Stone wool as an effective insulation for the home. Stone wool insulation: properties, characteristics, pros and cons, installation features Stone slab insulation

Rock wool is a popular insulation material produced by high-temperature melting of basalt group rocks. Thermal insulation materials are necessary for external and internal work, including insulation of walls, roofs, and facades. The slabs are easy to install, which allows you to complete a large volume of construction and installation work in a short time. Our catalog contains the best prices for stone wool insulation with an official manufacturer’s guarantee. Order delivery or arrange pick-up from a warehouse in Moscow.

	Stone wool Parok is a Finnish universal insulation material with excellent characteristics.	from 84 RUR/m2
	Rocklight stone wool is thermal insulation slabs made of mineral wool based on rocks belonging to the basalt group. Non-flammable, light weight.	from 77 RUR/m2
	Rockwool stone wool is made from basalt rocks using a unique technology. Excellent sound and thermal insulation for walls, floors and roofs.	from 86 RUR/m2
	Isorok stone wool - thermal insulation materials for walls, ceilings, ventilation shafts, pipelines, etc. It is used in buildings and structures for civil and industrial purposes.	from 98 RUR/m2

Scope of use of stone wool

Many Russian and global brands are engaged in the production of stone wool. A line of models with high performance parameters is offered to consumers. The classification of insulation takes into account the density and amount of binder, the direction and size of the fibers. Depending on the climatic conditions and the area of ​​application of mineral wool slabs, you can choose a suitable option with different characteristics and sizes from the offered range. Due to the wide distribution of stone wool slabs on the market, there is a risk of buying low-quality products. Therefore, the choice must be approached very carefully.

Multifunctional stone basalt wool is distinguished by its versatility of use. High-quality and durable material is used for reliable fire protection, heat and sound insulation of low-rise construction projects. Mineral wool insulation is suitable for arranging floors, interior partitions, roofing ceilings, frame walls, and house facades for siding. Some types of mineral wool boards are used in industrial and civil buildings, for thermal insulation of cold and hot water supply pipelines, ventilation shafts, gas and oil pipelines.

Absolutely safe mineral wool insulation is available in a variety of sizes and characteristics. In our online store, affordable prices for products are available to consumers in all regions of Russia.

The advantages of stone mineral wool include:

• high fire safety;
• environmental Safety;
• long service life;
• effective heat retention;
• soundproofing.

High-quality thermal insulation material made from stone wool does not absorb or retain moisture when in contact with water. This property is especially important when performing indoor installation work, roof insulation, and building facades. Thanks to special treatment of the insulation, the risk of damage to the surface as a result 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
Vapor permeability, not less		0.3 mg/(m h Pa)
Humidity by weight, 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 during the manufacture of basalt insulating slabs, special synthetic binders are added to the mixture.

Mineral wool in cut

Stone insulation Parok

The article was prepared with the participation of specialists from the ROCKWOOL company

Modern construction cannot be imagined without the use of various thermal insulation materials to minimize heat loss. In an energy-efficient house, there are no crazy energy bills even with a large area, since only the premises are heated, and not the street. One of the most popular thermal insulation materials is stone, used both on an industrial scale and throughout the private sector. And although this insulation is perhaps the most common, there is still a lot of speculation around it, and manufacturers endlessly face the same questions. In this article, with the help of ROCKWOOL specialists, we will look at the main characteristics of stone wool:

• Raw material base, production technology, release form.
• Scope of application.
• Technical and operational characteristics.
• Answers to questions from forum members

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 manufacturers. The rock is melted at a temperature of more than one and a half thousand degrees, and the finest fibers are pulled out of the melt.

Stone wool has a layered structure, with a random 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 fabric. These substances are considered the most stable and durable. As for safety, the additives are contained within the amount allowed by regulations, which makes them absolutely safe for both humans and the environment. This is confirmed by numerous studies and tests.

Andrey Petrov Head of the Design Center at ROCKWOOL

This insulation is one of the few building materials with a positive environmental balance. That is, it helps save more energy than was expended in its production, and theoretically can be endlessly recycled after the end of its service life.

Stone wool is available in several forms:

• Plates of various thicknesses and hardness.
• 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).
• Vapor permeability – 0.25–0.3 mg/(m h Pa). This means that the house will “breathe”, creating a useful indoor microclimate.
• Water absorption by volume is 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 a deformation of 10% equal to 0.1 MPa.
• Flammability group – NG (non-flammable).
• 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 characteristics, which is confirmed by global experience in using 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. But animals and mold will not touch cotton wool - manufacturers have created a material that is bioresistant.

When choosing insulation, priorities are usually placed in the specified order with minor shifts in the criteria, but the flammability group is rarely in first place. However, this is one of the most important parameters: when insulating the house, it is not only “wrapped” around the entire perimeter, the insulation is also placed in the ceilings and in the rafter system. The result is a closed circuit that should, at a minimum, 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 flammable. Knowing the flammability class of the insulation, it is easier to select the remaining components of the façade or roofing “pie” in order to minimize the danger, rather than sign up for 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 are worth deciphering.

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 flammability group; there are also other properties that can reduce the safety of a building, lead to death and cause serious material damage.

Each material used in the construction and finishing of houses is considered from the point of view of fire safety and is assessed according to five criteria:

• Flammability.
• Flammability.
• Smoke formation.
• Toxicity of combustion products.
• Spread of flame over a surface.

Fire hazard criteria for building materials	Structural fire hazard class of building materials depending on groups
Flammability
Flammability
Smoke generating ability
Toxicity
Flame Spread

Andrey Petrov

High-quality stone wool, being non-flammable, does not ignite, and fire cannot spread across its surface. Regarding smoke generation and toxicity, the binders will begin to melt and burn out before the fiber, but their amount in the material is too small to create a smoke screen. There are not enough of them to poison the air, even with an internal fire, 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 for the flame to die out. Stone wool as a fire retardant can withstand 240 minutes of direct exposure to flame.

But regardless of the type of insulation, experts advise paying more attention to the choice of material and basing it not on the lowest cost, but on the manufacturer’s reliability and application experience. You can “get experience” both from neighbors/relatives/acquaintances and on our portal, there is more than enough of it. As for certificates, there are forgeries among unscrupulous manufacturers, that is, even their presence is not a panacea, let alone for products that do not have them at all, although a fire safety certificate is required by law.

Scope of application in questions and answers

Stone wool has a wide range of applications. Due to the naturalness of the 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 using stone wool when chimneys are routed through walls.

Soft slabs are designed for insulation and sound insulation of unloaded flat and inclined surfaces: in frame houses in enclosing structures, in the roofing system between rafters, in interior partitions, in ceilings (between joists under the subfloor), in balconies and loggias. In those areas where minimal thermal conductivity is needed and no rigidity is 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 slope.

There are no particular subtleties in the selection and installation of stone wool materials - usually the manufacturer indicates all the necessary information on the package and on the website. And they are created in such a way that it is as simple and convenient to work with them as possible. For example, you can find material with a springy edge, as well as “double-density” boards, which greatly simplify the installation process and also ultimately save money.

But sometimes questions still arise, the answers to which can be easily found on, in particular, on the branches maintained by representatives of manufacturers. Here are the most popular questions that appear on our forum.

Alex_1975 User FORUMHOUSE

Tell me what layer of stone wool is needed on the wooden interfloor ceiling for sound insulation. Is there a big difference between conventional insulation and acoustic insulation?

As a rule, the interfloor ceiling is a frame made of wooden beams. According to the specialist, with such a design, to ensure sound insulation, it is necessary to use a material certified as soundproofing. The slabs are mounted sideways into 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 wooden beams and soundproofing slabs must match. This solution can significantly reduce the level of airborne noise.

Medium hardness slabs 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 in slabs is also used; manufacturers have special series designed for specific operating conditions.

Rigid slabs are characterized by increased strength, they can withstand heavy loads (300 kg/m²) and are most often used to insulate floors under a “floating” screed. For “wet façade” 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 is worth considering that hard slabs, due to their higher density, have higher thermal conductivity, so if you do not intend to load the insulation, you should prefer a soft or semi-rigid variety.

Not all designs are standard; often the distance between the elements of the subsystem does not correspond to the dimensions of the slabs.

Goodmorning User FORUMHOUSE

How to insulate an attic with rafter spans of more than 580 mm, in my case 720 mm? I mean how to install the cotton wool, is it possible to insert it horizontally rather than vertically in order to reduce the amount of waste? This distance between the rafters is not my whim, this is how the company builds, and 720 mm is the average size, in fact there is not a single identical span, and the rafters are not installed in a vertical plane, i.e. if at the bottom there are 680 mm, then at the top maybe 740 mm.

In this case, it is necessary to use horizontal installation of the slabs, but their thickness should be at least 100 mm, since such slabs will be less prone to sagging under strong compression.

Sometimes it is difficult for users to determine the insulation density.

komodd User FORUMHOUSE

What density should the material for insulating the facade under siding have? 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 made from different raw materials, rigidity and elasticity occur at different densities. The raw material, the size of the fibers, as well as a number of other parameters have an impact. To install the heat-insulating layer into the frame without mechanical fastening, a lightweight and elastic material is selected; it is easier to install and fits closely to the structure. If you choose a denser material, it will be quite difficult to mount it into a 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 400x400 mm, cover the inner walls of the opening with basalt cardboard, mineralite, then install a passage box. After the sandwich pipe passes through the box, fill it (the box) with basalt wool.

Our craftsmen also use stone wool in outdoor stove complexes to maintain the optimal temperature conditions of tandoors, Pompeii stoves and various modifications of Russian stoves. Laminated mats with aluminum foil are used for insulation of pipelines, and shaped products (cylinders) are used for the same purpose.

By the way, the service life of high-quality stone wool insulation is very long - 100 years, so your home will have a long and safe life!

More information about stone wool and other insulation materials is in the section. Bulk insulators - in materials about insulation and. In the video - an expert's story

Thermal insulation materials are used to insulate the house. Among them, stone wool is of particular interest due to its popularity. It is often used for insulation of industrial buildings, apartments, and houses in the private sector. But not everyone understands what it is. This article describes the types of stone wool, its characteristics, and also lists the best manufacturers that guarantee reliability and high quality.

What is stone wool?

Rock wool is made from volcanic rock. In its natural form, it is a solid material, so that it takes on a “cotton” shape, it is melted and separated into fibers. Depending on the manufacturer, one or another technology may be used for this procedure (centrifugal or spinneret drawing, blowing, windrowing). Basalt treated in this way becomes free-flowing, and so that it does not crumble and so that it can be formed into a certain shape, the fibers are treated with an adhesive substance.

Phenol-formaldehyde resin is the same adhesive, in any case, it is used more often than its analogues. It glues the fibers together, thereby making layers of the required thickness. The stone wool is then treated with a special oil to make it water-repellent. The last stages of production are cutting and packaging of insulation.

Photo of facade insulation with stone wool

Types of stone wool

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Stone wool comes in different types. It is mainly divided into types based on density.

• Soft wool, also known as roll insulation. Its density ranges from 10-50 kg/m. cube Thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.033 W/m*S. Used in improving pipelines, frames, floors, partitions.
• A semi-rigid slab can have a density from 60 to 80 kg/m. cube Thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.039 W/m*S. It is often used for facades, roofs, laid on ceilings or in sandwich panels.
• A rigid slab has a density of 90-175 kg/m. cube Thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.046 W/m*S. This insulation is used for surfaces that are subject to significant mechanical stress. This could be the floor, roof, foundation, underground pipelines, etc.

At the time of purchase, the density of the material is always indicated in the form of letter markings. Soft stone wool is PM, hard stone wool is PZh, and semi-rigid stone wool is PP. The numbers that are written next to these letters with a hyphen indicate the density itself. Most often found on sale: PM-40, PM-50, PP-70, PP-80, PZh-100 and PZh-120.

In terms of geometric characteristics, there is no single classification, because different manufacturers may offer completely different products. Here, a lot depends on where exactly the insulation will be installed. But the thickness of stone wool is identical from different manufacturers. It is sold in thicknesses of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mm.

Photo of stone wool in rolls and slabs

There is another classification based on the type of packaging.

• Rolled stone wool can be plain or with foil on one side to increase heat-reflecting properties. The length of such material in a roll can be from 3 to 50 meters, and the width is 0.6-1.5 meters.
• In slabs - a typical option used for facades. The slabs are produced in widths of 60-120 cm and lengths of 120-150 cm.
• Shaped is one that has a round shell. It is used to insulate pipelines.

Properties and characteristics of stone wool

Stone wool is often compared to other types of similar material. Namely with glass wool, slag wool and mineral wool. Below are comparative characteristics that allow you to navigate one or another parameter of all types.

Parameter	Stone wool	Mineral wool	Glass wool	Slag
Average fiber diameter (µm)	5-15	4-12	4-12	4-12
Fiber length	20-50	16	15-50	16
Thermal conductivity (W/m2*k)	0,033-0,046	0,077-0,12	0,038-0,046	0,46-0,48
Use temperature	From -190 to +700°C	-60 to +600°C	from -60 to +450°C	-60 to +250
Sintering temperature	700-1000	600	450-500	250-300
Heat capacity	500-800	1050	1050	1000
Compressibility (%)	Up to 40	40	60	60
Elasticity	71	60	55	50
Flammability class	NG - non-flammable	NG - non-flammable	NG - non-flammable	NG - non-flammable
Sound absorption	0,87-0,95	0,75-0,95	0,8-0,92	0,75-0,82
Vibration resistance	No	No	No	No
Binder (%)	From 2.5 to 10	From 2.5 to 10	From 2.5 to 10	From 2.5 to 10
Humidification per day (%)	0,035	0,095	1,7	1,9
Chemical resistance to water	1,6	4,5	6,2	7,8
Chem. alkaline resistance	2,75	6,4	6	7
Chem. resistance to acidic environment	22	24	38,9	68,7
Release of harmful substances	Yes, if there are harmful binders	Yes	Yes	Yes
Need for binders	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Taunting	No	No	Yes	Yes

Advantages and disadvantages

Experts note both the advantages and disadvantages of stone wool, so before buying it for insulation, you need to weigh the pros and cons. What are the advantages of stone wool?

• The material is lightweight, which makes it easy to carry and lay it while insulating the room.
• This is a time-tested insulation.
• High insulating properties.
• Stone wool is not afraid of temperature changes. Regardless of the weather, it does not expand or contract, holds its shape and retains its properties.
• The basic characteristics are the same regardless of the manufacturer. So, for example, insulation from Rockwool and Isobox have similar parameters and qualities, but differ in terms of price, additional raw materials used for production and other details. Hence the difference in price.
• The material is not flammable.
• Depending on the quality of the insulation, vapor permeability can vary from 0.3 to 0.55 mg/m hPa. The higher the indicator, the better this property is expressed.
• Laying stone wool is quite simple, even without practice.

Now about the disadvantages of stone wool.

• Contrary to misconceptions, it does not repel rodents. Mice and rats are not afraid of it and can live peacefully in it.
• The environmental friendliness of stone wool is often questioned due to the fact that the fibers are held together with resins during production. Manufacturers rarely explain what kind of resins they are, their exact composition and whether they are harmful, so the question remains open.
• When laying stone wool, dust is generated which is strongly recommended not to be inhaled. Therefore, you can only work with it in a respirator.

Photo of TechnoNIKOL and Rockwool stone wool

Where is stone wool used?

Since the 20th century, stone wool has become widespread. Due to the fact that it is 95% natural material, it is used for insulation of a wide variety of types of buildings.

• Walls. This material is very popular as facade insulation. Thermal insulation properties help prevent heat loss in winter and keep cool in summer.
• Floors are often insulated with it. It allows you to make screeds and provides sound insulation.
• Roofs (flat and pitched) are partially insulated with this insulation. True, it is not recommended to use only stone wool, but it is suitable as part of the protection.
• Partitions inside rooms are often made using this material. It provides additional sound insulation.
• Load-bearing beams and columns, reinforced concrete floors, transit air ducts, cable and pipe passages can be made using stone wool. This provides fire protection and additional safety to the residents of the premises.

The best stone wool manufacturers

Stone wool is produced by many manufacturers, but not all of them guarantee quality and durability. In order not to regret your purchase in the future, you should focus on leading manufacturers.

• TechnoNIKOL - a well-known manufacturer. TechnoNIKOL stone wool is released in series. For example, Rocklight slabs cost from $12 per cubic meter. Thermal roll is a roll, priced up to $23 per cubic meter. Technoacoustic – has excellent soundproofing properties. Price from 45 dollars.
• Isover - French manufacturer. Well-known lines are Isover Classic, Isover KL-37 and Isover KT-37. Prices vary depending on product type and quantity, but on average you can find products for $13 and up.
• Isobox – an inexpensive type of stone wool from a domestic manufacturer. The products are produced in series (“Light”, “Inside”, “Facade”, “RUF”, “Extralight”) in automatic mode.
• Ursa is a well-known company whose material is used for insulation of residential, private houses, apartments, and industrial complexes. This company offers a new version of stone wool - Pure One, characterized by environmental friendliness and high performance. One roll will cost $23 on average. There are also products in slabs at about the same cost.
• Rockwool - the most popular brand. Many people have heard about him and this is not surprising. The manufacturer works on quality and durability. Famous lines of stone wool are Roof Butts and Cavity Butts. The average cost of a package or roll is $15-23.
• Knauf produces stone wool of a wide variety of types. Thermo Plate 0.37 is a good choice for floors, facades, and partitions. There are 12-24 slabs in a package. Approximate cost: 15-22 dollars. Tormo Roll is an analogue in the form of a roll. Recommended for insulation of any vertical and horizontal surfaces. The cost of one roll is from 18 dollars. There are also foil-coated products, their prices start at $15 and up.

Photo of wall insulation with stone wool

Stone wool is made from rocks and is a fibrous material consisting of many stone strands. Basalt rock heats up and, under the influence of high air pressure, stretches into thin, stone hairy threads. Without going into the complex preparation process, we are sure that we have enough knowledge to understand what stone wool is. Stone wool is more often referred to as basalt wool.

Products based on basalt wool have excellent thermal insulation characteristics, a long service life, and resistance to various negative influences.Due to its mountain component, basalt wool is often called stone wool.

Stone wool, or rather superfine fiber, has a chemically neutral composition, so it does not decompose over time, does not interact chemically with aggressive substances and does not release toxic components. This is a safe insulation for humans and the environment.

Consumers have become more practical in choosing insulation materials; one of the first requirements on the list is taking care of their health. Since stone wool has a natural base, it is completely safe for human health. You can buy and use basalt fiber without fear, even in institutions with high sanitary standards. They will tell us in the video review:

Stone wool, area of ​​application

Stone wool made from basalt fiber is widely used in a wide variety of industries and construction. This material is not afraid of high temperatures, is fireproof and is able to retain its shape during prolonged exposure to fire, protecting the building from the rapid spread of fire. Structures insulated with mineral wool acquire a high fire resistance class.

The main uses of stone wool are insulation of external walls, roofs, ceilings and partitions, thermal insulation of industrial installations, water supply and heating pipes. Durable, durable and fireproof sandwich panels are made from high-quality basalt wool.

In the production of boiler equipment, stone wool is used for furnaces in order to protect consumers from burns and increase the efficiency of units by saving thermal energy.

Most likely, stone wool, like any material, has its pros and cons. Nevertheless, The wide scope of application of mineral wool insulation is due to the unique properties of superfine basalt fiber. We present as evidence the main characteristics and advantages of the material.

Low thermal conductivity of basalt wool

Due to the fibrous structure, basalt wool contains a lot of air inside, trapped between the chaotically intertwined threads. The thermal conductivity of the air itself is very low, and since it is enclosed in microvoids and is in a stationary state, there is no convection, which determines the good thermal insulation properties of the product.

Fire safety

This is perhaps the main advantage of basalt mineral wool over other insulation materials. The stone wool base does not burn or melt at temperatures up to 1400 degrees. It should be noted that mineral wool contains synthetic resins that glue the fibers to each other. When heated to 250 degrees, the resins evaporate, but the fibers retain their position in the absence of mechanical loads. Due to this, rigid mineral wool slabs and soft mats retain their geometry, preventing the spread of fire inside the building.

This fire-resistant insulation is used for thermal insulation of objects that require compliance with special fire safety rules. Stone wool does not burn and does not support combustion. The fiber is often used to create a fire barrier in the chemical industry.

Stability of shape and dimensions

Mineral wool made from basalt fiber does not cake and does not shrink due to the elasticity of the fibers. Depending on the concentration of binding resins, mineral wool products of medium and high hardness (slabs), as well as soft products (rolls, granules, mats) are distinguished. Rigid slabs do not deform under their own weight and can be installed on vertical structures.

Thanks to the ability of the boards to maintain their original shape, the formation of cracks in the heat-insulating layer is prevented. Soft insulation materials laid on horizontal surfaces adhere tightly to structures without forming gaps at the joints between them. Under mechanical loads, such materials are compressed and then expanded, returning to their previous volume. This makes it possible to fill hard-to-reach and hollow areas of buildings with stone wool.

Good noise insulation performance

Due to the random arrangement of threads inside the mineral wool, sound and shock vibrations are suppressed. One of the manufacturers producing soundproofing boards based on stone wool is the company Technonikol. Using this material to insulate external walls, you can protect the premises from street noise.

If the material is laid on interfloor ceilings or internal partitions, this can effectively soundproof adjacent rooms. The walls of the loggia, where stone wool is used as insulation, absorb street noise more intensively, maintaining peace in the apartment.

Vapor permeability

Stone wool is treated with water repellents, which prevent moisture droplets from adhering to microscopic fibers. Moisture vapor passes between the threads without condensing on their surface, therefore, with natural steam pressure in the direction from the living quarters to the outside, excess moisture is removed. Due to this process, structures insulated with mineral wool remain dry. In the rooms of an insulated house, the likelihood of dampness and mold formation is reduced, and the air becomes cleaner.

Since gas molecules pass through the entire thickness of mineral wool, their continuous circulation leads to partial purification of the atmosphere in the house. Carbon dioxide is released outside, and clean air enters the building. Thanks to this, the microclimate improves and living spaces become more comfortable.

This is true if your house is insulated with basalt wool and is not used intensively in winter. If your home is constantly heated, then in winter, when there are strong negative temperatures outside, vapor condensation is possible at the junction of the warm inner surface of the wall and its cold outer surface. The so-called “dew point” is formed precisely in the insulation. Despite the fact that stone wool is subject to destruction with great resistance, we strongly advise you not to skimp and use vapor barrier membranes.

Stone wool cons

• vapor barrier and wind protection required – Stone wool needs its own protection. A vapor barrier film protecting it from the side of the room will help preserve the insulation. Wind protection will protect the material from blowing out and moisture from rain or snow getting on it.

• high thermal conductivity – in terms of thermal insulation properties, stone wool is inferior to such material as. The owner will have to increase the thickness of the insulation with basalt fiber to equalize the characteristics. .

• crumbles – during the installation process, the fiber is slightly destroyed, as a result of which small particles enter the room, creating stone dust. A regular respirator will help to protect employees, but working in such conditions is not pleasant at all. In small quantities, the effect of the formation of dust particles may occur during operation. As a conclusion, insulation of the material itself and work using protective equipment is required.

• caked – stone wool has significant weight and, during long-term storage, becomes compacted under its own weight. Caking leads to loss of thermal conductivity. Moreover, compacted basalt wool is more easily susceptible to destructive processes. Another negative point is that compacted stone wool will have to be strengthened using additional fasteners, which will lead to higher installation costs.

The economic benefit of using basalt thermal insulation is that during the operation of the building, heat losses are reduced and, as a result, heating costs are reduced. The main structures acquire good protection from freezing and temperature changes, so they do not require large repair costs and become more durable. Manufacturers claim a 50-year warranty on the material.

Material hardness.

We are used to seeing hard slabs of stone fiber on the counters. However, stone wool is often soft and packaged in rolls. Soft stone wool is used in places where there is no strong mechanical load. The soft version is perfect for well masonry. Often builders insulate ventilated facades not exceeding four floors with soft basalt wool.

The latest developments in modern construction allow us to achieve the best results and obtain a universal material that can protect against adverse external environmental influences. One of these is stone basalt wool. More on this below.

General description of the specified product

This is quite a popular material. It is obtained by pressing basalt rocks and hydrophobic binder additives. This process is not that complicated. Stone, or basalt, wool is a durable, fire-resistant, wear-resistant material. It is used in the construction of residential and public buildings, as well as preschool institutions. The material has the highest performance characteristics and is manufactured according to the quality standard in accordance with GOST.

Technical description

Stone wool is one of the types of mineral wool. The main advantage of this insulation is that it is an environmentally friendly material, since it is made from molten gabbro-basalt rocks. Even in ancient times, local residents noticed the fact of a volcanic eruption, in the remains of which strong and long fibers were found. Based on this, basalt wool was later invented. This is reliable data.

The components that make up this insulation (stone wool) are various types of binders. They hold the fibers together. These include synthetic, bitumen, composite binders and bentonite clay). These components give the product the required density and shape.

Properties and characteristics of stone wool

There is a lot of interesting things in this regard. Namely:

• This insulation is easy to transport. This material is produced mainly in slabs. The product is delivered to the construction site packed in polyethylene. This also simplifies its storage.

Application

Stone wool is a fairly universal insulation material and can be used in various areas of construction. This material is used in the following cases:

Installation of stone wool

This process is quite simple. There are soft, rigid and semi-rigid stone wool slabs. This simplifies the installation of the specified material - no special skills, specialists, or the use of complex tools or equipment are required. Stone wool can be glued with a special construction adhesive or attached using dowels. After this, a layer of vapor barrier is laid, then you can proceed to finishing.

When working with this material, it is best to use a cotton-gauze bandage or to avoid dust getting into the respiratory tract.

Main criteria when purchasing this material

Do not forget that when purchasing this product, you should carefully review the quality certificate and check that the formaldehyde content is minimal. Well-known manufacturers of basalt wool strive to ensure that the presence of harmful impurities in this material is at the lowest level. Therefore, it is better to buy the specified insulation from companies that have already proven themselves in the construction market.

conclusions

Basalt, or stone, wool is a product obtained by melting rocks with the addition of binder mixtures. This insulation is an environmentally friendly material, safe for human health and the environment. However, it contains formaldehyde and phenol. During the melting process, these additives evaporate from the overall composition of the insulation. Stone, which has a positive character, is an excellent material and is popular in the construction and repair industry.

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