and is also indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. It takes on a value of 0 and 1, depending on whether the mineral wool absorbs waves or reflects them.
3. Density. The density of mineral wool is a quality characteristic of the wool. It depends on the number of fibers located per 1 m3 of material. This indicator fluctuates in the range from 20 to 220 kg / m3.
4. Vapor tightness. Due to the ability of mineral wool to pass steam through its fibrous structure, the material on which the wool is laid (metal, brick, wood) retains its natural appearance for a long time.
5. Low flammability. Mineral wool insulation can be used at a maximum temperature of 650 degrees. above zero. The maximum value indicated by the manufacturer on its products is A1.
6. The absence of organic elements in the composition of cotton wool extends its service life.

An important quality of cotton wool is the ability not to emit smoke in case of combustion, and the ability to maintain its structure - not to crack. On the packaging you can find the corresponding marks - S1 and d0.

Types and composition of mineral wool

The basis of mineral wool includes portions of slag, glass, certain rocks. In this regard, it is also classified according to the material of manufacture: glass wool, stone and slag wool.

Glass wool is especially popular due to its cheap cost. It is obtained from molten glass, as well as from rocks containing silicate. It is yellow in appearance and has a well-visible fibrous structure. Unlike other types of mineral wool, its fibers are up to 3 mm long. Thanks to this feature, a better adhesion of the fibers is achieved, and hence the required density of the insulation.

Its advantages include low thermal conductivity and anti-vibration properties. Due to its elasticity, it is convenient to transport it - it can be compressed several times.

Glass wool insulation should be used where the load (including mechanical) on the surface to be insulated will be minimal. It will be in place in the case of external walls of buildings and pipelines.

When working with this type of insulation, it is worth considering the fact that it can cause harm to health. Therefore, it is not worth giving up the means of protection. It is undesirable to touch glass wool with open skin areas.

There is also mineral wool on the market for insulation, which is based on slag (waste from the processing of cast iron) of blast furnaces. Slag wool has a pronounced drawback - it absorbs moisture well. As a result, acids are released. It cannot boast of anti-vibration properties, as well as the necessary thermal conductivity, therefore there is no particular consumer demand for it.

The strength is small. This is due to the size of the particles from which it is made - they are smaller than that of glass wool.

It is used in enterprises, factories, in mines to insulate flat horizontal surfaces. A slight slope is allowed. To handle it, the use of personal protective equipment is mandatory.

This species was not recognized among the population due to the inconvenience of installation. People who prefer to do everything with their own hands have great difficulties when working with slag.

Another type of insulation is popular among the population - stone wool. It is also called basalt wool. It is made from gabbro-basalt rock. These include diabase, gabbro, and basalt. The composition also includes portions of limestone and dolomite.

Compared to slag and glass wool, this type of insulation surpasses them in many respects. The use of stone wool as a heater is more expedient - its thermal conductivity is much lower than that of the same glass wool.

Vibration and external stress (including mechanical) are not an obstacle to it. The areas of application of stone wool are also different due to its resistance to fire. Moisture is not an obstacle for her either.

On the market, this type of insulation is presented in several options, depending on the strength and thickness.

Due to the ability to vary with the density of the insulation, building material from gabr-basalt rock is in great demand. Such material can be used to insulate cottages, summer cottages, baths.

The shape and thickness of the insulation

Mineral insulation is produced in the form of rolls, plates or cylinders. Basically, the shape of the material is determined by the scope of application.

• Rolls... Mineral wool in the form of a roll is used by builders where there is no significant load on the surface to be insulated. This includes walls, attics, floors between floors. This kind of cotton wool cannot boast of high density.
• Slabs... They are used on those objects where density comes first. It is advisable to apply mineral wool slabs to a concrete screed.
• Cylinders... Heat-insulating mineral wool cylinders are used to insulate pipe surfaces. The density of cylindrical mineral wool is average.

Plates, in comparison with cylinders and rolls, have a number of advantages: they do not cause hassle during transportation, are convenient for installation and work (they are easy to cut), they can be installed on uneven surfaces.

Rolls, plates and cylinders differ from each other not only in shape, but also in size. The dimensions of one slab are 60x100 cm, and the thickness can be different and varies from 5 to 20 cm.

The dimensions of the rolls differ significantly from the dimensions of the slab, since they are intended for insulation of large areas. Dimensions of one roll: length - 9 m, width 60-120 cm and thickness 50-150 cm.

The diameter of one cylinder can vary from 2-27 cm. The length of the insulation of this shape is 1 m, and the thickness is 2-10 cm.

Advantages and disadvantages

Due to its qualities, mineral wool withstands worthy competition in the insulation market. The advantages of this type of insulation include:

1. Climatic conditions are not a hindrance for her, so installation can be carried out everywhere. No additional insulation is required.
2. Using mineral wool, you can forget about such a concept as dampness. Mineral wool, as a heater, with proper processing, does not collect moisture, and also does not let steam in, therefore conditions for the formation of dampness are excluded.
3. Such material does not interfere with the circulation of air in the room, but on the contrary - there is no need to use devices for air ventilation.
4. Mineral insulation does not interact with acids and alkalis, so you should not be afraid of breaking the strength of structures (laboratories are often sheathed with such material).
5. Very good soundproofing. If you insulate an apartment or house with it, the sounds from the street will not bother you.
6. As already noted, mineral wool does not lend itself to combustion, and also does not emit any harmful substances into the atmosphere when interacting with fire.
7. Long service life of the material. Thermal insulation of buildings and pipelines with mineral wool is also beneficial from an economic point of view, due to the durability of the material. Such insulation not only burns badly or absorbs moisture, but also rodents and microorganisms do not spoil it. In addition, over time, it does not lose its shape, does not "shrink".
8. Easy installation. Even an amateur builder is capable of insulating a room with mineral wool.
9. Environmentally friendly material that does not cause any allergic reactions in people in the room.

If before the shortcomings could be given a whole list, today many manufacturers have eliminated most of them in their products. But some of the problems still remain:

1. Dust harmful to health - this concerns glass wool, the work with which must be carried out in overalls and with the help of protective equipment. A damaged part of the mineral wool can be easily injured. Moreover, damaged fibers of the material can negatively affect the respiratory tract. It is quite simple to avoid this - it is enough to put on a protective suit, goggles, respirator and gloves when installing mineral wool.
2. When heated, such material can release a dangerous toxin - phenol (arises from the oxidation of formaldehyde resin, which is part of the cotton wool). Some manufacturers claim that their amount of formaldehyde resins is so small that they cannot harm the human body. In any case, it is not worth the risk, and the installation must be carried out taking precautions.
3. There is a problem of deterioration of heat-conducting properties as a result of the interaction of the insulation with water. Manufacturers are working to solve this problem by adding special hydrophobic formulations to their products. Additionally, during installation, it is necessary to apply waterproofing.

Insulation errors

Often the reason for negative reviews about mineral wool as a heater on the part of builders is installation errors:

• Insufficient amount of insulation. The optimal thickness in most cases is 10 cm.
• If the insulation was done from the inside (), then you should not dwell on this. When choosing between indoor and outdoor work, the latter should be preferred.
• You can not save on fasteners, and also use unsuitable fasteners where they are inappropriate. It is important to remember that amateur performance is not always justified and can go sideways.
• If the house has a basement, then it is imperative to pay attention to it, otherwise the proper effect of insulation will not work.
• Accuracy in work is essential. It is worth laying the layer as evenly and tightly as possible.
• It is important to pay special attention to the preparation of the base. Do not ignore cleaning the surface from debris and sanding it, in case of unevenness. In the worst case, the insulation will simply fall off the wall.
• It is necessary to avoid getting glue into the joints of the boards. In this case, it is here that the cold will come inside.
• Insulation work must be carried out in warm, dry weather. It must be remembered - no moisture.
• When attaching the mesh, one important rule should be taken into account - we use only glue, we hold the putty for other work.
• It is necessary to insulate at least 60% of the surface in order to achieve the proper result.

What we pay attention to when buying insulation

It will be useful to know what to look for when choosing and buying insulation.

• An important condition for any purchased product is that it must comply with the State Standard.
• In addition to information from sellers, you should make sure of the purpose of this or that insulation yourself. Most manufacturers have taken care of this - the packaging contains enough information (including the value of the thermal conductivity of the material).
• Preference should be given to foil-coated mineral wool. This combination will help avoid heat loss.
• It is important to determine the maximum load that will be applied to the coating with insulation (what density mineral wool will be more appropriate to use).
• When choosing products, it is necessary to pay attention to the fibers on the insulation, their location - if it is chaotic, then the mineral wool is strong and capable of experiencing heavy loads.
• Insulation with its main function will cope without problems.
• In no case should you buy cotton wool that has gotten wet for some reason. After it dries, all of its inherent properties will be minimized at best.
• Cotton wool must be supplied and stored in its original packaging.
• The manufacturer is allowed to use different types of insulation together. In this case, the condition of equal density must be taken into account. The exception is when cotton wool is used as a sound insulator.

The date of manufacture does not matter when purchasing mineral wool, since such material has no expiration date.

If the question of cost is not worth it, then you should give preference to basalt (stone) wool. Besides higher heat absorption and low noise insulation, slag wool or glass wool can be easily damaged during installation.

Manufacturers in the insulation market

The usefulness of mineral wool in insulating the facades of houses contributed not only to an increase in demand among consumers, but also to the emergence of a number of manufacturers of these products. The most famous among them: Knauf, Rockwool, Isover, Ursa, Technonikol.

It does not differ in strength, and therefore it is used mainly for insulating roofs and walls. Produced by a German manufacturer, both in the form of plates and in the form of rolls. On the market, knauf mineral wool is presented in two variations: HeatKnauf and Knauf Insulation. The first option is intended for thermal insulation of a private house.

There is a manufacturer who is ready to offer insulation for all needs - rockwool... The versatility of products is in no way inferior to the cost - the price per unit of goods is quite high.

There is another manufacturer that can boast of the versatility of its products -. The building materials of this company can be additionally plastering.

Often on the market there are products from such a manufacturer as ursa... Quartz sand is used in the production of the material. Mineral insulation of this brand is intended for walls and ceilings.

During production, stone wool is used, therefore, the strength of the product, its thermal conductivity cannot be questioned. The mineral insulation produced by the company meets all the necessary requirements: it does not get wet, does not burn, and has good heat and sound insulating properties.

Thermal insulation of housing is one of the main tasks for humans, especially in our climatic conditions. One solution to the problem is mineral wool insulation. The market is quite saturated with products of various types, offers from many manufacturers. You just need to make a choice and carry out the appropriate work, taking into account the recommendations.