Stone wool is an innovative building material for thermal insulation. It is considered to be a highly efficient product that performs better as an insulator than other analogues.
Characteristics of stone wool
The material is based on rocks. Processing them allows you to obtain a product that is able to resist the transfer of heat. This becomes possible due to the design of the product - the presence of cells in it that retain air.
The composition and properties of stone wool
There are several substances in basalt rock:
- a rock;
- fibers;
- binding components.
After their connection, the building material acquires new qualities that are highly appreciated by specialists. The main one is the property of maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room. After isolation, the house will be cool in summer and warm in winter.
One of the types of wool - stone slabs, is not capable of deformation for many years. Particular attention is paid to the vapor permeability of the product. With a large amount of moisture in the room, it does not absorb it, but repels it.
Important! The product can withstand significant loads - up to 70 kPa, i.e. 7 tons. This became possible due to the peculiarities of the thickness and density of stone wool.
Insulator types
There are various modifications of heaters:
- cylinders;
- rolls;
They can differ in rigidity, density, size. Rolls are very popular with customers. Their density is insignificant. The sheet shrinks well. However, the product is less protective of the object from moisture. Therefore, it is foil-clad on one side. To improve the properties of the product, metal films are also used. Product dimensions depend on the manufacturer's brand.
The boards are mainly used to insulate walls and ceilings. Their density is quite high. This allows you to quickly work with them - cut, fasten, trim.
Read also: Plastic windows: benefit or harm?
Plates withstand load well and are moisture-proof. The joints formed during installation are easily hidden when plastering the wall. Some types have a special groove or ridge, which greatly facilitates the installation process. Sometimes they are used to insulate:
- ventilated facades;
- different types of frames;
- some objects for the purpose of soundproofing.
In most cases, the width of the basalt stone wool insulation is 1 m, the length is 2 m.
Several manufacturers are engaged in the manufacture of cylindrical insulators. They are used for pipes. The size depends on the diameter of the communications.
The cylinders include:
- foil;
- mineral fibers;
- fiberglass mesh for reinforcement.
The note! The materials have grooves that allow you to adjust the size of the insulation yourself, to correctly connect the joints.
The types of stone wool insulation are easy to distinguish by marking. The designation P-75 indicates a low density of the insulator. It is laid on walls that will not undergo significant stress. The product marked P-125 has improved soundproofing qualities. ППЖ-175 means that the product has a high density. The letter Ж speaks of rigidity. Cotton wool marked ППЖ-200 is the densest. It also belongs to fire-resistant insulators.
Pros and cons of stone wool
Unlike other types of insulation, stone wool has a lot of positive characteristics. It belongs to natural products, as it is made from natural materials. The construction industry specialists have the opportunity to operate the insulator in different temperature ranges. Fire safety is another significant advantage. The stone slab is fire resistant. It starts to smolder when the temperature reaches 1000 ° C.
The insulation has excellent soundproofing qualities. This is made possible by the unusual structure of the cotton wool. Fibers are chaotically intertwined in it, between which there are air layers. It is this structure that does not allow sound waves to pass through the material.
Modern technologies make it possible to create waterproof products. They are treated with a special substance that repels water. The service life of stone wool is unlimited. After all, it consists of a durable natural material that does not deteriorate for a very long time. Experts emphasize the absolute safety of the product for human health and the environment. It is a chemically resistant material. However, it has one significant drawback - a high price.
Read also: Linocrom - new generation roofing material
Material dimensions and its calculation
Product dimensions directly depend on their types. The dimensions of the slabs are determined by the ratio of length and width - 1000 × 500, 1200 × 600. The thickness is 30, 50, 100, 150 mm. Cotton wool is actively used to insulate the walls of residential and industrial premises from the outside. Rigid types of products are used to insulate floating floors and heated floors. 
To save money when buying, you need to make a preliminary calculation. To calculate the area of an object, determine its width and length. Then these values are multiplied. When isolating the entire room, the perimeter of the building is established. The result is multiplied by the height and number of floors. If necessary, determine the area of the roof.
The packaging indicates the area that the product can cover. The calculation should take into account the shrinkage of the product. Therefore, they buy it in surplus - another 15% is added to the total area.
Installation of stone wool
Modern construction can no longer do without this material and it is used in 90 cases out of 100. Before laying it, you need to study several important rules. During transportation, the goods must be placed strictly vertically. Also, it is not allowed to remove the packaging. It protects the product from unwanted contact with other objects, which can degrade the quality of the boards.
Important! Cut the cotton with a special construction knife. Only he can cut the sheet without damaging it.
If the product contains 50% fiberglass, then it is not allowed to be compressed. Otherwise, the product may deform and partially lose its thermal insulation properties. In order to install the insulator on the wall, you need to adhere to some important principles. Laying begins with a supporting frame. If this rule is not followed, there is a high likelihood of skewing and cracks.
Mineral insulation includes three types of materials: stone wool, glass wool and slag wool. The difference lies in the raw materials used to manufacture the product.
Stone wool- heat and sound insulating material, which is produced mainly from the melt of igneous rocks.
Igneous rocks of the gabbro-basalt group and similar in chemical composition metamorphic rocks, as well as marls, are one of the main components of raw materials for the production of stone wool.
Stone wool TechnoNICOL is a non-combustible insulation, ideal for thermal insulation, fire protection, creating acoustic comfort inside the premises.
What is the difference between TechnoNICOL stone wool and other types of insulation?
TechnoNICOL stone wool is a non-combustible material. Stone wool fibers are able to withstand temperatures without melting up to 1000 ° C. Stone wool products have heat and sound insulation properties due to their open porous structure. The air trapped in the pores of stone wool has a low thermal conductivity and is in a stationary state, which is what determines its excellent thermal insulation qualities. Due to the open porosity, stone wool is a vapor-permeable material, the vapor permeability is approximately 0.25 - 0.35 mg / m · h · Pa. The density of thermal insulation can vary within wide limits from about 30 kg / m³ to 220 kg / m³, therefore, the physical and mechanical characteristics also differ, as rigid boards are able to withstand a distributed load of 70 kPa (7000 kg / m²!).
Products can be coated with aluminum foil, kraft paper, fiberglass, etc.
What is the service life of TechnoNICOL stone wool?
The service life of TechnoNICOL stone wool slabs is at least 50, which is commensurate with the service life of the building.
All manufactured products from stone wool of the TECHNONICOL brand are distinguished by a long period of preservation of operational properties in building structures. This is due to both the characteristics of the individual fiber and the operation of the entire heat-insulating material in the structure.
Can a rock wool pack be carried alone?
Despite the fact that the raw material for manufacturing is mainly a melt of igneous rocks, stone wool slabs are lightweight, so one person can easily handle the transportation of the material.
Also, TechnoNICOL stone wool slabs are packed in shrink wrap, which undoubtedly facilitates the work with the material.
How does TechnoNICOL stone wool reduce the noise level?
TechnoNICOL stone wool slabs have good sound absorption of airborne and impact noise in a wide frequency range. Sound absorption is provided by a fibrous structure that effectively dampens the sound wave.
TechnoNICOL stone wool is a highly porous material with a flexible skeleton. The mechanism of absorption of sound energy is as follows: sound waves, meeting the surface of the porous material, set the air inside the pores in vibrational motion. The pores have great resistance to the flow of air passing through them, due to which the sound wave is damped and absorbed when passing through the structure of the material, as a result of viscous friction, part of the sound energy is converted into heat.
Also, TechnoNICOL stone wool slabs are used in the construction of floating floors, due to its high sound insulation characteristics (relative compression and modulus of elasticity), the material effectively reduces impact noise.
In what soundproof structures can TechnoNICOL stone wool be used?
TechnoNICOL stone wool helps to fight all types of noise - both airborne and shock. In the “application” section of the website www.site you can see various solutions for sound insulation, in which a material based on stone wool is used:
- suspended ceilings, log floors, partitions and internal soundproof cladding are used to combat airborne noise;
- to combat impact noise - floating floor systems and log floors.
TechnoNICOL Corporation received the conclusion of the Research Institute of Building Physics (NIISF RAASN) on the topic: "Measurement of sound insulation properties of structures using stone wool, manufactured by TechnoNICOL", which reflects the test results of the above-described sound insulation solutions with indication of noise reduction indices in dB.
It must be remembered that sound insulation is a whole range of measures aimed at achieving acoustic comfort. The first step is to find out the source of the noise.
Sometimes the source itself is outside the building, but often the reason is still inside, for example: ventilation systems, pumping equipment, elevators, refuse chutes and other engineering equipment, noisy neighbors. Only after this is it necessary to take the necessary measures for soundproofing.
What material can be used for fire protection? - floors, columns, etc.
The TechnoNIKOL range of stone wool materials includes specially designed slabs for fire protection of steel and reinforced concrete structures "Slab TECHNO OZM" and "Slab TECHNO OZB", respectively, which are capable of providing up to 4 hours of fire protection of building structures, which is confirmed by field tests.
Is it possible to cut TechnoNICOL stone wool products directly on site?
TechnoNICOL stone wool slabs, mats and cylinders are easily cut on site using a fine-toothed knife or a hacksaw, which can be purchased at any hardware store. For mats with steel mesh lining, it is recommended to use wire cutters or scissors.
How to choose the right stone wool material to insulate a particular structure?
TechnoNICOL stone wool is intended for use in various fields and structures that require certain physical and mechanical characteristics of the material.
For example, the density of light grades starts from 25 kg / m3, and for roofing thermal insulation the density is about 200 kg / m3. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right thermal insulation for each structure!
To facilitate the search by areas of application, you can use the convenient navigation block "EXPERT" on the site, where there is a division by product and application of each brand of TechnoNICOL stone wool.
How is the environmental friendliness of TechnoNICOL stone wool achieved?
The production of mineral wool insulation based on stone wool is a complex complex of various technological processes. That is why the TECHNO factories have always paid and are paying special attention to each link of this chain: both the quality of the initial raw materials, and strict adherence to all stages of the production process - this is the key to high consumer properties of the final product!
Environmental issues begin at the stage of selection of raw materials. The main raw material for the production of TECHNO mineral fiber is the stone raw material of the basalt group of rocks: basalt, porphyrite, gabbro-diabase, etc. It is the most widespread class of minerals that make up the earth's crust and are nothing more than solidified volcanic lava that has come to the surface or remains in the earth's thickness - this is a material of completely natural origin.
The TECHNO factories are equipped with the latest, fully automated equipment from European firms (Denmark, Slovenia, Germany) specializing in this area. Reliable uniform bunch of fibers makes the material practically dust-free, which means it is environmentally friendly. All activities of the enterprise are based on strict adherence to sanitary and hygienic standards: waste-free production, a system for cleaning and afterburning gases, highly efficient dust collection equipment.
The document confirming to the consumer that the production of heat-insulating mineral wool boards meets the requirements of international standards is the ISO 9001: 2000 certificate.
The environmental safety of TECHNONICOL stone wool is confirmed by a complete package of mandatory documentation (expert opinion on compliance with the uniform sanitary-epidemiological and hygienic requirements), according to which the materials can be used outside and inside any type of premises (both residential and industrial).
Is rock wool food for rodents?
TechnoNICOL stone wool is a biologically resistant material. Biological resistance is understood as the ability of a material to withstand the effects of various macro - and microorganisms: the material does not support the vital activity of bacteria, mold, fungi, and is also not attractive as a medium for the existence of insects and rodents. TECHNONICOL products fully meet the criteria of biological resistance, which is confirmed by both numerous tests and tests, and field observations.
TechnoNICOL stone wool consists of a material that does not attract rodents as food and is not food for them. Under forced conditions, rodents act on TechnoNICOL stone wool slabs like any other material, in cases where it is an obstacle (obstacle) to access to food and water or to satisfy other physiological needs of the animal.
In free choice conditions, rodents act on stone wool if they need bedding material. If there is a choice of nesting material (burlap, paper), TechnoNICOL stone wool slabs are the last to attract rodents.
It is known that for mice and concrete will not be an obstacle. If necessary, they will gnaw through!
What is hydrophobicity?
Hydrophobicity (from ancient Greek ὕδωρ - water and φόβος - fear, fear) is a physical property of a molecule that “seeks” to avoid contact with water. The molecule itself is called hydrophobic in this case.
About 70% of all damage to building structures is caused by moisture.
The presence of moisture in the insulation negatively affects its thermal insulation properties, service life and room microclimate. If the insulation gets wet, expensive and long-term measures are required to eliminate the consequences, which most often consist in replacing most of the structural elements. Stone wool should not be directly soaked, because it loses its properties after it gets wet.
TECHNONICOL materials are made of stone and treated with water-repellent additives, which impart water-repellent properties to the insulation. However, this allows them to be resistant only to short-term exposure to water.
How to store and transport stone wool material?
When working with TechnoNICOL stone wool material, the rules of transportation and storage should be observed.
Transportation:
- Products are transported by all types of transport in covered vehicles in accordance with the rules for the carriage of goods in force for this type of transport.
- It is allowed to transport products over a distance of 500 km in open vehicles with mandatory protection from atmospheric precipitation.
Storage:
- Plates should be stored packed and stacked on pallets separately by grade and size. Stack height no more than 3 m.
- Mats and cylinders should be stored wrapped and stacked on pallets or containers separately by brand and size.
- Pallets should be stored on a dry, level surface. During the entire storage period, the material must be protected from the effects of atmospheric precipitation.
How easy is it to work with TechnoNICOL stone wool material?
A distinctive feature of TECHNONICOL heat and sound insulation boards based on stone wool is a clear positioning of products according to the field of application. The characteristics are selected in such a way that the material works as reliably and efficiently as possible in this design. The products are compatible with all types of building materials (except for acrylic decorative compounds on plaster facades). Installation of mineral wool insulation is most often a "dry" process (with the exception of plaster facades). You will never be touched by the problem of shrinkage deformations, you do not need expensive special equipment, you do not need to waste time waiting for moisture to come out of the material. The surface of the insulation is immediately ready for subsequent operations. An important advantage of the "dry" process is the ability to work at low temperatures.
Insulation work is safe and does not require special skills when insulating surfaces of any complexity.
All you need is to precisely cut the material and put it into the structure, leaving no gaps.
When working with material, it is important to follow the rules:
- when cutting, a sharp knife with fine teeth or a hacksaw is used;
- it is necessary to provide sufficient ventilation of the room;
- when performing work, the insulation must not be allowed to get wet - when working in the rain, it is necessary to use protective coatings (hydro-wind protection, plastic film). Materials based on stone wool are hydrophobic, which gives protection only against short-term water ingress;
- If necessary, use personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles and a respirator).
How important is vapor permeability for a building material?
Due to the fact that there is always a temperature difference between the air inside and outside the building, and as a result, a pressure drop, there is always a diffusion of water vapor through the enclosing structure towards the lower pressure area. The process of the appearance of moisture and its accumulation in the structure can be attributed to one of the most harmful factors, which leads to the destruction of the structure, a decrease in thermal protection, a deterioration of the microclimate, the appearance of mold, fungi, etc.
The vapor permeability of a building material is the ability of a layer of material to transmit water vapor as a result of the difference in the partial pressure of water vapor at the same atmospheric pressure on both sides of the layer of building material. This ability to retain or transmit water vapor is characterized by the value of the vapor permeability coefficient or vapor permeability resistance.
This parameter should be paid special attention to in the context of the use of modern building materials and technologies. Namely: the installation of metal doors with rubber seals, plastic windows and panels, the use of vinyl wallpaper, paints and varnishes, insufficient distribution of air conditioning and forced ventilation systems.
Due to its good vapor permeability, the use of TECHNONICOL stone wool will help to avoid the accumulation of moisture in the enclosing structure, which can lead not only to losses of heat-saving properties, but also to the destruction of the structure itself.
The structure of TECHNONICOL stone wool consists of almost 90% air, which is the basis of vapor permeability (walls "breathe"). Water vapor seeps freely through the material, without having time to condense in the thickness. The use of hydrophobic additives in the material reduces the wettability of the material and prevents moisture from entering the fiber structure. The vapor permeability index of TECHNONICOL stone wool is 0.3 mg / h Pa m.
For the production of stone wool, a phenol-formaldehyde binder is used, can it be used in the house, is it not harmful?
In the production of insulation, a small amount (from 2 to 4.5%) of imported phenol-formaldehyde binder of the latest generation is used, which is completely polymerized (hardened) - the degree of polymerization is 99%. All our materials are certified by the SanEpidNadzor authorities for compliance with MPC standards. All products have a sanitary and epidemiological conclusion for compliance with these standards and the scope for residential, public, etc. is indicated. buildings.
For reference: Phenol-formaldehyde resins are widely used in the furniture industry (plywood, chipboard, fiberboard, OSB).
People do not think about the tables at which they sit, eat, and on which beds they sleep. Insulation with such a low content of organic matter is located inside partitions or walls.
How radioactive is stone wool and is there a radiation certificate?
The raw materials for the production of stone wool insulation are the rocks of the gabbro-basalt group. It is a natural natural stone that is not radioactive.
For TECHNO brand products there is a laboratory test protocol No. 5 / CM dated January 17, 2007 for determining the specific effective activity of natural radionuclides, issued by the accredited radiation monitoring laboratory of CJSC RYAZANPROEKT Institute. According to the protocol, the products have a level of individual radionuclides of 39 ± 6 Bq / kg with a maximum allowable value of 370 Bq / kg according to NRB -99.
TechnoNICOL stone wool is produced according to the Technical Specifications, does this mean that it is worse than GOST?
Mineral wool slabs of grades P-75, P-125, P-175, P-225 are produced in accordance with GOST 9573-96 "PLATES OF MINERAL WOOL ON SYNTHETIC HEAT INSULATING BINDER".
In terms of physical and mechanical parameters, the products comply with the requirements of this document.
TECHNO products are manufactured in accordance with the Technical Specifications (TU) developed at the manufacturer's plant.
Requirements for physical and mechanical characteristics in technical specifications are much higher than GOST standards for plates "P".
Accordingly, TECHNO products have additionally regulated strength characteristics that are important in their field of application. These are compressive strength for flat roofs, peel strength for facades, etc.
How is stone wool produced?
The method of producing fiber from stone was "spied" from nature: after volcanic eruptions in the Hawaiian Islands, the so-called "Pele Hair" was found - cotton wool made from thin threads of volcanic rocks, which turned out to be the "predecessors" of modern material. For the first time, wool from rocks was obtained in the USA in 1897. Modern production of stone wool is based on a principle of action similar to the operation of a volcano: ways:
- Blowing method
- Centrifugal roller method
- Centrifugal blowing method
- Centrifugal-spun-blowing method
- Other modified methods
After the fiberizing process, a binder is introduced by spraying the binder onto the fibers, sprinkling a stone wool carpet, or preparing hydromass. A stone wool carpet with a binder applied to the fibers is subjected to heat treatment, where a heat carrier with a temperature of 180-230 ° C provokes a polycondensation reaction of the binder. The organic matter content of the finished product is typically about 3% by weight. Then the products are cut to the required sizes, packed and stored.
What is acidity modulus and what is its significance for TechnoNICOL products?
One of the main indicators of the quality of stone wool fiber is the modulus of acidity - the ratio between acidic and basic oxides.
The highest quality stone wool can be obtained from gabbro-basalt rock, with the addition of carbonate rock additives to regulate the acidity modulus.
By the value of the modulus of acidity, stone wool can be classified according to GOST 4640-93 “Mineral wool. Specifications ", as follows (3 types):
- A is the acidity modulus of St. 1.6
- B - acidity modulus of St. 1.4 to 1.6
- B - acidity modulus of St. 1.2 to 1.4
Cotton wool with a higher acidity modulus is more water resistant and therefore more durable.
TechnoNICOL stone wool corresponds to type A of acidity modulus in accordance with GOST 4640-93.
What is the role of the binder in the production of stone wool?
One of the components of stone wool insulation is a binder that holds the fibers together, thereby providing the products with the desired shape and density parameters. Binder types (possible):
- Bituminous binders
- Synthetic binders. As a rule, these are phenolic alcohols, phenol-formaldehyde, urea resins.
- Composite binders (binders consisting of several components).
- Bentonite clays.
Currently, the most common use of a composite synthetic binder consisting of phenol-formaldehyde resins, hydrophobizing and plasticizing additives. In the finished product, phenol and formaldehyde are in a bound state, the binder is inert to the environment.
1.22 Does your board prick much more than other manufacturers?
When working with all fibrous insulation, such a feeling arises. The reason lies in the fact that the structure of the fibers is not always uniform. The rock melt, transforming into thin threads, in addition to the glass phase, which is the main part of the fiber, contains inclusions of the crystalline phase (crystals). Such fibers are weakened, more fragile, prone to brittleness (as, for example, the fragility of a human hair, although its diameter is 10-15 times the fiber diameter). The feeling of “stinging” is created by “fragments” of fibers. The fight against this phenomenon is carried out by all manufacturers of fiber insulation. As for "pricks harder", this is, to a large extent, a subjective factor. Use protective equipment (gloves, mask) - they will completely help to avoid inconvenience.
1.23 Is your wool made from slag?
The composition of the raw material for the production of our products is selected in such a way that the melt intended for the production of mineral fiber contains up to 75-80% of natural basalt stone, the remaining 20-25% is corrective (modifying) additives to improve the quality of the fiber and give the necessary properties of the finished material.
Slag is considered to be a product whose raw material is slag, which is a waste of metallurgical plants. Our products are made from solid stone. The quality of such products is always on top.
1.24 Why is stone wool better than glass wool?
The basis of all the valuable qualities of stone wool insulation is the structure of the material. The randomly woven arrangement of the fibers ensures high rigidity of the products and their high resistance to mechanical stress. The material does not slip under its own weight and does not decrease in thickness over time.
The second important property of stone wool is hydrophobicity. The fibers of the material are treated with a special water-repellent compound that allows water to roll off the surface of the insulation.
The third advantageous property of stone wool is incombustibility (NG). The sintering temperature of glass wool fibers is about 500 ° C, which is achieved in a standard fire in 7 minutes, while stone wool fibers begin to sinter at a temperature of 1000-1200 ° C, and this temperature is reached in 2 hours of a standard fire. Thus, by using stone wool, you get extra time for evacuation in the event of a fire.
1.25 Why can TECHNONICOL boards be different in color?
The color of the slabs of products is mainly determined by two parameters: the initial composition of the raw material components of the charge and the modes of heat treatment of the mineral wool carpet on the technological line. Deviations in color are in no way related to the performance characteristics of the product; after installation work, all differences will be hidden by subsequent finishing.
1.26 What is the thermal conductivity of a material?
Thermal conductivity - the property of a material to transfer heat through its thickness from one surface to another if these surfaces have different temperatures (heat transfer through 1 m3 of material with a temperature difference of 1 ° C).
1.27 What is material density?
Density is a scalar quantity measured for homogeneous bodies by the ratio of body mass to its volume.
In construction, the average and true density of the material is distinguished. It should be understood that when choosing a material for a particular application, density is not the main characteristic.
So, for facade systems with a thin plaster layer, the main characteristic is the peel strength of the layers, since the plaster layer is applied directly to the insulation.
Stone wool is a popular insulation made by high-temperature melting of basalt rock. Thermal insulation materials are necessary for external and internal work, including the insulation of walls, roofs, facades. Plates are easy to install, which allows you to perform a large amount of construction and installation work in a short time. In our catalog, the best prices for stone wool insulation with an official manufacturer's guarantee. Order delivery or arrange self-pickup from a warehouse in Moscow.
| Stone wool Parok is a Finnish universal material with excellent characteristics. | from 84 rub / m2 | |
|
|
Rocklight stone wool - thermal insulation boards made of mineral wool based on rocks belonging to the basalt group. Flame retardant, light weight. | from 77 rub / m2 |
|
|
Rockwool stone wool is made on the basis of basalt rocks using a unique technology. Excellent sound and thermal insulation for walls, floors and roofs. | from 86 rub / m2 |
|
|
Izorok stone wool - thermal insulation materials for walls, ceilings, ventilation shafts, pipelines, etc. It is used in civil and industrial buildings and structures. | from 98 rub / m2 |
Scope of use of stone wool
Many Russian and world brands are engaged in the production of stone wool. A line of models with high performance parameters is offered to the attention of consumers. The classification of insulation takes into account the density and amount of the binder, the direction and size of the fibers. Depending on the climatic conditions and the field of application of mineral wool boards, you can choose a suitable option with different characteristics and dimensions from the offered assortment. Due to the wide distribution of stone wool slabs on the market, there is a risk of buying substandard products. Therefore, the choice must be approached very carefully.
Multifunctional stone basalt wool is versatile. High-quality and durable material is used for reliable fire protection, heat and sound insulation of low-rise buildings. Mineral wool insulation is suitable for arranging floors, interior partitions, roof ceilings, frame walls, house façades for siding. Some types of mineral wool boards are used in buildings of industrial and civil importance, for thermal insulation of pipelines for cold and hot water supply, ventilation shafts, gas and oil pipelines.
Absolutely safe insulation with mineral wool is presented in an assortment of various sizes and characteristics. In our online store, the affordable price of products is available for consumers in all regions of Russia.
The advantages of stone mineral wool include:
- high fire safety;
- environmental Safety;
- long service life;
- efficient heat preservation;
- soundproofing.
High-quality heat-insulating material made of stone wool does not absorb or retain moisture when it comes into contact with water. This property is especially important when performing installation work indoors, roof insulation, building facade. Due to the special processing of the insulation, the risk of surface damage as a result of the vital activity of insects and rodents is reduced.
Characteristics of TechnoNIKOL mineral wool
|
Indicator name |
ROCKLIGHT |
Test Method |
|
|
Thermal conductivity |
|||
|
SP 23-101-2004 |
|||
|
SP 23-101-2004 |
|||
|
Compressibility, no more |
|||
|
Water vapor permeability, not less |
0.3 mg / (m h Pa) |
||
|
Moisture by mass, no more |
|||
|
Water absorption by volume, no more |
GOST R EN 1609 |
||
|
GOST R 52908-2008 (EN 13820-2003) |
|||
|
Flammability, degree |
|||
|
Density |
GOST R EN 1602 |
||
To stabilize the geometric shape in the manufacture of basalt insulation boards, special synthetic binders are added to the mixture.
Mineral wool cut
Stone insulation Park
What is stone wool, what types of this insulation exist, its technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, how to choose the right material and do-it-yourself installation features.
Description and features of the production of stone wool
Stone wool is one of the varieties of mineral fiber heat insulators. It can be made from various rocks, but the highest quality material is considered to be based on basalt fibers. Therefore, this insulation is also called "basalt wool".
In this heat insulator, synthetic impurities are contained in minimal quantities, the excellent natural characteristics of the stone are preserved. The fibers are intertwined and bonded with the help of special substances. The latter are phenol and formaldehyde in the form of resins.
The stone fiber method was invented after an unusual discovery in Hawaii. There, after a volcanic eruption, the so-called "Pele's hair" was discovered - thin threads of solidified volcanic rock. They became the forerunners of basalt fiber, created in their likeness, but already in a production environment. Stone wool was first produced in 1897 in the USA.
In modern conditions, the material is made using the principles of volcanoes. In special furnaces at a temperature of about 1500 degrees above zero, rocks are melted and a liquid melt is obtained. It is drawn into fibers using various methods: centrifugal-roller, blowing, centrifugal-blowing, centrifugal-spinning-blowing and others. The thickness of the finished fibers is no more than seven microns, the length is no more than five centimeters.
After the fibers are formed, a binder is added to them, spraying it, watering the basalt "carpet" or preparing hydromass. In order to endow the product with certain technical properties, during the manufacturing process, the material is additionally processed with special solutions that increase the density, vapor permeability, and hydrophobicity.
After applying binders and technical liquids, the basalt carpet is heat treated at temperatures up to 230 degrees. Under such conditions, the polycondensation reaction takes place. After heat treatment, a finished stone wool with a specific open cellular structure is obtained, which is able to withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius. Organic matter in this material contains no more than 3%.
The main types of stone wool
Based on its texture, shape and suitability for certain purposes, stone wool is divided into several types.
In terms of stiffness, stone wool insulation is:
- Soft... This material is made from fibers of the smallest thickness. They create a huge number of cavities that trap air. It is he who prevents heat loss. Soft stone wool is used where large mechanical loads are not expected. It is suitable for insulating facades, walls using frame technology, roofs and others.
- Medium hardness... The fibers used in the production of this stone wool are stiffer, which makes it possible to use the material for insulating facades where high-speed air flows take place. Also, this heat insulator is suitable for heat, fire, sound insulation of ventilation ducts.
- Hard... The fibers of this material are the thickest and most durable. This type of insulation is used in places where heavy loads are expected. It is possible to lay hard basalt wool under a concrete screed; it can be used to insulate walls with subsequent reinforcement and plastering directly on the heat insulator.
There is another type of stone wool - foil material. It provides double insulation. That is, not only does it not release heat outside its own limits, but also reflects it, directing warm air into the building. This heat insulator can have one-sided foil and two-sided. This foil-coated stone wool is versatile and can be used in any environment.
Specifications of stone wool
The technical characteristics of this insulation allow it to be used both for heat and sound insulation, and for protection from the effects of fire. Let's consider the main properties of stone wool:
- Thermal conductivity of stone wool... The fibers in the insulation are arranged chaotically, not strictly oriented. The material has an airy structure. The large number of air spaces makes stone wool an excellent heat insulator. The thermal conductivity coefficient is low - from 0.032 to 0.048 W / (m * K). According to this indicator, cotton wool is close to cork, foamed rubber, extruded polystyrene foam.
- Hydrophobicity... This type of mineral wool practically does not absorb water. Water absorption by volume is less than two percent. This allows you to use this material for insulating wet rooms - bathrooms, saunas, baths, basements.
- Vapor permeability... Regardless of the density of stone wool, it has excellent vapor permeability. The moisture contained in the air penetrates through the insulation without any problems. In this case, condensation does not form, and the material does not get wet. This quality of stone wool guarantees optimal temperature and humidity conditions in a room insulated with this heat insulator. Water vapor permeability averages 0.3 mg / (m * h * Pa).
- Fire resistance... Basalt fiber wool is considered a non-combustible material. In addition, it can act as an obstacle in the path of open fire. The maximum allowable temperature that the material can withstand without melting is 1114 degrees Celsius. Therefore, stone wool can be used to insulate devices that operate at high temperatures. According to fire safety standards, this insulation belongs to the NG group.
- Soundproofing... This insulation is able to drown out the vertical sound waves that go inside the walls. By absorbing acoustic waves, stone wool shortens the time for re-veering and does not transmit sound not only to the insulated room, but also to neighboring rooms.
- Strength... Due to the chaotic arrangement of fibers in stone wool, even a material with a low density is able to withstand heavy loads. With a deformation of ten percent, the insulation has a compressive strength of 5-80 kilopascals. This property of stone wool guarantees a long service life without changes in shape and size.
- Chemical and biological activity... Chemically, this insulation is passive. It does not react with metal, wood, plastic and other materials. In addition, rotting, damage by microorganisms, rodents are not peculiar to the heat insulator.
- Environmental Safety... The presence of phenol-formaldehyde resin in the material causes a lot of controversy regarding the environmental friendliness of stone wool. However, according to recent studies, the content of toxic substances in basalt fibers is extremely low. In addition, they do not stand out from the cotton wool, since they are neutralized at the production stages.
- Stone wool thickness... Recently, this insulation has been produced in multiples of 50 millimeters. The minimum material thickness is the same. This heat insulator is used under a concrete screed to insulate floors. The maximum thickness reaches 200 millimeters. Typically, this stone wool is used on the upper floors of multi-storey buildings.
- Dimensions of stone wool... Stone wool in rolls reaches 10 meters in length. The width is usually within 1.2 meters. The material in the slabs has dimensions of 1000x1200 mm.
Advantages of stone wool
Stone wool is considered one of the most popular among other mineral fiber heat insulators. Among its advantages are the following:
- Excellent thermal insulation... Stone wool can be used even in harsh winters. It is used to insulate walls, facades, floors, roofs, pipelines and other elements for both domestic and industrial purposes.
- Good sound insulation... In a house insulated with stone wool, you will not be disturbed by sounds from the outside. Any acoustic waves can be damped by this material. It also dampens vibrations well.
- Fire safety... Modern types of stone wool do not lend themselves to combustion and do not spread fire. Fibers can only melt, sinter, and even then, if the temperature reaches above 1000 degrees.
- Versatility... It is possible to insulate buildings that have already been erected for a long time or have just been built with this material. In this case, the presence of high-quality supply ventilation does not matter. Stone wool does not interfere with air microcirculation.
- Resistance to chemicals... The material is not afraid of the effects of aggressive alkalis, acids, oils, solvents.
- Water resistance... Due to the processing of fibers with special hydrophobic compounds, stone wool will not absorb water and therefore lose its quality. Therefore, the material can withstand short-term contact with water.
- Long service life... Stone wool does not lose its insulating qualities for a long time - up to 50 years or more.
- Low specific gravity... This heat insulator is easy to transport and install even on your own.
- Fast installation... It is especially convenient to lay stone wool in slabs. They are large and cover a significant area at a time.
- Environmental friendliness... The material is harmless both during installation and during operation. It almost does not generate dust, like other types of fiber insulation, and it can be laid without the use of a large number of protective equipment and devices.
Disadvantages of stone wool
There are not so many disadvantages to this insulation. They are mainly manifested in cases where you purchase poor quality stone wool from unscrupulous manufacturers. Then the material can get wet, which means it can lose its hydrophobic properties, be brittle and even release toxic elements into the air.
In general, the following disadvantages of stone wool can be distinguished:
- Relatively high price... This cost differs the material from well-known brands, which guarantee that the insulation is made of pure basalt rocks, is environmentally friendly and will last a long time.
- Small amount of dust... Fibers of stone wool practically do not prick, in contrast to glass or slag wool. However, shaking the basalt insulation leads to the appearance of small clouds of dust. Inhaling them is definitely not recommended. Therefore, it is worth using a respiratory mask during work.
- The presence of seams at the joints... The so-called cold bridges occur in places where slabs or mats of stone wool do not touch tightly enough. Therefore, in order to avoid heat loss, during the installation process, it is necessary to seal these holes with polyurethane foam.
Criteria for choosing stone wool
It is necessary to choose stone wool based on your goals and the place of use of the insulation. When purchasing material, pay attention to the following recommendations:
- If you are going to insulate the roof, which is built with a slope, then buy a heat insulator that has a thickness of 15 centimeters and a density of up to 40 kilograms per cubic meter. Otherwise, over time, the insulation runs the risk of sagging.
- To insulate interior partitions, use stone wool with a density of up to 50 kg / m 3. Such an indicator will provide the necessary sound insulation.
- It is recommended to insulate load-bearing walls from the outside. This will bring the dew point, where condensation will appear, outside. It is advisable to use stone wool with a thickness of about 10 centimeters and a density of at least 80 kilograms per cubic meter.
- To insulate a ventilated facade, choose cotton wool, which consists of two layers, or lay the material in two layers. Moreover, each will have a different density: loose - near the walls, dense - outside.
Stone wool price and manufacturers
It is recommended to choose stone wool from several of the most famous brands. These manufacturers ensure that the quality of their products is of the highest standard. The most popular brands are:
- Knauf... The product line includes stone wool for every application. Thermo Roll is suitable for insulating horizontal and vertical surfaces, the price of a roll is from 1.2 thousand rubles. Thermo Slab 037 is perfect for thermal insulation of floors, partitions, floors between floors, external walls. The package contains 12 to 24 slabs. The price of stone wool ranges from 1000 to 1400 rubles. LMF AluR are foiled basalt slabs that provide not only sound and heat insulation, but also fire safety. The cost of a roll is about 1000 rubles.
- Ursa... Offers materials for thermal insulation of civil and industrial buildings. There are several lines of stone wool. Pure One is a new generation material. Absolutely non-flammable, environmentally friendly, with high thermal insulation values. One roll costs about 1,500 rubles. XPS boards are intended for insulation of facades, external walls, interfloor ceilings. The cost of packaging is from 1,500 rubles.
- Rockwool... The most popular stone wool lines from this brand are Caviti Butts and Ruf Butts. It is a material in slabs for insulation of external walls, facades and roofs. The price of products ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 rubles per package.
- Isover... This French manufacturer produces a huge range of basalt fiber based insulation. The most popular types are: Isover Classic, Isover KT-37, Isover KL-37. The first is produced in the form of rolls of two mats. The price starts at 1,500 rubles per package. The second and third are the material in the slabs. It is preferred when handling rolls is difficult. The cost ranges from 900 to 1200 rubles per pack.
- TechnoNIKOL... This manufacturer of stone wool has such a range of products by series: Basalit, Technoface, Rocklight. Basalite is basalt wool in slabs that can be used for thermal insulation of roofs, facades, pipelines, floors, partitions. A pack of 10 pieces will cost 1,300 rubles. Technofas are lightweight basalt fiber slabs. The package contains 4 pieces. Its price is from 800 rubles. Rocklight is a versatile tile material. A pack of 12 items costs from 800 rubles.
Brief instructions for installing stone wool
To install basalt insulation on the facade or external walls, you will need special glue and dowels with a large head. It is not recommended to attach the material only to glue, since it can fall off in case of gusts of wind or mechanical stress.
Also, in the process of installing stone wool, you will need a construction knife, a metal or wooden profile (slats). With their help, it will be necessary to equip the crate. If the slabs have a high density - from 100 kilograms per cubic meter, then a hacksaw for wood will be needed for cutting.
We carry out the work in stages:
- We attach a vapor barrier film to the wall.
- We install the profile or beams vertically with a step that slightly exceeds the width of the roll or insulation plate. The material must be placed in such a way as to adhere independently between the profiles.
- We fill the finished cells with basalt wool, which is pre-lubricated with glue. Slightly press the insulation to the surface.
- We begin to collect the layer of thermal insulation from the bottom up.
- After you assemble one row of stone wool, you need to fix the slabs or mats with dowels. To firmly fix the material on the wall, you will need 5-6 fasteners per square meter.
- The gaps formed between the slabs or mats of stone wool are filled with scraps of insulation, and covered with polyurethane foam on top.
- After covering the entire surface with material, place the windproof membrane on top. At the joints we glue with tape.
Watch a video review of stone wool:
Basalt fiber insulation is a material that is widely used in the field of thermal insulation. The excellent characteristics of stone wool and many varieties allow it to be used for insulating roofs, facades, external walls, partitions, floors, pipelines. And a simple installation is within the power of even non-professionals.
The article was prepared with the participation of specialists from the ROCKWOOL company
Modern construction cannot be imagined without the use of various heat-insulating materials that minimize heat loss. In an energy efficient house, there are no frenzied energy bills, even with a solid area, since only the premises are heated, not the street. One of the most demanded thermal insulation materials is stone, which is used both on an industrial scale and everywhere in the private sector. And although this insulation is perhaps the most common, nevertheless, there are a lot of speculations around it, and manufacturers endlessly face the same questions. In this article, with the help of ROCKWOOL specialists, we will consider the main characteristics of stone wool:
- Raw material base, production technology, form of release.
- Scope of application.
- Technical and operational characteristics.
- Answers to questions from members of the forum
Stone wool - from what, how, in what form
A universal thermal insulation material made from rocks, predominantly of the gabbro-basalt group (a product of volcanic eruptions), which is why stone wool is often called. This group of rocks is characterized not only by strength, but also by a high melting point, which determines the choice of producers. The rock is melted at a temperature of more than one and a half thousand degrees, the finest fibers are drawn from the melt.
Stone wool has a layered structure, with a chaotic arrangement of fibers, which contributes to the formation of more air pores.
Derivatives of phenol-formaldehyde resin are most often used as a binder that transforms individual fibers into a single, elastic and durable web. These substances are considered the most stable and durable. With regard to safety, the additives are contained within the limits of the amount allowed by the standards, which makes them absolutely safe for both humans and the environment. This is confirmed by numerous studies and tests.
Andrey Petrov Head of the ROCKWOOL Design Center
This insulation is one of the few building materials with a positive ecological balance. That is, it helps to save more energy than was expended in its production, and theoretically can be subjected to endless recycling after the end of its service life.
Stone wool comes in several forms:
- Plates of various thicknesses and stiffness.
- Rolls.
- Specific products - insulation in the form of cylinders with seam or lock joints for pipelines and chimneys, laminated mats.
Characteristics of stone wool
- Thermal conductivity - 0.04-0.05 W / (m * C).
- Water vapor permeability - 0.25–0.3 mg / (m h Pa). This means that the house will "breathe", creating a healthy indoor climate.
- Water absorption by volume - from 1 to 3%.
- Density - from 25 to 200 kg / m³.
- Compressive strength (depending on the type of material) - from compressible soft products (compressibility up to 50% according to GOST 17177), to rigid plates with a compressive strength at 10% deformation equal to 0.1 MPa.
- Flammability group - NG (non-combustible).
- Environmental friendliness - despite the presence of a small amount of synthetic binder, the material is recognized as natural and absolutely safe, it is approved for use even inside residential structures and public buildings.
- Durability - manufacturers promise more than half a century without loss of performance, which is confirmed by the world experience in the use of insulation. In addition, if the material gets wet, which is unlikely, because high-quality stone wool materials have water-repellent properties - it's okay, because after drying it will not lose any of its properties. And animals and mold are not touched by cotton wool - manufacturers have created such a material that is bio-resistant.
When choosing a heater, priorities are usually placed in the indicated order with minor displacements of criteria, but the flammability group rarely comes first. Nevertheless, this is one of the most important parameters: when insulating, the house is not only "wrapped" around the entire perimeter, the insulation is also placed in the ceilings and in the rafter system. It turns out a closed loop, which should at least restrain combustion, and ideally prevent it, and certainly not support it in any way. It is enough that the "filling" of houses, like the lion's share of the cladding, is combustible. Knowing the flammability group of the insulation, it is easier to pick up the rest of the components of the facade or roofing "pie" in order to minimize the danger, rather than enroll in future fire victims. Here are the most popular materials.
If it is clear with non-combustible (NG) materials, then the properties of the remaining groups should be deciphered.
Federal Law "Technical Regulations on Fire Safety Requirements" dated July 22, 2008 No. 123-FZ (current edition, 2016).
But the fire safety of a material is not only a group of flammability, there are other properties that can reduce the safety of a building, lead to the death of people and entail serious material damage.
Each material used in the construction and decoration of houses is considered from the point of view of fire safety and is evaluated according to five criteria:
- Flammability.
- Flammability.
- Smoke formation.
- Combustion products toxicity.
- Flame spread over the surface.
|
Fire hazard criteria for building materials |
Class of constructive fire hazard of building materials, depending on the groups |
|||||
|
Flammability |
||||||
|
Flammability |
||||||
|
Smoke-generating ability |
||||||
|
Toxicity |
||||||
|
Flame spread |
||||||
Andrey Petrov
High-quality stone wool, being non-combustible, does not ignite, fire on its surface will also not be able to spread. With regard to smoke generation and toxicity, binders will begin to melt and burn out before fibers, but their amount in the material is too small to form a smoke screen. They are not enough to poison the air, even with an internal fire source, not to mention an external one. The melting point of stone wool is 1000⁰C, since thin fibers are easier to melt than rock, but this threshold is enough to extinguish the flame. Stone wool as fire protection withstands 240 minutes of direct flame exposure.
But regardless of the type of insulation, experts advise to be more careful with the choice of material and be based not on the lowest cost, but on the reliability of the manufacturer and the experience of use. You can “get hold of” experience both from neighbors / relatives / acquaintances, and on our portal, there is more than enough of it. As for certificates, unscrupulous manufacturers have forgeries, that is, even their presence is not a panacea, let alone products for which they do not exist at all, although by law a fire safety certificate is required.
Scope of application in questions and answers
Stone wool has a wide range of applications. Due to the naturalness of raw materials and its durability, stone wool materials are used both in private residential buildings and in high-rise buildings, for public buildings and industrial facilities. In the private sector, soft and hard slabs are most in demand, as well as sandwich chimneys and protection of enclosing structures by means of stone wool when removing chimneys through walls.
Soft slabs are designed for warming and soundproofing unloaded flat and inclined surfaces: in frame houses in enclosing structures, in a roofing system between rafters, in interior partitions, in ceilings (between logs under a subfloor), in balconies and loggias. In those areas where minimum thermal conductivity is needed and rigidity is not required, since there is no load. If the task is not only to insulate, but also to isolate the room from noise, choose a material with a specific bias.
There are no special subtleties in the selection and installation of stone wool materials - usually the manufacturer indicates all the necessary information on the pack and on the website. And they were created in such a way that it was as simple and convenient as possible to work with them. For example, you can find material with a springy edge, as well as "double density" boards, which greatly simplify the installation process and ultimately save you money.
But sometimes questions still arise, the answers to which can be easily found on, in particular, on the branches, which are led by representatives of manufacturers. Here are the most popular questions that are found on our forum.
Alex_1975 FORUMHOUSE user
Tell me what layer of stone wool is needed on a wooden floor for sound insulation. Is there a big difference between conventional insulation and acoustics.
As a rule, the interfloor floor is a frame made of wooden beams. According to the specialist, with such a structure, to ensure sound insulation, it is necessary to use a material certified as soundproof. Slabs are mounted in the frame, the optimal layer thickness is 100 mm, but the final choice also depends on the thickness of the beams. The thickness of the timber beams and the soundproofing boards must match. This solution can significantly reduce the level of airborne noise.
Plates of medium hardness are more often used for external insulation in systems of ventilated curtain facades and in well masonry between walls. To insulate rooms with high humidity, stone wool is also used in slabs; manufacturers have special series designed for a specific operating mode.
Rigid slabs are characterized by increased strength, they can withstand heavy loads (300 kg / m²) and are most often used for insulating floors under a "floating" screed. For wet facade systems, special rigid slabs are produced with a peel strength of at least 10 kPa, which makes it possible to apply a reinforcing and decorative layer directly to the material. It should be borne in mind that hard plates, due to their higher density, have a higher thermal conductivity, therefore, if it is not supposed to load the insulation, you should prefer the soft or semi-rigid version.
Not all structures are typical, often the distance between the elements of the subsystem does not correspond to the dimensions of the plates.
Goodmorning FORUMHOUSE user
How to insulate the attic with spans of more than 580 mm, in my case at 720 mm? I mean, how to install cotton wool, can it be inserted horizontally, not vertically, in order to reduce the amount of waste? Such a distance between the rafters is not my whim, this is how the company builds, and 720 mm is an average size, in fact there is not a single span, and the rafters are not installed in a vertical plane, that is, if the bottom is 680 mm, then from above maybe 740 mm.
In this case, it is necessary to install the slabs horizontally, but their thickness should be at least 100 mm, since such slabs will be less prone to bending under strong compression.
Sometimes it is difficult for users to determine the insulation density.
komodd FORUMHOUSE user
What is the density of the material to insulate the facade for siding? The walls are brick.
Density is nothing more than specific gravity. The main aspect when choosing a material is the manufacturer's recommendations. Certain physical and mechanical characteristics are important. For example, the material for the frame must be elastic, and for the floor under the screed it must be rigid. For materials from different raw materials, stiffness and elasticity occur at different density values. Both raw materials and fiber size, as well as a number of other parameters, affect. For installation of the heat-insulating layer into the frame without mechanical fastening, a light and resilient material is selected, it is easier to install and adheres closely to the structure. When choosing a denser material, it will be quite difficult to mount it into the frame without mechanical damage. Therefore, in conditions of economy, you need to choose not a dense material, but the one that is necessary in the design.
dubroff
The most common option. Make an opening in the wall 400 × 400 mm, sheathe the inner walls of the opening with basalt cardboard, minerite, then mount the passage box. After the pipe passes the sandwich through the box, fill it (box) with basalt wool.
Also, our craftsmen use stone wool in street oven complexes to maintain the optimal temperature regime for tandoors, Pompeian ovens and various modifications of Russian ovens. Laminated mats with aluminum foil are used to insulate pipelines; shaped products (cylinders) are used for the same purpose.
By the way, the service life of high-quality stone wool heaters is very long - 100 years, so a long and safe life for your home!
More information about stone wool and other heaters is in the section. Bulk insulators - in materials about insulation, etc. In the video - an expert's story