Glass wool is a mineral fiber, which, in terms of manufacturing technology and properties, has much in common with mineral wool.

To obtain glass fiber, the same raw materials are used as for production ordinary glass, or glass industry waste.

Glass wool is made from broken glass or from the same components as window glass (quartz sand, limestone or chalk, soda or sodium sulfate).

Thin glass fiber for textile materials is obtained by drawing from molten glass melt (spunbond or bead method). Coarser fiber is made by blowing.

Mats and strips of glass wool are produced by stitching glass fibers with asbestos or threads twisted from the same fiberglass.

Glass wool has increased chemical resistance, does not burn or smolder, and its density in a loose state does not exceed 130 kg/m3.

Glass wool almost does not shrink during operation, and its fibers do not break down even with prolonged vibration.

It absorbs sound well, is low-hygroscopic, and frost-resistant.

A layer of glass wool 5 cm thick corresponds to the thermal resistance of a brick wall 1 m thick.

It should be noted that the strength of glass wool fibers is higher than that of mineral wool, and the temperature resistance of glass wool of regular composition is 450°C, which is lower than that of mineral wool.

Glass wool made from continuous glass fiber is used for the manufacture of thermal insulation materials and products, as well as for thermal insulation of structures at surface temperatures from -200°C to 450°C.

Lump glass wool It is used less frequently for thermal insulation; most often it is processed into products. Glass wool is also used as an acoustic material.

In addition, for the needs of special thermal insulation, the following types of wool are used:

kaolin,

quartz,

graphite.

These types of wool have increased temperature resistance.

Foam glass

This material is made by sintering glass powder or some rocks of volcanic origin with gas-forming agents (limestone, anthracite). At a temperature of 800÷900°C, glass begins to sinter, and the released gases form a large number of pores. As a result of this structure, foam glass has high thermal insulation properties.

In terms of strength, it surpasses all mineral heat-insulating materials and also has a number of other valuable properties: water resistance, fire resistance, frost resistance, and high strength.

Foam glass is produced in the form of blocks or slabs measuring 50x50x(8÷14) cm.

Foam glass is usually used as insulation for walls, ceilings, floors and roofs of industrial and civil buildings, in the construction of refrigerators, as well as for insulation of heating installations and networks.

Foam glass slabs are used to insulate surfaces with a temperature of 180°C, as well as for decorative finishing of interiors.

Asbestos and products based on it

Asbestos are called minerals of the group of serpentines or amphiboles, which have a fibrous structure and are capable of being separated into the finest fibers under mechanical stress. According to their chemical composition, asbestos minerals are hydrous silicates of magnesium, iron, calcium and sodium. The water content in asbestos of the serpentine group is 13÷14.5%, and in the amphibole group (depending on the type) 1.5~3%.

The fibrous structure is most pronounced in asbestos of the serpentine group, which includes only one type of asbestos - chrysotile. It is the one most often used in industry.

The world's reserves of chrysotile asbestos significantly exceed the reserves of this amphibole group mineral. Chrysotile asbestos accounts for 96% of global asbestos production.

Russia is the largest producer of asbestos in the world.

What is glass wool, how is it produced, the main types of material, technical characteristics of insulation, pros and cons, selection features and an overview of manufacturing companies, rules for installing a heat insulator.

Description and features of glass wool production

IN Lately glass wool is displaced from construction market new thermal insulation materials with better technical characteristics and which are more convenient to work with. However, despite this, glass fiber insulation continues to be used.

The raw materials used for the production of glass wool are the substances used for the production of ordinary glass: sand, soda, borax, dolomite, limestone. That is, we can state that this insulation is environmentally safe. On modern production use up to 80% broken glass.

The technology for producing glass wool is not much different from the production of stone wool:

• Components (cullet glass, fillers) are poured into a special bunker and melted at a temperature of 1400 degrees.
• The molten composition is inflated with steam, which is supplied under high pressure.
• During the formation of fibers, the material is additionally processed with polymers.
• The thread is sent to rolls where it is leveled.
• A fiberglass “carpet” is formed.
• The polymerization process begins at a temperature of about 250 degrees. At this time, all remaining moisture evaporates, and the fiberglass hardens and becomes yellowish.
• After cooling, the material is sent for cutting and pressing.

The finished insulation has fibers 5-15 microns thick and 15 to 50 millimeters long. The size of glass wool can vary depending on what form it is produced in - mats, rolls, slabs.

With the advent of new generation heat insulators, the popularity of glass wool has sharply decreased for the reason that it is extremely uncomfortable to work with. Even with weak mechanical impact, it turns into fine dust, which irritates the skin and mucous membranes. Therefore, during installation, products are used personal protection: gloves, respirator, glasses, overalls. To reduce the fragility of the material, it is additionally reinforced.

Main types of glass wool

This insulation is considered universal, since it can be used to insulate external and internal walls, roofs, attics, and interfloor ceilings. This versatility is explained by the special structure of glass wool, which is capable of trapping air inside the fibers.

For even more optimal thermal insulation, we have developed different kinds of this material:

1. For outdoor work. This glass wool has a high density. As a rule, this is insulation in the form of mats.
2. For finishing horizontal surfaces. This is a looser material that is used for installation on interfloor ceilings, attics, floors (not under screed).
3. For installation on roof slopes. This roll insulation, which is convenient to roll out and fix on an inclined surface.
4. For finishing interior walls. The material has increased sound insulation ability.
5. For sealing cracks. This is, most often, glass wool in a roll with a low density.

Depending on the level of softness, glass wool can be rigid or semi-rigid, as well as elastic. A material with minimal density is flexible. Long fibers are responsible for the good soundproofing characteristics of the insulation, and the most compressed heat insulator retains heat better than others.

In addition, there is such a variety as foil glass wool, which provides not only good thermal insulation, but also a vapor barrier.

Technical characteristics of glass wool

The properties of glass wool may vary depending on the type of material used, its density, fiber length, and so on. In general, the insulation has the following technical characteristics:

• Thermal conductivity of glass wool. The long fibers of the heat insulator twist like cocoons and trap air inside. This structure provides good thermal insulation. The thermal conductivity index is in the range of 0.039-0.047 W (m*K).
• Soundproofing. On average, the sound absorption of glass wool ranges from 35 to 40 dB. The material contains evenly distributed fibers that absorb vibrations and acoustic noise.
• Vapor permeability. This figure is 0.6 mg/mh*Pa. This is almost twice as much as basalt wool, which is an undoubted advantage of glass wool.
• Fire resistance. This insulation contains binding resins, but it does not belong to the category of spontaneously combustible materials. Glass wool can withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius without changing the structure. And when ignited, it emits a minimum of smoke. The category of glass wool according to the generally accepted classification is from NG to G1.
• Moisture resistance. The coefficient for this parameter for glass wool is 15% for partial immersion. Sorptive moistening during the day is 1.7%.
• Mechanical resistance. The newest glass wool samples are characterized by good elasticity and strength, unlike earlier insulation analogues. Modern quality material can be laid in places where there is a large mechanical load - roofing, ceilings.
• Biological stability. Glass wool insulation does not attract rodents and is not a favorable environment for the reproduction and growth of fungi and mold.
• Resistance to deformation. Glass wool can be compressed six times without losing quality. This feature makes the material convenient for transportation. The special elasticity of the fibers ensures that after straightening the glass wool will return to its original shape. At long-term operation high-quality material will not shrink (except in cases of excessive wetness or the use of poor quality insulation).
• Density of glass wool. This indicator may differ depending on the insulation manufacturer and type. On average it is 11-25 kg per cubic meter.

Advantages of glass wool

This insulation was widely used in our country in Soviet years. Today glass wool is more improved and has the following advantages:

1. Good thermal insulation properties. A layer of this material of 50 millimeters can be equated to thermal conductivity brickwork 100 centimeters thick.
2. Moisture resistance. Glass wool practically does not absorb moisture.
3. Ease of transportation. Lightweight material and compresses well. Therefore, no special transport is required to deliver glass wool to the work site.
4. Non-toxic. In the production process of this insulation, only clean materials, as for the production of ordinary glass. The heat insulator does not emit toxic compounds during operation and even during fire.
5. Fire safety. Glass wool practically does not burn.
6. Resistance to microorganisms. The material will definitely not become moldy, and insects or rodents will not live in it.
7. Low price of glass wool. Insulation is an order of magnitude cheaper than many similar mineral fiber materials.

Disadvantages of glass wool

Like other types of insulation, fiberglass insulation has disadvantages, which are often decisive when choosing another material. Let's look at the negative characteristics of glass wool:

• Increased fiber fragility. Working with glass wool requires enhanced protective equipment and caution. Even the slightest contact of glass dust on the skin or mucous membranes will cause severe itching and allergic reaction. Thin and sharp tiny fragments of fibers also easily penetrate into the lungs and remain there for a long time, causing irritation and even swelling.
• Need for reliable insulation glass wool. Especially when insulating internal walls. This drawback is directly related to the thinness and fragility of the fibers, particles of which can enter the room over time.
• Unstable in the face of the sun. Glass wool does not like to be in direct sunlight for a long time. They have a destructive effect on her. Therefore, it is important to protect the insulation layer from external influences.
• Relatively short service life. Glass wool retains optimal thermal insulation qualities for approximately 10 years.

Criteria for choosing glass wool

When planning to purchase this insulation, keep in mind certain nuances so that the glass wool is of high quality and lasts as long as possible:

1. First of all, pay attention to the packaging in which the insulator is stored. It must be strong and intact. It is highly recommended not to expose the material to atmospheric moisture or sunlight during storage.
2. High-quality material has a light yellow color and a uniform structure.
3. Consider the density and thickness of glass wool. The most common density is 11 kilograms per cubic meter. This insulation is optimal for insulating horizontal non-load-bearing structures: floors with joists, ceilings, roofs.
4. For thermal insulation pitched roofs, partitions and internal walls, a material with a density of 15 kg/m 3 or more is intended.
5. If layered masonry is assumed, then it is best to use insulation with a density of 20 kilograms per cubic meter.
6. For thermal insulation of external walls, staple glass fiber with a density of 30 kilograms per cubic meter is suitable.
7. It is also recommended that the glass wool be cached with fiberglass. The latter will protect the fibers from blowing out and give the material additional strength.

Price and manufacturers of glass wool

Almost all manufacturers of mineral-based insulation have glass wool in their product lines. The most popular brands are:

• Isover. It is the leading manufacturer of thermal insulation in the world. The company has a representative office and operating facilities in Russia. It produces glass wool of various modifications - for exterior finishing, roofing and interior work. average price for glass wool in slabs and rolls is 700-1800 rubles.
• URSA. Manufacturer from Spain, which also has a plant in Russia for the production of thermal insulation. Products are presented for carrying out any work on insulation of residential and non-residential buildings. The average price for glass wool ranges from 800 to 2600 rubles.
• Knauf. German big brand. The company offers glass wool in the most expensive price category. However the product is different high quality, and there is a large range for all types thermal insulation works. The average price of the material is 1100-2100 rubles.

Brief instructions for installing glass wool

Laying glass wool is quite simple, even alone. You don't need any special tools for this. The only thing that is required is reliable protection respiratory organs, vision and skin.

We install glass wool according to the following instructions:

1. We install a wooden frame on the surface. A timber with a cross section of 3x5 centimeters is suitable.
2. After installing the sheathing, we cut the glass wool using a construction knife.
3. Having crushed the material, we place it in the frame. It is not necessary to use additional fasteners, since the insulation itself will expand and fill the space if installation is carried out correctly.
4. We glue the joints with tape or fill them with foam.
5. Cover the glass wool with a vapor barrier film.
6. Reinforcement and plastering can be done on top of the thermal insulation layer.

Watch the video review of glass wool:

Glass wool is a reliable insulation material that was most widely used during the Soviet era. Nowadays, the popularity of the material has decreased somewhat, but it is still actively used due to its excellent thermal insulation qualities. The composition of glass wool is environmentally friendly and does not harm health if you use personal protective equipment when working with it.

Glass wool is a fibrous material used for thermal insulation of buildings and structures. The raw materials for its production are waste from glass factories and broken glass.

Fiberglass is produced by blowing steam into a glass melt and then centrifuging it. The resulting material forms insulation mats, which are subsequently pressed, rolled, and packaged for ease of transportation.

In its unprepared form, glass wool takes up a large volume due to its low density.

When packaged, the material is compressed by 75–80%, and when unpacked, it restores its previous volume. It is very convenient for transportation and storage.

Glass wool is widely used for, suitable for thermal insulation of pitched roofs,. It is also an excellent soundproofing material.

Characteristics of fiberglass-based materials

The low thermal conductivity coefficient (0.030-0.052 W/m K) of glass wool ensures high levels of its thermal insulation properties. At the same time, buildings lined with this material are reliably protected from freezing and heat loss.

Vapor permeability is one of the important characteristics glass wool. It provides a comfortable microclimate inside the insulated room. A large number of air cavities present in the volume of the material freely allow moisture to pass out.

Note: Thermal insulation made with glass wool does not contribute to condensation and the appearance of dampness on the walls.

Glass wool is able to maintain its thermal insulation properties throughout the entire period of use. The increased level of elasticity of glass wool allows you to compensate for unevenness of the insulated surface. This feature helps reduce air gaps between the structure and the heat-insulating material.

Glass wool is not subject to shrinkage and does not delaminate over time. An important characteristic is its vibration resistance. This means that under alternating loads the material will retain the properties specified in its specification. The low density of glass wool ensures its lightness, simplifying installation work and transportation. Structures lined with fiberglass-based material will not experience additional loads on the walls.

Fire and environmental safety

Fiberglass is formed from molten glass of inorganic origin. The fire safety of glass wool is due to its high melting point. It cannot be a source of fire. Fiberglass does not contribute to the spread of flame in a room during a fire.

Insulation materials based on glass fiber are products of inorganic origin. They are not susceptible to rotting, mold, or bacterial enzymes. They are missing nutrients, suitable for supporting the life of insects or rodents such as mice.

Modern fiberglass is manufactured using innovative technologies, due to which the structure of the material does not contain formaldehyde or acrylic inclusions. The environmental safety of modern fiberglass is confirmed by certificates of conformity provided by all manufacturers of this material.

Precautionary measures

Like any other insulation, glass wool also has its disadvantages. When installing glass wool products, you must use special clothing, construction glasses and a respirator.

Fiberglass is characterized by high fragility and sharpness of the end surface. Upon completion of installation of insulation, it is advisable to do wet cleaning premises, and the worker to conduct hygiene procedures(go to the shower).

Soundproofing properties of glass wool

Soundproofing properties fiberglass allows it to be used for sound insulation of rooms and special premises. Thus, working audio equipment will be heard only where it is installed.

To isolate from sound, frame partitions are constructed, filled with fiberglass mats and covered with plasterboard.

Purpose and form of delivery

Finishing thermal insulation of a house with siding There is a wide variety of glass wool products used for insulation, which are installed on the same principle as sound insulation.

Thermal insulation finishing is carried out:

• sheet metal (galvanized iron or aluminum);
• siding;
• clapboard;
• brickwork.

Fiberglass is produced for the following types of work:

• on external surfaces;
• on horizontal surfaces;
• on pitched roofs;
• on internal surfaces.

Each type of fiberglass differs from other types of material in its properties, and is optimally suited for a specific purpose. One is an excellent sound insulator, the other has a large heat capacity. Delivery forms: plate and roll. The board is usually used for insulation small rooms. Rolls are designed for covering large areas.

The main criterion for selecting a fiberglass product is the thermal conductivity coefficient. Most often it is indicated on the packaging or labeling of the product. The lower this indicator, the better its insulating properties. The basic requirements for fiberglass must comply with GOST R 53237-2008.

Look video, clearly demonstrating how glass wool resists fire:

The demand for glass wool as insulation is explained by its ease of installation, lightness and excellent insulating properties. This material is compressed slabs of long thin threads of melted glass (the share of recycled waste reaches 80%), sand, lime and dolomite. The glass fiber obtained in this way belongs to the variety mineral insulation, but, in comparison with them, has a slightly different structure and lower cost. This is a virtually waste-free material; its high elasticity allows it to adhere tightly to all types of surfaces at any angle.

The starting raw materials are natural non-flammable components; the molten finest fibers are treated with aerosols based on solutions of phenol-aldehyde polymers (resins) for high-quality adhesion to each other. The glass wool manufacturing technology of all manufacturers is almost identical, the differences relate to the length of the threads, the density (compression) of the insulation and the impregnating agent. As a result, glass wool is classified into flammability classes NG and G1, the destruction temperature is 250 ° C, and for the most resistant brands it is 450. In modern types, the percentage of binding additives is minimal, thanks to special technologies aerosol spraying.

Depending on the intended purpose, there are fiberglass insulation for interior and exterior use, closing cracks and crevices, and protecting pipe communications. Available in slabs or rolls, the latter version is used for thermal insulation of large surfaces. Depending on the looseness, there are: hard and semi-rigid mats or soft elastic fabrics. Glass wool with the lowest density is characterized by flexibility, with the longest threads - sound absorption, and the most compressed - unique heat retention. Additional nomenclature units of insulation: cached with foil for vapor protection or having a compacted outer layer (fiberglass) that prevents threads from falling out of the structure in strong winds.

Specifications and properties

Main operating parameters of glass wool:

• Thermal conductivity: 0.039–0.047 W/(m*K).
• Vapor permeability in the range of 0–0.6 mg/mh*Pa.
• The water absorption coefficient of the insulation during partial immersion is up to 15%.
• Operational temperature Range- from -60 to 250 °C.
• Fiber thickness: 5–15 µm, length 15–50 mm.
• Sorptive moistening per day - no more than 1.7%.
• Sound absorption averages from 35 to 40 dB.

Distinctive features of glass wool insulation are:

1. Thermal insulation properties. Long threads are twisted like cocoons with air inside; this structure limits thermal conductivity and provides impermeability to cold wind.

2. Resistance to vibrations and acoustic influences. The same structure eliminates non-fibrous areas, making glass wool an excellent noise absorber.

3. Fire safety. Despite the presence of binding resins, it is not a spontaneously combustible insulation material. Modern views in case of fire, they release a minimum of harmful substances.

4. Combination of strength and elasticity. It is allowed to install glass wool in places with high mechanical load (roofs and ceilings, including industrial facilities). These same qualities ensure a tight fit to the working surface.

5. Sixfold compression ability. Coupled with its low weight, this property makes fiberglass insulation convenient for transportation and installation; after unpacking, it is restored to the required volume due to the special elasticity of the threads.

6. Resistance to deformation, chemical and biological influences. When insulated with glass wool, the slabs do not lose their shape even after long-term use (except in cases of severe wetness), do not become covered with fungus, and mice do not gnaw on them.

Scope of use

Glass wool is used to insulate external facades, roof spaces, floors and ceilings. Suitable as fill insulation for hard to reach areas building structure and in the form of tow for closing cracks. They are almost never produced in a cylindrical version, but nothing prevents them from wrapping glass wool pipes to protect against heat loss. The exception is communications with high coolant temperatures. Fiberglass is ideal for installing internal soundproofing partitions, subject to subsequent plastering.

Comparisons with other species

It is difficult to clearly answer the question of what is the difference between glass wool and mineral wool made from basalt or slag - they have the same structure, but differ in performance characteristics. The price of fiberglass insulation is 2–3 times less than its analogues made from molten rocks, primarily due to the availability of raw materials (recycled waste). It undoubtedly wins as a sound insulator, since it has fibers 4 times longer than mineral wool. But glass wool is significantly inferior in temperature resistance, fire safety (for comparison, the limit of mineral wool is 750 °C) and hygroscopicity. As a result, its scope of application is limited by regulatory building requirements.

Stone wool, due to its rigidity, is inferior to glass wool in elasticity and resilience; it is difficult to give it the required form without damaging the fibers. Fiberglass, on the contrary, repeats work surface and fits to it without gaps, the amount of waste during installation is minimal. For people suffering from allergies, it is better to buy stone wool, it does not cause irritation. But it has reverse side: despite all the manufacturers’ statements, mice chew mineral wool, but glass threads do not.

Safety of use

The main disadvantage of glass wool as a building material is the fragility of the fibers; when working with it, small, caustic particles are formed that irritate the skin, mucous membrane of the eyes and respiratory tract. Therefore, for safe installation you will need protective equipment: glasses, respirator, gloves, closed overalls.

Upon completion of the work, glass wool is absolutely harmless, in addition, it is hidden from moisture (open sheets are found only in the attic). If your budget allows, it is better to buy fiberglass insulation. modern manufacturers(Isover, Ursa, Knauf), they are practically free of this drawback due to the use of a special thread pulling technology in the manufacturing process.

Price

Name of insulation, manufacturer	Advantages of glass wool	Parameters, mm	Area, m2	Price, rubles
Isover Pro, France	NG, fine-fiber elastic structure with minimal thermal conductivity and water absorption. Designed as roof insulation, can be installed without additional fasteners in horizontal and inclined positions	5000×1220×100	6,1	800
Ursa Terra 34 RN Technical Mat, Germany	NG, a waste-free fiberglass material that takes the shape of any surface. For insulation of pipes and air lines, including industrial facilities	9600×1200×50	11,52	910
Knauf Insulation Acoustic Partition, Germany	Soft sound-absorbing boards, NG. Glass wool from this manufacturer does not emit toxic substances when burned and does not irritate the skin. Used as an intermediate layer in interior partitions, does not create “sound bridges”, fits tightly to the surface	1250×610×50	18,3	1 250
Masterkoff	Insulation for roofs, walls, floors and internal partitions	16200×1040×50	16,8	850

Glass wool is an insulating material made from glass fibers using a binder into a texture similar to wool or wadding. This material traps air between the glass fibers and, as a result, such air pockets lead to high thermal insulation properties.

As insulation, it is produced in rolls or slabs with different thermal and mechanical properties. Glass wool can be made into a substance that can be sprayed or applied to any surface, allowing it to seal cracks.

Natural sand or recycled glass is mixed and heated until 1450 °C to obtain glass mass. Fiberglass is made using the following method: under the influence of centrifugal force, in a spinning drum, the glass mass passes through a fine mesh, cooling and solidifying upon contact with air. Mechanical strength is achieved thanks to the adhesive properties of each individual fiber and the addition of special binding elements. The resulting woolen fabric is cut and packed into rolls or panels, palletized and stored in a warehouse until sold.

Thermal insulation made of glass wool is a very common element of thermal insulation of buildings and premises. His wide application, primarily due to low price and high thermal characteristics.

Fiberglass insulation does not allow water and steam to pass through, is quite tensile, and is easy to install and cut. The main disadvantage of this material is its harmful characteristics: the fiber has very small particles that cause irritation to the skin and respiratory system. Photos of glass wool are presented below.

Mineral wool is safer for health, lightweight, compresses well, is denser and has high thermal insulation properties. Its main disadvantage is its high cost.

Benefits and safety

Main characteristics of glass wool:

• long fibers;
• product density ranges from 11 before 45 kg/m3;
• high resistance to mechanical loads (depending on density);
• The thermal conductivity of glass wool ranges from 0,032 before 0,044 W;
• high sound insulation properties;
• non-flammable material, non-flammable class A1;
• maximum working temperature 230 °C;
• fire resistance;
• melting temperature 700-1000 °C;
• high elasticity of the material;
• high tensile strength;
• resistance to mechanical damage during transportation.

Many people often ask the question: does glass wool burn? Due to its structure and very high melting point (above 1000 C°), glass wool does not burn and is an ideal fire protection.

In addition to the main advantages, the properties of glass wool allow it to be used as fire resistant material to protect the structure from destruction in the event of a fire, as well as to ensure the safe evacuation of people from the building. High density non-flammable glass wool does not allow flames to develop (the highest non-flammability class A1), stops the spread of fire, and does not emit toxic gases when exposed to high temperatures.

This excellent property of a non-combustible material is widely used in various industries; cotton wool is used as insulation and insulating material for walls, pipelines, containers and various designs. Therefore, to the question: does glass wool burn or not, the answer is obvious.

Like any construction thermal insulation material, glass wool has pros and cons. Let's briefly analyze the positive and negative aspects.

Key benefits:

• low price;
• easy to cut with hand tools;
• flexibility and softness allows you to lay it in any hard-to-reach place;
• does not burn, reacts poorly to high temperatures, not deformed;
• wide choice of sizes and densities;
• high compressive strength;
• high resistance to significant tensile loads;
• low weight.

Significant disadvantages:

• moderate durability;
• gradually absorbs water;
• over time, it decreases in volume and crumbles;
• adversely affects the respiratory system;
• the need to carry out work only in special clothing with the mandatory use of protective equipment.

Fiberglass insulation is not only about preservation comfortable temperature indoors in winter, but also thermal protection in summer. Glass wool insulate pitched roofs with linear pillars, which helps retard heat transfer from external environment into the interior of the building.

The scope of application of glass fiber is very wide: construction, manufacturing, heat supply, transportation of liquids, automotive industry, aviation industry. This is due to high thermal resistance– the ability of a material to accumulate heat, depending on density.

Fiberglass Manufacturing Standard

Working with fiberglass is determined by a number of state quality standards where GOST 19170 2001 is considered the main one. This normative document is international standard for the production of fiberglass and structural fabrics. The standard describes manufacturing methods, scope of use and labor protection measures when working with fibrous insulating materials that contain glass dust.

Is glass wool harmful to health?

Glass wool is harmful to health: it irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory system. Potential symptoms include irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, hoarseness and cough.

The harm of glass wool to humans is confirmed by scientific and medical research.

Fiberglass is safe to manufacture, use and transport only if special precautions are taken to protect against temporary mechanical irritation from small particles. Unfortunately, these working methods are not always followed: fiberglass is often left uninsulated on pipes in basements, after which it becomes simply impossible to work in such rooms.

The shelf life of glass wool is quite long, but over time it loses its elastic properties, becomes brittle, and during mechanical action or installation it spreads very strongly through the air in the form of glass dust.

All fiberglass fibers commonly used for thermal and acoustic insulation were reclassified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in October 2001 as not classified as carcinogenic to humans. Simply put, this agency cannot speak about the consequences of human exposure to the harmful factors of glass wool.

Fiberglass insulation is resistant to mold and does not require special storage conditions. If mold is found in or on fiberglass, it is only caused by external exposure; the binders are often organic and more hygroscopic than glass wool. In tests, glass wool proved to be very resistant to mold growth within the fiber. The growth of mold cultures within the material itself is only possible at very high relative humidity (96% and above).

Simple precautions

The health hazards of glass wool are not fatal during short-term work with the material, but can be critical for the respiratory system during prolonged inhalation of glass dust. It is necessary to understand that the harm of glass wool to humans can lead to irreparable consequences and chronic diseases.

When installing insulation, use the simplest methods of protection against glass wool. Wear gloves or clothing that prevent fiberglass from coming into contact with your skin. Do not rub or scratch skin covering if you see fibers on its surface. Do not touch your eyes or face when working with fiberglass; wear safety glasses or a mask or respirator to avoid getting tiny particles into your eyes and lungs.

Pants and long-sleeved shirts are the best and easiest option for protecting your skin. This will significantly reduce the chances of irritating elements coming into contact with your skin.

When working with glass wool, special clothing is also necessary to prevent splinters of cotton wool from penetrating deep into the skin when an already affected area of ​​skin comes into contact with any surface. Rubbing the scratches will only cause the fiberglass fibers to sink deeper into the skin, where they will break into fragments. If you notice dust on your skin, do not scratch it, just wash it off with plenty of cool water.

After you finish working with fiberglass, wash your hands well and immediately remove your clothes to wash. Pre-clean your clothes with a damp brush if they have been exposed to dust for a long time.

If fiber gets into your eyes, rinse them with cool water for at least 15 minutes, then consult a doctor to be examined with appropriate equipment. Do not rub your eyes under any circumstances!

First aid for glass wool skin injuries

Glass wool is dangerous because it consists of very small elements in the form of dust, which easily rise into the air, settling on the skin and getting into the lungs.

The fine fiberglass fibers are white or light yellow in color and are difficult to see when they are embedded in the skin. To successfully remove large fragments, it is necessary good lighting And magnifying glass. You can remove it with tweezers or a needle, prying up the base of a large sliver.

Working with fiberglass with your hands, without special gloves, guarantees skin irritation. If your hands are already completely covered with small fragments that cannot be caught with tweezers, take a roll of wide adhesive tape (for example, adhesive tape paper, transparent tape or insulating tape). The main thing is that it does not tear into pieces when peeling off from the surface of the skin.

Do not bandage or cover the affected area with duct tape. This will only worsen the penetration of the fiber deep into the skin. Warm water will help steam the damaged surface, and some of the irritating elements will simply be washed away.

Press the tape firmly onto the affected area and hold it with your hand for several minutes. Make sure the tape makes good contact with the skin and glass shards.

Installation work

Glass wool insulation various surfaces carried out according to the same principle, but additional fasteners will be required on the walls and ceiling, because It will not be possible to glue the slab to a steep surface due to its high softness.

Before cutting glass wool, measure exact amount slabs required size. The size of each slab may be different, but not by much; an overlap of only a few centimeters is allowed, which can later be easily bent when compacting the insulation sheet into the required niche.

The cutting process itself is quite simple. If the thickness of the sheet is insignificant, then it can be cut with large (industrial) scissors. If it is necessary to cut several sheets at the same time, use hand saw with fine teeth.

It will be warm and comfortable!

Fiberglass insulation is widely used in almost all construction and industrial applications as an insulating material due to its thermal and acoustic properties, tensile strength, low cost, ease of installation, low weight and exceptional resilience. Despite the harm to human health, such cheap material will be in use for a very long time. The main thing is to observe minimum requirements safety when laying and cutting fiber. Glass wool the best option for external thermal insulation, it will provide high-quality insulation and comfortable living in a house or apartment without significant material investments.