Many people want to live in their own home with comfort and warmth. But not everyone knows how to achieve such conditions. Warming your home with mineral wool will not only bring the desired warmth to your home, but will significantly reduce energy bills and eliminate the risk of sewer and water pipes freezing. Below we will consider what types of mineral wool exist, and which one is better for warming various structural elements of the house.
What is mineral wool
Mineral wool, as a separate type of material, does not exist, this concept includes a group of various heaters that are produced from raw materials of inorganic origin - natural stone of mountain gabbro-basalt rocks, waste from the glass and metallurgical industries, the production of silicate and clay bricks.
General view of mineral plates
The ability to retain heat is due to the presence of air between an innumerable number of the finest mineral fibers, which can be located, depending on the type of insulation, in a chaotic or certain order. Also, the density of the material and the ability to withstand dynamic loads depend on their location. The fibers themselves are obtained in the process of melting the feedstock at very high temperatures and subsequent processing in a gas or air environment using various binders:
- formaldehyde or urea resins;
- phenolic alcohols;
- compositions from formaldehyde and phenol;
- bentonite clay (hydroaluminosilicate mineral);
- latex;
- bitumen;
- polymer emulsions.
In terms of human safety, mineral wool made on the basis of basalt is the leader, since only its binder, bentonite clay, is the cleanest in environmental terms.
Insulation production technology
The first stage in the production of insulation, called mineral wool, consists of preparing a charge, which may include several ingredients. The composition of mineral wool largely depends on the number of components and their technical characteristics. The dried and crushed mixture is melted in special furnaces, the temperature in which reaches one and a half thousand degrees. The stone, melted to a liquid state, is sent to special rolls, where, under the influence of air or gas flow, the finest fibers of insulation are obtained.
Rock melts at temperatures above 1000°C The further process of production of all types of mineral wool is the formation of the insulating material itself. Depending on the size of the fiber diameter and the functionality of the product, the structure of its carpet can be created by a vertical or chaotic arrangement of fibers, have a corrugated appearance. After that, the cotton wool is sent to a cooling chamber, where, simultaneously with cooling, the fibers are impregnated with a certain type of binder. In the production of some types of mineral wool, the process can be supplemented by stitching mats with fiberglass, steel wire or linen cord.
Mineral wool based on a synthetic binder (phenol or formaldehyde) and organic, that is, bitumen, is fundamentally different in production technology. However, any material undergoes the process of polymerization of the binder, during which excess moisture evaporates from the mineral wool.
Insulation forms
Insulation is produced in the form of plates and rolls In addition to soft single-layer wool, a material is produced that has various types of top coating - a vapor barrier or waterproofing membrane, which is attached to the adhesive. To improve the thermal insulation properties, the insulation is covered with mineral wool with a foil film that does not allow heat to escape from the room.
At the last stage, mineral wool is formed into a finished product, which may look like:
- mat;
- plates;
- roll;
- cylinder;
- shells.
Mineral wool in the form of cylinders for pipe insulation The characteristics and properties of mineral wool in the form of stitched mats are also influenced by the materials with which the products are lined on opposite sides. It can be - steel mesh with various cell shapes, fiberglass, non-woven material, technical paper, cardboard, glass fiber mesh, asbestos fabric.
Scope of mineral thermal insulation
The range of use of insulation made from various types of mineral wool is very wide. This material is used both in construction and in industry, in the manufacture of products intended for insulating surfaces with a heating temperature of up to 700 ° C, in the production of sandwich panels and other products of various functionality.
Wall insulation with mineral wool using a frame In the construction industry, mineral wool is used to insulate structural elements of buildings and structures for any purpose:
- walls;
- floors:
- floors;
- cellars;
- facades, both ventilated and plastered;
- plinths;
- pitched and flat roofs;
- balconies and loggias;
- frame houses;
- temporary structures - sheds, change houses, etc.
In engineering communications systems, mineral wool with various technical characteristics and properties is used to insulate main and autonomous water supply pipelines laid underground and on the surface, local and main sewers.
Insulation of main pipelines with mineral wool Mineral wool insulation has also found its use in the construction of three-layer walls made of brick or stone, as a middle layer, as well as in the production of reinforced concrete structures, which significantly increases their thermal insulation properties.
The use of mineral wool in sandwich panels Mineral wool is also used in various industries - oil and gas, metallurgical and energy.
Varieties of mineral wool insulation
Depending on the feedstock, there are several types of mineral wool:
- stone;
- slag;
- glass wool.
Each type is distinguished by its properties and technical characteristics, which determine the scope of their application.
stone wool
Mineral wool, the raw material of which is rock stones such as dolomite basalt and others, is considered the safest in environmental terms, due to its properties. It does not contain harmful formaldehyde resins, and bentonite clay is used as a binder, which is used even in the food industry. The main advantages of stone insulation are:
- low thermal conductivity;
- the ability to withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius with cotton wool;
- resistance to sudden changes in ambient temperature;
- safety in installation and operation;
- high moisture resistance;
- deformation resistance.
You should know that only can be considered environmentally friendly. In the production of stone wool, other components, such as limestone, silicates, can be introduced into the initial composition of the charge, and a binder in the form of phenol-formaldehyde resin can also be used, although in small volumes.
Unlike glass wool, stone wool does not irritate the skin, which favorably affects the installation process.
glass wool
Such a heater is limited in scope due to the fragility of the fibers, which cause skin irritation and are dangerous if they enter the respiratory tract of humans and animals. Therefore, in rooms where people are expected to stay for a long time, the material is not used.
Most often, glass wool is used to insulate technical, utility rooms, external utility lines. Despite the high degree of water resistance, this material has a low density, the smallest among all types of mineral wool.
The level of heat resistance of glass wool is in the range of 300-400 ° above zero, it is afraid of moisture, which is why its heat-conducting properties are significantly reduced.
The main disadvantage lies precisely in the fragility of the fibers, which requires the mandatory use of such protective equipment in the process of working with glass material, such as:
- respirator;
- thick overalls;
- glasses;
- gloves.
slag wool
Slag wool in appearance resembles ordinary cotton wool, the difference is in color The last representative of mineral wool, a material obtained from the waste of metallurgical production, has the lowest price on the building materials market. Due to the minimum length of the fibers, which are obtained from molten blast-furnace slag, this material looks like real cotton wool, only dark gray in color. The low density of the material, brittleness and low fire resistance, as well as high hygroscopicity, do not allow the use of slag wool for insulating facades, pipelines, attics in the places where chimneys or chimneys pass. And the presence of acid residues in the composition of the blast-furnace raw materials excludes the contact of the material with metal structures. The main advantage of slag insulation is the minimum price.
Advantages and disadvantages of mineral insulation
Any material has certain advantages and disadvantages. All this is present in mineral wool. But first, about the pleasant - the positive characteristics and properties of mineral wool, which are as follows:
The high ability to retain heat is due to the special arrangement of stone fibers, between which many chambers are formed with air, which, as you know, is the best heat insulator.
Mineral insulation made from non-combustible raw materials cannot burn itself, unless the temperature in the fire source exceeds 1000 ° C, which does not happen in everyday life. Therefore, such a material is recommended for use on surfaces whose temperature is not able to withstand other types of thermal insulation, such as polystyrene foam or foam. It tolerates mineral wool and the effects of aggressive chemicals, so it can be used for the insulation of industrial pipelines and tanks.
Stone wool is not favored by domestic rodents, harmful bacteria and microbes that need a humid environment, and the hygroscopicity of the insulation is close to zero. Thanks to this property, the optimal level of humidity will always be maintained in the room, mold and rot will not form.
The presence of air between the fibers of the cotton wool provides the material with the ability to muffle sounds. This characteristic is relevant when using the material in the under-roof space, in door panels as a heater, and at the same time as a sound insulator.
Mineral wool structure - many fibers and air gaps Due to the special arrangement of the fibers, the compressive strength of the material is quite high. Therefore, it is often used for warming floors, interfloor ceilings, followed by the application of a cement screed. Shrinkage of mineral wool is minimized, which increases its thermal insulation properties.
The binder, which is used in minimal quantities, is responsible for the environmental safety of stone material insulation, and at ordinary temperatures this substance is not released into the environment.
As mineral wool manufacturers assure, the service life is at least forty years, with proper installation and subsequent operation of insulated structures.
Flaws
But as they say, there is nothing without flaws. They are also inherent in mineral wool:
The efficiency of insulation with mineral material will be higher if vapor and waterproofing films are used when laying it.
The need to use protective equipment during the installation of the material, and this is not always pleasant and convenient. Some types of mineral wool are afraid of exposure to moisture, so careful protection is required.
Insulation of structures with mineral wool
Insulation of the facade with mineral wool with vapor barrier, reinforcing mesh and plastering The technology of insulation of various structures depends primarily on their functionality, location and type of material. But in any case, the insulation is mounted on a cleaned, dust-free surface that does not have significant protrusions or depressions.
When installing the insulation on the glue, the old finish coating is removed, traces of mold and fungal formations are removed. After that, the surface to be insulated is primed for better adhesion of the adhesive composition.
In addition to fixing mats or slabs with glue, mushroom dowels are used as an additional fastening, which with their wide cap securely hold the material on vertical and horizontal surfaces, in case of installation of insulation on the ceiling, roof from the attic side. Mushrooms should be installed only after the glue has completely set and dried.
If it is planned to plaster the insulated surface, a reinforcing mesh of steel, plastic or fiberglass is stuffed onto the thermal insulation. When installing a ventilated facade or cladding external walls with siding, clapboard or some other finishing material, it is necessary to leave a gap between the insulation and the finish to prevent condensation from accumulating on the surface of the insulation.
With dry insulation, the material is fixed between special guides of the frame structure or between the rafter legs with those fungi or fishing line, a thin cord. A vapor barrier membrane must be laid out on top of the mineral wool.
What kind of cotton do manufacturers offer
In our country, the following brands of insulation are mainly popular:
- Isover;
- Ursa.
All types of insulation can be purchased both in the form of plates and rolls, which are packed in polyethylene of special strength, which excludes deformation of the product during storage and transportation.
Rockwool mineral wools are produced on the basis of basalt by two Russian enterprises, and meet all the requirements of GOST. Among all other types of thermal insulation, this brand has won great appreciation from consumers. The company produces a wide range of products, including such well-known brands as Acoustic Butts, Facade Butts and Light Butts, designed for use in various designs and operating conditions.
Products under the Isover brand from stone raw materials are produced at the Russian factories of the French company Saint-Gobain. The consumer is offered plates and rolls of insulation of various sizes - from standard to "mini", which are convenient to use in small areas, for local repairs of thermal insulation. The quality of products and their safety is confirmed by the presence of all necessary certificates.
Mineral wool brand "Ursa" is made from recycled glass or quartz. A wide range of products of this company allows you to choose the material for warming the most diverse rooms in terms of their functionality, from balconies to living rooms and saunas. It is produced in the form of plates, mats and rolls, including those with a foil membrane.
The main essence of the article
It is possible to help keep the heat in the house using mineral wool, the brand and type of which is selected depending on the purpose of the room or the structural element of the building. Mineral wool is produced from rock stone and fiberglass in accordance with GOST 31913-2011. Each type of mineral wool has its own characteristics and properties. The insulation is laid according to a certain technology that meets the functionality of the structure.
Foreword. In an effort to live in warmth and comfort, everyone first of all tries to protect the house from the cold and extraneous noise from the street. People have always sought protection from the heat of summer and the cold of winter. If you use mineral wool insulation as thermal insulation, you can save yourself from frost in winter and from scorching heat in summer. In this article we will consider the main technical characteristics of mineral wool.
Mineral wool, the technical characteristics of which, we will consider today, has several varieties and world-famous manufacturers, each of the types has advantages and disadvantages. Next, we will consider which thermal insulation materials can be considered mineral wool in order to make the right choice when buying thermal insulation in accordance with the requirements.
The main types of mineral wool
According to GOST 52953-2008, three materials are classified as mineral wool: slag fiber, glass fiber, and stone wool. All materials have a different structure - the length and thickness of the fiber, differ from each other in terms of resistance to stress, thermal conductivity, moisture resistance and the ability to withstand an open flame. Let's talk in detail about each type of mineral wool and list their characteristics.
Glass wool. Specifications
Glass wool consists of fibers with a length of 15 to 50 mm and a fiber thickness of 5 to 15 microns. Glass wool is resilient and durable, but you should work with the material carefully, because. fragile glass threads can dig into the skin, get into the eyes or accidentally inhale into the lungs, injuring the mucous membranes. When working with insulation, wear a protective suit, gloves, goggles and a respirator.
The main characteristics of fiberglass mineral wool:
Thermal conductivity coefficient - from 0.03 to 0.052 watts per meter per Kelvin.
The permissible heating temperature is up to 450 degrees Celsius.
Hygroscopicity - medium.
Slag. Specifications
The insulation is made from blast-furnace slag, the slag fibers have a length of 16 millimeters and a thickness of 4 to 12 microns. Slags have residual acidity and can attack metal surfaces in a humid environment. Slag wool absorbs moisture well, therefore it is unsuitable for thermal insulation of the steam room, the facade of the house, and the insulation of water pipes. In addition, the material is quite fragile.
The main characteristics of mineral wool from slag:
Thermal conductivity coefficient - from 0.46 to 0.48 watts per meter per Kelvin.
The permissible heating temperature is up to 300 degrees Celsius.
Hygroscopicity is high.
Technical characteristics of mineral wool. Table Stone wool. Specifications
Stone wool fibers are about the size of slag wool. But the insulation has a significant advantage - it does not prick. Stone wool is more convenient and much safer to work with than fiberglass or slag material. This is the most popular type of mineral wool today, and if they say “mineral wool technical characteristics”, then we are talking, as a rule, about stone wool.
The main characteristics of mineral wool from rocks:
Thermal conductivity coefficient - from 0.077 to 0.12 watts per meter per Kelvin.
The permissible heating temperature is up to 600 degrees Celsius.
Hygroscopicity - medium.
Mineral wool brands
Manufacturers offer mineral wool in the form of plates, rolls and mats. The material successfully insulates the roof of the house, ceilings and attic floors, internal walls and partitions. There are no difficulties in using the material. The density of basalt wool can be different, there are several brands of it in accordance with this parameter. Let's look at each brand next.
Mineral wool P-75
The density is 75 kilograms per cubic meter. The insulation is suitable for insulating horizontal planes that are not subjected to heavy loads - attics and some types of roofs. This brand of basalt mineral wool is also used for wrapping pipes of heating plants, gas and oil pipes. Mineral wool of lower density is used where there are no loads.
Mineral wool P-125
The density is 125 kilograms per cubic meter. The insulation has good soundproofing properties, suitable for floor and ceiling insulation, thermal insulation of walls inside. It can be used as internal wall insulation in houses made of brick, foam block or aerated concrete. Using this material, you can not only qualitatively insulate the facade for siding, but also get excellent sound insulation.
Mineral wool PZh-175, PZh-200
The density is 175 and 200 kilograms per cubic meter. The insulation is not only dense, but also has increased rigidity, which is what the abbreviation means. It is used for thermal insulation of ceilings and walls made of reinforced concrete or sheet metal. The brand of basalt wool PZH-200 can be used as additional protection of residential premises from fire.
Today, mineral wool of excellent quality is produced, such well-known manufacturers as "URSA", "
Find out in which direction the mineral wool fibers are located. If the fibers are arranged vertically, then the insulation will better save heat, if the fibers are arranged randomly, then the material becomes more durable, withstanding considerable loads.
Slag wool and glass wool are distinguished by low prices, but think before you buy them. These materials do not differ in improved thermal insulation, and there are enough problems during installation - if glass wool gets on the skin or mucous membrane, then the affected area will itch for a long time.
10.08.2017 0 CommentsMineral wool is one of the most popular heaters on the building materials market. It is used almost everywhere from private houses to water mains. This is 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 apply 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 both in composition and in their properties. These include:
- Slag.
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 woven together. They are tightly packed to increase strength. The result is a flexible and strong structure with empty space between the fibers. It is filled with air, which provides thermal insulation. The density of mineral wool remains quite 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 under high pressure or with the help of a centrifuge through a fine grate, and fine fibers are formed.
The red-hot threads settle in a special chamber, where a large dense thread is formed from them. In this state, they are not yet connected to each other and easily break up. To fix the structure on the fibers, a binder mixture is sprayed in an even layer. Most often, phenol-formaldehyde resin is used for this. The resulting structure is compressed and sent to cool. So cotton wool takes on 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 boards 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 lies only in the composition. In stone wool, basalt rocks are used as a base, and waste from ferrous metallurgy is used to make slag wool. It is clear that the structure of mineral wool-based heaters remains the same, but we will figure out what the composition affects.
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. It is sheathed with metal structures in industrial premises, pipes, loaded structures made of reinforced concrete 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, which ensures sound insulation. In this case, it is necessary to choose not only the grade of the material, but also its shape so that it matches the surface to be insulated.
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 also that the flexible material is easier to mount.
Another plus of stone-based insulation is resistance to temperatures 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 thermal insulation, characterized by 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. The insulation consists of many thin pieces of glass that dig in. The small length does not allow them to cause serious harm to a person, but pieces of glass remain on the skin after contact, which can lead to chemical burns. Because of this, it is impossible to work with it without gloves, and it is advisable to use safety glasses as well. Glass wool cannot be used in residential premises and spaces where people constantly work.
Most often, glass-based mineral wool slabs are mounted under ventilated facades. There they remain protected from mechanical impact and human or animal contact with them. Often it is 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 tissue and fixed with wire or bundles.
slag wool
A material that is used less and less. It is produced from slag formed after metal smelting in a blast furnace. As you might guess, this significantly reduces the cost of the insulation, but its properties are not the best either. Both the thermal conductivity and the chemical resistance of the material suffer.
Slag mineral wool is produced only in rolls. Due to the low rigidity, the material does not hold its shape well, so 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 mineral wool from slag is significantly lower in comparison with analogues. Slag wool is being produced less and less, and it is usually used only for insulating 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;
- combustibility;
- 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.
Often important and the quality of waterproofing. It is characterized by a vapor permeability index, which is measured in g / (m * h * hPa). The higher the value, the better the insulation passes moisture, and it is not so clear. Somewhere good ventilation is required, and somewhere vice versa. Initially, 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 of mineral wool, it also copes well with damping sound vibrations. The quality of sound insulation is indicated on the packaging with the AW marking, 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, other things being equal, lower density is a plus.
The last significant characteristic of mineral wool is combustibility. The material is non-combustible 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 features of the production of mineral wool and its properties, it remains to understand what criteria to choose a heat-insulating material by. One of the key criteria is always the price. It's easy to choose quality material, but why pay for features you'll never need?
First, decide where you are going to use the insulation. Mineral wool made of glass under plaster is an excellent option for facade insulation. And also glass wool can be used in technical rooms or for pipe insulation. Despite the lower cost, it does an excellent job.
For industrial premises and internal insulation of houses, manufacturers recommend using rock-based mineral wool. 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 justify even its low cost. Saving on thermal insulation, you run the risk of having 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 remaining 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 thermal insulation and a store. In the event that you are not sure what exactly you need, it is better to contact the builders or an experienced designer for advice.
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With the rise in the cost of energy carriers, the issue of inexpensive, but high-quality room insulation becomes very relevant. From this point of view, mineral wool is just such a material.
By definition, mineral wool is a fibrous material designed to insulate and insulate rooms. It is based on thin fibers of different thicknesses and lengths, loose or compressed, with inclusions of various components (limestone, clay, dolomite, formaldehyde resins) or without inclusions.
There are several varieties of mineral wool, which are made from different materials, differ from each other in technical characteristics and are used for different purposes.
glass wool
The basic material for the production of glass wool is quartz sand, borax, dolomite, soda, kaolin, cullet and limestone. This variety is distinguished by the longest and most fragile fibers, therefore, when working with it, respirators, goggles and a protective suit are used, otherwise small particles of fibers can cause serious damage to the skin and mucous membranes.
- fiber length - from 15 to 50 mm;
- thickness - from 5 to 15 microns;
- maximum melting point + 450 C;
- thermal conductivity coefficient from 0.03 - 0.052 W / m * K;
Glass wool has a relatively low hygroscopicity and, due to the length of the fibers, increased elasticity, after deformation, the material quickly restores its shape.
slag wool
Slag mineral wool is made from slag waste from smelting furnaces. This is the cheapest mineral wool, but it is recommended to use it only in dry rooms. When wet, the fibers oxidize and are destructive to metal parts. In addition, this type of mineral wool, as a heater, has a high hygroscopicity and is not recommended for outdoor use.
Slag wool has the following technical characteristics:
- fiber length - up to 16 mm;
- thickness - from 4 to 12 microns;
- maximum melting point - 300 C;
- thermal conductivity indicators - 0.046 - 0.048 W / m * K;
- has a high hygroscopicity;
- capable of oxidizing metal surfaces.
When working with slag, it is necessary to take into account the fragility of its fibers and use protective equipment.
stone wool
The base material for the manufacture of mineral stone wool is gabbro-basalt rocks with the addition of carbonates to reduce acidity. Forming and binding components can be bituminous, composite and synthetic materials (formaldehyde resins). Due to this, mineral wool has excellent fire-fighting properties: at the maximum melting point, it does not burn, but crumbles into dust. The increased porosity and static nature of the material provides excellent thermal and sound insulation properties.
Mineral stone wool has the following technical characteristics:
- fiber length - does not exceed 50 mm;
- thickness - from 5 to 10 microns;
- maximum melting point - up to 870 C;
- thermal conductivity indicators - from 0.035 to 0.039 W / m * K;
- the content of organic components is not higher than 4%;
- due to open porosity, the material has a certain vapor permeability.
Stone mineral wool is available with a coating of aluminum foil, kraft paper or fiberglass. Due to the increased density, some varieties of stone mineral wool for insulation can withstand a load of up to 700 kg per square meter.
Possessing good heat-saving, fire-fighting and sound-proofing abilities, mineral wool is one of the most inexpensive and effective heaters today.
General characteristics
What other characteristics make mineral wool a popular and widely used material? Today, the following qualities are especially valuable:
- a low amount of phenol-formaldehyde mixtures in the composition make the material suitable for indoor use;
- mineral wool is not of interest to rodents and is not a favorable biological environment for the reproduction of mold;
- material differs in the increased resistance to temperature fluctuations of environment. Stone mineral wool is able to maintain its main characteristics for 50 years, other types serve a little less;
- due to porosity, vapor permeability is ensured, which is necessary for normal air exchange and good sound insulation;
- mineral insulation - a fire-resistant material that is incapable of spontaneous combustion;
- does not react with various chemicals;
- the elasticity of mineral wool and slight shrinkage after installation provides thermal insulation properties for a long time;
- has low coefficients of thermal conductivity, due to which it provides a good level of thermal insulation;
- mineral wool insulation is easily cut into pieces and easy to install, some types of plates are produced with docking grooves.
How much does mineral wool cost at the moment? The price range varies considerably, one thing can be said with certainty: the higher the technical characteristics of the mineral wool, the denser and harder the material, the more expensive it is. The cheapest options are soft mineral wool in rolls of slag and glass, the most expensive are stone wool slabs with maximum density. True, a house insulated with such material will stand almost forever.
Criterias of choice
At the moment, the industry produces several varieties of mineral wool, which differ in material and manufacturing method, as well as in density. Further performance characteristics of mineral wool depend on the density and thickness:
- mineral wool in rolls is characterized by a density of up to 35 kg / m3 and is intended for use on horizontal surfaces without additional load;
- mineral wool in slabs with a density of up to 75 kg / m3 are used for floor insulation, interior partitions, ceilings;
- plates with a density of up to 125 kg / m3 are used for external thermal insulation (building facades);
- especially rigid mineral wool slabs with high density values (200 kg/m3) are used for insulation of load-bearing structures made of reinforced concrete, interfloor ceilings, roofs and floors under a screed.
The density and stiffness of the material are proportional to sound transmission and vapor permeability. It is also important to evaluate the location of the fibers: if they are placed vertically, then the mineral wool has good sound and heat insulation properties, in the case of a chaotic arrangement, the material is less deformed and can withstand significant loads.
Forms
How to decide on the choice of form? For insulation and thermal insulation of pipes and supporting structures, it is convenient to use rolled wool, for even vertical and horizontal surfaces it is more convenient to use plates.
- the material in the slabs is very convenient to use for the insulation of internal and external horizontal surfaces. Plates are produced in several versions: soft, rigid and semi-rigid. Their thickness can vary from 30 to 200 mm, and the standard size is 1x1.2 m. Such a mineral wool insulation serves to insulate pipelines, form external sandwich panels (in combination with bitumen spraying), insulate the roof and concrete load-bearing floors. For convenience, some plates are equipped with fiberglass reinforcement or docking grooves;
- blowing mineral wool is designed for warming difficult and hard-to-reach places. The procedure is carried out with special equipment, this allows you to insulate complex roofs with many beams and wooden floors;
- mineral wool in rolls is intended for thermal insulation of complex structures, pipelines, free-standing supports, etc. To enhance the density and thermal insulation properties, a material with fiberglass reinforcement and a foil surface is used;
- mineral wool mats are large (from 7 to 12 meters in area), but they allow you to create a minimum of joints, seams and cold bridges in the heat-insulating layer.
Mineral wool restores its original shape well, so mats rolled into rolls can be easily straightened.
Flaws
Briefly about the material, we can say the following: mineral wool does not rot, does not attract rodents, is environmentally friendly, retains heat well, does not let in sounds and does not ignite when heated. It would seem that with the low cost of some varieties - an ideal option. But he also has his shortcomings.
Some varieties of mineral wool (slag wool) have increased hygroscopicity compared to others, and when wet, they can oxidize the metal and lose their basic characteristics. Due to the hygroscopicity of such mineral wool, it is recommended to use hydro and vapor barrier insulation.
Heating affects the thermal insulation properties, when the permissible temperatures are exceeded, all types, except for stone wool, are sintered or melted. Therefore, the choice of material is very dependent on the conditions in which it will be used.
Some varieties contain a small percentage of phenol-formaldehyde compounds and organic substances. True, when used outside the premises, a small amount of them is unable to cause any tangible harm. However, when choosing mineral wool for indoor insulation, you need to pay attention to such characteristics. For premises, any mineral wool of German manufacturers will be an excellent choice. It will cost more, but we can say with confidence that it does not contain any carcinogenic compounds.
You can not use mineral wool for insulation without a protective layer, in the open. She definitely needs insulation, this is due to the fragility and fragility of the fibers, which, in the form of small crumbs, can rise with dust into the air and cause various damage and irritation of tissues.
Summing up, we can say that the mineral wool retains its functionality subject to the rules of operation, which include: the correct choice of the material of manufacture, the rigidity and thickness of the layer, the shape and conditions in which it will be used.
Mineral wool belongs to the category of universal heaters. Due to the sheer number of its benefits, it has unlimited uses. There are several varieties of this material. We will talk about their features and the advantages of mineral wool as a heater further.
Mineral wool: origin and manufacturing features
Mineral wool is a material intended for thermal insulation, which consists of thin, glassy fibers intertwined with each other. They are made in the process of pulverization of a certain kind of slag, stones or basalt. The quality and density of mineral wool depends on the length and diameter of the fibers. The production process of mineral wool is based primarily on the production of minimal fibers, which are interconnected using a binder.
In order to better understand the properties of mineral wool, one should carefully study the process of its origin. The production of mineral wool is conditionally divided into the following stages:
1. Determination of the type of raw material and its preparation for melting.
At this stage, the composition of mineral wool is determined, in which a certain proportionality of the ingredients is observed. It has a name - a mixture. Most often, this composition contains two, maximum three components. Each of the manufacturers of mineral wool has its own proportions of ingredients in this composition. It is on the proportionality and type of mineral wool ingredients that its further versatility, resistance to moisture, temperature changes and compression depend. In addition, the product must have high thermal insulation properties. The quality of mineral wool is determined primarily by its fiber, its size and chemical constituents. Before mixing the ingredients, they undergo a grinding and drying procedure. Already in the dosing chamber, they are selected according to the specified proportions.
2. The procedure for melting the components.
After all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together, they are melted at a temperature of about one and a half thousand degrees Celsius. This stage is the main part of the mineral wool production process. It is the temperature in the oven that determines the consistency of the resulting mixture and the length of the fibers of the finished product.
Most often, fuel in the form of natural gas is used to heat such a furnace, it is with its help that it is possible to achieve such a high temperature.
3. Making fibers of the material.
The molten mass having a certain viscosity is in the area of fiber formation. For these purposes, special devices have been developed in the form of multi-roll centrifuges and fiber distributors. The composition falls on the roll, which rotates at a very high speed. As a result, fibers are formed, to which various additives and water-repellent mixtures are also added. Then the fibers are in the chamber of their cooling and form a homogeneous web.
On a special kind of machine, the fabric undergoes special processing for orienting the fibers. Due to this, mineral wool is characterized by almost zero shrinkage.
4. Polymerization procedure.
The canvas is in the heat treatment chamber, where it solidifies. All binders are endowed with certain physical properties, it is this process that further affects the quality of the finished product.
5. Form definition.
Mineral wool is available both in the form of slabs and in rolls. At this stage, it is cut and packed according to size.
6. Packing.
The last, final stage involves packaging the finished material and sending it for sale.
Characteristics of mineral wool: advantages and disadvantages of insulation
First, let's get acquainted with the advantages of mineral wool:
1. Good thermal insulation performance.
Due to the fact that the fibers of the thermal insulation material have a special fineness, it is a versatile and very good thermal insulation material. If we compare the indicators of its thermal conductivity with other alternative heaters, then mineral wool will certainly win.
2. Fire safety.
Mineral wool is used in any areas whose temperature does not exceed 1000 degrees. Until this temperature is reached, mineral wool is not able to melt. Therefore, it is an excellent option for insulating walls, floors, ceilings and interfloor ceilings. Using mineral wool, to some extent, it is possible to prevent a fire, since it is not capable of spreading fire.
3. Resistance to chemical compounds.
This property also expands the scope of mineral wool. Its composition is absolutely resistant to all kinds of chemical influences.
4. Biological stability.
This advantage is primarily due to the fact that mineral wool is not eaten by rodents such as rats or mice, unlike polystyrene. And, therefore, throughout the entire period of its operation, it remains unchanged both in form and in composition. In addition, due to its good moisture resistance, mineral wool is resistant to fungus and mold, which is especially important for ensuring a healthy atmosphere and indoor microclimate.
5. Excellent sound insulator.
The chaotic arrangement of mineral wool fibers allows you to use it not only as a heater, but also for soundproofing rooms. Mineral wool is used even for installation on doors, as it is not able to let extraneous sounds into the room.
6. Ability to cope with static loads.
Due to its good density, mineral wool perfectly withstands static loads, therefore it is used for insulating floors, ceilings and other critical elements. Even after 40 years of its operation, mineral wool does not shrink. And the duration of its operation depends on the tendency of the insulation to deformation. Since, shrinkage leads to the appearance of cold bridges and to an increase in heat loss.
7. Vapor performance.
Due to the fact that mineral wool allows air to pass through, a healthy atmosphere is maintained in the room and natural air exchange occurs.
8. Environmental safety.
Mineral wool contains a binder based on formaldehyde resins, however, during the manufacture of insulation, this resin becomes absolutely harmless, and during further operation does not emit harmful substances.
9. Long term use.
The service life of mineral wool is more than 45 years. Since this material is practically not shrinkable, it tolerates high humidity, sudden changes in temperature and atmospheric phenomena, it is able to maintain its characteristics throughout the entire period of its use.
In addition, mineral wool is an excellent insulation for facades, as it has a high tear strength. This material is easy to process and install.
Despite this, mineral wool has several disadvantages, among which should be highlighted:
- mineral wool is able to function normally as a heater, only in combination with additional materials of a vapor barrier and waterproofing nature;
- when working with mineral wool, it is necessary to use protective gloves, a mask and goggles, as there is a risk of getting the smallest fibers on the skin and irritating it;
- it is not recommended to allow constant contact of mineral wool with moisture.
Scope of mineral wool for insulation
Due to its versatility and a large number of positive characteristics, mineral wool has a wide range of applications, namely:
- in the process of thermal insulation of ventilated facades;
- in the arrangement of three-layer masonry;
- insulation of walls, ceilings, floors, floors;
- production of roofing pies in the process of arranging a high-quality roof;
- as a heat-insulating material for roofing;
- with external wall insulation;
- in the process of manufacturing products from reinforced concrete;
- for thermal insulation of communication systems: pipelines, gas pipelines, etc.;
- in most building structures;
- when warming balconies and attics, as well as loggias.
Types of mineral wool and their characteristics
In relation to the characteristics of the production of mineral wool, it can be of three types:
- based on fiberglass;
- based on slag;
- stone mineral wool.
Each of the materials has individual characteristics, in particular, the length and arrangement of the fibers, different resistance to deformation, moisture, loads, etc.
Mineral wool based on fiberglass or glass wool has fibers, the thickness of which is not more than 14 microns, and the length is up to five centimeters. This material is characterized by the highest strength and elasticity. Please note that it requires the use of special protective equipment during operation, since small glass particles can get on the skin and cause irritation.
Glass wool has a good coefficient of thermal conductivity, it is able to withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees of heat and 50 degrees of cold.
The second option is the use of slag wool. For the manufacture of this insulation, blast-furnace slag is used, the fibers of which do not exceed twelve microns in thickness, and not more than one and a half millimeters in length.
The slag is unstable to acidic environments, so it has limited use on metal surfaces. In addition, this insulation has a high hygroscopic ability, so it cannot be used in the process of insulating facades and other external structures. The cost of slag wool is an order of magnitude lower than, for example, glass wool. Due to its fragility, it is not used for insulation of pipelines and communication systems.
Slag wool is able to withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius, when exposed to a higher temperature, it loses its thermal insulation properties. In addition, it has a high hygroscopicity, which significantly limits its scope. The biggest advantage of this insulation is its lower cost compared to alternatives.
Stone or basalt mineral wool - differs in the same small fibers as slag wool. However, this material does not tend to cause irritation or allergies. In addition, it has high thermal insulation performance. The best option for stone wool is a material based on basalt rocks. This material can withstand temperatures up to a thousand degrees of heat and up to two hundred degrees of frost, without changing the thermal insulation characteristics.
Basalt stone wool is sold both in rolls and in slabs. It is very easy to use, not prone to deformation, not prone to burning. This version of mineral wool is the best choice for its use as a heater.
Heat-insulating mineral wool: features of choice
In order to buy mineral wool, it is enough to contact any hardware store or supermarket. For mineral wool, the price is determined primarily by its type, the cheapest is slag wool, glass wool is a little more expensive, and the most expensive option is basalt stone wool.
The thickness of mineral wool is different, its choice depends on the type of coating on which the insulation will be installed.
In addition, in relation to the size of mineral wool, various types of slabs and rolls are also distinguished. Each of the manufacturers has its own dimensional grid of finished products.
Stone wool is divided into the following subspecies:
- granular - made by a special compressor unit, relevant for places where the installation of conventional insulation is not possible;
- in the form of slabs coated with bitumen - an excellent option for laying roofing finishing materials;
- in the form of lamellar plates - it is distinguished by the presence of fibers that are not arranged in a chaotic, but in a perpendicular manner, has good elasticity and flexibility, is suitable for thermal insulation of pipelines.
We offer you to get acquainted with the main manufacturers of mineral wool:
1. Rockwool mineral wool - the material has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity, excellent air permeability, does not absorb moisture, and is non-combustible. In addition, the mineral wool of this manufacturer is resistant to mold, insects and rodents, environmentally friendly and has good soundproofing characteristics. Among the huge range of products, it is possible to choose exactly the type of mineral wool that suits the individual characteristics of the area requiring insulation.
2. Mineral wool "Izover" - is made in the form of plates, rolls or mats, has two forms: rigid and semi-rigid. The material is used in the process of insulation of the roof, interfloor ceilings, floors, facade parts of the building or walls. The material retains air by 99%, therefore, during operation, its thermal conductivity qualities only increase.
3. Mineral wool Ursa - this insulation is based on fiberglass or quartz glass. The material has good fire safety, it is practically non-combustible, in addition, the mineral wool of this manufacturer is environmentally friendly.
Before buying mineral wool, you should also study the recommendations for choosing it, which are presented below:
1. Pay attention to the place and storage conditions of the material. All products must be stored in the packaging in which they were packed at the factory.
2. If mineral wool is sold in boxes, contact with moisture or damp environments should be minimized.
3. Even for a little money, you should not buy wet cotton wool, because after drying it loses its properties.
4. Identify several manufacturers for yourself, read reviews about them, and then make a purchase decision.
5. Pre-calculate the required amount of wool, in relation to the area of the area to be insulated.
Mineral wool video:
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