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Technical characteristics of mineral wool insulation. Mineral wool: characteristics and properties. Scope of use of mineral wool for insulation

Mineral wool is a fibrous building material used in exterior and internal insulation different types. It is made from glass melts, blast furnace slag, lava rocks, the structure of the threads is set technologically. This allows you to control such technical characteristics of mineral wool as: thermal conductivity, density, hygroscopicity, vapor permeability. You can buy it in the form of plates, rolls, cylinders (to protect pipes), it is convenient to work with - it weighs little and is easy to install.

Natural mineral base guarantees chemical resistance, the insulation is classified as non-flammable (NG) and can withstand up to 700 °C, but contains synthetic binder resins with a destruction temperature of 350. The advantages of mineral wool include: biological and corrosion resistance, compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements, durability. The raw materials and geometric orientation of the fibers largely influence: strength, thermal resistance, moisture resistance and thermal conductivity. The values ​​of the characteristics depend on the brand; basalt (stone) wool with a chaotic structure is considered the best.

Review of manufacturers

1. TechnoNIKOL.

The products are represented by well-known brands:

• Rocklight - mineral wool slabs for thermal insulation of horizontal, vertical and inclined structures, most in demand in private construction.
• Heatroll - thick mats rolled into a roll, excellent for insulating attics and basements, floors.
• Technoblock - insulating boards with high noise absorption, used when installing siding or frame panels.
• Technoacoustic - mineral wool with enhanced sound insulation effect (absorbs at least 60 dB of noise), perfect option for apartment, office, club room.

This is basalt wool of the highest quality with a small amount of phenolic resins, which is as safe as possible for the user. Excellent ability to retain heat and absorb sound, moisture resistance and low vapor permeability are the main advantages of mineral wool from this company.

They produce mineralized fiberglass wool with different degrees of density (from 10 types on the market). The performance characteristics are exceptional: thin fibers form a strong and lightweight frame that recovers after compression or deformation, the lowest hygroscopicity of all mineral wool options. Isover Tel technology made it possible to create glass fiber that is pleasant to the touch (due to the significant density of the threads when minimum diameter). But grades of medium and high hardness, due to the presence of films in the structure according to GOST 30244-94, are considered low-flammable (SG), their use has slight restrictions. The price of mineral wool from this company is reasonable, since the raw material is recycled glass.

Made from quartz sand and refers to environmentally friendly glass wool (confirmed by certificates). Advantages: flexibility, elasticity, simplicity and waste-free installation, protection from temperature changes, regardless of the season, excellent technical characteristics. There are 7 main varieties of mineral wool on sale with different densities and purposes (a description of the properties and the recommended scope of application are indicated in the instructions), absolutely all of them belong to the NG class. This insulation provides a good fit to the structure, which makes it indispensable when laying vapor barriers in a bathhouse or thermal insulation of work surfaces at any angle.

Basalt-based mineral wool is used in private and industrial construction to protect various types of heating communications from freezing. The range is very extensive, application temperatures range from 180 to 1000 °C. The high price is explained by its versatility and quality: mineral wool from this manufacturer has no restrictions and is even used for thermal insulation of food industry facilities. Classified as fire safety class zero, Rockwool has the ability to contain fire. Unique technical characteristics: high density (up to 90 g/cm2), without loss of permeability and purity of the composition, and almost zero hygroscopicity (the material does not accumulate moisture). Rockwool mineral wool is sold in ergonomic packaging; it is profitable to buy it for a small amount of work.

Elastic mineral wool with a random arrangement of fibers, in demand when frame construction, in systems with soft insulation. The advantages include: resistance to solvents of any type, excellent sound insulation, absence of asbestos impurities and chemical additives (no harmful substances are released in the event of a fire). The material is vapor permeable, so there is no accumulation of condensation on the walls even with frequent temperature fluctuations. As a result, Paroc mineral wool insulation boards are ideal for interior decoration. There is only one drawback - the high cost, as with all types of molten rocks with a chaotic structure of threads.

Comparative description of technical characteristics mineral wool different brands:

Namemineral wool	Thermal conductivity, W/m∙S	Water absorption by volume, no more, %	Density, kg/m3	Vapor permeability, mg/(m h Pa)
TechnoNIKOL
Technoblock	0,035	2	40–50	0,3
Rocklight	0,039		30–40
Classic	0,041	2	11–12	0,55–0,6
Frame P37	0,034		12–35
Glasswool M-11	0,041	1,5	9–13	0,7
Glasswool P-30	0,042		16–18	0,55
Tech Mat	0,036	1,5	35–50	0,5
Tech Butts			50–150
eXtra	0,036	1	30	0,5
Uns 37	0,037

Expenses

The cost, taking into account the dimensional characteristics, is:

Namemineral wool	Size, mm	Package volume, m3	Area, m2	Number of plates, pcs	Price per package, rubles
TechnoNIKOL
Technoblock	1200×600×100	0,432	4,32	6	860
Rocklight	1200×600×50		8,64	12	660
Classic	8200×1220×50	1	20	1	1200
Frame P 37	1170×565×50	0,714	14,27	20	1270
Glasswool M-11	10000×1200×50	1,104	24	2	1420
Glasswool P-30	1250×600×50	0,75	15	20	1510
Rockwool
Tech Mat	5000×1000×50	0,25	5	1	150
Tech Butts	1000×600×160	0,12	1,2		120
eXtra	1200×600×50	0,504	10,08	14	960
Uns 37		0,576	11,52	16	1230

A review of manufacturers and a comparison of the technical characteristics of individual brands allow us to make a choice in favor of mineral wool made from molten rocks, as the most environmentally friendly, safe and multifunctional among insulation materials. But fiberglass is about a third cheaper if building codes admit, then for large volumes of work it is better to buy it. It is also important to follow the manufacturers' recommendations when storing and installing mineral wool - despite its low hygroscopicity, it should be protected from getting wet.

High-quality thermal insulation of the house reliably protects against frost and summer heat. A wide range of materials are offered for its installation. Among them, mineral wool occupies a worthy place; we will consider its varieties and characteristics in more detail.

Mineral wool is a fibrous insulation material, the properties and structure of which depend on the source raw materials. Three types of material are used for its production:

• glass;
• blast furnace slag;
• rocks - dolomite, basalt, diabase.

Raw materials for mineral wool production must, when processed, produce stable fibers and have low temperature melt. The material is used in its pure form (basalt, diabase) or as part of a mixture. From chemical composition The raw material depends on the diameter and length of the fibers. Their standard size- 1-10 microns, length from 2-3 mm to 20-30 cm. As the diameter of the fiber increases, its thermal conductivity increases, so the parameter value is usually limited to 8 microns. Long fibers add softness and elasticity to products.

Features and properties of mineral wool varieties

Glass wool - is made from a mixture of sedimentary rocks (limestone, sand, dolomite), as well as glass waste. The production process produces elastic fibers yellow color. After transportation and opening the package, the material quickly regains its shape. Mineral wool insulation is offered in rolls and slabs of varying hardness.

Products are produced with a layer of foil or fiberglass. The disadvantage of the material is the fragility and thorniness of the fibers. They cause irritation to the skin, eyes and lungs. When working with insulation, it is necessary to wear safety glasses, a suit and a respirator. Material indicators:

• thermal conductivity - 0.03-0.052 W/(m*K);
• fiber length and diameter - 15-50 mm, 5-15 microns;
• maximum temperature - +450ºC.

Slag wool is produced from waste from blast furnaces and open-hearth furnaces. This type of insulation has fragile fibers and requires careful handling. The material is highly hygroscopic, and when wet it exhibits acidic properties. It is not recommended to be used for thermal insulation of pipes and building facades.

Slag wool is installed as a filler in frame houses, but only for dry rooms. This is the most unreliable type of mineral wool; its advantage is its low cost.

Characteristics:

• thermal conductivity - 0.046-0.048 W/(m*K);
• fiber length and diameter - 16 mm, 4-11 microns;
• operating temperature - +300ºC.

Rock wool - the raw material for its production is rock melts. Bituminous, composite and synthetic compounds are used as binders. The use of phenol-formaldehyde resins is widespread, thanks to which they improve thermal insulation properties. Mineral wool slabs made of basalt do not burn and withstand high load, do not attract rodents. Durable material used for thermal insulation of buildings and for fire protection of air ducts, columns, ceilings, and roof penetrations.

Indicators of stone wool:

• thermal conductivity - 0.035-0.042 W/(m*K);
• length and diameter of fibers - up to 50 mm, 5-10 microns;
• maximum temperature - +600-1000º.

Main characteristics of mineral wool

The popularity of the material among consumers is explained by its working properties and affordable price. Insulation is produced in the form of rolls, slabs, mats and fibrous mass applied using a compressor. Among the advantages of mineral wool:

• Fire resistance - the material is one of the few insulation materials that does not support combustion.
• Low coefficient of thermal conductivity - mineral wool reliably retains heat, preventing its passage. A 10 cm layer of insulation is equivalent in efficiency to 25 cm of timber and 117 cm of brick wall.
• Vapor permeability - the thermal insulation layer does not limit natural air exchange and ensures a healthy microclimate in the room.
• Biological stability - all types of mineral wool are not affected by mold and mildew, and are not of interest to rodents.
• Durability - basalt material retains properties for 50 years. Slag mineral wool will last less; it is advisable to use it for temporary buildings - warehouses, sheds.
• Sound insulation - thanks to its fibrous structure with a high air content, insulation is an excellent noise insulator.

The size of a roll of thermal insulation material is: width - 1.2 m, length from 7 to 12 m, thickness - 50 mm, and the slabs have a greater variation in dimensions depending on the brand of the manufacturer.

The influence of density on the properties of insulation

When choosing a thermal insulation material, it is necessary to take into account its density and thickness. The weight, resistance to load and deformation, and the cost of the insulation depend on these indicators.

• Rolled fabric with a density of 35 kg/m3 is used for horizontal placement without load.
• Mineral wool slabs 75 kg/m3 are installed in interior partitions, floors and ceilings.
• The façade is insulated with material with an index of 125 kg/m3.
• Rigid mineral wool slabs are used for interfloor ceilings and load-bearing reinforced concrete structures.

Provide protection construction structures from fire and sufficient strength for insulating the roof and floors under the screed allows the increased rigidity of the material and density of 200 kg/m3.
This indicator has a slight effect on sound insulation properties and vapor permeability.

Mineral wool in the form of slabs: properties and features

The insulation in the slabs is easy to install; models are available with grooves for tight joining without cold bridges. The size ranges from 0.6-1 by 1.2 m, thickness is 30-200 mm. The material is made with one or several layers, can be reinforced with fiberglass, and increase resistance to moisture due to additives. According to the rigidity of mineral wool slabs, there are several types:

• soft - placed in attics, wrapped around pipelines;
• semi-rigid - compacted by spraying bitumen or synthetic resin, used for external wall insulation, manufacturing sandwich panels;
• rigid - used for thermal insulation of metal structures, external walls, roofs.

Mats, cylinders and mineral wool for blowing

Mineral wool boards are small in size and easy to install yourself. Mats differ from them in their larger dimensions - 7-12 m. It is better to work with such material with a partner. The significant area of ​​insulation allows you to quickly lay a layer of thermal insulation on the ceiling or wall. As a result, there are a minimum of seams that need to be sealed. When transporting, the mats are rolled into a roll; after purchasing and cutting the packaging, they easily restore their shape.

Cylinders are used for thermal insulation of pipelines. The rigidity of a structure made of cotton wool can be increased by using a reinforcing mesh, and it is protected from the outside by foil. Product dimensions: inner diameter from 12 to 325 mm, length 1.2 m, thickness from 20 to 90 mm.

Fiberglass-based material is used without forming rolls or slabs; it is blown onto the surface to be insulated using special equipment. This technology makes it possible to isolate complex structural elements roofs.

Disadvantages of thermal insulation material

Due to its hygroscopicity, mineral wool insulation requires mandatory protection from moisture. When using the material in a multi-layer structure, it is covered with hydro and vapor barrier fabric.

Another disadvantage of insulation is brittle fibers, which irritate the skin and mucous membranes during installation. This is especially true for glass and slag wool. They must be stowed in protective equipment and a respirator.

Consumers are concerned about formaldehyde substances in mineral wool. Insulation with phenolic compounds is best used outside, although it is not dangerous at normal temperatures. When using mineral wool, it is important to follow the technology and be sure to cover the layer of material with a vapor barrier film, which prevents dust from the fibers from entering the room and moisture from entering the thermal insulation.

Any living space should be warm. To maintain the required temperature, the room must be heated. To heat the room efficiently, you will need mineral wool insulation.

What is mineral wool?

The definition of mineral wool is enshrined in GOST 31913-2011. According to him, mineral wool is a class fibrous materials, which are obtained from metal slags and molten rocks.

In fact, the concept of mineral wool refers to not one material, but four:

• glass fiber;
• slag;
• stone wool;
• basalt wool.

All four types have a similar mineral wool composition, however, they differ in fiber length and thickness. Differences in structure determine the properties of the material. You need to understand what kind of mineral wool you need, because the scope of application depends on its basic parameters, Various types mineral wool has different thermal conductivity, moisture resistance, resistance to mechanical loads, and so on.

Mineral wool insulation has been used since Soviet time as a reliable, high-quality and safe insulating material.

Composition of mineral wool (What is mineral wool made of):

• The basis of mineral wool is made up of various rocks. Gabbro-basalt and carbonate rocks are a by-product of metal production. They are used as raw materials for the production of glass wool fibers. Rocks make up 90% of mineral wool. The remaining 10% are various additives.
• Various binders are used to tightly bind the fibers. For these purposes, phenol-based resins and bentonite clay are used.
• The material is covered with a thin layer of paper on top. Usually it is kraft paper with polyethylene or aluminum.

We have listed the main components of mineral wool (about 99% of all mineral wool products consist of them). To find out in more detail what type of mineral wool is in front of you: its composition is indicated on the packaging.

Mineral wool: varieties

Next we will tell you what kind of mineral wool there is: there are all four types of wool - glass wool, slag wool, stone and basalt wool. The last two types have excellent characteristics. The use of the first two types can only be justified by a modest project budget.

Glass wool

This is the most common mineral wool insulation. The fiber thickness of this type of wool is 5-15 micrometers, and the length is up to 5 centimeters. Such characteristics make cotton wool strong and elastic. Care must be taken when working with this material. If the fiber is damaged, glass threads can hurt a person. You should also be careful not to inhale damaged fibers, as fiber particles may enter the lungs. For this reason, when working with this type of mineral wool, builders use special clothing - a respirator, goggles, gloves and a special protective suit.

Technical parameters of glass wool:

Slag

The fiber thickness of this type of wool is 4-12 micrometers, and the length is 1.6 centimeters. This material (like glass wool) has a lot of fatal shortcomings that prevent its use as insulation. It has residual acidity. Because of this, such material will easily interact with various metal surfaces oxidizing them. This material easily absorbs moisture. Therefore, it cannot be used for covering premises, plastic and metal pipes. It is very prickly, which causes a lot of inconvenience during installation.

Technical parameters of slag:

Stone wool

What is this type of mineral wool made of: gabbro and diabase, the fiber thickness of this type of wool is 5-12 micrometers, and the length is 1.6 centimeters. This material in its properties resembles slag wool. However, this material does not prick, which will be a big plus during installation. Stone wool does not absorb water well. Therefore, it can be used for heating cladding of premises.

Technical parameters of Stone wool:

Basalt wool

This type of material is also made from gabbro and diabase. Does not contain blast furnace slag and various additional substances - dolomite, limestone and others. Basalt wool is usually wound into rolls. Mineral wool insulation does not deteriorate during winding. Due to its properties, the material can be used as insulation. This material is very difficult to set on fire. If you bring it to the fire, the fibers will only melt, but the material itself will not burn.

Technical parameters of Basalt wool:

Mineral wool: types

Mineral wool is usually sold in the form of solid slabs and mats. The use of mineral wool is lining walls, ceilings and roofs. Minvata allows you to work with non-standard surfaces. Types of wool for insulation differ in density; in accordance with this difference, several brands are distinguished. There is light grade mineral wool, the density of which is up to 75 kilograms, but its scope is small.

Mineral wool grade P-75

Main characteristics:

• Material density - 75 kg per cubic meter. m.
• This soft mineral wool is used for insulation horizontal surfaces with a small load. An example of this type of surface is attics.
• This material is often wrapped around central heating, gas and oil pipes to retain heat.

Mineral wool grade P-125

Main characteristics:

• Material density - 125 kg per cubic meter. m.
• Used for insulation of ceilings, floors, interior walls and partitions.
• The material has good sound insulation.

Mineral wool brand PZh-175

Main characteristics:

• Material density - 175 kg per cubic meter. m.
• Used for thermal insulation of reinforced concrete and metal walls and floors.

Mineral wool brand PPZh-200

Main characteristics:

• Material density - 200 kg per cubic meter. m.
• The material is very dense and has increased rigidity.
• Thanks to special additives it has high fire resistance.
• This construction mineral wool is usually used for thermal insulation of reinforced concrete and metal walls and ceilings.

What are the main advantages of mineral wool?

This material is respected ordinary people and experienced builders. And this is no coincidence:

• High fire resistance. In the production of some types of wool, only non-flammable silicate rock melts are used. This provides the material with a high degree of fire resistance. This type of cotton wool does not burn under the influence high temperatures, and also does not deform. For this reason, mineral wool is used to line rooms where various flammable substances are stored.
• Chemical resistance. Cotton wool does not react well with various chemicals, which allows it to be used for covering laboratories, various workshops, as well as school chemistry classes.
• Resistance to biological irritants. Neither fungi nor various harmful insects and rodents.
• Minor shrinkage. Many materials shrink over time, losing their original volume. This is especially critical for various joint structures, when reducing the size of one of the blocks can lead to a violation of the tightness of the room. Mineral wool does not have this drawback.
• Extremely low hygroscopicity of some varieties of mineral wool. Hard mineral wool absorbs up to 0.5% liquid. For this reason, the material does not accumulate water.
• High vapor permeability. Cotton wool allows various water vapors to pass through well. This allows you to quickly remove from the room unpleasant odors. Condensation will not settle on such cotton wool.
• High sound insulation properties. This type of wool can be used to sheathe rooms not only for the purpose of insulation, but also to protect the room from extraneous noise.
• Environmentally friendly. The material is safe for humans and does not cause any allergic reactions.
• Easy to install. Mineral wool was made specifically to facilitate the insulation of rooms. Even an amateur builder can install this material.
• Durability. Operational life is about 70 years, so you won't have to replace the coating several years after installation.

What are the main disadvantages of mineral wool?

However, not everything is so smooth. Mineral wool has the following disadvantages:

• If the fibers are damaged, glass wool fragments can hurt a person. Often the damaged fibers are very small. Inhalation of damaged fibers may cause damage to the lungs and airways. This drawback can be solved very simply - buy a protective suit, gloves, goggles and a respirator.
• Mineral wool often contains formaldehyde resin.. Under prolonged exposure to high temperatures, it can oxidize to phenol, which is poisonous. Therefore, when installed in not very safe conditions experienced builders recommend wearing protective clothing and a gas mask.

Also remember that types of mineral wool, such as stone and basalt, free from these shortcomings.

Mineral wool: scope

Use mineral wool as building material. It is also used for insulation of walls, pipes and various designs. Sometimes mineral wool is used to create sound insulation, but only basal wool has good noise-reducing properties.

Construction materials: mineral wool

In construction, mineral wool is used mainly as insulation. With its help, they create a special wall covering that does not allow cold air into the room, but keeps warm air. Usually the walls are sheathed with inside, but sometimes some types of cotton wool are also used for lining walls outside. Cotton wool is also used to insulate gas-carrying pipes on the streets and in the entrances of houses.

Mineral wool insulation: slabs

There are different types of mineral wool for insulation, but you need to give preference to mineral wool slabs. And that's why:

• The slabs are easy and convenient to cut.
• The slabs are easy to transport and do not require special care.
• The slabs can be placed on uneven surface to hide the shortcomings of load-bearing walls.

How to safely install mineral wool?

When installing mineral wool, you must follow these rules:

• Wear a protective suit, respirator, special glasses and gloves.
• When working with material, cover it polyvinyl chloride film, which allows steam to pass through.
• Give preference to materials from a reliable manufacturer.
• To create mineral wool insulation, slabs can help you.
• Remember that formaldehyde resin does not oxidize at room temperature.
• If you will be working at high temperatures environment, give preference to basalt wool, which does not release phenol during oxidation.

How to choose good mineral wool?

When choosing mineral wool, use the following advice from experienced builders:

• Give preference to European cotton wool. The reason for this choice is simple - in the European Union there is a fairly strict certification system, under which mineral wool manufacturers cannot release their product to the market without preliminary tests. Yes, German quality is not a myth, but only a simple consequence of pragmatic European laws. Examples of European wool manufacturers are URSA, Rockwool, PAROC, ISOVER and others.
• If you need mineral wool, the slabs will help you. You can buy cotton wool in rolls, but it is more difficult to transport.
• It doesn't really matter when the mineral wool was made, as it usually has a shelf life of at least 50 years.
• The price of wool directly depends on its density. The explanation is simple - it is much more difficult to make a denser material than a less dense one, which greatly affects the final cost of the product.
• Give your preference to stone and basalt wool. Glass wool and slag wool, although they are very cheap, have many disadvantages. This is both low thermal insulation and low noise insulation. During installation, many problems may arise due to damage to the fibers of the material. If a fragment of fiber gets on the skin, it will hurt and itch.
• If mineral wool is too expensive, using used one will solve your problem.
• Great importance has the direction of the fibers. Use material with horizontal arrangement fibers are not recommended (and such material is quite rare). The vertical arrangement of fibers improves the heat and sound insulation characteristics of the product. If the fibers in the wool are randomly located, then it will withstand high loads.
• Be sure to check the box with the material for printing that confirms GOST. Also find out from the seller what the mineral wool you want to buy is made from.
• Don't trust sellers. Suppose you need a slab 5 centimeters thick. Go to the seller and tell him that you need a 5-centimeter thick slab. When the seller brings the stove, ask to open the box to personally verify that the stove matches your order. If the seller tries to dissuade you, don't listen to him, you know better.
• To find out what mineral wool is made from, pay attention to the composition indicated on the packaging.

When installing mineral wool, use the following tips from experienced builders:

1. For insulation simple flat roof lay mineral slabs in two layers. The point is that in winter period The roof freezes the hardest and will need additional protection.
2. For soundproofing coating wooden structures use cotton wool with granules.
3. To create “wet” type heat-insulating insulation, use laminated mineral wool.
4. If you are making a roof with water drainage, buy a slab with a variable cross-section.
5. When marking the slabs, use a pencil. This will make cutting and measuring much easier.

How to transport mineral wool correctly?

Rolls are formed from the mats, and the slabs are collected in packs of several pieces (their number in one package depends on the thickness of the material). The average pack of slabs has an area of ​​0.35 square meters, and the weight of such a package ranges from 10 to 70 kilograms. More accurate data is usually stored in the seller's catalogue.

Use a hacksaw to cut mineral wool into fragments. Before cutting, mark the material with a pencil. It is advisable to cut cotton wool in rolls before wrapping. It is advisable to cut the slabs separately.

Use machines to transport glass wool and slag wool. closed type so that various precipitation does not wet the material. Store this material in a dry place. Stone and basalt wools do not need such careful care because they do not absorb moisture well. During transportation, cotton wool decreases slightly in volume because it is in a compressed state. Mineral wool is quite easy to damage, so walking on it is not recommended. Place cotton wool in slabs one on top of the other, but so that overall height did not exceed two meters.

Conclusions about Mineral Wool as insulation.

Mineral wool is suitable for insulating rooms. Minvata is special material, which corresponds to GOST 31913-2011. Mineral wool is made from rock melts with the addition of slag. There are four main types of materials - glass wool, slag wool, stone wool and basalt wool. The first two types are cheap, but get wet easily and have poor soundproofing properties. The last two types retain heat well and do not allow noise to pass through.

Mineral wool: application.

When installing mineral wool, it is advisable to wear a protective suit, goggles, gloves and a gas mask. The explanation is that damaged fibers can easily injure. Also, do not inhale dust particles containing fragments of mineral fibers into your lungs. One of the main parameters of slabs is its density. A very dense slab will withstand heavy loads, but it will cost you a pretty penny. And vice versa - if the density of the slab is low, it will not cost you much. Light mineral wool is practically not used because it cannot withstand heavy loads. The use of mineral wool depends on the task you face.

The use of mineral wool has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of all types of slabs include ease of installation, resistance to chemical and biological influences, environmental friendliness and good vapor permeability. For stone and basalt wool fire resistance, good heat and sound insulation properties are also true. The disadvantages of the boards include the presence of prickly fibers and formaldehyde resins in their composition. The former can hurt a person painfully, and formaldehyde resins can oxidize to the toxic substance phenol. However, stone and basalt varieties are practically free of these disadvantages.

When choosing cotton wool, give preference to European manufacturers, since the European Union has a serious certification system. Don't skimp on cotton wool - buy reliable and expensive cotton wool. When choosing, also pay attention to the direction of the mineral fibers. If you need a dense material, choose a slab with a random arrangement of fibers; if you need a material with high heat and sound insulating properties, give preference to a vertical arrangement of fibers. Before purchasing, be sure to check the product for the presence of a seal confirming GOST. Please check when purchasing technical specifications materials manually and do not trust sellers.

Cotton wool is sold in two forms - in the form of slabs and in the form of mats. The mats are wound into rolls; The slabs are placed in special boxes. If you bought glass wool or slag wool, transport it in closed cars to avoid accidental precipitation getting on it. Before cutting, mark with a pencil directly on the surface of the material. You need to cut the material using a hacksaw.

Mineral wool, the technical characteristics of which allow us to consider it one of the most effective insulation materials Today, the material is inexpensive and very popular. Its main advantages are low cost and low degree of thermal conductivity. Another undeniable advantage is its versatility. used for ceilings, walls, etc. It is not recommended to use this material only if there is a danger of it getting wet. The fact is that when mineral wool gets wet, it completely loses its thermal insulation properties.

Types of mineral wool

At the moment, there are only three main types of mineral wool:

1. Glass wool.
2. Slag-like.
3. Stone wool.

Main characteristics of glass wool

In the production of glass wool, materials such as soda, lime, borax and sand are used. The main component is broken glass. After processing all these components, fibers are obtained, from which elastic and durable mats are made that well preserve mineral wool of this variety, one has enough significant drawback. During the process of thermal insulation of structures, fibers easily break. In this case, small pieces penetrate through clothing and dig into the skin, causing severe itching. Moreover, particles from inhaled air can enter the lungs, causing long-term irritation. Therefore, you need to work with glass wool in a thick work suit, a respirator, goggles and gloves. The clothing will most likely not be reusable.

Characteristics of slag

Slag fibers are made using waste from metallurgical production. The thermal conductivity of this type of mineral wool is the lowest. In addition, it absorbs moisture very quickly. Therefore, experts do not recommend using it for insulating external walls and water pipes. Another disadvantage of slag wool is its high acidity. In the presence of even a small amount of moisture, when it comes into contact with metal, rapid oxidation of the latter occurs. Like glass wool, slag wool is caustic.

Basalt wool

Basalt mineral wool, the technical characteristics of which make it the most popular among both private owners and large developers, is made from rocks of the gabbro-basalt group, metamorphic and marls. This variety does not prick and does not cause metal oxidation. It is afraid of water, but at the same time has a high degree of vapor permeability. This type of material is produced both in slabs and in rolls (mats).

Mineral wool: technical characteristics

For comparative technical characteristics of these three types of mineral wool, see the table below.

Variety	Fiber thickness (µm)	Fiber Length(mm)	Thermal conductivity index (W/m K.)	Working temperature	Flammability
Glass wool				From +450 to -60
Slag				Maximum +300	Can sinter at high temperatures
Basalt wool				Up to +1000, provided that the mats are not deformed

The density of mineral wool can vary from 11 to 144 kg/m3.

Reviews about mineral wool

They respond more than positively to the insulation. This type of heat insulator is currently considered the most popular and widespread in the world. Good reviews of it from both private homeowners and large developers are explained, first of all, by its excellent thermal insulation properties, ease of installation and low cost. However, some owners of suburban areas still treat this material with caution. The fact is that mineral wool is capable of releasing dust and vapors that are harmful to health into the air. However, manufacturers claim that all harmful substances are contained in such small quantities that there is no negative influence have no effect on the body.

But it is still believed that insulation with mineral wool requires careful sealing of the structure. As for the manufacturer, many speak well of mineral wool brands such as Isover and Ursa. Knauf and Rockwool cotton wool is also praised.

Comparison with other materials

We’ll talk a bit below about how to insulate the ceiling with mineral wool and cover the floor and walls with this material. First, let's compare this type of insulation with other popular varieties. These include, for example, ecowool, polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, sandwich panels, etc. All of them are quite effective. Expanded polystyrene is considered the second most popular after mineral wool. It costs not much more and at the same time has almost the same technical characteristics. Its main difference from mineral wool is that it is not afraid of moisture, weighs less and is flammable. Polyurethane foam has the lowest degree of thermal conductivity known at the moment. However, it costs much more than mineral wool and polystyrene foam and is also very difficult to install.

Application of mineral wool

Most often used for insulating walls, roofs and ceilings. The installation technology is similar in all these cases. It is not particularly difficult. This is largely what makes this material so popular among private developers.

Mineral wool, the technical characteristics of which allow it to be used for insulating structures made of almost any material, does not burn at all. Therefore, it is used for insulating structures in rooms with an increased risk of fire.

Using mineral wool for wall insulation

The walls are insulated in several stages:

• A frame (usually wooden) is attached to their surface. The thickness of the bars should be equal to the width of the insulation. They are mounted so that the mineral wool fits between them as tightly as possible. Sometimes the slabs are additionally attached to the wall surface with special dowels - “fungi”.
• Before installing the slabs, if the insulation is carried out from the street side, a vapor barrier is stretched between the frame beams.
• Next, the mineral wool itself is installed. The thickness of the slabs can vary from 40 to 200 mm.
• At the next stage, a waterproofing film is stretched over the slabs. They fasten it with bars, stuffing them directly onto the frame. The film is usually mounted horizontally, with an overlap of 15 cm. When insulating from the inside, the procedure for installing steam and waterproofing films back.
• On final stage Finishing finishing material is installed on the bars of the resulting counter-lattice.

Using cotton wool for floor insulation

The floors are insulated in about the same way. Only in this case, it is not the frame that is used, but wooden joists. The floors between them are pre-laid waterproofing material. Next, insulation mats are installed. They are mounted on bars on top of them vapor barrier film(with foil inside the room). Next, stuff the genitals or edged board. Then the final finishing of the floor is installed - laminate, linoleum, parquet, etc.

Using mineral wool for ceiling insulation

Insulating the ceiling with mineral wool is carried out in the same manner as insulating the walls. That is, first the frame is stuffed, then the slabs are mounted, then the vapor barrier, and at the last stage - fine finishing. In this case, the plates must be additionally attached with “fungi” or glue.

Technology for insulating the attic from the inside

Insulation of attics and attics from the inside is carried out as follows:

• Rafter legs and all wooden elements roofs are carefully treated with antiseptic compounds and agents that increase the material’s resistance to fire. Since roof waterproofing is always carried out already at the stage of its construction, there is no need to take this step during the process of insulation from the inside.
• Next, mineral wool slabs are inserted between the rafters and secured with wire.
• After this, as in the first two cases, a vapor barrier is installed on the bars.
• At the last stage, the attic is covered with clapboard, plywood or plasterboard.

Mineral wool: price

Of course, those who decided to use this particular material to insulate their home would like to know how much such work would cost. The cost of basalt wool can vary quite significantly depending on:

• From the manufacturer. For example, mineral wool from Rockwool and Knauf (1000-1500 rubles per sheet with an area of ​​12-18 sq. m) costs slightly more than Ursa (600-700 rubles).
• Material thickness. Of course, the thicker the material, the more expensive it is.
• Its density. Soft mats in rolls are cheaper than hard slabs.

Thus, mineral wool, the price of which is affordable, is an insulation material that is certainly worthy of attention. Covering walls, floors or ceilings with this material means making your home warm and cozy for many years.

What is slag wool, how is it produced, its main technical characteristics, pros and cons, features of the choice of material, review of manufacturers and brief instructions for installing insulation with your own hands.

Description and features of slag wool production

Slag is made from blast furnace slag, which is a waste product from metallurgical production. During the years of the USSR, almost all large metallurgical enterprises had workshops for the production of slag wool. Investments in this production are minimal, and the practical benefits are obvious: you can get rid of waste and produce insulation for the needs of both the plant itself and civil engineering.

For the production of slag wool, as a rule, acidic (ductile) blast furnace slag is used. They contain harmful compounds such as iron oxides, sulfur compounds, and manganese. If the sulfur content is more than one percent, and the lime content is over forty, then the finished insulation will decompose over time. In addition, the presence of sulfur will contribute to the appearance of rust on iron elements in contact with the heat insulator, especially when it gets wet.

Slag wool insulation consists of thin mineral fiber with a diameter of approximately 0.002-0.005 millimeters and a length of up to 60 millimeters. The composition may also include slag dust and small balls. However, their presence in the structure of the heat insulator indicates the low quality of the material.

Such threads are obtained by blowing a stream of fiery liquid slag with a powerful jet of steam or compressed air. In addition, the slag often also goes through the stage of mixing and enrichment with silica. After the fibers are formed, they are pressed and treated with a binder. Next, the material is formed into sheets.

Technical characteristics of slag wool

Currently, slag wool is used much less frequently than during Soviet construction. It was replaced by a new generation of fibrous heat insulators. However, this material has generally good technical characteristics, which allows it to be used to this day.

Let's consider the characteristics of slag wool:

• Thermal conductivity. This parameter depends on the density of the insulation. On average it is 0.46-0.48 watts per meter per Kelvin. The lowest coefficient is achieved with an installation density of 350-450 kilograms per cubic meter. The thermal conductivity of slag wool is the highest among all types of mineral fiber heat insulators.
• Hygroscopicity. The coefficient of sorption moistening is 1.9%. This means that slag wool absorbs water well and has practically no moisture-repellent ability.
• Soundproofing. According to this indicator, slag wool is similar to all other types of mineral wool - 0.75-0.82. This means that the material is quite suitable for creating a sound-absorbing layer. But this insulation is not able to absorb vibrations.
• Fire resistance. The material belongs to the NG category, that is, it is not capable of burning.
• Sintering temperature. Despite the fact that slag wool does not burn, it has a fairly low sintering temperature. When exposed to 250-300 degrees above zero Celsius, the insulation begins to melt. As a result of such exposure, the material loses its thermal insulation qualities.
• Environmental friendliness. The slag wool contains phenol-formaldehyde resins. U high-quality insulation their concentration is minimal. However, it is important to observe safety precautions when working with this material and technical specifications use.
• Biological resistance. Slag wool does not attract rodents, insects, or microorganisms.

Advantages of slag

In general, the advantages of using slag wool as a heat insulator are the same as those of all other fibrous insulation materials. The advantages include the following factors:

1. Good thermal insulation. The material has good heat-saving properties. Slag wool is slightly inferior in this parameter to stone and glass wool, however, correct installation also reliably protects the building from cold wind and freezing.
2. High sound absorption coefficient. As a soundproofing material, slag wool can be laid both on external walls and on interfloor ceilings. It will reliably protect against the penetration of extraneous sounds from the outside thanks to its own fibrous structure, in which air is retained and sounds are suppressed.
3. Low price. Slag is quite budget material. This is explained by the fact that waste from the metallurgical industry is used for its production.
4. Easy to install. Insulation can be laid on both flat and curved surfaces. It is also easy to cope with the installation of heat insulation on round objects. It's quite flexible. In addition, the weight of the slag wool is small, so even one person can do the installation work.
5. Long service life with optimal conditions . If the slag wool does not get wet and is exposed to high temperatures, then it is able to maintain excellent sound and thermal insulation characteristics for 50 years or more.

Disadvantages: slagging

This is a specific material in which the percentage of residual acidity of blast furnace slag is high, which makes the insulation not as practical as other types of mineral wool.

In addition, the disadvantages of slag wool include the following:

• Poor resistance to sudden temperature changes. Insulation may lose its thermal insulation properties if it is frequently exposed to temperature fluctuations.
• Good water absorption ability. This factor provokes a number of negative aspects. Thus, when wet, slag wool ceases to function as a heat insulator. In addition, when moisture gets on the material, acid is formed, which corrodes metal parts, fasteners and elements.
• Limited scope of use. It is not recommended to lay slag wool as insulation on buildings where there is high level humidity (baths, saunas), building facades due to the risk of getting wet. In addition, insulate with this material wooden houses also shouldn't. If it gets wet, the wood under the heat insulation layer will rot.
• High fragility and thorniness of fibers. Like glass wool, it has sharp and brittle fibers that are dangerous if they come into contact with open areas skin and mucous membranes. Therefore, it is necessary to work with the material with the mandatory use of protective equipment.
• Low vibration resistance. Under strong vibration loads, the slag will settle, and its thermal conductivity will increase.
• Availability in the composition harmful substances . Many insulation materials that are not of very high quality contain volatile chemical compounds, such as phenol-formaldehyde.

Criteria for choosing slag wool

When choosing slag wool, you should first of all pay attention to material from well-known manufacturers, which has good feedback. Under no circumstances buy insulation from little-known brands at dubious points of sale, where they cannot provide you with the entire list of documents, certificates and licenses for the product.

1. The highest quality mineral fiber insulation is offered German manufacturers. Only they have the most picky certification bodies that will not release low-quality or potentially dangerous products onto the market.
2. Check with the seller in which direction the fibers of the insulation are located. When placed vertically, the slag wool will store heat well and absorb sound. If it is chaotic, it will be more durable and withstand dynamic loads.
3. Check the GOST of the product on the packaging if the slag is domestically produced. Its presence guarantees the quality of the product.
4. Choose the material that best suits your needs. The density of slag wool can be different, and the scope of its use depends on this. The density of 75 kilograms per cubic meter is suitable for insulating roofs and attics. Material with a density of 125 kg/m 3 is used on floors, ceilings, and interior walls.

Price and manufacturers of slag wool

Many large manufacturers of mineral insulation are gradually abandoning the production of slag wool. Those that still produce it have a limited range.

These are worthy of attention domestic producers of this insulation: Minvata CJSC, Tekhno Plant LLC, Minplya Plant CJSC, Thermal Insulation Products Plant LLC.

In addition, local representative offices of large brands, such as Rockwool, Isoroc, produce a series of thermal insulators for technical purposes based on blast furnace slag.

The price of slag wool is about 500 rubles per package.

Brief instructions for installing slag wool

Considering that this insulation can react critically to moisture, it is not recommended to install it on the facade of a building. Also, do not attach slag wool to metal carcass. If you plan to insulate vertical or inclined surfaces, then use wooden sheathing.

The heat insulator installation diagram is as follows:

• Let's prepare wooden beams size 50x50 or 50x100 millimeters. We select the thickness and width taking into account the width of the insulation.
• We attach the waterproofing to the surface using construction staples, with an overlap of 10 centimeters.
• In order not to cut the slag wool once again and not to lift harmful dust made of microparticles of fibers, it is recommended to install the lathing in increments to match the width of the mat. Usually it is about 50 centimeters.
• The slabs must fit tightly into the holes between adjacent beams and be laid end-to-end.
• The insulation does not require additional fastening.
• We place a vapor barrier on top of the slag wool. We also attach it with an overlap and glue the joints with special tape.

On top of this structure, you can install additional sheathing for further wall cladding. During operation, make sure that the slag does not come into contact with metal elements. You also need to be careful and avoid exposed areas of insulation. Firstly, it may get wet. Secondly, slag wool generates dust and will create an unfavorable microclimate in the room.

Watch a video about the production of stone wool:

Slag wool today is the least popular among all types of mineral fiber insulation. In terms of its characteristics, it is inferior to many new ones thermal insulation materials. However, the material is still used for insulation of non-residential and industrial premises.