Roof insulation with mineral wool. How to work with stone wool What tools are used to disassemble thermal insulation from mineral wool

Through the roof of the house, the greatest heat loss of houses and buildings occurs. This is not noticeable to the lower floors of buildings, but more heat is needed to heat the upper floors.

To insulate the roof, you need to choose best option material. It must be not only airtight, but also fire resistant and non-toxic.

Taking into account such requirements, mineral wool will be the best option.

There are varieties of mineral wool: glass and basalt. The latter is produced from a rock - gabbro-basalt. During manufacture, carbonates are added to it, which allows you to regulate its acidity.

Basalt wool

Such a factor as - acidity, has for mineral wool great value. The more acidic vata is, the less sensitive it is to water.

The type of cotton wool, in which the acidity is greater, is considered more durable. Synthetic, bituminous or composite clays are added to give shape. Glass wool does not require special explanation, its name speaks for itself.

it mineral composition, for the manufacture of which the same components are used as for glass (it can be broken glass).

The two types of wat differ in their properties. Glass wool is usually 15 microns thicker (from 3 microns), but basalt wool is several times longer.

The conclusion suggests itself: glass wool is a more durable material that can withstand more aggressive environmental factors than basalt. Also, glass wool does not burn.

Roof insulation with mineral wool is difficult when working on roof slopes with a truss structure. In such cases, it is better to use dense cotton wool. To prevent moisture from accumulating under the roof, you need to use cellulose wool.

Advantages and features of mineral wool

Mineral wool has the following advantages:

a wide range of products. Mineral wool is produced in the form of plates, rolls or mats. Due to this, it is possible to choose the option that is best suited for thermal insulation of a certain section of the building. Also, the types of mineral wool differ in density: the material in the form of plates has a high density, and roll insulation lighter;

has high thermal insulation characteristics. Mineral wool has a porous structure. This material consists of small layers. Due to this, it retains heat well, and also provides excellent sound insulation;

fire safety of the material. Mineral wool does not burn and does not spread fire. For this reason, it is often used for thermal insulation. floors. Mineral wool manufacturers claim that this material can withstand temperatures in excess of 900 degrees Celsius;

mineral wool is not deformed and this is a very important advantage. This material does not shrink, therefore, there is no formation of "cold bridges" that cause heat loss;

frost resistance. This property allows the use of mineral wool for thermal insulation of external building elements;

mineral wool is an environmentally friendly material. It is used for thermal insulation of sanatorium and medical institutions, as well as children's rooms.

This heater is produced in various forms- plates, cylinders, mats; you can buy cotton wool covered with foil.

Mineral wool has features that cannot be called positive. These include:

low strength. This is due to the high porosity of mineral wool;

to ensure a high level of thermal insulation, this material should be used together with a waterproofing film and a vapor barrier membrane;

when using mineral wool with fiberglass, it becomes unsafe because formaldehydes are added to it;

high hygroscopicity (therefore, high waterproofing is done).

To attach such a heater to inside planks are nailed to the rafters (a lattice is made of them), to which cotton wool will be attached. FROM outer side stack cotton wool in one layer (layers depend on the thickness of the cotton wool).

After laying the insulation, waterproofing is applied. The important thing in this step is not to confuse the sides of the insulation. Upper layer does not allow moisture to pass through, and the lower one is an obstacle to steam.

The waterproofing is not stretched, there is air space between it and the wool. There should be air space in front of the skate, which will create additional traction.

Warming method

To start insulating the roof with mineral wool, you need to cut (if necessary) it so that it fits in size to the distance between the rafters.

If cotton wool is used, for example 10 cm, and the thickness of the thermal insulation is more than 10 cm, then another layer of wool is laid already perpendicular to the rafters. There are two ways to strengthen the roof of non-residential premises.

The first is to insulate the ceiling, and the second to strengthen the roof slopes. The first case does not require any special preparation or special costs.

No need to bypass the rafters, as in the second case. Strengthen roof slopes non-residential premises, thus, is cumbersome. Would need a large number of cotton wool, which must be strengthened by bypassing the rafters.

Mineral wool grades

Mineral wool is produced in the form of mats and slabs. It is used for thermal insulation of the ceiling, partitions, roofs, partitions, as well as internal walls. When working with this material, as a rule, there are no special problems. Mineral wool can be laid not only on a flat, but also on a non-standard surface.

Mineral wool brand p-75

There are the following brands of mineral wool, which differ from each other in their density:

P-75. The mineral wool of this brand has a density of 75 kg / m3. It is usually used for thermal insulation horizontal surfaces, which are not subjected to serious loads (some types of roofs, attic spaces). Also, cotton wool of this brand is used for warming oil and gas pipes, as well as pipes of heating plants. Mineral wool of lower density is also produced, but it is used in cases where there is almost no load.
P-125. This material has a density of 125 kg/m3. It is used for thermal insulation of partitions, ceilings, floors and interior walls of the room. The mineral wool of this brand creates good sound insulation. Therefore, when using it, you can not only insulate the building, but also create good sound insulation.
PZh-175. This is a dense material with increased rigidity. It is used for insulation of ceilings and walls made of profiled metal or reinforced concrete.
PPZH-200. Mineral wool of this brand has increased rigidity. It is used in the same cases as PZh-175. The difference between PZH-200 and the previous brand is that it is fireproof.

How to cut mineral wool?

It is advisable to cut stone wool insulation with a special knife with a serrated blade or a hacksaw. The tool used for this purpose must be well sharpened.

This is necessary so that the torn out fibers of the insulation are as small as possible. Many manufacturers of thermal insulation materials offer customers special cutting tools. These are knives, the length of which is approximately 300 millimeters, as well as saws with straight teeth.

If there are no special tools, then you can use a kitchen bread knife with a wavy edge and fine teeth. For cutting mats with a thickness of 50 millimeters and soft plates, you can use a conventional mounting knife.

It is important to note that the heat-insulating material must cover the insulated space very tightly. Therefore, it is necessary to leave allowances before cutting.

Thermal insulation of the floor

Interfloor and attic floors are made from bearing beams or reinforced concrete. In the first case, the heat insulator is placed in the space between the floor beams, and in the second case, on the surface of the slabs.

Attic floor insulation

First of all, you need to install a vapor barrier. It will protect the thermal insulation from moisture and steam. Before styling vapor barrier film you need to read the instructions for its use. If the vapor barrier is laid incorrectly, then it will not fulfill its tasks.

Flat roofs are usually insulated with rigid mineral wool boards with a density of more than 150 kg/m3. A layer of waterproofing is laid on top of it. It is necessary to lay the plates very tightly to each other. In this case, the seams should not be located on the same line. Optimal Thickness layer of mineral wool is 25 centimeters.

You can also insulate interfloor and attic floors with sawdust. They are used together with sand, clay, lime and cement. The composition provides good thermal insulation.

Expanded clay is also often used to insulate the attic. This material contains a large number of pores, due to which the function of thermal insulation is provided.

When using these materials, financial costs will be less, and the quality of thermal insulation is no worse than in the case of mineral wool insulation. When choosing a heater, one should take into account the height and area of \u200b\u200bthe building, the materials from which it is built and other parameters.

Video about the thermal insulation of the attic floor:

Pitched roof insulation

To insulate the roof with mineral wool, it is necessary to install steam, hydro and thermal insulation. The pitched part of such a roof is a multilayer cake. It is mounted both inside and outside the roof.

To create high-quality thermal insulation of the roof, you must perform the following steps:

perform the installation of a vapor barrier layer. It will protect the thermal insulation from air saturated with moisture;

as thermal insulation material use mineral wool;

for guard truss system and insulation from atmospheric precipitation, a layer of waterproofing should be installed;

it is necessary to provide ventilation gap. It is created by mounting a counter-lattice;

at the last stage, the roofing material is laid.

Laying a waterproofing membrane

When insulating the roof of a building with mineral wool, it is necessary to ensure that it does not block the ventilation hole.
If during installation work If a superdiffusion membrane is used, then the heat insulator should be laid tightly on it. This is necessary so as not to block the ventilation gap.
If a conventional roofing film is used, then two gaps must be made: top and bottom.
When laying mineral wool boards in rows, make sure that the joints do not coincide with each other.
In order for the insulation to fit snugly against the surfaces of the rafter legs, it is necessary to choose mineral wool of such a size that its width is slightly greater than the distance between the rafters.
Mineral wool slabs should fit very tightly to each other.
When insulating the roof with mineral wool, it is necessary to install a waterproofing layer. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the quality of the connection of the waterproofing film.

Mounting errors

Before installing mineral wool, you must perform the following steps:

check the truss structure. If rotten elements are present, they must be replaced;

treat the roof with antiseptics;

check communication systems: water supply and electricity;

pitched roofs are best insulated with material in the form of slabs or rolls, since they fit well on the crate.

Between a layer of mineral wool and roofing material ventilation space must be present. When warming pitched roof in a private house, not only thermal insulation is provided, but also sound insulation.

Inexperienced professionals often make the following mistakes:

do not use a heat insulator whose width is less than the distance between rafter legs. In this case, heat loss will occur through the cracks;

do not insulate the roof with material with high level humidity. It will cause rot wooden elements roof frame;

if you do not install hydro and vapor barrier, then the thermal insulation system will not work properly, moreover, its service life will be significantly reduced.

Video on how to insulate the roof from the inside with your own hands:

Mineral insulation has a fibrous structure, the violation of which leads to a decrease in thermal insulation properties. This makes it inefficient to use scissors for thick fabrics or cardboard, as well as table or stationery knives for cutting it. Therefore, the answer to the question of how to cut mineral wool correctly without violating its structure will be useful for beginner builders.

What will we cut

On an industrial scale, special machine tools are used to cut mineral insulation. Consider how to cut mineral wool insulation yourself at home.

Often, a mounting knife is used to cut mineral wool. But it has one drawback - a short blade, which is not suitable for working with thick insulation boards. In addition, the blade becomes dull quickly and needs to be replaced.

Sometimes a special hacksaw is used for wood or metal, and craftsmen found how to cut mineral wool at home - a kitchen serrated knife for cutting bread.

But still, when choosing how to cut stone, glass or slag wool, it is better to use special tools.

Knife with stainless steel blade

A knife for cutting insulation with a long blade made of durable stainless steel is suitable for working with mineral wool of any thickness. To cut the insulation of different hardness, there are larger and smaller teeth on each side. Such a blade easily enters the thickness of the plate, allowing you to make even curly cuts thanks to the sharp tip.

Knife with carbon steel blade

Mineral wool cutting knife with carbon steel blade has high quality cutting and easy to sharpen. However, it requires more care than a stainless steel blade, as it is prone to rust. It must be wiped dry after each use and lubricated.

Example: MORA knife for cutting mineral wool

The Swedish company MORA produces tools for cutting mineral insulation. Knife with stainless steel blade is used for cutting stone wool and glass mineral wool. The blade is made of special cold-rolled stainless steel and has a serrated edge. Ergonomic and comfortable plastic handle suitable for use with gloves. Its characteristics:

total length- 500 mm;
blade length - 335 mm;
blade thickness - 1 mm;
weight - 0.238 kg.

Knife with carbon steel blade is used for cutting mineral insulation different types. It has a smooth, high-quality carbon steel blade with a length of 350 mm. The plastic handle provides a good grip when wearing work gloves.

How to cut mineral wool

Mineral wool is fibers in structure, and accordingly, when it is cut, small particles of these fibers enter the air. To prevent them from getting into the respiratory tract and on the skin, it is important to create safe working conditions:

provide good ventilation in the work area;
use overalls and protective equipment - overalls, gloves, a mask or respirator, goggles;
Wash thoroughly immediately after finishing work. cold water hands and then face.

To minimize the amount of harmful dust in the air, cutting mineral wool should be done with tools with a well-sharpened, sharp working edge. It is better to cut across the fibers.

To obtain strips of the same width, mineral insulation produced in rolls is recommended to be first cut directly in a roll, without unfolding, and mineral wool boards are cut one at a time.

To ensure even and accurate cuts, you must first mark the material or cut directly along the ruler.

What to do with scraps and mineral wool residues

If trimmings remain after working with mineral wool, you can use them for insulation, for example, a garage or a barn. Some choose such a budget option for insulation, so that you can sell the leftovers at a low price.

There is also the option of recycling waste for recycling purposes. In this case, the remains of mineral wool boards are crushed using special equipment.

Mineral wool cutting video

On the video - cutting mineral wool with a special tool.

uteplix.com

Overview of tools for cutting mineral wool

There are always a lot of questions about how and how to cut mineral wool. Especially for those who are going to build housing on their own (for example, frame, which involves assembling on their own). Indeed, in its structure it is a fibrous material, moreover, having a certain thickness. Ordinary table knives or scissors designed for cutting cardboard or thick fabrics will not work here at all.

However, before you start cutting mineral wool, it is important to deliver it correctly to the construction site. Indeed, otherwise, the material brought to the state of marriage will not have to be cut, but simply replaced with a new one. And this - additional expenses.

How to properly transport insulation

Science is simple, but very important. So:

plates and mats are transported in a horizontal position;
the truck must be with a protective awning;
transportation is carried out only in packaged form;
during transportation, loading and unloading, it is important not to compress the insulation too much;
unpack the mineral wool immediately before starting work on insulation.

What will we cut

You can do it different devices, depending on the thickness of the mineral wool.

Thin materials (max. 50 mm):

Thicker and denser materials:

special knives about 300 mm long. Often they are offered by manufacturers of insulating materials. This tool has teeth. different size for cutting mineral wool different thickness and density;
saws with undivided teeth;
hacksaw for metal;
cutting machines. Used when cutting elements complex shape. However, for self-construction of your own house, that is, for a single use, it is not advisable to purchase such expensive equipment - you will have to adapt to the capabilities of other tools.

How to cut

at self construction When workers do not have sufficient experience, it is advisable to consult with specialists before cutting, especially if pieces of complex shape are expected. This will help prevent unnecessary consumption of insulation;
the cutting tool must be well sharpened so that the mineral wool does not tear into fibers and is less “dusty”;
when cutting the insulation, it should be borne in mind that in order to ensure a tight overlap of the insulated space with mineral wool, it is necessary to leave allowances of about 2 cm;
it is better to cut rolled mineral wool before unfolding it;
mineral wool boards must be taken out of the package and cut one at a time;
it is not recommended to cut mineral wool "for the future" - immediately for the entire scope of work. This increases the risk of accidental damage to its shape when additional shifting from place to place or folding pieces on top of each other.

It is important to create a safe working environment

This is really important. As in any business, observing simple safety precautions will help maintain health, carry out work in optimal timing and at a high quality level. What you need to pay attention to:

it is better to cut the insulation in cool weather, since for work it is necessary to wear a protective suit made of dense material, which will prevent skin contact with mineral wool fibers and its irritation;
to protect hands, put on special gloves - with silicone or rubber coating on the palms;
special glasses will be needed to protect the eyes;
respiratory organs will be protected by a respirator.

Such measures must be observed, since when cutting the insulation from under the knives, material particles rise into the air. Which can get into the eyes, respiratory tract, and also cause skin irritation.

In addition, it is important to remember:

when working with this type of insulation, it is necessary to periodically arrange a break, during which the room should be ventilated;
it is necessary to shift the cut pieces carefully, without throwing, in order to reduce the amount of fibrous suspension in the air;
on the construction site at this time there should be no children, even in protective equipment.

As can be seen from the above, there is nothing super complicated in cutting mineral wool. Subject to the indicated rules, it will not be difficult to perform work efficiently and safely.

remontami.ru

How to properly cut mineral wool

Mineral wool is one of the best, simplest and most common materials for insulation and soundproofing walls and ceilings today, and is also known for several other applications. In addition, it is easy to mount, that is, you can independently carry out the insulation of the premises.

Many people do not know how to cut mineral wool correctly without violating its structure, in this article we will look at all the ways to properly cut mineral wool, as well as advise on the tools that are best suited for this.

What types of mineral wool are there?

Mineral wool is usually classified according to the principle of the material from which it is made. From this follows the conclusion that mineral wool made from different raw materials also differs in structure - fibers, and, accordingly, in the type of cutting. So there are the following types of mineral wool:

Glass mineral wool. Consists of melted glass.
Stone mineral wool. It is made most often from various melts of rocks.
Slag mineral wool. Raw material- blast-furnace slag.

In fact, you should pay attention to the fact that sometimes mineral wool is harmful. This is due to the fact that it contains dust and phenol-formaldehyde resins. Therefore, it is necessary to treat this material selectively, although mineral wool cannot be classified as a human carcinogen.

How to cut mineral wool:

Mineral wool cutting can be carried out both independently at home and using various equipment. Equipment for cutting mineral wool boards can be different. The issue is scale. Mineral wool cutting machine is suitable for serious and large scale - for enterprises, manufacturers, etc. But the knife for cutting mineral wool will become indispensable assistant in cutting insulating materials at home.

It is important that cutting mineral wool does not damage the fibers, so the equipment must be selected carefully. The cut must be even. At home, cutting mineral wool rolls (the so-called "50s") will be convenient with a cutting knife, but for large ones ("100s") a special hacksaw for heaters will be convenient. At the beginning, its price may seem unreasonably high, but it's worth it. It is important that the work is done properly. Circular cutting of mineral wool can be convenient. The machine for cutting mineral wool can easily cope with such a task.

How to cut mineral wool:

If you do not know how to cut mineral wool at home, we can advise you on excellent tools that are best suited for cutting mineral wool.

So, for cutting mineral wool, it is best fit good, a sharp stationery knife or a hacksaw, carefully cut the mineral wool in the right directions, for greater accuracy, you can draw lines with a pencil or cut directly along the ruler. The process of cutting mineral wool is somewhat similar to cutting foam, only you need to make a little more effort, pressing a little harder on the tool for cutting mineral wool.

What to do with scraps and remnants of mineral wool.

One of the solutions may pleasantly please many (especially firms and large manufacturers). Mineral wool scraps are not useless and can be useful to those who decide to insulate their walls and ceiling in budget option. Scraps can be sold at a low price, and the demand for the product will be very high.

It is also possible to recycle scraps of mineral wool boards. In this case, with the help of special equipment, the remains of mineral wool boards are crushed to granules with the possibility of further recycling.

bazaltovaya-vata.ru

How to work with mineral wool

To protect against small particles, it is better to work with mineral wool with gloves and a respirator

In this article, we will not touch on the advantages and disadvantages popular insulation, which is called mineral wool. Many articles have been written on this subject on the Internet, but not everyone writes how to work with mineral wool, and if they do, then in passing. About the harm that this causes to human health construction material even many scientific works have been written, so the question: how to work with mineral wool, while maintaining your health, is far from being idle. And to understand it, you first need to know the composition of this material. And here it is useful to recall that mineral wool has three types: glass wool, slag wool and stone wool.

In the manufacture of glass wool, the same material is used as for the production of glass, as well as waste from the glass industry. If we take into account that limestone, sand, borax, soda and dolomite are used as raw materials for the production of glass wool, then the content of cullet in the structure of the material reaches up to 80%. When working with glass wool, the fragility of the fibers is formed in the form of small sharp and small particles that fall on the human body, respiratory organs and eyes. Therefore, when working with glass wool, it is imperative to use protective equipment such as a respirator, goggles, tight gloves, clothing that covers all parts of the body. If, for any reason, you have not saved yourself from adhering to the following rules:

If dust gets on open area the body does not need to be scratched. Because by doing so you will drive small particles further into the body.
Be careful to shake off the glass wool. Moreover, if you are indoors, you need to do this over a dry bath, and if you are outdoors, shake it off in the direction of the wind.
Take a cool shower, but in no case hot, without using a washcloth, soap and various sponges.
After a shower, you can not dry yourself with a towel, wait until dry.
If glass wool gets into your eyes, try rinsing them with cold water. If all else fails and there is pain in the eyes, consult a doctor. In case of critical eye condition, call immediately ambulance.
The same applies to the respiratory tract. If you have a persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other problems after working with glass wool, see a doctor.
It is best to throw away the clothes in which you worked. No matter how much you shake it out and wash it, particles of glass wool will remain in it anyway.

Knife for cutting mineral wool

Slag is produced from waste blast-furnace slag during iron smelting. If we compare slag wool with glass wool, then both in one and the other there are brittle fibers with the only difference being that in glass wool they have the nature of glass, and in slag wool the nature of slag. Which ultimately makes the latter no less harmful than the former.

The same applies to stone wool, or as it is also called basalt wool, because it is made by melting basalt when it is heated to 1500 º C. Here, the role of sharp and small fibers falls on frozen basalt filaments. Among other things, slag wool and stone wool contain phenol-formaldehyde resins, which are also very harmful to health. Therefore, all precautions inherent in working with glass wool apply to both stone and slag wool.

All types of mineral wool are used to insulate the facade of buildings, but in no case should this material be used to insulate walls and ceilings inside the premises.

From personal experience you can add the following:

a) it is most convenient to cut mineral wool with a sharp knife with a long blade; b) it is desirable to work with mineral wool together, because it is easier to observe the careful handling of it; c) cover the cotton wool fixed on the wall with a protective plastic wrap, and only then fastens the lining, MDF panels or something else.

remontzhilya.ru

How to cut basalt insulation and how to lay it on the surface?

Today, manufacturers offer a sufficient number of heaters. Each of these materials is used in certain conditions and has its price. However, the most popular are heaters that provide optimal heat retention and have a long service life. Second no less important point- the cost, which must be acceptable. These requirements are met by such material as mineral wool. Its use is not related to the use special tools, fixtures. The tasks of how to choose and fix the material, how to cut the basalt insulation, can be solved independently.

Scheme of system insulation roofing cake.

Operational features of basalt wool

Basalt and other rocks of its group are used for manufacturing. Thin fibers are taken, in the melt of which limestone (10-15%) or charge is added. Additives increase the resistance of the material to excessive high temperature, aggressive environment. As a result, a heater appeared, which has sufficiently high performance characteristics:

Scheme of basalt insulation.

thermal insulation and hydrophobization. The first parameter is from 0.042 to 0.048 W/mK. Approximately the same characteristics have other well-known insulation materials(e.g. polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam). Mineral wool is not able to accumulate moisture (hygroscopicity - less than 1%), which makes its weight unchanged. Distinctive feature can be called vapor permeability, which guarantees insulation and at the same time intensive moisture exchange between external environment and building walls
density, strength. The insulation has sufficient density (from 30 to 100 kg / m3), which guarantees high thermal insulation properties with optimum strength. The rigidity of the material is provided by the direction of the fibers; they are located in the horizontal and vertical direction;
soundproofing. good performance noise protection is achieved due to the porous structure of the wool;
resistance to aggressive environment. Cotton wool is "indifferent" to alkali, acids; does not rot, is not affected by fungus. Rodents also bypass this insulation;
fire resistance. Basalt wool is able to withstand heating up to + 700 ° C. This protects the structure from complete destruction in a fire and gives time for the evacuation of residents;
health safety. Resins containing harmful substances(formaldehyde, phenol). However, compliance with the technology involves their introduction into the composition of the insulation in a chemically bound state. Substances become completely neutral with respect to environment and pose no danger to humans.

However, if mineral wool is produced by an artisanal method, then there is a danger to health. Therefore, it is more expedient to purchase material from trusted manufacturers.

The construction of any house involves minimizing heat loss. Solve this problem with various kinds insulation, among which mineral wool is considered the most popular.

It is distinguished by reliability and long service life, as it perfectly resists fire and decay. Familiarize yourself with the main technical specifications mineral wool can be found at http://www.minvatka.com.

Insulation classification

Mineral wool is a product that has a fibrous structure. This allows you to achieve high-quality indicators of heat and sound insulation.

There are several types of such insulation:

Glass mineral wool. A product is made from thin threads of molten glass.
Stone mineral wool. The main component of this substance are melts of various rocks.
Slag mineral wool - obtained from blast-furnace slag.

All types of this insulation emit small particles of fibers and phenol-formaldehyde resins into the air. It can be the cause of various diseases. To minimize the impact of these substances, when laying it is isolated with the help of special films.

Cutting tools

The processing of mineral wool is not very complicated, which allows you to do all the work yourself. You can cut the insulation with several tools:

Stationery knife. Suitable only for thin sheets of material.
Hacksaw for metal. With its help, it is possible to process cotton wool with a thickness of more than 50 mm.
Special knives. Outwardly, they are in many ways reminiscent of saws with fine teeth. But at the same time they are not bred to the side and are located in one line.
Bread knife. In the absence of any other tool, this product also perfectly copes with mineral wool.

It should be noted that all blades must be very sharp. This will minimize the pulling of fibers from the mat structure. Experts recommend cutting before the roll is deployed.

If you need to obtain elements of complex shape, then it is better to use special cutting machines. They can process cotton wool not only in a straight line, but also in a circle. This is very important, especially in industrial production. If this is a one-time task, then the purchase of such a tool will be impractical and it is better to use improvised material.

Before cutting, it is important to consult with a specialist in order to minimize the costs of the sheets used.

During the installation process, slab and roll very often have to be adjusted to the appropriate dimensions. No minimal gaps between elements load-bearing frame and material eliminates the possible formation of small areas with increased and undesirable heat transfer. It is worth noting that builders call these sections nothing more than cold bridges, and they know how to properly cut the insulation in order to avoid such problems.

Methods for cutting insulation

- the most picky in this matter are polystyrene panels. Using a heated nichrome wire or fine-toothed hand saw you can easily and quickly cope with this task, while ensuring an even and clean cut. During the cutting of polystyrene foam, there will be practically no dust, and the work does not require special physical effort from workers;
more problems will be with mineral fiber heat insulators, which are created on the basis of basalt wool and fiberglass. Despite the fact that modern dust-free technologies are used today, cutting these materials causes the formation of glass dust, which often causes irritation of the mucous membrane of the human eyes, as well as the upper respiratory tract;

- to reduce the amount of dust particles, experts recommend using only technically sound and proven tools that have well-sharpened working edges, special cutters and knives;
to reduce the amount of dust, the material must be cut along the fibers. In each option, the masters strongly recommend the use of individual protective equipment and all work should be carried out in well-ventilated areas. Mineral wool is minimally safe, but at the same time, all recommendations regarding the use of protective equipment must remain valid;

- the developers of such materials are well aware of all their products and very often offer consumers proprietary methods for cutting and cutting rigid and flexible insulators. You can always get acquainted with the recommendations in the installation instructions attached to each package;
- the properties of insulation are completely dependent on the integrity of their structures. For example, all mineral wool materials based on stone wool are strictly forbidden to deform and compress. In this case, the insulation can always restore its shape and volume, however, the heat preservation of such a site is greatly reduced.
Finally, it is worth noting that if you are not confident in your abilities, then it is better for you to turn to qualified specialists - they know how to competently and correctly cut the insulation. In this case, you are guaranteed to receive quality work which will surely delight you. And the material itself will serve you for many years.

A distinctive feature of mineral insulation is the structure consisting of fibers, which must be integral in order to provide thermal insulation. In this regard, it should Special attention devote to the cutting process. Do not use scissors for cardboard or fabric, or ordinary table knives to cut the material. These tools are not intended for such material as they can damage it. appearance and degrade useful properties. It is very useful for novice repairmen and builders to find out what tools are suitable for this business.

Characteristics and properties of the material

Mineral wool is produced in the form of slabs and rolls

Before starting construction or repair work the owner of the premises thinks about the criteria by which materials should be selected. Currently, the sale assortment is replete with a variety of canvases that differ from each other in terms of raw materials, price, scope, and operating characteristics.

The term "mineral wool" implies three types of materials, namely:

basalt (stone);
slag;
glass wool.

Glass wool (glass fiber) is characterized by low density and high hygroscopicity. The material does not have moisture resistance properties, and heat resistance should not be expected from it: when a high heating temperature (about 300 degrees) is reached, the wool fibers melt, and the material no longer performs the insulation function. Glass wool is sold in rolls.

Glass wool is produced by blowing: an industrial centrifuge creates air flows that go directly into the raw material. Due to the air flow, fibers from threads appear, moreover, they can have different lengths, directions and thicknesses.

Mineral wool has low thermal conductivity, allows steam to pass through the cells in the structure and almost does not absorb water. In addition to the base, there are few binding elements in the composition, which allows it to withstand high temperatures. The material is widely used as sound insulation and insulation for various bases and surfaces. It is produced with canvases that vary in degree of strength.

Slag wool for room insulation

Slag wool is the cheapest option for insulation. The material consists of fibers that are waste from blast furnaces, it is not dense and does not differ good performance heat resistance. If you overheat the slag wool, it will sinter. Therefore, the material is not suitable for insulating rooms adjacent to heat sources, and is also not recommended for building houses.

The structure of the horizontal layer of any type of mineral wool is created in the direction of the fiber. The formation of vertical sections occurs due to elements that are arranged randomly. Each type of material has its own characteristics and external differences.

Are there any nuances in transportation and storage?

Manufacturers recommend storing mineral wool in a holistic package, and it is better if the pack is on a flat surface. Each stack of packages must not be higher than 2 meters. Optimal conditions storage are enclosed spaces moisture resistant. It is not recommended to store insulation on the street, but if this happens, then you need to cover it with a tarpaulin or film.

Keep cotton wool only in a horizontal position

When transporting, you should follow the same rules: transport cotton wool horizontally and in a dry truck bed. It is also necessary to provide the material with protection from mechanical influences and from precipitation. When loading and unloading the material, it must not be strongly compressed.

Unpacking mineral insulation also requires certain nuances. The material should be taken out of the package only before starting work, which will minimize the various risks associated with damage to the insulation. When laying out the material for cutting, use its packaging as a bedding. Thus, the product will not get dirty. Also, the packaging can be used to collect other waste at the construction site.

What is the best way to cut mineral wool?

Professionals use a special machine to separate sheets and rolls. But many are wondering: “What is the best way to cut mineral wool in slabs at home in order to save money?”

Important! To cut mineral wool, use a hacksaw for metal or wood.

In everyday life, a mounting knife is used to cut the canvas. This tool has one drawback, because of the small blade, it is difficult for them to cut thick slabs. Therefore, I recommend using a clerical knife only for thin sheets. If this condition is not observed, then the canvases may become unusable.

Cutting mineral wool with a knife

Tools best suited for cutting mineral insulation:

A knife with a blade made of carbon steel. It is very easy to cut with such a product, in addition, its blade sharpens well and quickly. This knife needs careful maintenance to avoid rust. The basic rule of care is to wipe the blade after washing.
A knife with a stainless steel blade. Each side has teeth of different lengths, so it is very easy to cut mineral insulation of different sizes and thicknesses. The blade quickly plunges into the plate and cuts it qualitatively. The sharp tip can make even indirect cuts.
FROM special machines. Such tools are able to cut fabrics along a straight line and along a bend. This feature is highly valued in the industry. If you need to cut cotton wool once, then it makes no sense to purchase expensive equipment - a tool that is in the house will do.

Cutting mineral wool with a special saw

Note! Cotton scissors must not be used.

For cutting cotton wool, it is advisable to use a special hacksaw for insulation or for metal. It is used for cutting material, the thickness of which does not exceed 5 cm.

The blades of the tool you use to cut cotton should always be well sharpened. In this case, the fibers from the cotton wool will be stretched to a minimum. Manufacturers advise cutting cotton wool before unrolling the roll.

How to cut mineral wool?

The material has a fibrous structure, therefore, during cutting, small particles of glass wool fly in space. Therefore, contact with hazardous elements on the skin and in the respiratory tract should be prevented.

Before cutting the insulation, the following conditions must be observed:

The room must be well ventilated.
In the process of work, it is mandatory to use protective equipment and special clothing. It's about about gloves, respirator, mask, overalls and goggles.
When the material is cut, it is recommended to wash your face and hands under cold water.

In order to form as few glass wool particles as possible in the air, a well-sharpened tool should be used.

The insulation should be cut without unrolling the roll

Advice! It is best to cut the material across.

To obtain strips of cotton wool that are the same in width, the material should be cut directly in the roll. If cotton wool is in the form of plates, then you need to cut them one at a time.

In order for the strips of cotton wool cut independently at home to turn out even and the same, you should divide them clearly according to the marks. Also, you can use a ruler as a cutting line.

When cutting, leave allowances around the edges. If it is a roll, then the indicator should be 0.5 cm, and if it is a slab, then 2 cm. This cutting feature is needed so that the mineral wool element completely fills the required space.

Recall that mineral wool slabs are cut one at a time, and the material in rolls is cut without unfolding.

What is leftover mineral wool useful for?

The remains of the insulation do not need to be thrown away: they will also be useful for a pantry or utility room. Many aspire to budget insulation, therefore, scraps and remnants of the material are used.

Mineral wool waste can be recycled for later use. In this case, special machines are used.

In order for the process of warming the room to proceed properly, you should know how to cut mineral wool and how to do it. If you follow simple rules work with this heater, you can achieve a good result.