Technical characteristics of cotton wool. Mineral wool: varieties, specifications and selection rules. Mineral wool shapes

Today there are several types of mineral wool, and slag wool is one of them. As the name implies, slag, waste of the metallurgical industry, is the basis of this roll insulation. And today we want to acquaint you with this method of insulating residential and non-residential buildings.

Interest in slag wool arose back in Soviet times. Then, a huge amount of slag was formed in the blast furnaces of domestic metallurgical plants, and the need for its processing became obvious. As a way out, the creation of slag wool was proposed, which contributed not only to improving the ecology, but also to obtaining an effective insulation material, which was used not only at the enterprises themselves, but also went on sale.

The history of the use of slag wool, which has been in use for several decades, continues to this day. However, at the moment, much more advanced fibrous insulation from the mineral wool family has appeared. However, slag wool is still bought, using mainly non-residential insulation in various directions.

How slag wool is produced

Blast furnace slags are transformed into a fiber that has a length of up to 60 millimeters with an extremely low thickness of 0.002-0.005 millimeters. Such fibers are obtained by blowing hot liquid slag with steam or compressed air. After receiving, the fibers are processed with a binder and formed into flexible sheets, convenient for transportation and storage in the form of rolls.

Technical characteristics of slag

• Flammability class - the material is non-flammable. At the same time, when exposed to a temperature of more than 300 degrees Celsius, such cotton wool can begin to melt;
• Sound absorption coefficient - 0.75-0.82;
• Thermal conductivity - 0.46-0.48 W / (m * K);
• The proportion of the binder is from 2 to 10 percent of the total mass;
• Heat capacity - 1000 J / (kg * K).

The advantages of slag

• Low cost. The main advantage of the material that makes it so popular. It is due to the fact that slag wool is made from wastes of the metallurgical industry, and its production is quite simple and has been developing for several decades;
• High insulating capacity. Slag wool is slightly inferior to stone or glass wool in this indicator, but the lag is very small, and with proper installation, the difference is not felt. In general, this indicator for this insulation is typical for any type of mineral wool;
• Simple installation. Again, the general quality of any mineral wool. The material is lightweight, so you can handle it even alone. At the same time, flexibility allows the insulation to be mounted not only on straight, but also on curved surfaces. Cutting cotton wool is simple and for this, materials at hand are used;
• Sound absorption. The structure of the slag wool allows it to be successfully used as a layer that traps sound waves. In this case, the material can be used both on the walls and on the floors;
• Long service life. With proper use and the absence of external influences, such as high humidity, the service life of the insulation is half a century or more. But for this it is better to entrust the installation and insulation process to specialists;
• Biological stability. Slag, unlike many other heaters, is not interesting to insects or rodents.

disadvantages

Low environmental friendliness. In the composition of the material, phenol-formaldehyde resins are used as a connector. The amount of the latter depends very much on the quality of the material, and in the best samples it can be very insignificant. But it is still better to use such material outside the building, as well as wear personal protective equipment during installation. These items include goggles, a respirator, gloves, and heavy clothing. The blast furnace slags in the composition also have high acidity values, and when water gets on them, acid is formed, which can have a destructive effect on metals.

In general, the material has an extremely weak resistance to water and high humidity, and this is the main drawback that reduces the insulation qualities, technical characteristics and service life. Also, exposure to moisture limits the scope of the insulation. So, wooden buildings, insulated in this way, can begin to become moldy, but slag wool cannot be used at all to insulate a bath. At the same time, the cotton wool that has absorbed moisture becomes too susceptible to the harmful effects of sudden temperature changes.

Important! The process of installing such cotton wool by professionals should also be carried out because its fastening must be reliable and not allow sagging. The thing is that the slag wool is highly susceptible to vibration and can settle over time, leaving an entire section of the wall without insulation.

How to choose the right slag wool

• Try to research the market of well-known manufacturers. Do not buy material of dubious production, as in this case the quality of the final product is not guaranteed. And the quality, as we mentioned above, in the case of this material can have strong breaks. At the moment, the highest quality ones are German manufacturers, who closely monitor the technical characteristics and safety of their products;
• Domestic manufacturers, such as Kombinat Thermal Insulation Products LLC, Zavod Minplita CJSC, Minvata CJSC and several others also produce this product with high quality indicators. Moreover, their price is much lower than the same German counterparts;
• Decide if you need insulation or durability. In the latter case, purchase cotton wool with a random arrangement of fibers. If the fibers are arranged vertically, then the service life of the material will be shorter, but at the same time, such cotton wool will better absorb sounds and not let heat through;
• Depending on the different density of the material, the areas of application will be different. More dense is ideal for walls and ceilings, and less dense for the same attics.

The installation of the material takes place on a wooden crate, which is mounted from beams corresponding to the width of the insulation itself. The lack of width of the wooden elements will lead to the fact that the subsequent finishing will squeeze the insulation, drastically reducing its insulating qualities.

In the process of laying, it is necessary to achieve the strength of adhesion of the edges of the insulator to the crate, without leaving open areas. Otherwise, "cold bridges" will appear on the walls, which will significantly reduce the thermal insulation performance.

The cotton wool itself is installed according to the principle of a kind of sandwich, when on one side the material is covered with a layer of waterproofing, and on the other - with a vapor barrier.

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

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

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

Raw materials for mineral wool production should give 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 material. Their standard size is 1-10 microns, the length is from 2-3 mm to 20-30 cm. With an increase in the fiber diameter, its thermal conductivity increases, therefore the value of the parameter is usually limited to 8 microns. Long fibers add softness and elasticity to products.

Features and properties of varieties of mineral wool

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

Products with a layer of foil or fiberglass are produced. The lack of material is the fragility and sharpness of the fibers. They cause irritation to the skin, eyes and lungs. It is necessary to work with insulation in goggles, a suit and a respirator. Material indicators:

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

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

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

Specifications:

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

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

Stone wool indicators:

• thermal conductivity - 0.035-0.042 W / (m * K);
• fiber length and diameter - up to 50 mm, 5-10 microns;
• limiting 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. Insulation is available in the form of rolls, slabs, mats and fibrous mass applied with a compressor. Among the advantages of mineral wool:

• Resistance to fire - the material is one of the few insulation materials that does not support combustion.
• Low coefficient of thermal conductivity - mineral wool reliably retains heat, preventing its passage. A layer of insulation of 10 cm in efficiency is equal to 25 cm of a bar and 117 cm of a brick wall.
• Vapor permeability - a layer of thermal insulation does not restrict natural air exchange and ensures a healthy microclimate in the room.
• Biological resistance - all types of mineral wool are not exposed to mold and mildew, are not of interest to rodents.
• Durability - basalt material retains its 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 fiber structure with a high air content, the insulation is an excellent noise insulator.

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

The effect of density on the properties of insulation

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

• Rolled fabric with a density of 35 kg / m3 is used for horizontal placement without load.
• Mineral wool slabs 75 kg / m3 are installed in interior partitions, floor and ceiling.
• Insulation of the facade is carried out with a material with an indicator of 125 kg / m3.
• Rigid mineral wool slabs are used for interfloor floors and load-bearing reinforced concrete structures.

The increased rigidity of the material and the density of 200 kg / m3 allow to provide protection of building structures from fire and sufficient strength to insulate the roof and floors under the screed.
This indicator insignificantly affects the sound insulation properties and vapor permeability.

Minvata in the form of slabs: properties and features

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

• soft - laid in attics, wrap pipelines;
• semi-rigid - compacted by spraying bitumen or synthetic resin, used for external wall insulation, production of sandwich panels;
• rigid - are used for thermal insulation of metal structures, external walls, roofs.

Blowing mats, cylinders and mineral wool

Mineral wool slabs are small and easy to install by yourself. Mats differ from them in large dimensions - 7-12 m. It is better to work with such material with a partner. The significant area of ​​the insulation allows you to quickly lay a layer of thermal insulation on the ceiling or wall. The result is a minimum of seams that need to be repaired. During transportation, the mats are rolled up, after purchase and cutting the package, they easily recover their shape.

Cylinders are used for thermal insulation of highways. Strengthening the rigidity of the structure made of wool allows 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.

The fiberglass-based material is used without forming rolls or slabs; 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 hygroscopicity, mineral wool insulation needs mandatory protection from moisture. When using the material in a multi-layer structure, it runs into a hydro and vapor barrier sheet.

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

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

• High performance of thermal insulation... Mineral wool has one of the lowest thermal conductivity indicators, which allows it to be used almost everywhere, regardless of climatic conditions. The material does not need additional insulation.
• Water tightness... High-quality glass wool and basalt wool perfectly let steam through and do not absorb water. Thanks to this, the building is reliably protected from the formation of moisture.
• Resistance to chemicals... High-quality mineral wool is not subject to destruction when it comes into contact with various alkalis and acids.
• Good air exchange... The insulation provides air circulation, the structure "breathes", which guarantees the formation of an optimal microclimate inside the room. At the same time, there is no need for additional ventilation devices. The risk of condensation is quite low.
• Good sound insulation... The special elastic structure of the mineral wool endowed it with acoustic properties. In a room insulated with this material, you will not hear sounds from the street.
• Fire resistance... In the event of a fire, rock wool will not support combustion and will not spread fire. In addition, the heat insulator does not emit smoke when in contact with fire.
• Long service life... The insulation is practical and durable. The average term of use is 25-50 years. Rodents do not damage the mineral wool, and microorganisms do not multiply in this material.
• Environmental friendliness of the material... For its manufacture, 100 times less energy resources are spent than they are saved during the period of operation. In addition, mineral wool from reliable manufacturers does not emit harmful compounds into the air, even when heated.

Fiberglass Property Specifications

According to the manufacturing technology described above, the output is fiberglass, which has the following properties:

• Thermal conductivity. The indicator fluctuates between 0.034-0.04 W / (m * K). It shows how much heat is able to pass through the insulation at a certain temperature difference.
• Density. The indicator shows the total amount of fiberglass per one cubic meter of cotton wool. The average density level is 11-14 kg / m3, which depends on the type of packaging and the area of ​​application of the material.
• Dimensions, shape, thickness. Depending on the purpose of the mineral wool, it can be produced in various shapes, sizes and thicknesses. Plates are usually produced with a thickness of 20-200 mm, with a size of 600 * 1000 cm, which ensures convenient transportation and installation. Mats are produced with a width of 600-1200 mm, a thickness of 50-150 mm and a length of up to 9 m. Min. heaters in the form of cylinders - up to 1 m long, with diameters from 2 to 27 cm.
• Noise isolation. The chaotic arrangement of the fiber structure provides not only a high level of thermal protection, but also excellent sound insulation. Some manufacturers even produce hotel series that are specifically designed to absorb even sound vibrations, which makes it in demand for insulation of ventilation ducts and industrial equipment. Information is usually indicated on the packaging and in the product description, indicating this ability by the indicator - Aw, where the indicator 0 indicates the ability to reflect waves, 1 - the ability to absorb them.
• Water vapor permeability. Mineral wool has excellent vapor permeability, equal to 0.48 g / (m * h * hPa). The special fibrous structure allows steam to permeate without being absorbed or accumulating. This feature is used to protect structural elements from moisture.

To ensure good heat exchange of the insulation with the environment, manufacturers recommend using a special one that will help extend the life of the insulation without getting wet from condensation.

• Flammability. Flammability degree - NG (Non-combustible materials). This is the main advantage of cotton wool, because it can withstand operating temperatures up to + 700 ° C and is not capable of supporting a fire. When heated, no toxic and harmful substances are released, which makes the material safe.

The flammability class is indicated on the insulation package: A1 - shows a high fire safety class; S1 - smoke-generating ability (mineral wool practically does not emit smoke when burning); D0 - the material does not crack under strong heating.

Definition of the word Vata by TSB

Vata (from German. Watte) is a fluffy mass of fibers, loosely intertwined in different directions. According to the method of obtaining, they distinguish V.: natural - woolen, silk, down, cotton, linen, hemp, pine, asbestos, and artificial - cellulose, glass, metal, slag, basalt. Natural V. is divided into clothing, furniture, technical In the manufacture of fiberglass, the raw material is split, loosened and cleaned of impurities, the resulting fibrous mass is formed into so-called canvases on machines of a loosening-scattering unit. the shapeless mass of fiber that makes up the canvas is converted on a carding machine into a scrap of a certain thickness. In the production of medical vitamins, raw materials are cooked in alkali under pressure and then processed with sodium hyposulfite. As a result, the fiber acquires whiteness and characteristic properties - the ability to quickly wet and absorb liquids. Distinguish between hygroscopic and compress medical V. Hygroscopic V. is white, easily exfoliates, is used as a material that absorbs liquid secretions (pus, ichor) when dressing wounds over layers of dressing gauze. Compressive veneer serves to warm a tied or bandaged part of the body (for example, with warming compresses), as well as a soft lining when immobilizing bandages (for example, plaster) are applied. Artificial veneer is widely used in construction as a heat and sound insulating material. in the chemical industry - for the filtration of liquids and gases. A special type of V. is the so-called vatilin, that is, V., glued on one or both sides with an adhesive emulsion. Vatilin is a substitute for V. when sewing clothes, material, etc.

Notes

1. 1 2 Episode: The Beginning, Part 1
2. 1 2 3 Episode: The Beginning, Part 2
3. 1 2 Episode: A New Spiritual Era
4. 1 2 Episode: The Explorer
5. Southern lights
6. Episode: Civil War, Part 2
7. 1 2 Episode: Darkness Approaches
8. Episode: Harmonious Convergence
9. 1 2 3 Episode: Light in the Dark

Mineral wool specifications

Minvata is known for having one of the most effective thermal conductivity indicators. If we compare it with similar parameters of other heaters, then mineral wool is on a par with foam in terms of efficiency and is significantly superior to many other heaters.

• The thermal conductivity coefficient of mineral wool for its different variants ranges from 0.036-0.042 W / (m * K). This parameter is influenced by the density of the insulation
• The density of the mineral wool is set by the manufacturer depending on its functional purpose and form of release. Standard indicators are 100,150,200 kg / m3. The higher the density, the more efficient the material's ability to retain heat.
• Another important characteristic of mineral wool is its ability to resist the influence of biological forms. Having convection in sufficient volume, mineral wool is not an optimal place for the development of fungal forms and mold.
• The hygroscopic property of mineral wool also plays a role in its functionality. Moisture does not accumulate on its fibers and freely penetrates through them. This circumstance gives reason not to fear about the shift of the dew point into the thickness of the insulated surface. In addition, the relative hygroscopicity allows the use of the material for the device of ventilated facades.

Important! Although mineral wool fibers do not absorb moisture, they are able to retain it in the structure of the material between the fibers. Therefore, it is recommended to use this material only when insulating the outer part of the building or inside the wall structure.

• An important positive property of mineral wool is its resistance to high temperatures. The ignition of the material is practically excluded, since the phenol-formaldehyde resins included in its composition do not tend to burn. Even with the risk of fire, the fibers of the mineral wool do not ignite, but only slightly melt, while maintaining temperatures up to 800 degrees
• Regarding the heat capacity and the ability to retain heat, it is evidenced by the fact that mineral wool can withstand a drop in temperature to - 160 degrees without consequences.

However, when insulating any structural surfaces of a building with mineral wool, it should be borne in mind that mineral wool undergoes deformation over time, forming cold bridges. However, such manifestations can be expected after 8-10 years of operation.

Another disadvantage of mineral wool is that its fibers are available to rodents. And although they are not interested in the material as food, they can arrange their nests in the thickness of the insulation.

Mineral wool is used to insulate not only private houses, but also apartments, as well as its individual parts. If you live on the ground floor and know how to properly insulate a balcony, then you can insulate it outside with mineral wool.

For the inner walls of the balcony, foam is more often used. Read about which is better (foam or mineral wool). The article provides a detailed comparison of the two materials.

Popular manufacturers of mineral wool

Mineral wool heaters are produced by different companies. Most popular are: KNAUF, ROCKWOOL, ISOVER, URSA, TechnoNIKOL. The products of these companies comply with safety standards, are not harmful to health and are suitable for long-term use for the purpose of thermal insulation.

Mineral wool Knauf is one of the leaders in the market for the sale of insulation. The company has been producing building materials for over 70 years. In the field of insulation, she makes only one type of insulation: mineral wool.

With her easy to work, technical characteristics and features of its operation are simple. And you can write poems about its effectiveness. Knauf produces quality mineral wool that does not contain harmful resins.

When cutting a Knauf slab does not emit dust, therefore, no additional means of protection are needed. The presence of water repellents and water-repellent substances in it made the mineral wool resistant to moisture. Withstands temperature changes, does not burn.

The level of its thermal conductivity- 0.035-0.4 W / m (very low coefficient). Suitable for residential and commercial properties. Available in sheets and mats.

TechnoNIKOL produce mineral wool, which is a non-combustible, sound-, heat-insulating material, based on rock basalt rocks. Produces several series of mineral wool insulation.

Rocklight- products are used for insulation of attics, walls with siding, three-layer or frame walls, floors, ceilings, partitions. Has a thermal conductivity of 0.045-0.048 W / m.

Technoblock- hydrophobic non-combustible mineral wool insulation with thermal conductivity of 0.041-0.044 W / m. Technovent is used in the construction of housing, commercial buildings for ventilation of facade systems. It has a thermal conductivity of 0.037-0.044 W / m.

Technofas is used for external insulation walls with a protective and decorative thin layer of plaster. Thermal conductivity is 0.036-0.045 W / m.

Minwata ROCKWOOL produced for different purposes. It is used as insulation in houses, apartments, for thermal insulation of pitched roofs, attics, basements, floors, exterior walls, fireplaces, flat roofs. There are many varieties of ROCKWOOL products: it all depends on the conditions and purpose of use.

Average thermal conductivity material is up to 0.036-0.044 W / m. It is produced in the form of rolls, plates, there are also products with one-sided aluminum foil coating.

URSA used for insulation of roofs, walls, ventilation, communications. Reduces noise level, has good thermal insulation properties. Minvata URSA is suitable for residential and commercial buildings.

Sand, dolomite, soda and other components are involved in its production. The company sells URSA GEO products in fiberglass. It is made from sustainable materials, where no harmful substances.

Thermal conductivity- 0.036-0.045 W / m. URSA mineral wool is produced in plates and rolls, there are materials with an additional foil coating.

Minwatu ISOVER can be used for ventilated and plaster facades, partitions, saunas, pitched roofs, floors, wall insulation from the inside or outside, heating systems, ventilation, frame structures. Available in slabs, rolls. The thermal conductivity of ISOVER is 0.032-0.041 W / m.

Choosing mineral wool for insulation, correctly calculate the thickness of the thermal insulation material, based on the individual characteristics of the building and the climatic conditions of the region. In this case, you will select the perfect insulation that will reduce heating costs and provide comfortable warmth in winter, gentle coolness in summer.

Professionals will tell about the types and technical characteristics of mineral wool in the video:

For the features of mineral wool as a heater, its properties and characteristics, see the video below:

History

In 1980, the Anglo-French condominium New Hebrides became the independent state of Vanuatu. On December 16, 1980, the Vanuatu finance minister announced the start of monetary reform, which resulted in the renaming of the New Hebrides franc to cotton on January 1, 1981. In February 1981, development began on the design of a new national currency, which was to replace the New Hebrides franc and the Australian dollar. The issue of cotton wool was taken over by the Bank of Indochine (English Banque de l'Indochine), an issuing bank founded in Paris in 1875. The new currency was issued already on March 22, 1982, and from April 1, 1983, the New Hebrides franc and Australian dollar ceased to be legal tender in Vanuatu.

Selection criteria for mineral wool

When choosing a suitable type of mineral wool insulation, it is recommended to rely on the following criteria:

• thermal conductivity coefficient and material thickness;
• density of sheets, characterizing the load on the insulated structures;
• indicators of hygroscopicity;
• type of material delivery: rolls or plates;
• soundproofing properties;
• the type of fibers and the presence of harmful chemical components in the composition;
• tensile strength and flexibility for insulating surfaces of complex shapes.

• despite the high cost of branded products, it is recommended to use it, since it has guaranteed characteristics and, most importantly, has a declared durability;
• the choice of rolls or slabs depends on the type and complexity of the insulation work, but should always be reduced to obtaining a minimum number of butt joints;
• it is better to refuse material with fibers located horizontally or vertically along the length in favor of chaotic ones, since it has greater strength;
• the cost of cotton wool is determined not only by the type of fibers, but also by their density, so it is important first of all to study the technical characteristics, and not look at the price;
• you need to find the best option to obtain a sufficient level of thermal insulation and at the same time not overload the supporting structure;
• for the insulation of residential buildings, mineral wool should be selected with a minimum content of formaldehyde resins;
• insulation, even with a minimum level of hygroscopicity, must be waterproofed in order to maximize its service life, therefore, appropriate changes must be made to the cost estimate in advance;
• Before buying, it is important to make sure that the material meets the declared characteristics: sheet size, thickness, flexibility, shape retention.

Products of branded manufacturers have guaranteed characteristics

In addition, for the convenience of installation, it is important to select mineral wool according to its rigidity, which will allow it to tightly join it with the crate, to exclude the appearance of air slots, gaps and other defects. This parameter can be influenced not only by the thickness of the layer, but also by the presence of a foil layer or reinforcing fibers.

Qualitatively in terms of rigidity, the following types of mineral wool can be distinguished:

• soft, used to insulate pipe communications (chimneys, pipes) or roofing cake;
• semi-rigid, used for external thermal insulation of facades and as a middle layer in sandwich panels;
• rigid, intended for the insulation of flat metal or wooden surfaces of walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, etc.

Soft mineral wool is used to insulate pipe communications

When selecting a material with a suitable thermal conductivity coefficient, the following criteria should be followed:

• data on average temperatures in winter and summer periods in a particular region;
• the thickness of the walls of the building and the thermal conductivity of the materials from which they were erected.

Usually, when buying, materials are purchased with a small margin of parameters. However, it is important not to forget about the economic benefit from obtaining real thermal insulation properties in comparison with the required ones and not to allow overpayments.

Types of packaging

In our store there is a fairly wide range of different manufacturers, which will suit different needs, tk. heaters are produced in the following packages:

Rolls (mats)

Rolls (mats)- This is min cotton wool, rolled into a roll (mat). It has the lowest density - 10-11 kg / m3, but due to ease of use, it is most often used to insulate and insulate walls in partitions, ceilings, attics and other structures, on the surface of which there will be no loads.

The minimum density of cotton wool in rolls is due to the fact that the fibers are very fragile, and with a higher density, the material will be impossible to roll into a roll.

Roll selection

All rolls

Slabs

Slabs- a heater in the form of slabs, which differs from mats by a slightly increased density - 15-16 kg / m3, which allows for insulation of floors along logs, pitched roofs and lightly loaded structures.

Choice of slabs

What types of mineral wool are produced today

The production of this insulation is based on the use of mineral components with identical properties. The structure of each type of mineral wool is a chaotic weave of fibers, which contributes to the adhesion and insulation properties.

The most common types of mineral wool today are:

• Stone wool
• Glass wool
• Slag

Despite the general parameters, these categories of mineral wool have some features.

Glass wool

This category of mineral wool is produced by melting several components:

• Sand
• Limestone
• Dolomite

As a result, a material with a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.038-0.040 W / m * K is achieved. In this case, the resulting length of the fibers reaches 0.5 cm, and their thickness is 12 microns.

Glass wool is one of the first materials in this category. It has all the inherent advantages, but it has one significant drawback.

Glass wool in the structure of the fibers contains the smallest particles of glass, which very often injure workers during the process of insulation, so the main requirement when working with mineral wool is to observe precautions. ... Otherwise, this material is suitable for insulating floors, walls, roof structures.

Otherwise, this material is suitable for insulating floors, walls, roof structures.

Slag

The characteristics of this type of mineral wool are somewhat more modest. The reason for this is its active ingredients. Slag wool is made from blast furnace waste. Waste slags go through the same processing stages as in the glass wool production process. This produces fibers up to 15-16 mm long and 5 to 8 microns in diameter.

• Slag wool components contain increased residual acidity, which can react with metal components and cause corrosion
• The thermal conductivity of slag is slightly higher and amounts to 0.048-7-0.052 W / (m * K). The parameters of refractoriness are also less attractive - slag wool is able to withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees, after which it begins to deform

Stone wool

In recent years, this material has become the most popular among analogs. Stone wool is produced from basalt rocks. , or rather, its thermal conductivity is the most effective - from 0.032 to 0.038 W / (m * K).

Stone wool has a sufficient density, which increases the period of its operation up to ten years. It is less susceptible to deformation and does not pose an environmental hazard. Temperature resistance is also high - it can withstand up to 900 degrees.

When choosing mineral wool for insulation, you need to take into account the conditions of its operation and location. Insulation in the form of mats will last longer and provide a higher level of heat storage

Pay attention to the density and thickness of the mineral wool. The price of mineral wool is often justified by its technological characteristics, but this is not a decisive sign in the choice of material.

When buying, you need to pay more attention to the indicators of thermal conductivity and vapor barrier.

And then you can confidently find yourself in a comfortable environment for many years with a stable temperature in any frost outside the windows.

Video about the characteristics of mineral wool

Characteristics of Rockwool stone wool. The benefits of stone wool.

How glass wool is made. The process of manufacturing fiberglass thermal insulation in production is shown.

Glass wool.

For the production of glass wool, sand, limestone, borax (etibor) and soda are used - common components for the production of glass. All this is poured into a special hopper, where it melts at a temperature of about 1400 ° C, and then the resulting glass is passed through spinnerets and enters special centrifuges, where it is blown up with steam to obtain thin glass filaments.

The fiber formation process is accompanied by treatment with polymer binders. Then the resulting mass is molded and blown at a temperature of 250 ° C for drying and the formation of polymer bonds. After polymerization, the wool fibers become hard and acquire an amber-yellow color. Then the cotton wool is cooled, cut and packaged.

The thickness of the glass wool fibers is from 5 to 15 microns, and the length is from 15 to 50 mm. These fiber sizes impart mechanical strength, resilience and low strength to the glass wool. A layer of wool 5 cm thick in terms of thermal resistance corresponds to a brickwork 1 meter thick.

The temperature range at which glass wool retains its properties is from -60 to +450 ° C. The density does not exceed 130 kg / m3.

Advantages.

• Has good thermal conductivity: 0.038 - 0.046 W / m · K;
• Good sound absorption;
• Glass wool has a very high chemical resistance;
• Does not burn or smolder;
• It does not shrink during long-term operation, and its fibers do not collapse even with prolonged vibration.
• It absorbs sound well, is low-hygroscopic, frost-resistant.
• The strength of glass wool fibers is higher than that of basalt wool.

Disadvantages.

• The main disadvantage of glass wool is its high fiber fragility. These thin and sharp fragments of fibers easily penetrate the fabric of clothing and cause severe itching of the skin. It is highly undesirable to breathe air containing glass fiber particles. It is necessary to work with this material in overalls made of dense fabric, gloves, a respirator and goggles.
• Low heat resistance of glass wool. At temperatures above 450 ° C, it begins to break down and lose its properties.

Basically, glass wool is used for thermal insulation of structures with a surface temperature of -60 ° C to 450 ° C.

What kind of cotton wool manufacturers offer

Insulation of the following brands is mainly popular in our country:

• Isover;
• Ursa.

All types of insulation can be purchased both in the form of plates and rolls, which are packed in polyethylene of special strength, which excludes deformation of the product during storage and transportation.

Rockwool mineral wool is produced on the basis of basalt by two Russian enterprises and meets all the requirements of GOST. Among all other types of thermal insulation, it is this brand that has won great appreciation of consumers. The company produces a wide range of products, including such well-known brands as "Acoustic Butts", "Facade Butts" and "Light Butts", intended for use in various designs and operating conditions.

Products under the brand name "Isover" from stone raw materials are produced at the Russian factories of the French company Saint-Gobain. The consumer is offered panels and rolls of insulation of various sizes - from standard to "mini", which are convenient to use in small-area rooms, for local repairs of thermal insulation. The quality of products and their safety is confirmed by the presence of all the necessary certificates.

Mineral wool brand "Ursa" is made from recycled glass or quartz. A wide range of products of this company allows you to choose a material for insulation of premises with a wide variety of functionality, from balconies to living rooms and saunas. It is produced in the form of plates, mats and rolls, including those with a foil membrane.

Scope of mineral insulation

The range of use of insulation made from various types of mineral wool is very wide. This material is used both in construction and in industry, in the manufacture of products intended for the insulation of surfaces with heating temperatures up to 700 ° C, in the production of sandwich panels and other products of various functionality.

Thermal insulation of walls with mineral wool using a frame

In the construction industry, mineral wool is used to insulate structural elements of buildings and structures for any purpose:

• walls;
• overlaps:
• floors;
• basements;
• facades, both ventilated and plastered;
• plinths;
• pitched and flat roofs;
• balconies and loggias;
• frame houses;
• temporary structures - sheds, change houses, etc.

In engineering communications systems, mineral wool with various technical characteristics and properties are used to insulate main and autonomous water supply pipelines laid underground and on the surface, local and main sewerage systems.

Thermal insulation of main pipelines with mineral wool

Mineral wool insulation has also found its application in the construction of three-layer walls of brick or stone, as a middle layer, as well as in the production of reinforced concrete structures, significantly increasing their thermal insulation properties.

Use of mineral wool in sandwich panels

Mineral wool is also used in various industries - oil and gas, metallurgy and energy.

Characteristics of mineral wool

• Strength... 0.08-06 kg / sq. cm depending on the grade of material.
• Density of mineral wool... 35-100 kg / cubic meter m depending on the density of the material. Insulation plates have an average size of 0.6 sq. m, therefore they are lightweight, which facilitates installation.
• Shrinkage mineral wool is negligible and amounts to a fraction of a percent. Thanks to this, even after long-term use, its properties, such as fire resistance and sound absorption, do not deteriorate.
• Thermal conductivity... The thermal conductivity coefficient of mineral wool depends on the density and is 0.036-0.060 W / mGrad. The thermal conductivity of the insulation is second only to materials from. It should be borne in mind that in the first years of operation due to moisture absorption, thermal conductivity increases by an average of 50%.
• Frost resistance... The exact values ​​are not specified by GOSTs and TUs. The indicators may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.
• Water absorption... Hydrophobized cotton wool has an indicator of 6-30% when fully immersed in water. Dry material moisture - 1%
• Vapor permeability... In the absence of a vapor barrier, it is equal to 1.
• Fire resistance... The material is non-combustible and is used to insulate surfaces with temperatures up to +400 C. The fibers of mineral wool begin to melt only after 2-hour exposure to a temperature of 1000 C.
• Price... Depending on the form of release, it is determined per sq. m or cubic m. The price of a mineral wool slab depends on many factors - thickness, raw materials used, density, etc. Stores also charge a price per package.
• Soundproofing... Insulation is used as sound insulation. The sound absorption coefficient of special acoustic mineral wool slabs is 0.7-09.
• Toxicity... Recent studies show that mineral wool is not harmful to health. According to the IARC classification, it belongs to the 3rd group of carcinogenic substances, which also includes products such as coffee and tea.
• Life time... The period declared by the manufacturers is 50 years.

Criterias of choice

At the moment, the industry produces several varieties of mineral wool, which differ in material and method of manufacture, as well as density. The further operational characteristics of mineral wool depend on the density and thickness:

• mineral wool in rolls is characterized by a density of up to 35 kg / m3 and is intended for use on horizontal surfaces without additional load;
• mineral wool in slabs with a density of up to 75 kg / m3 are used for floor insulation, interior partitions, ceiling;
• slabs with a density of up to 125 kg / m3 are used for external thermal insulation (building facades);
• especially rigid slabs of mineral wool with increased density (200 kg / m3) are used to insulate load-bearing structures made of reinforced concrete, interfloor ceilings, roof and floor under the screed.

Indicators of density and stiffness of the material are proportional to sound permeability and vapor permeability

It is also important to evaluate the location of the fibers: if they are placed vertically, in this case, the mineral wool has good sound and heat insulation properties, in the case of a chaotic arrangement, the material deforms less and can withstand significant loads.

Forms

How to decide on the choice of form? It is convenient to use rolled wool for insulation and thermal insulation of pipes and supporting structures; for flat vertical and horizontal surfaces, it is more convenient to use slabs.

Mineral wool forms:

• the material in the slabs is very convenient to use for insulation of internal and external horizontal surfaces. Plates are produced in several versions: soft, hard and semi-rigid. Their thickness can vary from 30 to 200 mm, and the standard size is 1x1.2 m. Such mineral wool insulation is used to insulate pipelines, external sandwich panels are formed from it (in combination with bitumen spraying), roof and concrete load-bearing floors are insulated. For convenience, some slabs are equipped with fiberglass reinforcement or docking grooves;
• Mineral wool for blowing is intended for insulation of difficult and hard-to-reach places. The procedure is carried out with special equipment, this allows you to insulate roofs of complex construction with many beams and wooden floors;

• mineral wool in rolls is intended for thermal insulation of complex structures, pipelines, free-standing supports, etc. To enhance the density and thermal insulation properties, a material with fiberglass reinforcement and a foil surface is used;
• Mineral wool mats are large (from 7 to 12 meters in area), but they allow you to create a minimum of joints, seams and cold bridges in the heat-insulating layer.

Mineral wool restores its original shape well, so rolled mats are easy to straighten.

Main characteristics

The peculiar fibrous structure of stone mineral wool gives it the properties and characteristics for which it is so actively produced. Among them are the following:

• Highly low thermal conductivity ... Due to this, mineral wool is used almost everywhere. Roofs, floors, walls, ceilings, pipelines and industrial equipment - these are the areas of application for mineral wool.
• Excellent fire resistance ... This is understandable, since the stone does not burn. Due to this property, mineral wool insulation is carried out in such fire hazardous facilities as warehouses and storage areas for flammable materials. Minwata perfectly resists fire and prevents the fire from spreading. It is especially relevant for frame construction as a good non-combustible insulation.
• Good resistance to chemical and biological factors ... That is, no rodents and other living creatures of mineral wool are scary, which cannot be said about foam. Fungi and mold are also not acceptable for this insulation. This property is suitable for all sanitary and hygienic requirements and standards.
• Excellent sound insulation ... Walls, ceilings, partitions of your house will be perfectly protected from outside noises and sounds, since the structure of the mineral wool has good sound-absorbing acoustic properties.
• Durability of insulation ... With the correct technology of insulation and compliance with certain operating rules, the service life of mineral wool can reach 50-70 years. This is a very good indicator.
• Low hygroscopicity ... That is, mineral wool does not absorb much water and moisture from the air. Although, if it is used in a bath, then it is required. Otherwise, over time, cotton wool will still saturate moisture in itself and lose all its necessary properties.
• Good vapor permeability ... The effect of a breathable insulation is created. At the same time, the walls will not accumulate moisture, but will be ventilated due to vapor permeability.

Recently, more and more conversations have appeared about the dangers of mineral wool. Allegedly, there is a large release of phenols, etc. I will say one thing: do not believe everything that is said. We live in an age of developed industry and people simply will not find a clean ecological material and product. You need to take care of your health in a different way - just lead an active healthy lifestyle, be an optimist, be friends with sports and not think about a half-smoked cigarette.

Composition and technology of production of mineral wool

The composition of the mineral wool insulation includes silicate melts of blast furnace slags, igneous and sedimentary rocks. Materials from the earth's crust make up up to 80% of its composition. The combination and percentage of occurrence of one or another raw material depends on the type of mineral wool.

Stone wool in its composition contains gabbro or diabase, blast-furnace slag, charge. Mineral components - clay, dolomite, limestone - are added to it as impurities to increase the fluidity of the material. Their content reaches 35%. The binder is a substance based on formaldehyde resin, which is much less in the composition - 2.5-10%.

Slag wool also has a fibrous structure. It is produced from blast-furnace slag - waste of the metallurgical industry when iron is smelted in blast furnaces. The fibers of the material are small - 4-12 microns thick, up to 16 mm long.

The raw materials for the production of glass wool are sand, dolomite, soda, limestone, borax, glass breakage.

The percentage of raw materials is selected so as to ensure the maximum quality of the future fiber - hydrophobicity, chemical neutrality, durability, high thermal insulation performance, and resistance to stress.

The production of mineral insulation begins with the melting of a mixture of raw materials. To do this, they are loaded into baths, cupolas or shaft smelting furnaces. The melting temperature is strictly observed, which is in the range of 1400-1500 C, since the length and width of the fibers depend on the degree of melt viscosity, therefore, the technical and thermal insulation properties of the mineral wool.

The mixture, brought to the desired viscosity, is then placed in centrifuges with rollers rotating at more than 7000 rpm. They tear it into thin fibers. In the centrifuge, the fibers are coated with a binder. After that, a powerful stream of air throws them into a special chamber, in which they form a carpet of the required size.

Further, the material goes to a corrugating or lamellar machine, where it is given the required shape and volume. After that, he is exposed to high-temperature exposure in a heat chamber. In this case, the binders undergo polymerization, and the cotton wool takes on its final volume and shape. The final heat treatment forms the strength characteristics of the insulation. The finished mineral wool is cut into blocks and packaged.

The concept of "mineral wool" and the materials related to it are defined in GOST 31913-2011(international standard ISO 9229: 2007).

Features of stone wool

Due to its technical characteristics, mineral wool is confidently the leader among other types of thermal insulation materials.

In terms of thermal conductivity, sound insulation performance, flammability and vapor permeability, it confidently steps ahead of the competition. Today, most of the companies selling mineral wool on the market offer it in several forms of production.

Accordingly, it will have a different density. So, on the market it is presented in the form of mats, plates and cylinders. That gives everyone the right to choose, depending on its purpose, to choose the best insulation option.

What is mineral wool

Mineral wool, as a separate type of material, does not exist, this concept includes a group of various insulation materials that are made from raw materials, of inorganic origin - natural stone of mountain gabbro-basalt rocks, waste from the glass and metallurgical industries, the production of silicate and clay bricks.

General view of mineral slabs

The property to retain heat is due to the presence of air between the innumerable amount of the finest mineral fibers, which can be arranged, depending on the type of insulation, in a chaotic or specific order. Also, the density of the material and the ability to withstand dynamic loads depend on their location. The fibers themselves are obtained in the process of melting the feedstock at very high temperatures and subsequent processing in a gas or air environment using various binders:

• formaldehyde or urea resins;
• phenolic alcohols;
• compositions of formaldehyde and phenol;
• bentonite clay (hydroaluminosilicate mineral);
• latex;
• bitumen;
• polymer emulsions.

In terms of safety for humans, the leader is mineral wool made on the basis of basalt, since only its binder, bentonite clay, is the most environmentally friendly.

The meaning of the word Vata according to the Brockhaus and Efron dictionary

Cotton wool- cotton wool is called cotton, peeled on a scutching machine of an ordinary device and combed on a cotton machine. A wadded card is an ordinary card-machine (see this word), equipped with a rune drum instead of a coil. The fleece (fleece), removed by the comb of the machine, enters a wooden drum and is wound on it among many rows. When a relatively thick layer of fleece (wadding) is wound around the drum, about 2 pounds. weight, it is removed by hand, rolled on the table and pressed. Cotton wool, by its kindness, is divided into several varieties. Fresh low-grade cotton - Bukhara, Khiva, Tashkent and Persian - is used for the manufacture of cotton wool No. 1 (of the highest kindness). For cotton wool No. 2, the waste obtained in the manufacture of weft yarns of medium and low numbers is used, as well as waste from cotton wool No. 1. For cotton # 3, there is a waste from cotton # 2. Gray and white sweeping (litter swept out from under cars and from floors), as well as an insignificant amount of cotton wool of the highest kindness, to give a whiter color (whitening), is started up on cotton No. 4. For the manufacture of absorbent cotton wool is usually used a fleece, obtained on a comb-carding machine when processing long-haired cotton. The wool is preliminarily defatted and bleached, and then processed on scutching and wadding machines (absorbent cotton wool, see Hygroscopic cotton wool). N. Langovoy.Δ .. Vata has a wide application in medicine, especially in surgery in the production of operations, dressing wounds, and completely supplanted lint. It is used both in pure, purified form (Gossypium depuratum), and soaked in various medicinal solutions. See Dressings. G. G.

Basalt heaters.

For the production of sandwich panels, our company uses basalt heaters- mineral wool based on basalt raw materials, produced by Termolife.

Basalt heaters of the Termolife company have good heat and sound insulation properties, high physical and mechanical properties and resistance to chemical attack. Due to the use of specially developed binders, basalt insulation is distinguished by high environmental safety.

All products of the company have quality certificates. The company has a specially equipped laboratory, where the quality of products is constantly checked.

In the line of basalt heaters of the Termolife company, there are special heaters for the manufacture of sandwich panels. The characteristics of these materials are shown in the table:

Raw materials for the production of insulation

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

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

Raw materials for mineral wool production should give 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 material. Their standard size is 1-10 microns, the length is from 2-3 mm to 20-30 cm. With an increase in the fiber diameter, its thermal conductivity increases, therefore the value of the parameter is usually limited to 8 microns. Long fibers add softness and elasticity to products.

Coins and banknotes

In circulation there are coins in denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 vatu, banknotes in denominations: 100 (not printed since 1999; replaced by a coin of the same denomination), 200, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000 vatu.

In 1982, the Central Bank of Vanuatu initially issued 100, 500 and 1000 vatu bills. In 1989, a new Vatu 5000 banknote was introduced, and in 1993 the Reserve Bank began to issue money: new Vatu 500 and 1000 banknotes were issued. The 200 vatu bill was introduced in 1995.

The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu issues coins and banknotes.

AbilitiesEdit

Vatu sensed Rava's presence in Korra. ("")

As a spirit of darkness and chaos, Vatu has the ability to evoke and intensify the negative emotions of spirits, forcing them to manifest their dark sides. It feeds on chaos and hatred that increase its size and strength. In battle, he shows agility, flexibility and speed, allowing him to successfully attack and defend, and is almost invulnerable to magical attacks, since the damage to his body caused by them quickly disappears. However, he could not escape from the air sphere, which surrounded his Avatars - Van and Korra managed to perform this technique before he recovered from their magical attacks. In battle, he uses beams of dark energy, which he releases from his "eye", and is especially vulnerable to similar attacks by light energy beams and to the spread of light energy in general. In the battle with Korra, and later in the capture of the City of the Republic, he showed the ability to summon climbing plants by thrusting his tentacles into the ground.

Like other spirits, Vatu can enter a person and change his body. Perhaps this could endanger the life of a person, but this was not shown, as he used the energy of the spirit portals to merge with Unalak and create the spirit of the Dark Avatar, before his energy began to weaken the water mage. He could not give Unalak possession of other elements, but he significantly strengthened his ability to control water, subsequently gaining complete control over it.

Although his bond with Rava has been severed, Vatu can sense her presence and determine where she is. Like Rava, he is immortal and, over time, must be reborn within her.

Minvata price

Of course, those who decided to use this particular material for house insulation would like to know how much such work will cost. The cost of basalt wool can vary quite seriously depending on:

• From the manufacturer. For example, Rockwool and Knauf mineral wool (1000-1500 rubles per sheet of 12-18 sq. M.) Is somewhat more expensive than Ursa (600-700 rubles).
• Material thickness. Of course, the thicker the material, the more expensive it is.
• Its density. Soft mats in rolls are cheaper than hard boards.

Thus, mineral wool, the price of which is democratic, is a heater, of course, worthy of attention. Sheathing walls, floors or ceilings with this material means making your home warm and comfortable for many years.

Positive and negative sides of mineral wool

Advantages:

• The material has an increased fire resistance level.
• Good resistance to irritants of chemical and biological origin.
• Minvata is devoid of such a drawback as deformation.
• The material is not capable of accumulating liquid. It has low hygroscopicity.
• Vapor permeability indicators are at a high level.
• This insulation characterized by high sound insulation.
• This material is safe for human health.
• Ease of installation... Even a builder who does not have much work experience can cope with the work of insulating walls with mineral wool.
• Long operational life - about seventy years.

Negative sides:

• Glass wool fibers are very brittle and if their structure is violated, small fragments can hurt a person.
• In some cases the mineral wool contains formaldehyde resin... If it is exposed to a high temperature for a long period of time, then it will oxidize to phenol (and this is a poison).
• Thermal insulation made with mineral wool is easy to blow through... Therefore, the structure must be carefully covered with decorative finishing material.

The above disadvantages are not characteristic of stone and basalt wool.

Mineral wool properties

The main technical characteristics and properties of mineral wool include:

1. Thermal conductivity. W / (m * K) is used as a unit for measuring the ability of cotton wool to retain heat. Information about the thermal insulation of mineral wool is almost always available on the packaging and is regulated by GOST (permissible value is 0.041-0.045).
2. Soundproofing. This parameter "speaks" about the ability of cotton wool to damp sound waves. This indicator is indicated by the Latin characters Aw and is also indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. It takes on a value of 0 and 1, depending on whether the mineral wool absorbs waves or reflects them.
3. Density. The density of mineral wool is a quality characteristic of the wool. It depends on the number of fibers located per 1 m3 of material. This indicator fluctuates in the range from 20 to 220 kg / m3.
4. Vapor tightness. Due to the ability of mineral wool to pass steam through its fibrous structure, the material on which the wool is laid (metal, brick, wood) retains its natural appearance for a long time.
5. Low flammability. Mineral wool insulation can be used at a maximum temperature of 650 degrees. above zero. The maximum value indicated by the manufacturer on its products is A1.
6. The absence of organic elements in the composition of cotton wool extends its service life.

An important quality of cotton wool is the ability not to emit smoke in the event of combustion, and the ability to maintain its structure - not to crack. On the packaging you can find the corresponding marks - S1 and d0.

Standard sizes of insulation

The leader in the market of heat-insulating materials is the Isover company. It is engaged in the production of plates, mats, rolls and cylinders. Varieties of mineral wool are used to insulate a specific type of structure. To insulate the frame structure, mineral wool is usually used, in which the thickness is 46-213 mm, the width is presented in the size from 566 to 612 mm, and the length is 1175 mm.

For thermal insulation of walls, roofs, facades and other parts of buildings, as well as for insulation of equipment, mineral wool with a thickness of 50 to 150 mm is used

For high-quality sound insulation of multilayer walls, mineral wool of the following dimensions is used: thickness - from 51-101 to 205 mm, width - from 613 mm, length - from 1175 mm.

Flat roofs are usually insulated with wool, which has the following dimensions: thickness - from 55 to 175 mm. Width - from 1195 mm, length - from 1280 mm. All sizes of mineral wool can be found in special catalogs. The most common way to insulate outside and inside is to lay mineral wool mats on frame structures.

Cotton wool sizes:

• ISOVER М34 - 40 mm by 200 mm, 610 mm by 1220 mm. 3000 mm by 9000 mm;
• Frame-M37 - 42 mm by 203 mm, 610 mm by 1220 mm, 3000 mm by 22000 mm;
• ISOVER M40 - 50 mm by 200 mm, 610 mm by 1220 mm. 3000 mm by 9000 mm;
• Frame-M40 - 50 mm by 200 mm, 50 mm by 1200 mm, 7000 mm by 14000 mm.

To insulate the piping, mineral wool cylinders must be used. Usually, Knauf mineral wool is used to insulate the roof, facades, walls and other parts of the building, which is presented in the following variation: thickness - 55-155 mm, while its length and width may vary. The latter characteristics should be selected based on ease of use.

Manufacturers overview and prices

It is worth buying mineral wool only from time-tested manufacturers who have long established themselves and have an impeccable reputation in the construction market. So, the likelihood of running into a low-quality product will be several times less, because unknown manufacturers can save on raw materials, which can greatly affect the technical characteristics of the product. The most famous brands are:

HEATKNAUF

HeatKnauf- stone insulation based on fiberglass, which is widely used in private and industrial construction. Rolls Knauf Thermo Roll are designed for insulation and sound insulation of walls, floors on logs, non-load surfaces and ceilings. Mineral insulation is available in slabs and mats. The most famous series of the Knauf manufacturer: TeploKNAUF COTTAGE, TeploKNAUF Acoustic, TeploKNAUF ROOF, TeploKNAUF Roof, TeploKNAUF Wall. The price of TeploKNAUF packing depends on the thickness and technical characteristics.

Assortment of the manufacturer TEPLOKNAUF

The whole range of TEPLOKNAUF

URSA

URSA- stone, mineral insulation based on fiberglass. URSA heaters are used for insulation and sound insulation of walls, floor on joists, ceilings, attic roof, pitched roof and other surfaces where there are no heavy loads. The manufacturer URSA offers several series of stone wool insulation: Pure One, Geo Light and Terra. The price of stone wool depends on the purpose and thickness of the product.

URSA manufacturer assortment

The entire URSA range

ISOVER

ISOVER- a French company that focuses on the production of fiberglass-based insulation for insulation and sound insulation of a wide range of uses, in the format of slabs and rolls. The most famous lines are Classic, TWIN, Profi, Pitched roof. The cost of stone wool depends on the purpose and size of the product.

The range of the manufacturer ISOVER

Exchange rate regime

See also: Exchange rate regime

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Notes (edit)

1. ... Reserve Bank of Vanuatu. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
2. ... Reserve Bank of Vanuatu. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
3. ... University of the South Pacific. Retrieved November 20, 2008.
4. ... Reserve Bank of Vanuatu. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
5. ... Reserve Bank of Vanuatu. Retrieved 13 August 2013.

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Excerpt from Vata

Blowing mats, cylinders and mineral wool

Mineral wool slabs are small and easy to install by yourself. Mats differ from them in large dimensions - 7-12 m. It is better to work with such material with a partner. The significant area of ​​the insulation allows you to quickly lay a layer of thermal insulation on the ceiling or wall. The result is a minimum of seams that need to be repaired. During transportation, the mats are rolled up, after purchase and cutting the package, they easily recover their shape.

Cylinders are used for thermal insulation of highways. Strengthening the rigidity of the structure made of wool allows 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.

The fiberglass-based material is used without forming rolls or slabs; it is blown onto the surface to be insulated using special equipment. This technology allows you to isolate complex structural elements of the roof.

Manufacturers in the insulation market

The usefulness of mineral wool in insulating the facades of houses contributed not only to an increase in demand among consumers, but also to the emergence of a number of manufacturers of these products. The most famous among them: Knauf, Rockwool, Isover, Ursa, Technonikol.

Manufacturer's products knauf does not differ in strength, and therefore is used mainly for insulating roofs and walls. Produced by a German manufacturer, both in the form of plates and in the form of rolls. On the market, knauf mineral wool is presented in two variations: HeatKnauf and Knauf Insulation. The first option is intended for thermal insulation of a private house.

There is a manufacturer who is ready to offer insulation for all needs - rockwool... The versatility of products is in no way inferior to the cost - the price per unit of goods is quite high.

There is another manufacturer that can boast of the versatility of its products - Isover... The building materials of this company can be additionally plastering.

Often on the market there are products from such a manufacturer as ursa... Quartz sand is used in the production of the material. Mineral insulation of this brand is intended for walls and ceilings.

During production, stone wool is used, therefore, the strength of the product, its thermal conductivity cannot be questioned. The mineral insulation produced by the company meets all the necessary requirements: it does not get wet, does not burn, and has good heat and sound insulating properties.

Thermal insulation of housing is one of the main tasks for humans, especially in our climatic conditions. One of the solutions to the problem is mineral wool insulation. The market is quite saturated with products of various types, offers from many manufacturers. You just need to make a choice and carry out the appropriate work, taking into account the recommendations.

The choice of material for sound insulation and insulation

For installation on different types of surfaces, a heater is selected, depending on the required characteristics and density. The difference in insulation for walls, roofs, floors is not only in rigidity, but also in price.

Roofing mineral wool: application features

Several types of basalt insulation are used in roof insulation systems:

• Plates - when arranging finished roofs, for laying in rafter niches.

• Roll - for installation of a roofing sandwich under a rigid sheathing.

• With a heat-reflecting layer to protect against heat loss in the attic.

Roofing material

The density of the roof insulation should not be maximum. There is no load on the surface of the material. Therefore, they are more guided by the indicators of vapor permeability and moisture resistance: warm moist air should not remain inside the insulation. The thermal conductivity of cotton wool decreases with increasing humidity.

For the arrangement of roofing "pies" are used multilayer systems made of vapor-permeable films, mineral wool for the roof, a waterproofing layer that protects the insulation from moisture from outside.

Plates for insulation of attics are laid directly above the waterproofing film between the rafters. Fastened with crate.

Insulation for walls: how to choose the right material for exterior and interior work

For outdoor work, rigid plates are used. The density of insulation for external walls should be maximized. A decorative cladding is placed on top of the insulation layer or a light or heavy plaster layer is applied.

Wall insulation

For outdoor use, choose a vapor-permeable material with a minimum moisture absorption rate. For interior work, not only slabs are used, but also mats. It is advisable to lay mats (roll materials) when creating multilayer wall structures with a rigid facing layer.

The parameters of mineral wool for walls are also selected taking into account the material from which the insulated surface is made. Too dense material is not suitable for protecting wooden walls - such a surface must "breathe".

The thinner the wall and the higher its thermal conductivity, the thicker the insulation layer should be.

Comparison with other materials

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

Stone wool.

Raw material for production stone wool are rocks mainly of volcanic origin. These rocks are melted in a special melting furnace at a temperature of 1400 - 1500 ° C. The melt then enters centrifuges, where rotating wolves break the molten mass into thin fibers. Here, the resulting fibers are processed with binding components, then a powerful air flow throws the resulting fibers into a special chamber, where the fibers are deposited, forming a kind of carpet of the required size.

The thickness of the stone wool fibers is from 3 to 5 microns, the length is up to 16 mm. Density from 30 to 220 kg / m3.

Advantages.

• Has good thermal conductivity: 0.035-0.045 W / m;
• Good sound absorption;
• Does not burn and has high temperature resistance. Operating temperature range from -180 ° С to 700 ° С.
• Durable and resistant to deformation, does not shrink during the entire service life;
• It is not hygroscopic and repels moisture well;
• Chemically neutral and environmentally friendly;
• Fibers of stone wool are not splitting, which makes it easier to work with, compared to glass wool or slag wool. Installation of mineral wool does not require special skills.

Disadvantages.

• The disadvantages of stone wool include the presence in the composition of binders based on phenol-formaldehyde resins, which can lead to the release of phenol. But phenol begins to release only when the mineral wool is heated to the maximum permissible temperatures (above 700 ° C), under normal conditions the binding components are neutral.

Mineral wool heaters are used for thermal insulation of roofs and internal walls, ceilings and partitions, floors of buildings and panel structures.

Varieties of mineral wool insulation

Depending on the feedstock, there are several types of mineral wool:

• stone;
• slag;
• glass wool.

Each type differs in its properties and technical characteristics, which determine the area of ​​their application.

Stone wool

Mineral wool, the raw material of which are rocks such as basalt dolomite and others, is considered the safest in terms of the environment, due to its properties. It contains no harmful formaldehyde resins, and bentonite clay is used as a binder, which is used even in the food industry. The main advantages of stone insulation are:

• low thermal conductivity;
• the ability to withstand cotton wool temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius;
• resistance to sudden changes in ambient temperature;
• safety in installation and operation;
• high moisture resistance;
• resistance to deformation.

You should know what can only be considered environmentally friendly. In the production of stone wool, other components - limestone, silicates - can be added to the initial composition of the charge, and a binder in the form of phenol-formaldehyde resin can also be used, albeit in small volumes.

Unlike glass wool, stone wool does not irritate the skin, which has a beneficial effect on the installation process.

Glass wool

Such insulation is limited in its scope of use due to the fragility of the fibers, which cause skin irritation and are dangerous if they enter the respiratory tract of humans and animals. Therefore, the material is not used in rooms where people are expected to stay for a long time.

Most often, glass wool is used for insulating technical, utility rooms, external highways of engineering communications. Despite the high degree of water resistance, this material has a low density, the lowest among all types of mineral wool.

The level of heat resistance of glass wool is in the range of 300-400 ° above zero, it is afraid of the effects of moisture, which is why its heat-conducting properties are significantly reduced.

The main disadvantage lies precisely in the fragility of the fibers, which requires the mandatory use of such protective equipment in the process of working with glass material as:

• respirator;
• tight overalls;
• glasses;
• gloves.

Slag

The slag in appearance resembles ordinary cotton wool, the difference is in color

The last representative of mineral wool, a material obtained from metallurgical waste, has the lowest price on the building materials market. Due to the minimum length of the fibers, which are obtained from the molten blast furnace slag, this material looks like real cotton wool, only of a dark gray color. The low density of the material, fragility and low fire resistance, as well as high hygroscopicity, do not allow the use of slag wool for insulating facades, pipelines, attics in the places where chimneys or chimneys pass. And the presence of acid residues in the composition of blast-furnace raw materials excludes contact of the material with metal structures. The main advantage of slag insulation is the lowest price.

Varieties

According to the definition, mineral wool is a fibrous material created for warming and thermal insulation of premises. It is based on thin fibers of various thicknesses and lengths, loose or compressed, with or without inclusions of various components (limestone, clay, dolomite, formaldehyde resins).

There are several varieties of mineral wool, which are made from different materials, differ from each other in technical characteristics and are used for different purposes.

Glass wool

The basic material for the production of glass wool is quartz sand, borax, dolomite, soda, kaolin, broken glass and limestone. This variety has the longest and most fragile fibers, therefore, when working with it, respirators, goggles and a protective suit are used, otherwise small particles of fibers can cause serious damage to the skin and mucous membranes.

Glass wool specifications:

• fiber length - from 15 to 50 mm;
• thickness - from 5 to 15 microns;
• maximum melting point + 450 С;
• thermal conductivity coefficient from 0.03 - 0.052 W / m * K;

Glass wool has a relatively low hygroscopicity and, due to the length of the fibers, increased elasticity, after deformation, the material quickly restores its shape.

Slag

Slag mineral wool is made from slag waste from smelting furnaces. It is the cheapest mineral wool, but it is recommended to use it only in dry rooms. When wet, the fibers are oxidized and have a destructive effect on metal parts. In addition, this type of mineral wool, as a heater, is highly hygroscopic and is not recommended for outdoor use.

Slag wool has the following technical characteristics:

• fiber length - up to 16 mm;
• thickness - from 4 to 12 microns;
• the maximum melting point is 300 C;
• thermal conductivity indices - 0.046 - 0.048 W / m * K;
• has high hygroscopicity;
• capable of oxidizing metal surfaces.

When working with slag, it is necessary to take into account the fragility of its fibers and use protective equipment.

Stone wool

The basic material for the manufacture of mineral stone wool is gabbro-basalt rocks with the addition of carbonates to reduce acidity. Forming and binding components can be bituminous, composite and synthetic materials (formaldehyde resins). Thanks to this, mineral wool has excellent fire-fighting properties: at the maximum melting temperature, it does not burn, but crumbles into dust. The increased porosity and static properties of the material provide excellent thermal insulation and sound insulation properties.

Mineral stone wool has the following technical characteristics:

• fiber length - no more than 50 mm;
• thickness - from 5 to 10 microns;
• maximum melting temperature - up to 870 С;
• thermal conductivity indices - from 0.035 to 0.039 W / m * K;
• the content of organic components is not higher than 4%;
• due to open porosity, the material has a certain vapor permeability.

Rock mineral wool is available with a coating of aluminum foil, kraft paper or fiberglass. Due to the increased density, some types of stone mineral wool for insulation can withstand loads of up to 700 kg per square meter.

Possessing good heat-saving, fire-fighting and sound-insulating properties, mineral wool today is one of the most inexpensive and effective insulation materials.

Mineral wool production stages

The technological process for the production of mineral wool is very similar to the process of making sugar. The only difference is that the process is a little more complicated and is broken down into the following three stages.

Stage 1.

In the appropriate proportion, according to GOST 19170-2001 "Fiberglass", raw materials (glass, sand and industrial glass slags) are poured into cast iron furnaces, which are heated to + 1500 ° C, as a result of which the raw materials melt. After that, they begin to form the fiberglass.

Stage 2.

At this stage, fibers of various lengths, thicknesses and directions are formed. The process of forming fibers is similar to the process of making cotton candy.

So, in the production of glass wool, the blowing method is used - air flows from the centrifuge are directed into the molten mass. As a result, fibers are formed, which are divided in the direction into the following types:

• horizontal;
• chaotically directed;
• vertically layered.

Stage 3.

Finished fibers are treated with polymeric phenolic compounds as a binder, the amount of processing is strictly controlled, since the evaporation of the resin can be dangerous to humans. For the production of modern mineral wool materials, inert compounds with a high level of stability are used that do not emit toxic fumes. After processing the material, it is sent under the press. At the exit, large sheets of fabric are obtained, which are cut and packaged in a shrink film to reduce volume and protect against moisture.

Video: How glass wool is made. Glass wool production

disadvantages

Briefly about the material, we can say the following: mineral wool does not rot, does not attract rodents, is environmentally friendly, perfectly retains heat, does not pass sounds and does not ignite when heated. It would seem that with the low cost of some varieties, it is an ideal option. But it also has its drawbacks.

Some varieties of mineral wool (slag wool) have increased hygroscopicity in comparison with others, and when wet they can oxidize the metal and lose their basic characteristics. Due to the hygroscopicity of such mineral wool, it is recommended to use hydro and vapor barrier insulation.

Comparative table of characteristics of expanded polystyrene and mineral wool

Heating affects the thermal insulation properties, when the permissible temperatures are exceeded, all types, except for stone wool, are sintered or melted. Therefore, the choice of material is very dependent on the conditions in which it will be used.

Some varieties contain a small percentage of phenol-formaldehyde compounds and organic substances. True, when used outside the premises, their small number is incapable of causing any tangible harm.

However, when choosing mineral wool for indoor insulation, you need to pay attention to similar characteristics. For premises, any mineral wool from German manufacturers will be an excellent choice.

It will cost more, but we can say with confidence that it does not contain any carcinogenic compounds.

You cannot use mineral wool for insulation without a protective layer, in an open form. She definitely needs insulation, this is due to the fragility and fragility of fibers, which in the form of small crumbs can rise with dust into the air and cause various damage and irritation of tissues.

To summarize, we can say that the functionality of the mineral wool remains subject to the rules of operation, which include: the correct choice of material of manufacture, the rigidity and thickness of the layer, the form and conditions in which it will be used.

The main characteristics of mineral wool

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

• Resistance to fire - the material is one of the few insulation materials that does not support combustion.
• Low coefficient of thermal conductivity - mineral wool reliably retains heat, preventing its passage. A layer of insulation of 10 cm in efficiency is equal to 25 cm of a bar and 117 cm of a brick wall.
• Vapor permeability - a layer of thermal insulation does not restrict natural air exchange and ensures a healthy microclimate in the room.
• Biological resistance - all types of mineral wool are not exposed to mold and mildew, are not of interest to rodents.
• Durability - basalt material retains its 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 fiber structure with a high air content, the insulation is an excellent noise insulator.

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

What are the types and materials of mineral wool

Probably it is worth starting with what the mineral wool is made of and why it is called that. And this soft insulation is produced from glass, slag or stone. All these ingredients are natural materials. In other words, these are minerals. Hence the name arose: mineral wool means it is made of mineral, everything is simple here ...

→Glass wool made of glass. For its manufacture, quartz sand or broken glass products are used. This material was widely used on construction sites during the Soviet era. It is cheap in cost and has relatively good thermal insulation properties.

But glass wool is very difficult to work with, especially in the hot season. A respirator, goggles and a special protective suit are indispensable here. Even using special overalls, you still can't get rid of itching on the body. I say this from my own experience, since I had to work with glass wool quite a lot in the mid-nineties. Those who worked with her will understand me.

→Slag is made from blast-furnace slag (unburned coking coal residues). All its characteristics are practically the same as those of glass wool. Working with her is also unpleasant and problematic. Therefore, manufacturers have established a more "advanced" version of mineral wool, which is now widely used.

→Stone wool is today the most practical and relevant soft insulation. Most often, hard rocks such as basalt are used as raw materials. Basalt wool does not prick like glass and slag and does not have more improved characteristics.

The manufacturing process for any mineral wool is the same. It is somewhat reminiscent of the process of the formation of children's cotton candy. Only instead of sugar glass, slag or stone are melted at high temperature. The molten mass is then poured onto a rotating drum, which sprinkles the liquid mineral into individual fine fibers. The resulting product is ironed, molded, cut and packaged.

Do not think that nothing else is part of the mineral wool. This is not true. In production, various additives and fillers are used, which were not discussed here, since the technological process is presented figuratively and in general terms. By the way, in what follows we will consider only stone basalt wool , since it is she who is most often used at the present time, although there are exceptions.

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 slags and molten rocks.

In fact, the concept of mineral wool is understood not as one material, but four:

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

All four types have a similar composition of mineral wool, however, differ in fiber length and thickness. Differences in structure determine the properties of the material. You need to understand what kind of mineral wool you need, because the area of ​​application 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 in Soviet times as a reliable, high-quality and safe insulation material.

Mineral wool composition (What the mineral wool consists of):

• Mineral wool is based on 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 the mineral wool. The remaining 10% is various additives.
• For a dense bundle of fibers, various binders are used. For these purposes, phenol-based resins and bentonite clay are used.
• From above, the material is covered with a thin layer of paper. Usually it 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 find out in more detail what kind of mineral wool is in front of you: its composition is indicated on the package.

Choice of mineral wool

We have already figured out the peculiarities of the production of mineral wool and its properties, it remains to understand by what criteria to choose a heat-insulating material. Price is always one of the key criteria. It's not hard to choose a quality material, but why pay for properties you never need?

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

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

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

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

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

It is possible to save up to 80% of the cost of heating a house by installing the "correct" double-glazed windows and insulating the main structural surfaces: foundation, walls, roof and ceilings. For each type of surface, materials are chosen that protect the house from heat loss and do not require repair or replacement after a few years. Among the most popular insulation materials is mineral wool.

The composition of mineral wool: what is the insulation made of

Mineral wool is a material consisting of fibers obtained by melting raw materials and stabilized with binders. The main material is used:

• Glass, dolomite, sand.

• Metallurgical waste: blast furnace slag.

• Rocks: gabbro-basalt, marls.

Production technology: stages

The production takes place in 3 stages. At the first stage, starting material is poured into special melting furnaces in strict accordance with the recipe. Raw materials are heated to ultra-high temperatures - a maximum of 1.5 thousand degrees. During melting, the material turns into a liquid flowing mass.

The second stage is the formation of fibers. The main method in the production of glass wool is blown. Air streams from an industrial centrifuge are directed to the mass. Filamentous fibers are formed under the influence of air. Technologically, it is possible to form threads of different thicknesses, lengths and directions. In the direction of the fibers form:

• The structure of the horizontal layers.

• Vertically laminated fabric.

• A material with randomly directed fibers.

At the third stage, the fibers are treated with binders based on polymeric phenol-aldehyde compounds. The amount of polymer in mineral wool is strictly regulated, because Resin fumes are harmful to humans. Modern materials are treated with highly stable compounds that are absolutely inert and do not evaporate into the air from the finished material.

Then they start cutting the canvases. Form slabs, rolls of glass wool or mineral wool.

Material characteristics and properties

The main question facing the owner of the house is how to choose the right mineral wool? On the market there is a variety of materials from different raw materials, with cardinal differences in performance, technical properties and applications.

Types of mineral wool: which wool is better

Under the general name "mineral wool", 3 types of mineral wool are produced from different types of raw materials:

• Slagged.

• Stone (basalt) wool.

Glass wool: yellow material in rolls

Fiberglass material is practically not used in residential premises. The main problem is fiber fragility. Small particles of glass cause irritation, falling on open areas of the skin, can provoke inflammation of the mucous membranes and lungs. Mostly inexpensive glass wool is used as a heater for technical rooms and pipelines.

Cotton wool with a fiberglass base has a high hygroscopicity, and the lowest density among all types of mineral wool. Mineral glass wool is not moisture resistant. Available in rolls. Also, the material does not have a sufficient level of heat resistance, when heated to 300 degrees, the fibers begin to melt, and the canvas loses its insulating properties.

Stone wool: cut

Mineral stone wool is a canvas with the lowest thermal conductivity, practically not absorbing moisture, but perfectly transmitting steam, due to its cellular structure. The composition contains a minimum of binders. In addition to high heat resistance, cotton wool is produced in the form of canvases with varying degrees of rigidity, which makes it possible to use it as a heater and sound absorber on different surfaces.

Blade material: cheap insulation

The cheapest insulation is slag wool. The fibers produced from the dump of blast furnaces do not have sufficient density or heat resistance. The material is sintered when overheated. Not suitable for installation in areas adjacent to heat sources. It is practically not used in household construction.

The answer to the question: which is better, glass wool, slag or basalt wool is unambiguous. The most reliable and safe, environmentally friendly material is stone mineral wool.

The main characteristics of the insulation

The characteristics of mineral wool, which must be studied before buying a material, are thermal conductivity, density and vapor permeability, heat resistance.

• The vapor permeability of the canvas is the ability of the material to conduct condensate and vapor through its own internal structure, without accumulating it inside. The value of the indicator is especially important to take into account when choosing a product for insulating breathable surfaces, for example, walls made of natural wood. The best indicator is for a material based on basalt rocks (stone wool). Steam conductivity is up to 0.35 mg / m2. x h x Pa.

• The density of mineral wool is measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg per m 3). Stone wool is produced with a density index from 20 to 220 kg / m3. Based on the value, the stiffness of the material is also determined. Slabs with a high index of 200 kg / cubic meter are capable of withstanding a load of approximately 700 kg per square meter of area. The lower the indicator, the softer and more ductile the material. Low density cotton wool can be easily installed on surfaces of complex geometric shapes with irregularities.

The lower the density, the softer the material and the better the flexibility

• The main criterion by which the insulating capacity of the canvases is determined is thermal conductivity... This is the amount of heat that is conducted by the unit of density of a material in watts at a standard temperature difference. According to the norms, an indicator of up to 0.45 W / m x K is considered sufficient. Modern basalt heaters meet European standards with a thermal conductivity level of 0.03 - 0.04 0.45 W / m x K.

The flammability index is another argument in favor of choosing mineral wool. The material is considered absolutely non-combustible, in addition, when exposed to temperature, it does not emit corrosive substances and smoke during combustion. Basalt wool can withstand heating without loss of performance up to 700 o C. The combustion temperature of the wool exceeds 1000 o C.

Areas of application of the material

The properties and characteristics of stone-based mineral wool allow the use of insulation without restrictions. In private construction, the material is used to insulate the external and internal surfaces of walls, in the insulating layer of a roofing sandwich, thermal insulation of floors.

Application of basalt wool slabs

Other areas of application:

• The sound absorption properties of semi-rigid rolled products make it possible to use mineral wool for soundproofing rooms.

• Insulation of structures with an increased risk of fire: wooden houses, rooms where boilers, stoves, fireplaces are installed and direct insulation of chimneys and the perimeter of heat sources.

• Protection of pipelines, underground utilities.

Forms of issue

Basalt wool is produced in the form of rigid slabs, semi-rigid mats, in rolls. For professional use, a granular material is produced for application to a heat-insulated surface by spraying.

The highest density of insulation is that of wool in slabs. Standard sheet sizes are 50 x 100 cm. The material is easily cut and cut with a hacksaw. The thickness of the sheet can be from 5 to 20 cm. The plates are packed in standard blocks indicating the number of sheets or the square of the surface to be coated in one package. The slabs are considered wall slabs and are suitable for installation outside the house, due to their high strength and thermal insulation properties.

Flexible mats in sandwich construction

The material, which is produced in the form of rolled mats, has a lower density. The mats are suitable for laying in multilayer wall structures indoors, used as sound insulation wool for installation under a final floor covering, on interior partitions.

In addition to single-layer canvases, manufacturers offer sheets with several types of coatings. A vapor barrier and waterproofing film is glued on top of the fiber layer to protect the material from getting wet and improve vapor permeability. To improve the thermal insulation properties, the panels are covered with a layer of reflective foil, which reflects heat radiation into the room.

Manufacturers: who to entrust home insulation

Traditionally, European manufacturers are considered leaders in the production of mineral wool (or stone) wool. The release is made in accordance with the internal standards of the countries where the production is located, and the requirements of European standards are much stricter than domestic ones. Naturally, imported products are more expensive.

An alternative to imported heaters is domestic counterparts, which are produced on new equipment, according to standards that are not inferior to European ones.

Characteristics of basalt insulation materials from market leaders:

The choice of material for sound insulation and insulation

For installation on different types of surfaces, a heater is selected, depending on the required characteristics and density. The difference in insulation for walls, roofs, floors is not only in rigidity, but also in price.

Roofing mineral wool: application features

Several types of basalt insulation are used in roof insulation systems:

• Plates - when arranging finished roofs, for laying in rafter niches.

• Roll - for installation of a roofing sandwich under a rigid sheathing.

• With a heat-reflecting layer to protect against heat loss in the attic.

The density of the roof insulation should not be maximum. There is no load on the surface of the material. Therefore, they are more guided by the indicators of vapor permeability and moisture resistance: warm moist air should not remain inside the insulation. The thermal conductivity of cotton wool decreases with increasing humidity.

For the arrangement of roofing "pies" are used multilayer systems made of vapor-permeable films, mineral wool for the roof, a waterproofing layer that protects the insulation from moisture from outside.

Plates for insulation of attics are laid directly above the waterproofing film between the rafters. Fastened with crate.

Insulation for walls: how to choose the right material for exterior and interior work

For outdoor work, rigid plates are used. The density of insulation for external walls should be maximized. A decorative cladding is placed on top of the insulation layer or a light or heavy plaster layer is applied.

For outdoor use, choose a vapor-permeable material with a minimum moisture absorption rate. For interior work, not only slabs are used, but also mats. It is advisable to lay mats (roll materials) when creating multilayer wall structures with a rigid facing layer.

The parameters of mineral wool for walls are also selected taking into account the material from which the insulated surface is made. Too dense material is not suitable for protecting wooden walls - such a surface must "breathe".

The thinner the wall and the higher its thermal conductivity, the thicker the insulation layer should be.

Comparison of mineral wool and alternative insulation

When choosing a material for insulating home systems, doubts often arise: which insulation, expanded polystyrene or mineral wool, is more reliable? Each of the materials has its own advantages and limitations in its use.

How to choose the right insulation

Comparison of characteristics and performance properties of mineral wool and expanded polystyrene

Basalt heaters are classified as fireproof. Expanded polystyrene is not recommended to be mounted in areas close to fire sources: the material burns and emits toxic components during combustion.

When assessing water absorption, foam wins. Expanded polystyrene is characterized by absolute moisture resistance - the material does not absorb moisture. The lack of material associated with moisture resistance is the lack of vapor permeability: walls sheathed with foam will not breathe.

The thermal conductivity of the materials is practically the same. The strength of expanded polystyrene is lower, the weight is less. The material weakly resists mechanical damage, when laid without a top layer, after a few years it begins to crumble. Sheets can only be laid on a perfectly flat surface. It is impossible to carry out the installation without cold bridges.

Differences in installation technique

Mineral wool requires protection from getting wet. Not recommended for use in dug-in foundations insulation systems.

Limitations and areas of application of materials

From a comparison of the properties of expanded polystyrene and mineral wool, it is possible to determine without errors the types of surfaces for which a particular insulation is suitable.
Mineral wool should be preferred:

• For roof insulation.

• For installation on internal wooden walls.

• As an insulation of baths, log cabins.

It is better to insulate a wooden house with cotton wool

• For insulation and insulation of pipelines, communications.

• In the insulation of stoves, fireplaces, boilers.

Expanded polystyrene is used:

• For laying around the foundation in the ground.

In wet ground, it is worth using moisture-resistant polystyrene foam

• As an insulating layer of floor slabs followed by screed filling.

• In the thermal insulation of wet rooms: bathrooms, kitchens.

• In thermal protection of external walls, under decorative plaster.

Determining the type of material is not difficult. In order not to be mistaken with the modification, the thickness of the insulation, it is advisable to get expert advice. The calculations take into account the characteristics of the surfaces; too thin a layer may not be enough to protect against heat loss. It is also worth listening to the advice of the masters when arranging roofing sandwiches: by choosing a multilayer mineral wool with a vapor barrier and a reflective layer, you can save on the amount of other materials.

Video: the whole truth about mineral wool

Reading time ≈ 3 minutes

Slag wool is one of the most common sound and heat insulation materials. Slag wool is a type of mineral wool. The main raw material for the production of this material is blast furnace slag, which is processed into microfibers. Next, the fibers are pressed using a binder and formed into plates / sheets. The average length of the slag wool fibers is 16 mm, the diameter is from 4 to 12 microns. These indicators are approximately the same for all types of mineral wool.

Slag wool, most often, is used to insulate non-residential premises or some kind of temporary structures. Due to its high hygroscopicity, the material cannot be used as insulation for building facades or water pipes.

Technical characteristics of slag

1. Thermal conductivity - 0.46-0.48 W / (m * K).
2. The maximum temperature for use is 250 degrees.
3. Sintering temperature - 250-300 degrees.
4. Heat capacity - 1000 J / (kg * K).
5. The binder is 2.5-10%.
6. Sound absorption coefficient - 0.75-0.82.
7. Vibration resistance - no.
8. Heat resistance class - NG (does not burn).
9. Emission of harmful substances - yes.
10. The taunt is there.

Technical parameters indicate that this material is slightly inferior in certain indicators to other types of mineral wool, for example, glass wool or stone wool. This is especially true for thermal conductivity and sinterability.

Here you can see a photo of slag wool.

Advantages

The main advantage of slag wool is the ability to insulate both straight and curved surfaces. The material is very easy to install on rounded surfaces. The insulation serves as a good sound insulator. Subject to the rules of operation, it can serve for more than 50 years without loss of sound and heat insulation properties. An important advantage of the material is its low cost.

Shlakovata is not a new and well-studied material. Its installation is quite simple and does not require any additional knowledge. The insulation can be installed by one person.

disadvantages

With all its advantages, slag wool has several disadvantages. The material does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature.

Blast furnace slag from which this material is produced has high acidity values. If even a small amount of moisture gets on the material, acid is formed, which has a destructive effect on the metal. Therefore, it is not recommended to use slag wool on metal surfaces where there is a risk of moisture ingress.

During the installation process, small particles of fibers peel off from the material. Therefore, you need to work with slag in a respirator and overalls.

Harmful substances in slag

Phenol-formaldehyde resins, which are part of the slag, negatively affect human health. Some experts believe that such substances are very dangerous to humans. However, manufacturers assure that the concentration of harmful substances is very small and cannot carry any danger. In order not to risk your health, it is better to buy material from only well-known and trusted manufacturers.

According to the reviews of builders using this insulation, they say that slag wool is a practical and inexpensive material with a long service life. The main thing is to comply with all technical conditions and safety measures during installation.