Mineral insulation includes three types of materials: stone wool, glass wool and slag wool. The difference lies in the raw materials used to manufacture the product.
Stone wool- heat and sound insulating material, which is produced mainly from the melt of igneous rocks.
Igneous rocks of the gabbro-basalt group and similar in chemical composition metamorphic rocks, as well as marls, are one of the main components of raw materials for the production of stone wool.
Stone wool TechnoNICOL is a non-combustible insulation, ideal for thermal insulation, fire protection, creating acoustic comfort inside the room.
What is the difference between TechnoNICOL stone wool and other types of insulation?
TechnoNICOL stone wool is a non-combustible material. Stone wool fibers are able to withstand temperatures without melting up to 1000 ° C. Stone wool products have heat and sound insulation properties due to their open porous structure. The air trapped in the pores of stone wool has a low thermal conductivity and is in a stationary state, which is what determines its excellent thermal insulation qualities. Due to the open porosity, stone wool is a vapor-permeable material, the vapor permeability is approximately 0.25 - 0.35 mg / m · h · Pa. The density of thermal insulation can vary within wide limits from about 30 kg / m³ to 220 kg / m³, therefore, the physical and mechanical characteristics also differ, as rigid boards are able to withstand a distributed load of 70 kPa (7000 kg / m²!).
Products can be coated with aluminum foil, kraft paper, fiberglass, etc.
What is the service life of TechnoNICOL stone wool?
The service life of TechnoNICOL stone wool slabs is at least 50, which is commensurate with the service life of the building.
All manufactured products from stone wool of the TECHNONICOL brand are distinguished by a long period of preservation of operational properties in building structures. This is due to both the characteristics of the individual fiber and the operation of the entire heat-insulating material in the structure.
Can a rock wool pack be carried alone?
Despite the fact that the raw material for manufacturing is mainly a melt of igneous rocks, stone wool slabs are lightweight, so one person can easily cope with the transportation of the material.
Also, TechnoNICOL stone wool slabs are packed in shrink wrap, which undoubtedly facilitates the work with the material.
How does TechnoNICOL stone wool reduce the noise level?
TechnoNICOL stone wool slabs have good sound absorption of airborne and impact noise in a wide frequency range. Sound absorption is provided by a fibrous structure that effectively dampens the sound wave.
TechnoNICOL stone wool is a highly porous material with a flexible skeleton. The mechanism of absorption of sound energy is as follows: sound waves, meeting the surface of the porous material, set the air inside the pores in vibrational motion. The pores have great resistance to the flow of air passing through them, due to which the sound wave is damped and absorbed when passing through the structure of the material, as a result of viscous friction, part of the sound energy is converted into heat.
Also, TechnoNICOL stone wool slabs are used in the construction of floating floors, due to its high sound insulation characteristics (relative compression and modulus of elasticity), the material effectively reduces impact noise.
In what soundproof structures can TechnoNICOL stone wool be used?
TechnoNICOL stone wool helps to fight all types of noise - both airborne and shock. In the “application” section of the website www.site you can see various solutions for sound insulation, in which a material based on stone wool is used:
- suspended ceilings, log floors, partitions and internal soundproof cladding are used to combat airborne noise;
- to combat impact noise - floating floor systems and log floors.
TechnoNICOL Corporation received the conclusion of the Research Institute of Building Physics (NIISF RAASN) on the topic: "Measurement of sound insulation properties of structures using stone wool, manufactured by TechnoNICOL", which reflects the test results of the above-described sound insulation solutions with indication of noise reduction indices in dB.
It must be remembered that sound insulation is a whole range of measures aimed at achieving acoustic comfort. The first step is to find out the source of the noise.
Sometimes the source itself is outside the building, but often the reason is located inside, for example: ventilation systems, pumping equipment, elevators, refuse chutes and other engineering equipment, noisy neighbors. Only after this is it necessary to take the necessary measures for soundproofing.
What material can be used for fire protection? - floors, columns, etc.
The TechnoNIKOL range of stone wool materials includes specially designed slabs for fire protection of steel and reinforced concrete structures "Slab TECHNO OZM" and "Slab TECHNO OZB", respectively, which are capable of providing up to 4 hours of fire protection of building structures, which is confirmed by field tests.
Is it possible to cut TechnoNICOL stone wool products directly on site?
TechnoNICOL stone wool slabs, mats and cylinders are easily cut on site using a fine-toothed knife or a hacksaw, which can be purchased at any hardware store. For mats with steel mesh lining, it is recommended to use wire cutters or scissors.
How to choose the right stone wool material to insulate a particular structure?
TechnoNICOL stone wool is intended for use in various fields and structures that require certain physical and mechanical characteristics of the material.
For example, the density of light grades starts from 25 kg / m3, and for roofing thermal insulation the density is about 200 kg / m3. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right thermal insulation for each structure!
To facilitate the search by areas of application, you can use the convenient navigation block "EXPERT" on the site, where there is a division by product and application of each brand of TechnoNICOL stone wool.
How is the environmental friendliness of TechnoNICOL stone wool achieved?
The production of mineral wool insulation based on stone wool is a complex complex of various technological processes. That is why the TECHNO factories have always paid and are paying special attention to each link of this chain: both the quality of the initial raw materials, and strict adherence to all stages of the production process - this is the key to high consumer properties of the final product!
Environmental issues begin at the stage of selection of raw materials. The main raw material for the production of TECHNO mineral fiber is the stone raw material of the basalt group of rocks: basalt, porphyrite, gabbro-diabase, etc. It is the most widespread class of minerals that make up the earth's crust and are nothing more than solidified volcanic lava that has come to the surface or remains in the earth's thickness - this is a material of completely natural origin.
The TECHNO factories are equipped with the latest, fully automated equipment from European firms (Denmark, Slovenia, Germany) specializing in this area. Reliable uniform bunch of fibers makes the material practically dust-free, which means it is environmentally friendly. All activities of the enterprise are based on strict adherence to sanitary and hygienic standards: waste-free production, a system for cleaning and afterburning gases, highly efficient dust collection equipment.
The document confirming to the consumer that the production of heat-insulating mineral wool boards meets the requirements of international standards is the ISO 9001: 2000 certificate.
The environmental safety of TECHNONICOL stone wool is confirmed by a complete package of mandatory documentation (expert opinion on compliance with the uniform sanitary-epidemiological and hygienic requirements), according to which the materials can be used outside and inside any type of premises (both residential and industrial).
Is rock wool food for rodents?
TechnoNICOL stone wool is a biologically resistant material. Biological resistance is understood as the ability of a material to withstand the effects of various macro - and microorganisms: the material does not support the vital activity of bacteria, mold, fungi, and is also not attractive as a medium for the existence of insects and rodents. TECHNONICOL products fully meet the criteria of biological resistance, which is confirmed by both numerous tests and tests, and field observations.
TechnoNICOL stone wool consists of a material that does not attract rodents as food and is not food for them. Under forced conditions, rodents act on TechnoNICOL stone wool slabs like any other material, in cases where it is an obstacle (obstacle) to access to food and water or to satisfy other physiological needs of the animal.
In free choice conditions, rodents act on stone wool if they need bedding material. If there is a choice of nesting material (burlap, paper), TechnoNICOL stone wool slabs are the last to attract rodents.
It is known that for mice and concrete will not be an obstacle. If necessary, they will gnaw through!
What is hydrophobicity?
Hydrophobicity (from ancient Greek ὕδωρ - water and φόβος - fear, fear) is a physical property of a molecule that “seeks” to avoid contact with water. The molecule itself is called hydrophobic in this case.
About 70% of all damage to building structures is caused by moisture.
The presence of moisture in the insulation negatively affects its thermal insulation properties, service life and room microclimate. If the insulation gets wet, expensive and long-term measures are required to eliminate the consequences, which most often consist in replacing most of the structural elements. Stone wool should not be directly soaked, because it loses its properties after it gets wet.
TECHNONICOL materials are made of stone and treated with water-repellent additives, which impart water-repellent properties to the insulation. However, this allows them to be resistant only to short-term exposure to water.
How to store and transport stone wool material?
When working with TechnoNICOL stone wool material, the rules of transportation and storage should be observed.
Transportation:
- Products are transported by all types of transport in covered vehicles in accordance with the rules for the carriage of goods in force for this type of transport.
- It is allowed to transport products over a distance of 500 km in open vehicles with mandatory protection from atmospheric precipitation.
Storage:
- Plates should be stored packed and stacked on pallets separately by grade and size. Stack height no more than 3 m.
- Mats and cylinders should be stored wrapped and stacked on pallets or containers separately by brand and size.
- Pallets should be stored on a dry, level surface. During the entire storage period, the material must be protected from the effects of atmospheric precipitation.
How easy is it to work with TechnoNICOL stone wool material?
A distinctive feature of TECHNONICOL heat and sound insulation boards based on stone wool is a clear positioning of products according to the field of application. The characteristics are selected in such a way that the material works as reliably and efficiently as possible in this design. The products are compatible with all types of building materials (except for acrylic decorative compounds on plaster facades). Installation of mineral wool insulation is most often a "dry" process (with the exception of plaster facades). You will never be touched by the problem of shrinkage deformations, you do not need expensive special equipment, you do not need to waste time waiting for moisture to come out of the material. The surface of the insulation is immediately ready for subsequent operations. An important advantage of the "dry" process is the ability to work at low temperatures.
Insulation work is safe and does not require special skills when insulating surfaces of any complexity.
All you need is to precisely cut the material and put it into the structure, leaving no gaps.
When working with material, it is important to follow the rules:
- when cutting, a sharp knife with fine teeth or a hacksaw is used;
- it is necessary to provide sufficient ventilation of the room;
- when performing work, the insulation must not be allowed to get wet - when working in the rain, it is necessary to use protective coatings (hydro-wind protection, plastic film). Materials based on stone wool are hydrophobic, which gives protection only against short-term water ingress;
- If necessary, use personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles and a respirator).
How important is vapor permeability for a building material?
Due to the fact that there is always a temperature difference between the air inside and outside the building, and as a result, a pressure drop, there is always a diffusion of water vapor through the enclosing structure towards the lower pressure area. The process of the appearance of moisture and its accumulation in the structure can be attributed to one of the most harmful factors, which leads to the destruction of the structure, a decrease in thermal protection, a deterioration of the microclimate, the appearance of mold, fungi, etc.
The vapor permeability of a building material is the ability of a layer of material to transmit water vapor as a result of the difference in the partial pressure of water vapor at the same atmospheric pressure on both sides of the layer of building material. This ability to retain or transmit water vapor is characterized by the value of the vapor permeability coefficient or vapor permeability resistance.
This parameter should be paid special attention to in the context of the use of modern building materials and technologies. Namely: the installation of metal doors with rubber seals, plastic windows and panels, the use of vinyl wallpaper, paints and varnishes, insufficient distribution of air conditioning and forced ventilation systems.
Due to its good vapor permeability, the use of TECHNONICOL stone wool will help to avoid the accumulation of moisture in the enclosing structure, which can lead not only to losses of heat-saving properties, but also to the destruction of the structure itself.
The structure of TECHNONICOL stone wool consists of almost 90% air, which is the basis of vapor permeability (walls "breathe"). Water vapor seeps freely through the material, without having time to condense in the thickness. The use of hydrophobic additives in the material reduces the wettability of the material and prevents moisture from entering the fiber structure. The vapor permeability index of TECHNONICOL stone wool is 0.3 mg / h Pa m.
For the production of stone wool, a phenol-formaldehyde binder is used, can it be used in the house, is it not harmful?
In the production of insulation, a small amount (from 2 to 4.5%) of imported phenol-formaldehyde binder of the latest generation is used, which is completely polymerized (hardened) - the degree of polymerization is 99%. All our materials are certified by the SanEpidNadzor authorities for compliance with MPC standards. All products have a sanitary and epidemiological conclusion for compliance with these standards and the scope for residential, public, etc. is indicated. buildings.
For reference: Phenol-formaldehyde resins are widely used in the furniture industry (plywood, chipboard, fiberboard, OSB).
People do not think about the tables at which they sit, eat, and on which beds they sleep. Insulation with such a low content of organic matter is located inside partitions or walls.
How radioactive is stone wool and is there a radiation certificate?
The raw materials for the production of stone wool insulation are the rocks of the gabbro-basalt group. It is a natural natural stone that is not radioactive.
For TECHNO brand products there is a laboratory test protocol No. 5 / CM dated January 17, 2007 for determining the specific effective activity of natural radionuclides, issued by the accredited radiation monitoring laboratory of CJSC RYAZANPROEKT Institute. According to the protocol, the products have a level of individual radionuclides of 39 ± 6 Bq / kg with a maximum allowable value of 370 Bq / kg according to NRB -99.
TechnoNICOL stone wool is produced according to the Technical Specifications, does this mean that it is worse than GOST?
Mineral wool slabs of grades P-75, P-125, P-175, P-225 are produced in accordance with GOST 9573-96 "PLATES OF MINERAL WOOL ON SYNTHETIC HEAT INSULATING BINDER".
In terms of physical and mechanical parameters, the products comply with the requirements of this document.
TECHNO products are manufactured in accordance with the Technical Specifications (TU) developed at the manufacturer's plant.
Requirements for physical and mechanical characteristics in technical specifications are much higher than GOST standards for plates "P".
Accordingly, TECHNO products have additionally regulated strength characteristics that are important in their field of application. These are compressive strength for flat roofs, peel strength for facades, etc.
How is stone wool produced?
The method of producing fiber from stone was "spied" from nature: after volcanic eruptions in the Hawaiian Islands, the so-called "Pele Hair" was found - cotton wool made from thin threads of volcanic rocks, which turned out to be the "predecessors" of modern material. For the first time, wool from rocks was obtained in the USA in 1897. Modern production of stone wool is based on a principle of action similar to the operation of a volcano: ways:
- Blowing method
- Centrifugal roller method
- Centrifugal blowing method
- Centrifugal-spun-blowing method
- Other modified methods
After the fiberizing process, a binder is introduced by spraying the binder onto the fibers, sprinkling a stone wool carpet, or preparing hydromass. A stone wool carpet with a binder applied to the fibers is subjected to heat treatment, where a heat carrier with a temperature of 180-230 ° C provokes a polycondensation reaction of the binder. The organic matter content of the finished product is typically about 3% by weight. Then the products are cut to the required size, packed and stored.
What is acidity modulus and what is its significance for TechnoNICOL products?
One of the main indicators of the quality of stone wool fiber is the modulus of acidity - the ratio between acidic and basic oxides.
The highest quality stone wool can be obtained from gabbro-basalt rock, with the addition of carbonate rock additives to regulate the acidity modulus.
By the value of the modulus of acidity, stone wool can be classified according to GOST 4640-93 “Mineral wool. Specifications ", as follows (3 types):
- A is the acidity modulus of St. 1.6
- B - acidity modulus of St. 1.4 to 1.6
- B - acidity modulus of St. 1.2 to 1.4
Cotton wool with a higher acidity modulus is more water resistant and therefore more durable.
TechnoNICOL stone wool corresponds to type A of acidity modulus in accordance with GOST 4640-93.
What is the role of the binder in the production of stone wool?
One of the components of stone wool insulation is a binder that holds the fibers together, thereby providing the products with the desired shape and density parameters. Binder types (possible):
- Bituminous binders
- Synthetic binders. As a rule, these are phenolic alcohols, phenol-formaldehyde, urea resins.
- Composite binders (binders consisting of several components).
- Bentonite clays.
Currently, the most common use of a composite synthetic binder consisting of phenol-formaldehyde resins, hydrophobizing and plasticizing additives. In the finished product, phenol and formaldehyde are in a bound state, the binder is inert to the environment.
1.22 Does your board prick much more than other manufacturers?
When working with all fibrous insulation, such a feeling arises. The reason lies in the fact that the structure of the fibers is not always uniform. The rock melt, transforming into thin threads, in addition to the glass phase, which is the main part of the fiber, contains inclusions of the crystalline phase (crystals). Such fibers are weakened, more fragile, prone to brittleness (as, for example, the fragility of a human hair, although its diameter is 10-15 times the fiber diameter). The feeling of “stinging” is created by “fragments” of fibers. The fight against this phenomenon is carried out by all manufacturers of fiber insulation. As for "pricks harder", this is, to a large extent, a subjective factor. Use protective equipment (gloves, mask) - they will completely help to avoid inconvenience.
1.23 Is your wool made from slag?
The composition of the raw material for the production of our products is selected in such a way that the melt intended for the production of mineral fiber contains up to 75-80% of the natural stone of the basalt group, the remaining 20-25% is corrective (modifying) additives to improve the quality of the fiber and give the necessary properties of the finished material.
Slag is considered to be a product whose raw material is slag, which is a waste of metallurgical plants. Our products are made from solid stone. The quality of such products is always on top.
1.24 Why is stone wool better than glass wool?
The basis of all the valuable qualities of stone wool insulation is the structure of the material. The randomly woven arrangement of the fibers ensures high rigidity of the products and their high resistance to mechanical stress. The material does not slip under its own weight and does not decrease in thickness over time.
The second important property of stone wool is hydrophobicity. The fibers of the material are treated with a special water-repellent compound that allows water to roll off the surface of the insulation.
The third advantageous property of stone wool is incombustibility (NG). The sintering temperature of glass wool fibers is about 500 ° C, which is achieved in a standard fire in 7 minutes, while stone wool fibers begin to sinter at a temperature of 1000-1200 ° C, and this temperature is reached in 2 hours of a standard fire. Thus, by using stone wool, you get extra time for evacuation in the event of a fire.
1.25 Why can TECHNONICOL boards be different in color?
The color of the slabs of products is mainly determined by two parameters: the initial composition of the raw material components of the charge and the modes of heat treatment of the mineral wool carpet on the technological line. Deviations in color are in no way related to the performance characteristics of the product; after installation work, all differences will be hidden by subsequent finishing.
1.26 What is the thermal conductivity of a material?
Thermal conductivity - the property of a material to transfer heat through its thickness from one surface to another, if these surfaces have different temperatures (heat transfer through 1 m3 of material with a temperature difference of 1 ° C).
1.27 What is material density?
Density is a scalar quantity measured for homogeneous bodies by the ratio of body mass to its volume.
In construction, the average and true density of the material is distinguished. It should be understood that when choosing a material for a particular application, density is not the main characteristic.
So, for facade systems with a thin plaster layer, the main characteristic is the peel strength of the layers, since the plaster layer is applied directly to the insulation.
Thermal insulation with stone wool is one of the proven methods of performing work that ensures the reduction of thermal energy losses, both when laying the insulation outside the building and from the inside.
Stone wool is a fibrous thermal insulation material made from silicate melts of rock and volcanic rocks, as well as basalt.
Stone wool has a number of advantages in comparison with other types of insulation, which determine the scope of its use and the variety of places of application.
Description, types and features of production
Stone wool is produced, as mentioned above, from melts of various rocks. The most common type of stone wool is a material made on the basis of basalt, such insulation is also called "basalt wool".
Stone wool is made in special furnaces, in which natural rocks of rock, volcanic origin or the same basalt are melted at high temperatures.
The rock in a liquid state is drawn into fibers, to which binding components are added, after which the threads (fibers) are treated with special solutions that improve the technical characteristics of the resulting product.
After that, the threads are thermally processed again, resulting in their polycondensation and the formation of a heater in the specified geometric dimensions.
In the formation of stone wool slabs, phenol and formaldehyde based resins are used.
Types of stone wool
Depending on the rigidity of the resulting insulation, basalt wool is classified as:
- Soft.
- Medium hardness.
- Tough.
The soft type of stone wool is made from fibers of the smallest thickness, which, when forming a slab, create a large number of air cavities that determine the product's ability to retain heat.
This type of insulation is prone to destruction under the influence of external mechanical loads, therefore it is used in the construction of roofs, ceilings, floors and other building structures, which are sewn up with other materials during finishing.
The material of medium hardness is made of thicker and, accordingly, rigid fibers, which allows it to be used for insulating facades, engineering structures (ventilation and cable ducts, heating mains), as well as other types of work (sound and fire safety) at similar facilities.
A hard type of stone wool, used in places where significant mechanical stress is present.
Products of this type are laid under a concrete screed and plaster directly on their surface with a reinforcing layer.
Stone wool is produced in the form of slabs (medium hard and hard) and rolls (soft), as well as special cylinders for thermal insulation of pipelines.
Main technical characteristics
The characteristics that determine the physical properties of stone wool are:
- Thermal conductivity.
The ability to transmit heat through its surface. The thermal conductivity coefficient for this type of insulation is from 0.032 to 0.048 W / (m * K), depending on the type and used raw materials. - Hydrophobicity.
The ability to absorb moisture. For this material, this indicator is less than 2 percent of the volume of the product, which means that stone wool practically does not absorb water and can be used in rooms with a humid environment (bathrooms and showers, kitchens and bath rooms, as well as basements and outdoor decoration). - Water vapor permeability.
The ability to pass substances in a vapor state. The vapor permeability coefficient for stone wool is 0.3 mg / (m * h * Pa). When water vapor penetrates on the surface of the insulation, condensation does not form, moisture is not absorbed into the structure of the material. - Fire resistance.
The ability to resist the spread of flame. Stone wool is a non-combustible material that does not support combustion. The material is able to withstand high temperatures, above 1000 * C, while not melting and preventing the spread of fire. - Soundproofing.
Stone wool is a good sound absorber that can drown out sound waves. - Strength.
Due to the fact that the insulation is made of a large number of threads, even soft-type products have a certain margin of safety, and medium-hardness and hard ones can withstand significant external mechanical loads. - Resistance to chemically active substances and biological organisms.
This material is chemically passive. It does not enter into chemical reactions with materials (wood, metal, plastic, etc.) and is not susceptible to the formation of microorganisms and mold, and is also not affected by rodents. - Environmental Safety.
Although in the production of stone wool resins based on phenol and formaldehyde are used, but since their number is insignificant, then this material is considered environmentally friendly, moreover, during the production process, these substances are neutralized. - Geometric dimensions.
The thickness of the sheets (roll) is a multiple of 50.0 mm, while this value is the minimum possible, and the maximum produced is the size - 200.0 mm. When selling stone wool in rolls, its length can be 10.0 m (depending on the thickness), and its width is 1.2 meters. When realized in slabs - the size is 1000x1200 mm.
Stone wool: application
This material is versatile due to its technical characteristics.
In construction, stone wool is used for:
- installation of ventilated facades of buildings for various purposes;
- thermal insulation of building structures both inside and outside buildings;
- insulation of engineering communications and building elements made of various materials;
- for isolation of fire hazardous areas and objects operating normally at high temperatures;
- for soundproofing objects and buildings for various purposes.
Is there any harm to health during installation
Work rules and safety measures, as well as possible negative effects on the health of a person working with stone wool, are regulated by the Interstate Standard “GOST 9573-2012 Mineral wool slabs on a synthetic binder, heat-insulating. Technical conditions ".
The very basis of the insulation (natural breeds used) are safe substances, but resins containing phenol and formaldehyde in their composition are potential sources of danger to human health, while various researchers give absolutely contradictory conclusions on this score.
It is believed that thanks to a special production technology that neutralizes harmful substances, as well as their insignificant content in a unit of insulation volume, stone wool is an environmentally friendly material.
Stone dust formed on the surface of the insulation negatively affects human health if it gets into his respiratory tract. In this regard, when working with stone wool, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment - respirators, masks and protective gloves.
How to choose stone wool
When choosing stone wool, it is necessary to pay attention to the peculiarities of performing work with its use, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this insulating material.
Features of use
The criteria for choosing stone wool are:
- Compliance of technical characteristics with the place of use and purpose.
- Environmental friendliness.
- Price.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of using stone wool determine its technical characteristics, these are:
- Excellent thermal insulation parameters.
- Good sound insulation performance.
- Fire safety.
- Versatility of use.
- Resistant to chemicals, microorganisms and rodents.
- Low degree of water absorption.
- Long service life.
- Environmental Safety.
- Ease of installation work.
There are also disadvantages, but they are much less than advantages, these are:
- Relatively high cost.
- During installation, dust is present, which negatively affects human health.
- When performing installation work, it is necessary to seal the joints between individual sheets (strips) of insulation.
Installation work
When installing stone wool, a lot depends on the correct choice of the type of material used (soft, medium hardness, hard) and its compliance with the place of application.
When installing on different building elements and structures, it is necessary to follow the general recommendations for performing work, such as:
- When insulating a roof with a significant slope, it is necessary to use stone wool with a thickness of at least 150 mm and a density of 40 kg / m3.
- When constructing interior partitions, the density of the insulation should be at least 50 kg / m3, which will simultaneously provide thermal insulation and sound insulation in the required parameters.
- When installing a ventilated facade or insulating an outer wall, it is necessary to use slabs with a thickness of at least 100 mm and a density of at least 80 kg / m3.
- When using stone wool when installing a ventilated facade, it is better to use two types of insulation, stacked on top of each other. At the same time, the loose, having a lower density, fits to the surface of the wall, and the denser one - outside.
Installation of stone wool is carried out in the following sequence:
- A vapor barrier or waterproofing (floor) is mounted on the insulated surface (wall, floor).
- A frame is mounted, in the inner space of which insulation will be laid.
- The frame can be made of sawn timber (timber, edged board) or galvanized perforated profile.
- To fasten the frame to the insulated surface, nails, expansion anchors or anchor bolts are used that correspond to the material of the insulated surface.
- The frame elements are interconnected with self-tapping screws and connecting elements (perforated corners, plates, etc.).
- The step of the frame guides corresponds to the width of the insulation.
- Basalt wool is laid in the frame, while using special adhesives (liquid, dry mixtures or gas-filled) applied to the insulated surface or insulation.
- When laying the insulation, it is pressed against the surface to be insulated.
- With the vertical arrangement of sheets (strips), the insulation is fixed with special expansion dowels with a wide head (fungi).
- The joints of sheets and strips of insulation are sealed with polyurethane foam and special adhesive tapes.
- After completing the installation of the insulation, waterproofing is laid. Installation of the topcoat is in progress.
When laying stone wool, a cutting tool (construction knife) is required, through which the sheets (strips) are cut to the required length and the textured elements available on the insulated surface are cut out.
The use of stone wool as an insulating material has become quite widespread due to its availability, good technical performance and the ability to perform work with its use on its own, without the involvement of qualified personnel.
To choose the best insulation - for arranging high-quality and durable insulation in an apartment or house, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each material.
What are the features of stone wool?
According to the type of raw material, thermal insulation materials are divided into two large groups: inorganic (based on basalt stones, fiberglass, asbestos, etc.) and organic (fibreboards, foam and foam plastics, peat plates, etc.). We will talk about stone wool heaters, which are made from natural materials and are used without restrictions in the construction of a wide variety of structures - from high-rise buildings to small private houses.
The process of producing stone wool begins with the melting of volcanic rocks (basalt, porphyrite, diabase) at a temperature of 1500 ° C. Then the plastic mass, practically "lava", is fed into the centrifuge.
where, under the influence of a powerful air flow, thin fibers are formed from it. A small amount of a binder (2-4% of the total mass) is added to them to maintain the shape of the plates, a water repellant to repel moisture. Then they set a chaotic direction to the fibers, create a structure of the required density and send them to the polymerization chamber. Here, at a temperature of about 200 ° C, the binder is cured and finally plates or mats are formed, which are subsequently cut into products of a certain size and packed in polyethylene.
Stone wool insulation is manufactured by many companies, including the most popular on the domestic market: TechnoNIKOL, Izoroc, Izover, Izovol. Paroc. Rockwool.
Important properties of stone wool
The main characteristic of thermal insulation is the value of the thermal conductivity coefficient. For stone wool materials, this parameter ranges from 0.035 to 0.045 W / (m K), which makes them very effective.
The key to the durability of stone wool is the natural properties of natural stone and components that ensure the strength of the bonding of the fibers, the homogeneity of the structure. And the finest fibers forming the material, located chaotically, in horizontal and vertical directions, at different angles and tightly woven with each other, give the necessary rigidity and stable shape. Therefore, cotton wool does not deform and does not shrink for a long time.
Due to the open porous structure (the fibers are intertwined with each other in different directions and form a multitude of communicating smallest cavities), stone wool insulation absorbs air and impact noise well, reduces vibrations. Therefore, it is used in acoustic ceiling systems, when arranging interior partitions, ceilings and floors.
Stone wool does not burn, because, you see, it is impossible to set fire to a stone. Fibers from this natural material can withstand temperatures up to 1000 ° C, protecting building structures from fire and preventing their destruction. In case of fire, the insulation does not emit heat and smoke, and does not turn into burning droplets. In addition, it prevents the spread of fire, so in the event of a fire in the room, there is more time to save people and property.
Products of well-known manufacturers comply with sanitary and epidemiological standards and do not harm human health and the environment. Quality materials have all the necessary certificates confirming their safety.
When choosing stone wool insulation, one should take into account its properties, scope, type of insulated structure and operating conditions. Any material will be effective only if used correctly, and then it will be warm in the house in winter and cool in summer. In addition to creating a comfortable indoor climate, insulation will reduce heating costs, reduce operating costs, and increase the service life of load-bearing structures; also thanks to it it will be possible to purchase boilers and air conditioners of lower power. Stone wool insulation is used in all types of buildings; on pitched and flat roofs; when insulating attic, interfloor and basement ceilings; walls of residential buildings, baths and saunas, both outside and inside; when erecting frame structures and interior partitions; arrangement of floors with screed, floor slabs or logs.
Insulation of the attic with stone wool
The transformation of a cold attic into a residential attic is impossible without well-chosen and carefully installed thermal insulation. Such reconstruction allows you to increase the living space with minimal costs, and the thermal insulation material becomes
a buffer that neutralizes temperature drops and maintains a comfortable thermal regime. After all, the roof of a house, especially metal, heats up to 70 ° C in summer, and cools down to -DO ° C in winter. Recommended products for roof insulation are Light Butts and Light Butts Scandic (Rockwool). Rocklight (TechnoNICOL), eXtra (Paroc), Isover Opti-mal (Saint-Gobain).
The main load-bearing element of the roof is the rafters. Most often, insulation is placed in the space between them. First, the rafters are covered with sheets of moisture-proof membrane, which have high vapor permeability. They prevent moisture from entering the thickness of the insulation, which penetrates into the under-roof space through the cracks and joints of the elements of the roof covering or falls out in the form of condensation on its inner side. It is no secret that wet insulation loses its insulating properties and provokes rotting of wooden parts of the roof structure and corrosion of metal ones.
On top of the membrane, lathing bars are installed along the rafters, and, if necessary (depending on the type of film), counter battens and lathing. Then the roofing is mounted. Heat-insulating material is placed under the waterproofing, placing it between the rafters along the entire length of the slope to the walls. A vapor barrier is attached to the bottom or ends of the rafters, which protects the stone wool from humid air coming from the living quarters. After that, the bars are attached, which serve as the basis for the finishing cladding. By the way, in dry weather, the roofing cake can be laid in the reverse order (vapor barrier, insulation, waterproofing, roofing), which greatly facilitates and speeds up the work.
Insulation of floors with stone wool
In order for the floors in the house to always be warm, it is necessary to provide for effective thermal insulation. It can be done in two ways. First, the insulation is placed between the logs, which are installed on a concrete floor with a step of 60 cm. A vapor barrier layer is laid on top of the log, a continuous flooring is mounted on it under the finish coating.
The second method: the insulation is laid on the floor slabs and a "floating screed" is installed on top of it. In this case, the strength properties of the insulating material are important, that is, its ability to resist a particular load without deformation. Experts recommend using "Floor Butts" (Rockwool) for these purposes. "ISOVER Floating Floor" (Saint-Gobain), "Izoroc". Work on floor insulation begins with the dismantling of structures up to the overlap. The surface is cleaned and leveled, rigid sheets of insulation designed to insulate floors are laid and covered with plastic wrap. Then a screed (U cm thick) reinforced with a wire mesh is performed. In this case, contact of the screed with the walls should be excluded, for example, using a thin layer of foamed polyethylene or sides along the perimeter of the room, made of
of the same material. Then the screed will transfer any thermal expansion, will not crack, and the impact noise will not spread to the walls. After that, in accordance with the accepted rules, the floor covering is laid. Such a design is capable of withstanding fairly heavy loads, for example, installing a grand piano, electric stove, etc.
Insulation of partitions with stone wool
The premises in the house are separated by partitions, which should prevent the transmission of noise from working TV, radio, as well as loud conversations from one room to another. Sound insulating ability of structures
characterizes the airborne sound insulation index Rw. The higher the value, the more effectively the baffle prevents the penetration of sounds. Most manufacturers of stone wool offer special slabs with enhanced sound-insulating properties, for example, Technoacoustic (TechnoNICOL). Acoustic Butts (Rockwool). Isover ZeukoProtection (Saint-Gobain). Frame structures filled with these materials often have an Rw sound insulation index that exceeds the requirements of SP 51.13330.2011 "Noise protection", according to which the Rw of partitions between apartment rooms should be 52 dB.
Insulation of the facade with stone wool
If, when building a two-storey cottage measuring 9 x 12 m, instead of laying three bricks (total thickness 770 mm), use stone wool insulation (total thickness 380 mm), you can get more than 14 m 2 of additional area only by reducing the thickness of the walls. In addition, the consumption of bricks will be noticeably reduced, the volume of work on the construction of walls will decrease, and it will also be possible to significantly lighten the foundation. Experts believe that the most rational insulation of a house is external. In this case, the condensation zone of the escaping vapors is carried outside the bearing wall - to the outer surface of the insulation. Vapor-permeable heat-insulating materials do not impede the evaporation of moisture from the wall into the external space. As a result, the moisture content of the wall decreases and the service life of the structure increases. At the same time, the insulating material prevents the heat flow from the load-bearing wall to the outside, increasing the temperature of the structure as a whole. The outer layer of thermal insulation protects the wall from alternating freezing and thawing, evens out the temperature fluctuations of its massif, which also makes it possible to increase the durability of the supporting structure. Of course, the heat-insulating layer has to be protected with a durable vapor-permeable coating both from wetting by atmospheric precipitation and from mechanical stress. There are many different outdoor wall insulation products. When choosing the optimal material, you can also focus on the type of surface finish (plaster, siding, etc.). let's say "Facade Butts" (Rockwool), Izovol F-100/120/150. Ragos Fas 1.
Qualitatively installed thermal insulation in the construction of baths and saunas allows the premises to quickly warm up and maintain a stable temperature for a long time. When using conventional thermal insulation, first a thermal insulation material is mounted between the frame guides, and then a vapor barrier layer is placed on top. Foil-coated materials, such as the deformation-resistant soft boards "Sauna Butts" (Rockwool), will greatly simplify the work and save time.
In addition, foil-clad thermal insulation is completely vapor-tight, and due to the reflective property of the metal, it reduces heat loss. But this rule only works if the installation is done correctly. Please note that foil-clad material is not stacked in multiple rows so that rock wool is not trapped between two impermeable layers. The foil should only be placed on the side of the room. If it is necessary to arrange a multilayer structure, then materials without foil are laid to the outer wall, and with foil to the inner wall.
Stone wool insulation materials
PLUSES OF STONE WOOL AS A HEATER
Fireproof, non-combustible (the melting temperature of the fibers is above 1000 ° C).
They have a low coefficient of thermal conductivity (0.035-0.065 W / (m * K). + Perfectly insulate shock and airborne noise in the middle frequency range. + Vapor permeable and hydrophobic. Freely pass water vapor, but do not absorb moisture from the air due to the minimum sorption capacity.
They have good physical and mechanical characteristics. + Convenient and safe to lay. + Chemically and biologically stable, unaffected by bacteria and microorganisms, not of interest to rodents. + Durable (last at least 50 years). + Safe for humans.
MINUSES OF INSULATION WITH WAO STONE
- Slight (maximum 30%) shrinkage of the material in the package, therefore it requires more space during transport.
- Quite high cost.
Thermal insulation protection
When arranging an insulated attic, in order to protect thermal insulation from moisture ingress, roll roofing films of two types are most often used. Vapor barrier (vapor barrier) is used from the side of the room, and diffusion membranes are used on top of the insulation, on the outside of the rafters. For gluing canvases, special mounting tapes are used. It is even better to use films of the new Ondutis Smart (Ondulin) series with an integrated mounting tape. It is not difficult to work with this material: it is enough to remove the protective film, combine it with the overlap, and they easily and reliably join together.
Stone wool: a note
The physical and mechanical properties of acoustic stone wool ensure reliable operation of the material in vertical structures for a long time (at least 50 years).
Slabs "Techno-Acoustic" ("Techno NIKOL") are used in frame partitions, suspended ceilings, floor slabs without load on the material.
Frame partitions are fireproof, easy and quick to install, have a low weight, and, most importantly, have excellent sound insulation of air and impact noise.
External insulation of the house helps to increase the usable area of the building without changing its size, to reduce the consumption of building materials and to lighten the structure.
The optimal size of the air gap between the foil layer and the cladding (for example, from the lining) is 1 cm. The gap will create the effect of thermal protection, reflect infrared rays.
"Sauna Butts" (Rockwool) are insulating boards lined with aluminum foil on one side.
The vapor barrier foil layer is sealed, for which the joints of the plates are glued with adhesive tape that can withstand an elevated temperature.
Thermal insulation with stone wool: schemes
ROOF ROOF ROOF. LOCATED ABOVE THE MANSARD:
1 - roof covering;
2 - crate;
3 - thermal insulation between wooden rafters; A - waterproofing membrane;
5 - vapor barrier film;
6 - interior finishing coating
INSULATION WITH STONE WOOLED FLOOR ON LAGS;
1 - rough lathing for covering the floor from OSB or gypsum plasterboard sheets;
2 - superdiffusion membrane;
3 - slabs of stone wool between
wooden logs;
th - vapor barrier film;
5 - rough floor;
6 - substrate and topcoat
INSULATED STONE WOOL FRAME PARTITION:
1 - plating made of gypsum plasterboard (GVL) in 1 (2) layer;
2 - stone wool "Technoacoustic";
3 - steel frame;
4 - plating made of gypsum plasterboard (GVL) in 1 (2) layer;
5 - finishing the premises
If the inner distance between the supports is less than the width of the mat by 10-20 mm (a), a piece of the required length is cut off and a spatula is placed (b). If the dimensions do not match, the slab is cut to a size equal to the step of the supports plus 10-20 mm.
Thermal insulation materials are used to insulate the house. Among them, stone wool is of particular interest due to its popularity. It is often used to insulate industrial buildings, apartments, houses in the private sector. But not everyone understands what it is. This article describes the types of stone wool, its characteristics, and also lists the best manufacturers that guarantee reliability and high quality.
What is stone wool?
Rock wool is made from volcanic rock. In its natural form, it is a solid material, so that it takes on a "cotton" shape, it is melted and separated into fibers. Depending on the manufacturer, this or that technology can be used for this procedure (centrifugal or spinneret drawing, blowing, swathing). Basalt processed in this way becomes free-flowing, and so that it does not crumble, and so that a certain shape can be formed from it, the fibers are treated with a sticky substance.
Phenol-formaldehyde resin - this is the very adhesive, in any case, it is used more often than analogues. It glues the fibers together, making the layers of the required thickness. Then the stone wool is treated with a special oil to make it water-repellent. The last stages of production are the cutting and packaging of the insulation.
Photo insulation of the facade with stone wool
Varieties of stone wool
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Stone wool comes in different types. Basically, it is divided into types by density.
- Soft cotton wool, it is also a roll insulation. Its density ranges from 10-50 kg / m. cub. Thermal conductivity coefficient 0.033 W / m * C. It is used to improve pipelines, frames, ceilings, partitions.
- A semi-rigid slab can have a density of 60 to 80 kg / m3. cub. The thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.039 W / m * C. It is often used for facades, roofs, ceilings or sandwich panels.
- The rigid slab has a density of 90-175 kg / m. cub. Thermal conductivity coefficient 0.046 W / m * C. This insulation is used for surfaces that are subject to significant mechanical stress. This can be the floor, roof, foundation, underground pipelines, etc.
At the time of purchase, the density of the material is always indicated by letter marking. Soft stone wool - PM, hard - PZh, and semi-rigid - PP. The numbers that are written next to these letters through a hyphen indicate the density itself. Most often on sale there are: PM-40, PM-50, PP-70, PP-80, PZh-100 and PZh-120.
In terms of geometric characteristics, there is no single classification, because different manufacturers can offer completely different products. Here, many depend on where exactly the insulation will be laid. But the thickness of stone wool from different manufacturers is identical. It is sold in thicknesses of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mm.
Photo of stone wool in a roll and slabs
There is one more classification according to the type of packaging.
- Roll stone wool can be ordinary or with foil on one side to increase the heat-reflecting properties. The length of such material in a roll can be from 3 to 50 meters, and the width is 0.6-1.5 meters.
- In slabs - the typical variant used for the facade. Slabs are produced in widths of 60-120 cm and lengths of 120-150 cm.
- Shaped is one that has a round shell. It is used to insulate pipelines.
Properties and characteristics of stone wool
Stone wool is often compared to other types of similar material. Namely, with glass wool, slag and mineral wool. Below are comparative characteristics that allow you to navigate in one or another parameter of all types.
| Parameter | Stone wool | Mineral wool | Glass wool | Slag |
| Average fiber diameter (μm) | 5-15 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 4-12 |
| Fiber length | 20-50 | 16 | 15-50 | 16 |
| Thermal conductivity (W / m2 * k) | 0,033-0,046 | 0,077-0,12 | 0,038-0,046 | 0,46-0,48 |
| Usage temperature | -190 to + 700 ° C | -60 to + 600 ° C | from -60 to + 450 ° C | -60 to +250 |
| Sintering temperature | 700-1000 | 600 | 450-500 | 250-300 |
| Heat capacity | 500-800 | 1050 | 1050 | 1000 |
| Compressibility (%) | Up to 40 | 40 | 60 | 60 |
| Elasticity | 71 | 60 | 55 | 50 |
| Flammability class | NG - non-flammable | NG - non-flammable | NG - non-flammable | NG - non-flammable |
| Sound absorption | 0,87-0,95 | 0,75-0,95 | 0,8-0,92 | 0,75-0,82 |
| Vibration resistance | Not | Not | Not | Not |
| Binder (%) | 2.5 to 10 | 2.5 to 10 | 2.5 to 10 | 2.5 to 10 |
| Moisturizing per day (%) | 0,035 | 0,095 | 1,7 | 1,9 |
| Chemical resistance to water | 1,6 | 4,5 | 6,2 | 7,8 |
| Chem. alkaline resistance | 2,75 | 6,4 | 6 | 7 |
| Chem. acidic resistance | 22 | 24 | 38,9 | 68,7 |
| Release of harmful substances | Yes, if there are harmful binders | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| The need for binders | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Taunt | Not | Not | Yes | Yes |
Advantages and disadvantages
Experts note both the advantages and disadvantages of stone wool, so before buying it for insulation, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons. What are the advantages of stone wool?
- The material is lightweight, which allows you to effortlessly carry and lay it during the insulation of the room.
- This is a time-tested insulation.
- High insulating properties.
- Stone wool is not afraid of temperature extremes. Regardless of the weather, it does not expand or contract, it keeps its shape and retains its properties.
- The basic characteristics are the same regardless of the manufacturer. So, for example, insulation from Rockwool and Isobox have similar parameters and qualities, but differ in terms of price, additional raw materials used for production and other parts. Hence the price difference.
- The material is not flammable.
- Depending on the quality of the insulation, vapor permeability can range from 0.3 to 0.55 mg / m hPa. The higher the indicator, the better this property is expressed.
- Laying stone wool is pretty easy, even without practice.
Now about the disadvantages of stone wool.
- Contrary to misconceptions, it does not scare away rodents. Mice and rats are not afraid of it and can live peacefully in it.
- The environmental friendliness of stone wool is often questioned due to the fact that the fibers are held together with resins during production. Manufacturers rarely explain what these resins are, their exact composition and whether they are harmful, so the question remains open.
- During the installation of stone wool, dust appears, which is strongly recommended not to inhale. Therefore, you can only work with it in a respirator.
Photo of stone wool Technonikol and Rockwool
Where is stone wool used?
Since the 20th century, stone wool has become widespread. Due to the fact that it is 95% natural material, it is used for insulation of various types of buildings.
- Walls. As a facade insulation, this material is very popular. Thermal insulation properties help prevent heat loss in winter and keep cool in summer.
- The floors are often insulated with them. It allows you to make screeds, provides sound insulation.
- Roofs (flat and pitched) are partially insulated with this insulation. It is true that it is not recommended to use only stone wool, but it is suitable as part of protection.
- Partitions inside rooms are often made with the participation of this material. It provides additional sound insulation.
- Bearing beams and columns, reinforced concrete floors, transit air ducts, cable and pipe passages can be made using stone wool. This provides fire protection and additional safety for the occupants of the premises.
The best stone wool manufacturers
Stone wool is produced by many manufacturers, but not all of them guarantee quality and durability. In order not to regret buying in the future, you should focus on leading manufacturers.
- TechnoNIKOL - a well-known manufacturer. Stone wool TechnoNIKOL comes out in series. For example, Rocklite - slabs cost from $ 12 per cubic meter. Teploroll - a roll, costing up to $ 23 per cubic meter. Technoacoustic - has excellent soundproofing properties. Price from $ 45.
- Isover Is a French manufacturer. Notable lines are Isover Classic, Isover KL-37 and Isover KT-37. The price depends on the type of product and the quantity, but on average you can find products from $ 13 and up.
- Isobox - not an expensive type of stone wool from a domestic manufacturer. The products are produced in series (Light, Inside, Facade, RUF, Extralight) in automatic mode.
- Ursa - a well-known company, the material of which is used for insulation of both residential, private houses, apartments, and industrial complexes. This company offers a new version of stone wool - Pure One, which is environmentally friendly and high performance. One roll will cost $ 23 on average. There are also products in slabs at about the same cost.
- Rockwool Is the most popular brand. A lot of people have heard about him and this is not surprising. The manufacturer works for quality and durability. Famous stone wool lines are Roof Butts and Caviti Butts. The average cost of a package or roll is $ 15-23.
- Knauf produces stone wool of various types. Thermo Slab 0.37 is a good choice for floors, facades, partitions. The package contains 12-24 plates. The approximate cost is 15-22 dollars. Tormo Roll is an analogue in the form of a roll. Recommended for insulation of any vertical and horizontal surfaces. The cost of one roll is from $ 18. There are also products with foil, their prices start at $ 15 and up.
Photo of wall insulation with stone wool
What is stone wool, what types of this insulation exist, its technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, how to choose the right material and do-it-yourself installation features.
Description and features of the production of stone wool
Stone wool is one of the varieties of mineral fiber heat insulators. It can be made from various rocks, but the highest quality material is considered to be based on basalt fibers. Therefore, this insulation is also called "basalt wool".
In this heat insulator, synthetic impurities are contained in minimal quantities, the excellent natural characteristics of the stone are preserved. The fibers are intertwined and bonded with the help of special substances. The latter are phenol and formaldehyde in the form of resins.
The stone fiber method was invented after an unusual discovery in Hawaii. There, after a volcanic eruption, the so-called "Pele's hair" was discovered - thin threads of solidified volcanic rock. They became the forerunners of basalt fiber, created in their likeness, but already in a production environment. Stone wool was first produced in 1897 in the USA.
In modern conditions, the material is made using the principles of volcanoes. In special furnaces at a temperature of about 1500 degrees above zero, rocks are melted and a liquid melt is obtained. It is drawn into fibers using various methods: centrifugal-roller, blowing, centrifugal-blowing, centrifugal-spinning-blowing and others. The thickness of the finished fibers is no more than seven microns, the length is no more than five centimeters.
After the fibers are formed, a binder is added to them, spraying it, watering the basalt "carpet" or preparing hydromass. In order to endow the product with certain technical properties, during the manufacturing process, the material is additionally processed with special solutions that increase the density, vapor permeability, and hydrophobicity.
After applying binders and technical liquids, the basalt carpet is heat treated at temperatures up to 230 degrees. Under such conditions, the polycondensation reaction takes place. After heat treatment, a finished stone wool with a specific open cellular structure is obtained, which is able to withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius. Organic matter in this material contains no more than 3%.
The main types of stone wool
Based on its texture, shape and suitability for certain purposes, stone wool is divided into several types.
In terms of stiffness, stone wool insulation is:
- Soft... This material is made from fibers of the smallest thickness. They create a huge number of cavities that trap air. It is he who prevents heat loss. Soft stone wool is used where large mechanical loads are not expected. It is suitable for insulating facades, walls using frame technology, roofs and others.
- Medium hardness... The fibers used in the production of this stone wool are stiffer, which makes it possible to use the material for insulating facades where high-speed air flows take place. Also, this heat insulator is suitable for heat, fire, sound insulation of ventilation ducts.
- Hard... The fibers of this material are the thickest and most durable. This type of insulation is used in places where heavy loads are expected. It is possible to lay hard basalt wool under a concrete screed; it can be used to insulate walls with subsequent reinforcement and plastering directly on the heat insulator.
There is another type of stone wool - foil material. It provides double insulation. That is, not only does it not release heat outside its own limits, but also reflects it, directing warm air into the building. This heat insulator can have one-sided foil and two-sided. This foil-coated stone wool is versatile and can be used in any environment.
Specifications of stone wool
The technical characteristics of this insulation allow it to be used both for heat and sound insulation, and for protection from the effects of fire. Let's consider the main properties of stone wool:
- Thermal conductivity of stone wool... The fibers in the insulation are arranged chaotically, not strictly oriented. The material has an airy structure. The large number of air spaces makes stone wool an excellent heat insulator. The thermal conductivity coefficient is low - from 0.032 to 0.048 W / (m * K). According to this indicator, cotton wool is close to cork, foamed rubber, extruded polystyrene foam.
- Hydrophobicity... This type of mineral wool practically does not absorb water. Water absorption by volume is less than two percent. This allows you to use this material for insulating wet rooms - bathrooms, saunas, baths, basements.
- Vapor permeability... Regardless of the density of stone wool, it has excellent vapor permeability. The moisture contained in the air penetrates through the insulation without any problems. In this case, condensation does not form, and the material does not get wet. This quality of stone wool guarantees optimal temperature and humidity conditions in a room insulated with this heat insulator. Water vapor permeability averages 0.3 mg / (m * h * Pa).
- Fire resistance... Basalt fiber wool is considered a non-combustible material. In addition, it can act as an obstacle in the path of open fire. The maximum allowable temperature that the material can withstand without melting is 1114 degrees Celsius. Therefore, stone wool can be used to insulate devices that operate at high temperatures. According to fire safety standards, this insulation belongs to the NG group.
- Soundproofing... This insulation is able to drown out the vertical sound waves that go inside the walls. By absorbing acoustic waves, stone wool shortens the time for re-veering and does not transmit sound not only to the insulated room, but also to neighboring rooms.
- Strength... Due to the chaotic arrangement of fibers in stone wool, even a material with a low density is able to withstand heavy loads. With a deformation of ten percent, the insulation has a compressive strength of 5-80 kilopascals. This property of stone wool guarantees a long service life without changes in shape and size.
- Chemical and biological activity... Chemically, this insulation is passive. It does not react with metal, wood, plastic and other materials. In addition, rotting, damage by microorganisms, rodents are not peculiar to the heat insulator.
- Environmental Safety... The presence of phenol-formaldehyde resin in the material causes a lot of controversy regarding the environmental friendliness of stone wool. However, according to recent studies, the content of toxic substances in basalt fibers is extremely low. In addition, they do not stand out from the cotton wool, since they are neutralized at the production stages.
- Stone wool thickness... Recently, this insulation has been produced in multiples of 50 millimeters. The minimum material thickness is the same. This heat insulator is used under a concrete screed to insulate floors. The maximum thickness reaches 200 millimeters. Typically, this stone wool is used on the upper floors of multi-storey buildings.
- Dimensions of stone wool... Stone wool in rolls reaches 10 meters in length. The width is usually within 1.2 meters. The material in the slabs has dimensions of 1000x1200 mm.
Advantages of stone wool
Stone wool is considered one of the most popular among other mineral fiber heat insulators. Among its advantages are the following:
- Excellent thermal insulation... You can use stone wool even in harsh winters. It is used to insulate walls, facades, floors, roofs, pipelines and other elements for both domestic and industrial purposes.
- Good sound insulation... In a house insulated with stone wool, you will not be disturbed by sounds from the outside. Any acoustic waves can be damped by this material. It also dampens vibrations well.
- Fire safety... Modern types of stone wool do not lend themselves to combustion and do not spread fire. Fibers can only melt, sinter, and even then, if the temperature reaches above 1000 degrees.
- Versatility... It is possible to insulate buildings that have already been erected for a long time or have just been built with this material. In this case, the presence of high-quality supply ventilation does not matter. Stone wool does not interfere with air microcirculation.
- Resistance to chemicals... The material is not afraid of the effects of aggressive alkalis, acids, oils, solvents.
- Water resistance... Due to the processing of fibers with special hydrophobic compounds, stone wool will not absorb water and therefore lose its quality. Therefore, the material can withstand short-term contact with water.
- Long service life... Stone wool does not lose its insulating qualities for a long time - up to 50 years or more.
- Low specific gravity... This heat insulator is easy to transport and install even on your own.
- Fast installation... It is especially convenient to lay stone wool in slabs. They are large and cover a significant area at a time.
- Environmental friendliness... The material is harmless both during installation and during operation. It almost does not generate dust, like other types of fiber insulation, and it can be laid without the use of a large number of protective equipment and devices.
Disadvantages of stone wool
There are not so many disadvantages to this insulation. They are mainly manifested in cases where you purchase poor quality stone wool from unscrupulous manufacturers. Then the material can get wet, which means it can lose its hydrophobic properties, be brittle and even release toxic elements into the air.
In general, the following disadvantages of stone wool can be distinguished:
- Relatively high price... This cost differs the material from well-known brands, which guarantee that the insulation is made of pure basalt rocks, is environmentally friendly and will last a long time.
- Small amount of dust... Fibers of stone wool practically do not prick, in contrast to glass or slag wool. However, shaking the basalt insulation leads to the appearance of small clouds of dust. Inhaling them is definitely not recommended. Therefore, it is worth using a respiratory mask during work.
- The presence of seams at the joints... The so-called cold bridges occur in places where slabs or mats of stone wool do not touch tightly enough. Therefore, in order to avoid heat loss, during the installation process, it is necessary to seal these holes with polyurethane foam.
Criteria for choosing stone wool
It is necessary to choose stone wool based on your goals and the place of use of the insulation. When purchasing material, pay attention to the following recommendations:
- If you are going to insulate the roof, which is built with a slope, then buy a heat insulator that has a thickness of 15 centimeters and a density of up to 40 kilograms per cubic meter. Otherwise, over time, the insulation runs the risk of sagging.
- To insulate interior partitions, use stone wool with a density of up to 50 kg / m 3. Such an indicator will provide the necessary sound insulation.
- It is recommended to insulate load-bearing walls from the outside. This will bring the dew point, where condensation will appear, outside. It is advisable to use stone wool with a thickness of about 10 centimeters and a density of at least 80 kilograms per cubic meter.
- To insulate a ventilated facade, choose cotton wool, which consists of two layers, or lay the material in two layers. Moreover, each will have a different density: loose - near the walls, dense - outside.
Stone wool price and manufacturers
It is recommended to choose stone wool from several of the most famous brands. These manufacturers ensure that the quality of their products is of the highest standard. The most popular brands are:
- Knauf... The product line includes stone wool for every application. Thermo Roll is suitable for insulating horizontal and vertical surfaces, the price of a roll is from 1.2 thousand rubles. Thermo Slab 037 is perfect for thermal insulation of floors, partitions, floors between floors, external walls. The package contains 12 to 24 slabs. The price of stone wool ranges from 1000 to 1400 rubles. LMF AluR are foiled basalt slabs that provide not only sound and heat insulation, but also fire safety. The cost of a roll is about 1000 rubles.
- Ursa... Offers materials for thermal insulation of civil and industrial buildings. There are several lines of stone wool. Pure One is a new generation material. Absolutely non-flammable, environmentally friendly, with high thermal insulation values. One roll costs about 1,500 rubles. XPS boards are intended for insulation of facades, external walls, interfloor ceilings. The cost of packaging is from 1,500 rubles.
- Rockwool... The most popular stone wool lines from this brand are Caviti Butts and Ruf Butts. It is a material in slabs for insulation of external walls, facades and roofs. The price of products ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 rubles per package.
- Isover... This French manufacturer produces a huge range of basalt fiber based insulation. The most popular types are: Isover Classic, Isover KT-37, Isover KL-37. The first is produced in the form of rolls of two mats. The price starts at 1,500 rubles per package. The second and third are the material in the slabs. It is preferred when handling rolls is difficult. The cost ranges from 900 to 1200 rubles per pack.
- TechnoNIKOL... This manufacturer of stone wool has such a range of products by series: Basalit, Technoface, Rocklight. Basalite is basalt wool in slabs that can be used for thermal insulation of roofs, facades, pipelines, floors, partitions. A pack of 10 pieces will cost 1,300 rubles. Technofas are lightweight basalt fiber slabs. The package contains 4 pieces. Its price is from 800 rubles. Rocklight is a versatile tile material. A pack of 12 items costs from 800 rubles.
Brief instructions for installing stone wool
To install basalt insulation on the facade or external walls, you will need special glue and dowels with a large head. It is not recommended to attach the material only to glue, since it can fall off in case of gusts of wind or mechanical stress.
Also, in the process of installing stone wool, you will need a construction knife, a metal or wooden profile (slats). With their help, it will be necessary to equip the crate. If the slabs have a high density - from 100 kilograms per cubic meter, then a hacksaw for wood will be needed for cutting.
We carry out the work in stages:
- We attach a vapor barrier film to the wall.
- We install the profile or beams vertically with a step that slightly exceeds the width of the roll or insulation plate. The material must be placed in such a way as to adhere independently between the profiles.
- We fill the finished cells with basalt wool, which is pre-lubricated with glue. Slightly press the insulation to the surface.
- We begin to collect the layer of thermal insulation from the bottom up.
- After you assemble one row of stone wool, you need to fix the slabs or mats with dowels. To firmly fix the material on the wall, you will need 5-6 fasteners per square meter.
- The gaps formed between the slabs or mats of stone wool are filled with scraps of insulation, and covered with polyurethane foam on top.
- After covering the entire surface with material, place the windproof membrane on top. At the joints we glue with tape.
Watch a video review of stone wool:
Basalt fiber insulation is a material that is widely used in the field of thermal insulation. The excellent characteristics of stone wool and many varieties allow it to be used for insulating roofs, facades, external walls, partitions, floors, pipelines. And a simple installation is within the power of even non-professionals.
