What mineral wool is made of, its composition. Mineral wool: characteristics and properties

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

Mineral wool is a fibrous insulation, the properties and structure of which depend on the feedstock. For its production, three types of material are used:

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

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

Features and properties of varieties of mineral wool

Glass wool - is made from a mixture of sedimentary rocks (limestone, sand, dolomite), as well as from glass waste. In the manufacturing process, yellow elastic fibers are obtained. After transportation and opening the packaging material quickly restores shape. Mineral wool insulation is offered in rolls and plates of various stiffness.

Products with a layer of foil or fiberglass are produced. The lack of material is the fragility and tenacity of the fibers. They cause irritation in the skin, eyes and lungs. It is necessary to work with a heater in goggles, 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;
extreme temperature - + 450ºC.

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

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 low cost.

Characteristics:

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

Stone wool - raw materials for its production of rock melts. As binders, bituminous, composite and synthetic compounds are used. The use of phenol-formaldehyde resins is widespread, due to which thermal insulation properties are improved. Mineral wool slabs of basalt do not burn, withstand high loads, do not attract rodents. Durable material is used for thermal insulation of buildings and for protection of air ducts, columns, ceilings, penetrations through the roof from fire.

Stone wool performance:

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

The main characteristics of mineral wool

The popularity of the material among consumers is due to its working properties and affordable price. The insulation is produced in the form of rolls, plates, mats and pulp applied by a compressor. Among the advantages of mineral wool:

Resistance to fire - the material is one of the few heaters that does not support combustion.
Low coefficient of thermal conductivity - mineral wool reliably retains heat, preventing its passage. The insulation layer of 10 cm in efficiency is equal to 25 cm of the beam and 117 cm of the brick wall.
Vapor permeability - the thermal insulation layer does not limit natural air exchange and ensures a healthy indoor climate.
Biological stability - all types of mineral wool are not exposed to mold and fungus, 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 - due to the high-fiber fibrous structure, the insulation is an excellent noise insulator.

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

The effect of density on the properties of insulation

When choosing a heat-insulating material, it is necessary to take into account its density and thickness. From these indicators depends on weight, resistance to load and deformation and the cost of insulation.

A roll web with a density of 35 kg / m3 is used for horizontal placement without load.
Mineral wool slabs of 75 kg / m3 are installed in the interior partitions, floor and ceiling.
The facade is insulated with material with an indicator of 125 kg / m3.
Rigid mineral wool slabs are used for floors and load-bearing reinforced concrete structures.

To provide protection of building structures from fire and sufficient strength to insulate the roof and floors under the screed allows increased material rigidity and density of 200 kg / m3.
This indicator slightly affects the soundproofing properties and vapor permeability.

Minvata in the form of plates: properties and features

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

soft - laid in the attics, wrapped pipelines;
semi-rigid - sealed by spraying bitumen or synthetic resin, used for external wall insulation, making sandwich panels;
rigid - are used for thermal insulation of metal structures, external walls, roofs.

Blowing mats, cylinders and mineral wool

Mineral wool plates are small and easy to install on their own. Mats differ from them in large dimensions - 7-12 m. It is better to work with such material with a partner. A significant area of \u200b\u200binsulation allows you to quickly lay a layer of insulation on the ceiling or wall. As a result, a minimum of seams is formed that need to be closed. During transportation, the mats are rolled up; after purchasing and cutting the packaging, they easily restore shape.

Cylinders are used for thermal insulation of highways. The reinforcement of the structure made of cotton is enhanced by the use of a reinforcing mesh, and foil protects it from the outside. 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 plates, it is blown onto the surface to be insulated using special equipment. This technology allows you to isolate complex structural elements of the roof.

Disadvantages of thermal insulation material

Due to its hygroscopicity, mineral wool insulation needs to be protected from moisture. When using the material in a multilayer structure, it runs into hydro and vapor barrier fabric.

Another minus of the insulation is brittle fibers, which upon installation irritate the skin and mucous membranes. This is especially true for glass and slag wool. You need to put them in protective equipment and a respirator.

The concern of consumers is caused by formaldehyde substances in the composition of mineral wool. A heater with phenolic compounds is best used externally, although it is not dangerous at ordinary temperatures. When using mineral wool, it is important to adhere to the technology and be sure to cover the material layer with a vapor barrier film that does not allow dust from fibers to enter the room and moisture into the thermal insulation.

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

What is mineral wool?

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

In fact, the term mineral wool means not one material, but four:

glass fiber;
slagged;
stone wool;
basalt cotton wool.

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

Mineral wool insulation was used back in Soviet times as a reliable, high-quality and safe insulation material.

Composition of mineral wool (What mineral wool consists of):

The basis of mineral wool are 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.
For a tight bundle of fibers, various binders are used. For these purposes, phenol-based resins and bentonite clay are used.
On top of the material is covered with a thin layer of paper. Usually this is kraft paper with polyethylene or aluminum.

We have listed the main components of mineral wool (they comprise about 99% of all mineral wool products). To learn in more detail what mineral wool is in front of you: its composition is indicated on the package.

Mineral wool: varieties

Next, we will tell you what happens mineral wool: everything exists four types of cotton 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 the modest budget of the project.

Glass wool

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

Glass wool technical parameters:

Slaggy

The thickness of the fiber 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 flaws that prevents its use as a heater. It has residual acidity. Because of this, such a material will easily interact with various metal surfaces, oxidizing them. This material absorbs moisture easily. Therefore, it cannot be used for cladding rooms, plastic and metal pipes. It is very scratchy, which causes a lot of inconvenience during installation.

Technical Parameters Slag:

Stone wool

What mineral wool of this type is made of: gabbro and diabase, the thickness of the fiber of this type of wool is 5-12 micrometers, and the length is 1.6 centimeters. This material in its properties resembles slag. 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.

Technical parameters of Stone wool:

Basalt wool

This type of material is also made from gabbro and diabase. Does not contain blast furnace slags and various additives - dolomite, limestone and others. Basalt cotton wool is usually wound into rolls. Mineral cotton insulation does not deteriorate during reeling. 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 the lining of walls, ceilings and roofs. Minvata allows you to work with non-standard surfaces. Types of cotton wool for insulation differ in density, in accordance with this difference several brands are distinguished. There is mineral wool light grades, the density of which is up to 75 kilograms, but its scope is small.

Minvata brand P-75

Main characteristics:

The density of the material is 75 kg per cubic meter. m
This soft mineral wool is used for warming horizontal surfaces with a small load. An example of this type of surface is attics.
This material is often wrapped in central heating, gas and oil pipes to maintain heat.

Minvata brand P-125

Main characteristics:

The density of the material is 125 kg per cubic meter. m
It is used for insulation of ceilings, floors, interior walls and partitions.
The material has good sound insulation.

Minvata brand ПЖ-175

Main characteristics:

The density of the material is 175 kg per cubic meter. m
It is used for thermal insulation of reinforced concrete and metal walls and ceilings.

Minvata brand PPZh-200

Main characteristics:

The density of the material is 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 building 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 by ordinary people and experienced builders. And this is no coincidence:

High fire resistance. In the production of some varieties of cotton wool, only non-combustible melts of silicate rocks are used. This provides the material with a high degree of fire resistance. Such cotton wool does not burn under the influence of high temperatures, and also does not deform. For this reason, mineral wool is sheathed in rooms where various flammable substances are stored.
Resistance to chemicals. Vata poorly enters into chemical reactions with various chemicals, which allows it to be used for sheathing laboratories, various workshops, as well as school chemistry classes.
Resistance to biological irritants. Mineral wool is not loved by fungi or various harmful insects and rodents.
Slight shrinkage. Many materials shrink over time, losing their original volume. This is especially critical for various butt structures, when reducing the size of one of the blocks can lead to a violation of the tightness in the room. Mineral wool is free from 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. Vata well passes various water vapor. This allows you to quickly remove unpleasant odors from the room. Condensate will not settle on such a cotton.
High soundproof properties. Such cotton wool can be sheathed rooms not only for the purpose of insulation, but also to protect the room from extraneous noise.
Environmental friendliness. The material is safe for humans and does not cause any allergic reactions.
Easy installation. Mineral wool was made specifically to facilitate the warming of rooms. This material can be installed even by an amateur builder.
Durability. The service life is about 70 years, so you do not have to change the coating a few 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 damaged fibers are very small. If inhaled fibers are inhaled, damage to the lungs and respiratory tract is possible. This drawback is 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 a poison. Therefore, when installed in not very safe conditions, experienced builders recommend wearing protective clothing and a gas mask.

Also remember that types of mineral wat, such as stone and basalt, devoid of these shortcomings.

Mineral wool: scope

Use mineral wool as a building material. It is also used to warm walls, pipes and various structures. Sometimes mineral wool is used to create sound insulation, but only basal wool has good noise-canceling properties.

Building materials: mineral wool

In construction, mineral wool finds its application mainly as a heater. With its help create a special wall cladding that does not let cold air into the room, but retains warm air. Usually the walls are sheathed from the inside, but sometimes some varieties of wat are also used for flashing the walls from the outside. Gas-insulated pipes are also insulated with cotton wool on the streets and in the entrances of houses.

Mineral wool insulation: plates

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

Plates are easy and convenient to cut.
The plates are easy to transport and do not require special care.
Plates can be laid on uneven surfaces to hide the imperfections of load-bearing walls.

How to install mineral wool safely?

When installing mineral wool, the following rules must be observed:

Wear a protective suit, respirator, goggles and gloves.
When working with the material, cover it with a polyvinyl chloride film, which passes vapor.
Give preference to materials from a reliable manufacturer.
To create a mineral wool insulation - plates to help you.
Remember that formaldehyde resin does not oxidize at room temperature.
If you will work at high ambient temperatures, give preference to basalt cotton wool, which does not emit phenol during oxidation.

How to choose a good mineral wool?

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

Prefer European cotton wool. The reason for this choice is simple - in the territory of the European Union there is a fairly strict certification system in which manufacturers of mineral wool can not put their product on the market without preliminary tests. Yes, German quality is not a myth, but just a simple consequence of pragmatic European laws. Examples of European wat manufacturers are URSA, Rockwool, PAROC, ISOVER and others.
If you need mineral wool - plates will help you. You can buy cotton wool in rolls, but it is more difficult to transport.
It does not really matter when the mineral wool was made, since usually the shelf life is at least 50 years.
The price of cotton 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, although they are very cheap, but have a lot of disadvantages. This is a low thermal insulation, and low noise insulation. During installation, there can be many problems associated with damage to the fibers of the material. If a fiber fragment gets on the skin, it will hurt and itch.
If mineral wool is too expensive, using a used one will solve your problem.
Of great importance is the direction of the fibers. It is not recommended to use a material with a horizontal arrangement of fibers (and such material is quite rare). The vertical arrangement of the fibers improves the heat and sound insulation characteristics of the product. If the fibers in the cotton wool are arranged randomly, then it will withstand high loads.
Be sure to check on the box with print material confirming GOST. Also check with the seller what mineral wool you want to buy is made of.
Do not trust sellers. Suppose you need a 5 centimeter thick stove. Go to the seller and say that you need a 5-cm-thick plate. When the seller brings the stove, ask him to open the box to see for yourself that the stove matches your order. If the seller will dissuade you, do not listen to him, you better know.
To find out what mineral wool is made of, pay attention to the composition indicated on the package.

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

To isolate a simple flat roof, lay the mineral slabs in two layers. The fact is that in winter the roof freezes the most, it will need additional protection.
For soundproofing of wooden structures, use cotton wool with granules.
To create a heat-insulating insulation of the "wet" type, use lamella mineral wool.
If you are making a roof with a water drain, buy a slab with a variable cross-section.
When marking the plates, use a pencil. This will greatly simplify cutting and measuring.

How to transport mineral wool?

Rolls are formed from mats, and plates are collected in packs of several pieces (their number in one package depends on the thickness of the material). The average pack of plates has an area of \u200b\u200b0.35 square meters, and the weight of such packaging ranges from 10 to 70 kilograms. More accurate data is usually stored in the seller’s catalog.

Use a hacksaw to cut minvata into slices. Before cutting, mark the material with a pencil. It is advisable to cut cotton wool in rolls before wrapping. Plates are preferably cut individually.

For transportation of glass wool and slag, use closed machines so that various precipitations do not wet the material. Keep this material in a dry place. Stone and basalt wool do not need such thorough care, as they absorb moisture poorly. During transportation, cotton wool slightly decreases in volume, since it is in a compressed state. Mineral wool is quite easy to damage, so walking on it is not recommended. Lay the cotton wool in the slabs on top of one another, but so that the total height does not exceed two meters.

Conclusions about Mineral Wool as a heater.

Mineral wool will do for room warming. Minvata is a special material that complies with 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, stone wool and basalt wool. The first two types are cheap, but easily get wet and have poor soundproofing properties. The last two types hold heat well, do not let in noise.

Mineral wool: application.

When installing mineral wool, it is advisable to wear a protective suit, glasses, gloves and a gas mask. The explanation is that damaged fibers can easily hurt. Also, do not breathe dust particles with fragments of mineral fibers into the lungs. One of the main parameters of the plates is its density. A very dense stove can withstand heavy loads, but it will cost you a pretty penny. And vice versa - if the density of the plate is low, it will not cost you dearly. Lightweight mineral wool is practically not used, because it does not withstand heavy loads. The use of mineral wool depends on the task that confronts you.

The use of mineral wool has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of all types of plates include ease of installation, resistance to chemical and biological influences, environmental friendliness and good vapor permeability. Fire resistance and good heat and sound insulating properties are also true for stone and basalt wool. The disadvantages of the plates include the presence of spiny fibers and formaldehyde resins in their composition. The former can hurt a person, and formaldehyde resins can oxidize to the toxic substance phenol. However, stone and basalt varieties of these shortcomings are practically devoid of.

When choosing cotton wool, give preference to European manufacturers, since the European Union has a serious certification system. Do not save on cotton - buy reliable and expensive cotton. When choosing, also pay attention to the direction of the mineral fibers. If you need a dense material - choose a plate 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 buying, be sure to check the product for a seal confirming GOST. At the time of purchase, check the technical parameters of the material manually and do not trust the sellers.

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

10.08.2017 0 Comments

Mineral wool is one of the most popular heat insulation materials on the building materials market. It is used almost everywhere from private homes to water mains. This is not surprising, the material is cheap, easy to install and effective, but is everything so simple with it? We will understand what mineral wool is, how to choose and apply it correctly.

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Types of mineral wool and production features

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

Slaggy.

As you can see, the composition of mineral wool varies greatly, but what unites it? First of all, this is the structure of the material. Mineral wool consists of thin fibers woven together. They are compacted tightly to increase strength. The result is a flexible and sturdy structure with an empty space between the fibers. It is filled with air, which provides thermal insulation. The mineral wool density remains quite low, which greatly facilitates its installation and transportation.

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

Incandescent filaments settle in a special chamber, where large ones are formed densely from them. In this state, they are not yet interconnected and easily disintegrate. To fix the structure onto the fibers, a binder mixture is sprayed with a uniform layer. Most often, phenol-formaldehyde resin is used for this. The resulting structure is compressed and sent to cool. So cotton wool takes on a familiar look, but it is not yet ready for use. It is coated with a polymer composition and sent to the oven for repeated heat treatment, but this time softer. The last 2 operations give mineral wool boards high strength and resistance to constant temperature changes and high humidity.

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

The most flexible type of mineral wool. Features of the composition allow the production of materials of different densities. Because of this, the density of rock wool based on rocks varies greatly. More dense material is used in those cases when high strength is required from it. Sheathed metal structures in industrial premises, pipes, loaded structures made of reinforced concrete and other elements subject to constant fluctuations or temperature extremes.

Rockwool mineral wool is produced both in rolls and in hard molding. If, using the first type of material, everything is clear, then a molded insulation is used to close pipes and vibrating elements. It provides a more tight contact of the mineral wool with the surface, which ensures sound insulation. In this case, it is necessary to select not only the grade of the material, but also its shape so that it coincides with the insulated surface.

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

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

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

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

A significant drawback of glass wool is its prickly surface. The insulation consists of many subtlest pieces of glass that stick in. The short length does not allow them to cause serious harm to humans, but pieces of glass after contact remain on the skin, which can lead to a chemical burn. Because of this, it is impossible to work with her without gloves, and it is advisable to use safety glasses as well. Glass wool can not be used in residential premises and spaces where people constantly work.

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

Slaggy

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

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

The main characteristics of mineral wool

Immediately, we highlight several basic criteria by which thermal insulation is selected:

thermal conductivity;
flammability;
density;
vapor permeability;
sound insulation.

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

Often, the quality of waterproofing is also important. It is characterized by a vapor permeability index, which is measured in g / (m * h * hPa). The higher the value, the better the insulation passes moisture, and it is not so simple. Somewhere good ventilation is required, and somewhere vice versa. Initially, mineral wool passes water well, so in cases where waterproofing is required, foil mineral wool must be used.

Thanks to the fibrous structure of mineral wool, it also copes well with the damping of sound vibrations. The sound insulation quality is indicated on the packaging by AW marking, the value of which varies from 0 to 1. The closer the indicator is to unity, the better the material dampens sound waves.

Sound insulation and insulation of concrete floors with mineral wool.

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

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

Selection of mineral wool

We have already figured out the features of the production of mineral wool and its properties, it remains to understand by what criteria to choose a heat-insulating material. One of the key criteria is always the price. It’s easy to choose a quality material, but why pay for those properties that you will never need?

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

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

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

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

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

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Mineral wool (stone, basalt) consists of randomly oriented fibers, which are made from molten rocks erupted by a volcano. Also, according to GOST 31913-2011, this term should include glass wool (from molten glass) and slag wool (from slag from blast furnaces). Technical characteristics of mineral wool favorably distinguish it from most heaters. According to the criteria of thermal conductivity, sound insulation, vapor permeability and combustibility, it surpasses them. Checking all of the listed characteristics in the manufacture of stone wool is carried out according to GOST 4640-93.

Today, most companies selling the material offer several forms of release, but the properties of stone wool are slightly different:

Mats (rolls). Designed for roofing pie, walls, floors, and other non-loaded structures, because they have small density characteristics.
Plates. Basalt mineral wool of this type is manufactured with a maximum density of 220 kg / m. cube, which greatly expands the above list of applications. Such material is laid under a concrete screed on the roofs, which are supposed to be used for car parking, organization of walking areas and in other places where the insulation must withstand significant weight.
Cylinders One of the few options that can isolate pipelines is mineral wool - stone wool in the form of an elongated cylinder with a hole inside, perfectly copes with the task.

Properties

Technical characteristics of mineral wool determine its popularity and wide scope. Consider the main properties:

1. Thermal conductivity.

This is a value that shows how much thermal energy is transferred through a unit density material at a unit temperature difference. It is measured in W / (m * K) or W / (m * C). A technical description of mineral wool with an indication of thermal conductivity is always painted on the packaging. GOST 1995-01-01 indicates that, depending on the thickness of the mineral wool fibers, this indicator can range from 0.041 to 0.045. Due to technological tricks, some manufacturers manage to achieve a coefficient of 0.032 W / (m * C), which raises certain doubts.

2. Density.

The amount of mineral wool contained in 1 m. Cube of the finished product. The density of mineral wool is measured in kg / m 3. On average, it is available with parameters from 20 to 220 kg / m 3.

Size 3.

Depending on the area of \u200b\u200bdestination, it may fluctuate. For example:

Slabs are characterized by sizes from 5 to 20 cm in thickness and 60 x 100 in the plane. These indicators make them easy to use, in addition, 60 cm is the most common value of the step of the rafter system.
The properties of mineral wool in rolls do not allow it to be used as widely as plates, so it is characterized by dimensions that allow it to cover large areas with insulation: from 50 to 150 in thickness, 60-120 cm in width and up to 9 m in length.
The insulation in the cylinders is available in diameters from 2 to 27 cm and a length of 1 m. The thickness of the mineral wool is 2-10 cm.

4. Flammability.

This indicator is a special pride of the manufacturer. Mineral wool is a non-combustible species, so it can be insulated with surfaces with temperatures up to 600-650 degrees. Materials with a foil layer have a combustibility class G1 (low combustibility) due to the fact that they reflect an impressive part of the thermal energy back into the room.

5. Noise isolation.

Due to the chaotic structure of the fibers, sound insulation with mineral wool is also carried out very often. And large companies like Rockwool have launched a separate line of products designed specifically for soundproofing and damping various vibrations.

Cost

A review of the mineral wool insulation will be incomplete, if not to mention its price. We will conduct a short review of popular manufacturers in the market. Since the cost is more convenient to consider in rubles per 1 m3, we will adhere to this:

Ursa - rolls and plates. The first cost 1,000, the second - from 1,200 rubles.
Knauf. Comparatively expensive, but the price is still lower than that of Rockwool. You can buy Knauf mineral wool in rolls starting at 1,300, in plates - from 1,400 rubles / m3.
Rockwool One of the most serious brands of basalt wool. The price starts at 1,600, the mats cost 2,800, and the cylinders start at 380 rubles per m3.
TechnoNIKOL. The cost of minvata Technonikol is at an average level. Plates cost 1,400, rolls - from 1,000, the price of cylinders starts at 50 rubles / m3.
Isover - inexpensive mineral wool, costs 1,200, in rolls - from 1,000 rubles.

Minvata of various grades in appearance practically does not differ. Natural questions arise: “Why pay more?” and "what's the difference?" It consists primarily in the limitation of their foundation, which affects the experience of production, fame, reliability of published characteristics. All this leads to a change in the value of the product. For example, Rockwool and TechnoNIKOL produce cylinders, which indicates the functionality of their products, but Ursa and Isover are 20-30% cheaper with almost the same characteristics.

First of all, focus on the scope indicated by the manufacturer, and if it is written that it is Rockwool Facade Butts mineral wool, then you should not use it on the floor or roof (it will lead to premature loss of performance).
It is necessary to pay attention to the probable loads that the insulated surface carries. To avoid compaction of the insulator, and, accordingly, to reduce its coefficient of thermal conductivity, purchase plates of increased density.
To insulate the roof on the inner layer, foil insulation is used to reduce the loss of "radiation" heat. For these purposes, as well as thermal insulation of chimneys, you can choose materials, one side of which is covered with foil.
Pay attention to thermal conductivity, as some companies are tricky when trying to indicate low values, not indicating the temperature at which they are true. At different levels of the thermometer, the coefficient value will differ in any insulation.
Manufacturers indicate the different service life of their materials. For a metal tile or slate, this is not critical, but for more durable types of roofing an extra 10 years is a lot.

Articles

Mineral wool belongs to the category of universal heaters. Due to the huge number of its advantages, it has unlimited application. There are several varieties of this material. We will talk about their features and the advantages of mineral wool as a heater.

Mineral wool: origin and manufacturing features

Mineral wool is a material intended for thermal insulation, which consists of thin, interwoven glass-like fibers. They are made by spraying a certain kind of slag, stones or basalt. The quality and density of mineral wool depends on the length and diameter of the fibers. The process of production of mineral wool is based primarily on the receipt of minimal fibers, which are interconnected using a binder.

In order to better understand the properties of mineral wool, you should carefully study the process of its origin. The manufacture of mineral wool is conventionally divided into the following stages:

1. Determination of the type of raw material and its preparation for melting.

At this stage, the composition of mineral wool is determined, in which a certain proportion of ingredients is observed. It has a name - charge. Most often in this composition there are two, maximum three components. Each of the manufacturers of mineral wool has its own proportions of ingredients in this composition. It is on the proportionality and type of mineral wool ingredients that its further multifunctionality, resistance to moisture, temperature changes and compression depends. In addition, the product must have high thermal insulation properties. The quality of mineral wool is determined primarily by its fiber, its size and chemical components. Before mixing the ingredients, they undergo a grinding and drying procedure. Already in the dosage chamber, they are selected according to the given proportions.

2. The procedure of melt components.

After all the ingredients are well mixed together, they are melted at a temperature of about one and a half thousand degrees Celsius. This stage is the main part of the mineral wool production process. The consistency of the mixture and the length of the fibers of the finished product depend on the temperature in the furnace.

Most often, fuel in the form of natural gas is used to heat such a furnace, it is with its help that it is possible to achieve such a high temperature.

3. The manufacture of fiber material.

A molten mass having a certain viscosity is at the fiber formation site. For these purposes, special devices have been developed in the form of multi-roll centrifuges and fiber distributors. The composition hits the roll, which rotates at a very high speed. As a result, the formation of fibers occurs, in which various kinds of additives and water-repellent mixtures are also added. Then the fibers are in their cooling chamber and form a homogeneous fabric.

On a special kind of machine, the web undergoes special processing to orient the fibers. Due to this, mineral wool is characterized by almost zero shrinkage.

4. Polymerization procedure.

The canvas is in the heat treatment chamber, where it hardens. All binders are endowed with certain physical properties, it is this process that subsequently affects the quality of the finished product.

5. Definition of the form.

Mineral wool is available both in the form of plates, and in roll form. At this stage, it is cut and packaged in size.

6. Packing.

The last, final stage involves packaging the finished material and sending it for sale.

Characteristics of mineral wool: advantages and disadvantages of insulation

To get started, get acquainted with the benefits of mineral wool:

1. Good thermal insulation performance.

Due to the fact that the fibers of the heat-insulating material have a special fineness, it is a universal and very good heat-insulating material. If we compare the indicators of its thermal conductivity with other alternative heaters, then mineral wool will certainly win.

2. Fire safety.

Mineral wool is used in any areas whose temperature does not exceed 1000 degrees. Before reaching this temperature, mineral wool is not able to melt. Therefore, it is an excellent option for the insulation of walls, floors, ceilings and floors. Using mineral wool, to some extent it is possible to prevent a fire, since it is not capable of spreading fire.

3. Resistance to chemical compounds.

This property also expands the scope of use of mineral wool. Its composition is absolutely resistant to all kinds of chemical influences.

4. Biological sustainability.

This advantage is primarily due to the fact that mineral wool is not eaten by rodents such as rats or mice, unlike polystyrene. And, therefore, throughout the entire period of its operation, it remains unchanged both in form and in composition. In addition, due to good moisture resistance, mineral wool is resistant to fungus and mold, which is especially important to ensure a healthy atmosphere and microclimate in the room.

5. Excellent sound absorber.

The random arrangement of mineral wool fibers allows you to use it not only as a heater, but also for soundproofing rooms. Mineral wool is even used for installation on doors, as it is not able to pass extraneous sounds into the room.

6. The ability to cope with static loads.

Due to its good density, mineral wool perfectly withstands static loads, therefore it is used for insulation of floors, floors and other critical elements. Even after 40 years of its operation, mineral wool does not shrink. And the duration of its operation depends on the tendency of the insulation to deform. Since shrinkage leads to the appearance of bridges of cold and to an increase in heat loss.

7. Steam throughput characteristics.

Due to the fact that mineral wool passes air, a healthy atmosphere is maintained in the room and natural air exchange occurs.

8. Environmental safety.

In the composition of mineral wool there is a binder based on formaldehyde resins, however, in the process of manufacturing insulation, this resin becomes completely harmless, and during further operation, does not emit harmful substances.

9. Long term use.

The service life of mineral wool is more than 45 years. Since this material practically does not shrink, it tolerates high humidity, sharp changes in temperature and atmospheric phenomena, it is able to maintain its characteristics throughout the entire period of its use.

In addition, mineral wool is an excellent insulation for facades, as it is characterized by high tensile strength. This material is easy to process and install.

Despite this, mineral wool has several disadvantages, among which are:

mineral wool is able to function normally as a heater, exclusively in combination with additional materials of vapor barrier and waterproofing nature;
in the process of working with mineral wool, it is necessary to use protective gloves, a mask and glasses, since there is a risk of the smallest fibers getting on the skin and its irritation;
it is not recommended to allow constant contact of mineral wool with moisture.

Scope of use of mineral wool for insulation

Due to its versatility and a large number of positive characteristics, mineral wool has a wide range of applications, namely:

in the process of warming ventilated facades;
in the arrangement of three-layer masonry;
insulation of walls, ceilings, floors, floors;
production of roofing pies in the process of arranging a quality roof;
as a heat-insulating material for a roof;
with external wall insulation;
in the process of manufacturing reinforced concrete products;
during thermal insulation of communication systems: pipelines, gas pipelines, etc .;
in most building structures;
when warming balconies and attics, as well as loggias.

Types of mineral wool and their characteristics

In relation to the characteristics of the production of mineral wool, it is of three types:

fiberglass based;
based on slag;
rock mineral wool.

Each of the materials is distinguished by individual characteristics, in particular, the length and location of the fibers, different resistance to deformation, moisture, loads, etc.

Mineral wool based on fiberglass or glass wool has fibers whose thickness is not more than 14 microns, and a length of up to five centimeters. This material is characterized by the highest strength and elasticity. Please note that it requires the use of special protective equipment when working, as small particles of glass can get on the skin and cause its irritation.

Glass wool has a good coefficient of thermal conductivity, it is able to withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees of heat and 50 degrees of cold.

The second option is the use of slag. For the manufacture of this insulation, blast furnace slag is used, the fibers of which do not exceed twelve microns in thickness, and not more than one and a half millimeters in length.

Slag is unstable to an acidic environment, so it has limited use on metal surfaces. In addition, this insulation is characterized by high hygroscopic ability, so it can not be used in the process of insulation of facades and other external structures. The cost of slag is an order of magnitude lower than, for example, glass wool. Due to its fragility, it is not used for insulation of pipelines and communication systems.

Slag is able to withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius, when exposed to a higher temperature, it loses its thermal insulation properties. In addition, it has high hygroscopicity, which greatly limits the scope of its application. The biggest advantage of this insulation is its lower cost compared to alternative options.

Stone or basalt mineral wool - characterized by the same small fibers as slag. However, this material is not prone to cause irritation or allergies. In addition, it has high thermal insulation performance. The best option for stone wool is a material based on basalt rocks. This material can withstand temperatures up to a thousand degrees of heat and up to two hundred degrees of frost, without changing the thermal insulation characteristics.

Basalt stone wool is sold in both roll and slab versions. It is very convenient in operation, not prone to deformation, not prone to burning. This version of mineral wool is the best choice for its use as a heater.

Thermal insulation mineral wool: features of choice

In order to buy mineral wool, it is enough to contact any hardware store or supermarket. The price of mineral wool is determined primarily by its type, the cheapest is slagged, a little more expensive than glass wool, and the most expensive option is basalt stone wool.

The thickness of mineral wool is different, its choice depends on the type of coating on which the insulation will be installed.

In addition, in relation to the size of mineral wool, different types of plates and rolls are also distinguished. Each of the manufacturers has its own dimensional grid of finished products.

Stone wool is divided into such subspecies:

granular - made by a special compressor installation, relevant for places in which installation of a conventional insulation is not possible;
in the form of plates coated with bitumen - an excellent option for laying roofing finishing materials;
in the form of lamellar plates - it is characterized by the presence of fibers that are not arranged in a chaotic, but in a perpendicular order, has good elasticity and flexibility, suitable for thermal insulation of pipelines.

We offer you to get acquainted with the main producers of mineral wool:

1. Rockwool mineral wool - the material has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity, excellent air permeability, does not absorb moisture, is not combustible. In addition, mineral wool from this manufacturer is resistant to mold, insects and rodents, environmentally friendly and has good soundproofing characteristics. Among the huge range of products, it is possible to choose exactly the type of mineral wool that will suit the individual characteristics of the site requiring insulation.

2. Izover mineral wool - is made in the form of plates, rolls or mats, has two forms: rigid and semi-rigid. The material is used in the process of insulation of roofs, floors, floors, facade parts of a building or walls. The material retains air by 99%, so during operation, its thermal conductivity only increases.

3. Ursa mineral wool - the basis of this insulation is fiberglass or quartz glass. The material is characterized by good fire safety, it is practically non-combustible, in addition, the mineral wool of this manufacturer is environmentally friendly to health.

Before buying mineral wool, you should also study the recommendations for its selection, which are presented below:

1. Pay attention to the place and storage conditions of the material. All products must be stored in the packaging in which they were packaged at the factory.

2. If mineral wool is sold in boxes, then contact with moisture or a humid environment should be minimized.

3. Even for small money, wet cotton wool should not be purchased, since after drying it loses its properties.

4. Identify several manufacturers for yourself, read reviews about them, and then make a purchasing decision.

5. Pre-calculate the required amount of cotton wool, in relation to the area of \u200b\u200bthe insulated area.

Mineral wool video: