Durability of stone wool. Which mineral wool is better for insulation - stone or glass wool, comparison of materials

Today, in the building materials market, you can purchase different types of insulation for repairing premises. Basalt (stone) and mineral wool(glass wool, glass). Each of the materials has specific features, its own characteristics, as well as advantages and disadvantages. Performing the same function at the same time, both materials are very different both in texture and in the method of manufacture. What is the difference between them?

What is the difference between basalt wool and mineral wool

Basalt insulation is based on fiberglass. It is produced by melting gabbro-basalt rocks of rock origin. A slab of this type of basalt wool is very different from a mineral analogue insulation.

Both mineral wool and basalt wool have many of their pros and cons. The insulation underlying the basalt wool is composed of fiberglass, actively mixed with special components, providing a high degree of efficiency and maintaining the water-repellent functions of the insulation.

One slab of basalt wool is much better than the same mineral wool insulation, and is capable of retaining heat. This action occurs due to the fact that the composition of basalt wool is distinguished by a high degree of friability and fiber content. The insulation has a structure that allows the air layers located between the fibrous strips to constantly maintain a predetermined temperature. This building material is intended for insulation of private, cottage and multi-storey buildings.

The main characteristics of basalt wool include:

• Resistance to high temperature (combustion temperature from 600 degrees Celsius);
• The absence of toxic emissions in the material at the time of heating;
• Resistant to mold and dirt;
• Simplicity and convenience in transportation;
• Long service life;
• Low thermal conductivity;
• High vibration resistance;
• Increased sound insulation (noise insulation);
• Moisture resistance.

However, the price of this heater is quite high. In this regard, many very often choose polystyrene instead.

Minvata: photos and advantages of insulation

First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the cost of mineral wool is an order of magnitude cheaper than the price at which its basalt counterpart can be purchased. This factor is associated with the availability and low cost of the production process of mineral insulation. This material, being packed, will take up quite a bit of space, which is also an advantage.

Minvata weighs little. This, in turn, also affects its cost, as transportation costs are reduced.

In addition, this insulation is characterized by such an indicator as low density. It also speaks in favor of the material in terms of the fact that its lighter weight has a lower load on the structure.

In addition, the material has the following qualities:

• Not prone to flammability, and always shows good performance in terms of biological stability and chemical passivity;
• There is no ability to initiate harmful processes, such as corrosion, in nearby metal surfaces;
• The length of mineral wool fibers is twice as long as the same indicator of basalt fibers. These structural features make cotton wool highly elastic.
• Such material is used in structures where irregular geometric parameters and uneven surfaces prevail.
• The sound insulation of mineral wool is better than that of the basalt counterpart.

One of the main disadvantages of mineral wool is the tendency to shrink. This happens because, after a certain period of time, the fibers made using quartz and glass undergo crystallization. Also, like basalt wool, mineral insulation has advantages. First of all, the following qualities can be distinguished: low density, low load on this structure, low weight, resistance to biological influences, high level elasticity.

Basalt and mineral wool: differences and applications

Both types of insulation can equally be used in the construction and insulation of the house. Their installation methods are also similar. First you need to fit the material in size. After that, the material is laid between the rafters, fastened to the dowels. When installing, be sure to use a vapor barrier. Installation methods can differ only depending on the object that you will build.

In private houses, insulation is used mainly for insulation of the following structures:

• Stan;
• Krishi;
• facades;
• Polov.

The surface must first be primed, then apply glue, on which the insulation itself will be laid. On top of it, you need to re-apply another one adhesive layer and reinforcing mesh. It is advisable to arm everything under decorative coating, and as a final touch, apply plaster.

Which mineral wool is better for soundproofing and insulation

The difference between basalt wool and its mineral counterpart is the presence of dense and short fibers, due to which the plasticity of the material is significantly increased. In addition, the probability of shedding insulation during installation is quite low.

The increased flexibility and elasticity of the material also make it possible to use it for the insulation of structures that have an irregular geometric shape and an uneven surface. If we talk about the degree of sound insulation, then it is higher for mineral wool than for its basalt counterpart.

Benefits of basalt wool:

• Long service life;
• Does not lose its main qualities;
• Does not burn.

However, it is impossible to say with accuracy which insulation is better. Mineral wool is much easier to work with, while basalt is better and more expensive.

Heaters: mineral wool or basalt wool, which is better (video)

There are several factors to consider when choosing a heater for your home. You can not focus only on price or density. Other characteristics of the insulation must also be taken into account. The cost of mineral wool, for example, will cost you much less than a basalt insulation slab. In addition, the mineral wool will not be so voluminous, and will take much less area during its transportation than basalt. However, basalt wool will last you longer, and mineral wool at a very high temperature can significantly lose its useful qualities. And if we consider the issue of choice from an economic point of view, then even though basalt wool is more expensive, then taking into account all the pros and cons, it is its use that will be most beneficial.

To build a house, you need to purchase a lot various materials, and each of them requires careful selection. Thermal insulation materials are no exception in this matter. Today, manufacturers offer a wide range of insulation, but many homeowners still prefer to opt for one of the types of mineral wool. Therefore, they often have the question of whether basalt insulation or mineral wool is better?

The question, let's say, is not quite correct. The point is that the concept mineral wool” includes, among other things, its basalt variety, and such a contrast would be incorrect. Therefore, it is probably worthwhile to figure out what mineral wool is in general, consider each of its types and learn more about their characteristics. Based on such comparisons, it will be possible to make a choice in favor of one or another variety.

What is mineral wool?

According to GOST 31913-2011 (European standard - EN ISO 9229:2007) “Materials and thermal insulation products. Terms and definitions” the following materials are considered mineral:

• stone wool, it is basalt - made from the melt of rocks.
• Glass wool is made from molten glass.
• Slag wool is produced from waste from metallurgical and mining and processing enterprises, from blast-furnace slag melts.

The concept of "mineral wool" includes several of its varieties.

Such a thermal insulation material consists of thin fibers - their thickness depends on the raw materials from which they are made. The fibers can be arranged horizontally, vertically, or have a spatial or corrugated structural arrangement. Any type of such a heat insulator has a sufficiently high resistance to elevated temperatures, retains heat well and protects the house from external noise. But in terms of the effectiveness of insulation, resistance to chemical attack and other important parameters, there can be very serious differences between them.

Today on construction market a large number of options for modern mineral wool insulation with improved technical specifications, under different names, but also made on the basis of traditional raw materials.

Application areas of mineral wool:

• outdoor and internal insulation unloaded vertical, horizontal and inclined enclosing structures in all types of buildings.
• Thermal insulation of ventilated hinged facades.
• Multilayer thermal insulation in the form of sandwich panels with external and metal sheathing laid between the layers.
• Production sandwich structures for chimneys.
• Thermal insulation of industrial equipment - pipelines for various purposes, tanks, gas and oil pipelines, etc.
• Warming and soundproofing flat roofs and roof structures roofs, as well as ceilings and walls in private residential and utility buildings, including baths.

The use of mineral wool is regulated by GOST, which specifies the permissible synthetic binders for the fibers of the material for a particular application.

It should be noted that individual manufacturers produce insulation according to their own specifications, in this case, on the package instead of GOST st aviat designation TU. When acquiring such materials, special care should be taken - deviations from standards are often allowed, which reduce the performance of the insulation. In any case, you should always familiarize yourself with the certificates of quality, sanitary and fire compliance that manufacturers must accompany their products.

Criteria for choosing mineral wool

Having figured out what materials belong to the definition of "mineral wool", you need to determine the criteria that the insulation for a residential building must meet or, for example, inside the country house. The fact is that not all of them are fully suitable for this purpose.

So, the thermal insulation material (for example, installed d) must have the following qualities:

• Ecological cleanliness, that is, the material should not be dangerous to human health:

- mineral wool should not emit toxic substances either during installation or during the operation of the building;

- the material should not cause allergic reactions and related diseases.

• Fire safety. The insulation must be non-combustible, self-extinguishing, not emit a large number smoke when exposed to high temperatures and open flames.
• Low thermal conductivity, that is, the maximum preservation of accumulated heat in a heat-insulated room. The lower the thermal conductivity, the higher the quality of thermal insulation.

The density of the material should not be too high, since an excessively dense material has an increased degree of thermal conductivity, and. actually will not insulate the walls. Good thermal insulation can only be obtained from a porous material in which there is a kind of "air cushion" that helps retain heat.

Hygroscopicity should also be as low as possible, since any insulation that actively absorbs moisture quickly loses its thermal insulation properties. In addition, moisture contributes to the development of microflora colonies - mold, fungus, etc.

The durability of the material should ensure long-term operation of the insulation without damage and decomposition into components.

The material must be good soundproof room from external noise. This is especially important when the house is located near a busy highway or railway line.

An important factor is the technology of mounting the material. Therefore, to stop at a particular option, you need to study the process of laying it and make an acceptable choice. This point is especially important if the owner of the house will carry out the insulation on their own.

How to determine the degree of fire hazard of a heat insulator?

Separately, it must be said about how to determine the combustibility of a heat-insulating material, since this issue is of concern to most purchasers.

The fibers of any mineral wool themselves are not combustible, but to create insulating sheets or blocks from them, they can synthetic binders are used- phenol-formaldehyde resins, which are able to withstand temperatures of only 300 ÷ 350 degrees without damage to the insulation. With an increase in these parameters, the destruction of the binding components begins.

• Since the insulation must be non-combustible or, in last resort , self-extinguishing, when buying it, you must definitely pay attention to the marking, which must be on the package. Flammability is indicated by numbers and letters - G1, G2, G3 and G4. Accordingly, the numbers are increasing - if G1 indicates low flammability, then G4 indicates that it is a highly flammable and intensely combustible material.

In the event that the insulation contains fire retardants and is absolutely non-flammable, the designation NG is on the package.

• The danger of some insulation materials containing binder resins lies not only in their flammability, but also in their creation of strong smoke when exposed to open fire. This parameter also has a regulation and an alphanumeric designation: from D1 to D3.
• It is equally important to take into account another parameter of fire safety - this is the speed of the possible spread of fire. The manufacturer is obliged to indicate this indicator on the packaging with the letters RP and numbers from 1 to 4. Accordingly, the designation RP1 indicates that the flame does not spread if there are no combustible materials nearby, and RP4 indicates that when the insulation is burning, the fire can quickly spread throughout throughout the room.

Why is all this being said, because, it would seem, mineral wool should be completely safe in this respect? Again we return to GOST and TU - according to the established state standards- no questions. But you have to be careful with TU.

Therefore, when buying a heater, it is necessary to carefully study the packaging, which indicates the characteristics of the material. If there are none, then it is better to immediately refuse such a heat insulator and turn to a more reliable seller, since the health and even life of households may depend on these data.

Mineral wool - technical and operational characteristics

Now, knowing the criteria to apply Special attention when acquiring a heat-insulating material, it is worth considering in detail each of the types of mineral wool.

Name of parameters	slag wool	glass wool	Stone (basalt) wool
Limiting application temperature, °С	up to 250	from -60 to +450	up to 1000°
Average fiber diameter, µm	4 to 12	5 to 15	4 to 12
Hygroscopicity of the material for 24 hours (no more),%	1.9	1.7	0.095
causticity	Yes	Yes	No
Thermal conductivity coefficient, W / (m × ° K)	0.46 ÷ 0.48	0.038 ÷ 0.046	0.035 ÷ 0.042
Sound absorption coefficient	from 0.75 to 0.82	from 0.8 to 92	from 0.75 to 95
The presence of a binder, %	from 2.5 to 10	from 2.5 to 10	from 2.5 to 10
Flammability of the material	NG - non-flammable	NG - non-flammable	NG - non-flammable
Emission of harmful substances during combustion	Yes	Yes	Yes
Heat capacity, J/kg ×° K	1000	1050	1050
Vibration resistance	No	No	moderate
Elasticity, %	there is no data	there is no data	75
Sintering temperature, °С	250 ÷ 300	350 ÷ 450	600
Fiber length, mm	16	15 ÷ 50	16
Chemical stability (weight loss), % in water	7.8	6.2	4.5
Chemical resistance (weight loss), % in alkaline medium	7	6	6.4
Chemical resistance (weight loss), % in acid environment	68.7	38.9	24

I would like to draw attention to the fact that in this table, in the column "combustibility of the material" is the designation NG. However, it must be remembered that the insulation remains non-combustible until the temperature reaches a certain critical threshold (note that each type of material has its own set upper limit of permissible heating). The binders can then ignite, so it cannot be said that mineral wool is completely non-combustible.

Based on this table, it is necessary to consider the qualities various kinds mineral wool in more detail, since “dry numbers” sometimes can not quite accurately tell about the insulation.

Prices for mineral wool KNAUF

Knauf mineral wool

glass wool

Fibers for the manufacture of glass wool are made from cullet and sand, which are melted when temperature regime at 1400 ÷ 1500 degrees. When melting and stretching the fibers, their thickness is only 4 ÷ 15 microns, and their length is 15 ÷ 50 mm. Thanks to this, the insulation mats are strong and elastic.

Positive qualities of the material:

• The advantages of glass wool include high resistance to chemical attack. With proper installation, the material is not subject to rotting and the appearance of mold in it.
• Compared to other types of mineral wool, rodents do not favor fiberglass, therefore they do not arrange dwellings in it in the form of holes, which is very important if a private house or a first floor balcony is insulated.

• Glass wool is more affordable than basalt insulation, which can be explained by the availability of raw materials and the simplicity of the manufacturing process.
• The packaged insulation has compact dimensions and low weight, so it is easy to transport it to the construction site and easily lift it to high floors. When the packaging material is removed, the glass wool expands and takes on natural dimensions.
• Since the insulation has a small weight, it does not give a large load on attic floor, roof or walls.
• The airiness of the structural structure of glass wool contributes to low thermal conductivity, which will provide protection against heat leakage.
• The density of glass wool can vary from 11 to 30 kg/m³. In order for the insulation to "work" properly, you need to choose the correct density of the material in each case.

- For example, for sound and heat insulation of partitions, rafter systems of roofs and walls from the inside of the building, you need to use glass wool with a density of 15 kg / m³.

- If the building is insulated from the outside, then the density should be at least 30 kg / m³. In this case, it is better to choose varieties reinforced with fiberglass fabric, which will protect the insulation from blowing out the fibers and strengthen the mats.

• Cloths and blocks of glass wool are sufficiently resistant to fire. The melting of the connecting elements occurs at temperatures above 350 ÷ 400 degrees and the material changes its structure, loses its heat and sound insulation properties.
• The material is sufficiently elastic, which is extremely convenient when insulating irregularly shaped structures, as well as when installing insulation between metal profiles.

Negative qualities of glass wool:

• One of the main disadvantages of this material is the fragility and fragility of its fibers, the sharp edges of which easily penetrate the fabric, injuring the skin. Since the microscopic pieces of fibers are very light, they can get into the respiratory tract or into the mucous membranes of the eyes.

This suggests that the installation of such a heat-insulating material must be carried out by protecting all open areas of the body, wearing gloves and a suit made of thick fabric. The eyes are protected with special goggles, and the respiratory tract with a respirator.

After finishing installation work associated with glass wool, all clothing and gloves should be discarded immediately.

• Another disadvantage of this heater, which manifested during its operation - this is a gradual shrinkage of the material. Glass is amorphous and its fibers crystallize and stick together over time, making mats thinner and smaller. Naturally, this process affects the quality of wall insulation - it is significantly reduced.
• Since the binder fibers include phenol-formaldehyde resins, which are harmful to humans, the main drawback of the insulation can be called the constant release of these substances into the indoor air. Moreover, it will not be possible to weather them while glass wool mats are present on the walls.

Stone (basalt) wool

Basalt insulation is made from gabbro-basalt, metamorphic rock and marl, which are close to each other in composition.

Stone wool has good resistance to elevated temperatures and low thermal conductivity. The stone fibers themselves are able to withstand heating up to 850 ÷ 1000 degrees, but the binders for them are the same phenol-formaldehyde resins, which, as you know, can only withstand heating up to a temperature of 350 ÷ 400 degrees, therefore, when they burn out, basalt fibers disintegrate.

Basalt fibers during their manufacture acquire a length of no more than 50 mm, and their thickness is about 5 ÷ 7 microns. After the fibers are processed with binders and molded, the blocks or mats are passed through a press twice with simultaneous heating up to 300 degrees.

Prices for RockWool basalt wool

Rockwool mineral wool

This insulation has a lot of positive qualities, so usually it is the basalt heat insulator that is most often chosen from the three types of mineral wool:

• The low thermal conductivity of the material is achieved by the random arrangement of the fibers, and by the fact that they are stacked in numerous layers, due to which the structure of the mats is quite airy.

The coefficient of thermal conductivity of basalt wool is 0.035 ÷ 0.042 W / (m × ° K), which corresponds to the heat-insulating properties of extruded polystyrene foam or foamed rubber.

• The density of basalt insulation is much higher than that of glass wool, and ranges from 60 to 90 kg / m³ for different samples (even more for some types). But at the same time, such a density does not adversely affect the heat-insulating properties.
• The almost zero hygroscopicity of stone wool allows it to be used long time, without losing its original thermal insulation qualities.
• The structural structure does not allow moisture to penetrate into the insulation, which means that putrefactive processes do not develop in its thickness and mold does not appear (both, if they occur, sharply reduce the insulation qualities of any porous material).

One of the main advantages is the high hydrophobicity of the material.

In fairness, it should be noted that basalt wool still absorbs moisture, but this figure is so insignificant (about 0.095% in 24 hours) that hygroscopicity can be considered almost zero.

• Vapor permeability. Whatever the density of the basalt insulation, it is a breathable material, that is, the minimum amount of moisture that enters the insulation along with air does not linger inside and does not form condensate. This quality allows the use of basalt wool for insulation of rooms with high humidity such as saunas or baths. The vapor permeability of stone wool is 0.2 ÷ 0.3 mg/(m×h×Pa).
• High resistance to fire, therefore, in the above table, stone wool is characterized as a non-combustible insulation. However, you need to remember about the binders present in the heat insulator.
• Basalt wool is an excellent sound insulator and is able to drown out sound waves passing inside the walls. This quality is especially useful for warming and soundproofing apartments in panel houses, since building structures have cavities and reinforcing elements inside that conduct sound vibrations well.
• The strength of the material is given by the multi-layer and the pressing process during its manufacture. Therefore, even the lowest density of basalt wool does not reduce its resistance to increased loads. Due to this, the material is little susceptible to deformation and does not change its size throughout the entire period of operation.
• Stone fibers are resistant to chemical and biological influences and are not subject to damage by mold and various microorganisms.

Basalt insulation - very easy to install

• The ease of installation of the material is due to the strict "geometry" of the blocks and the absence of a large number of sharp fibers. But you still need to take precautions - it is recommended to protect your hands, eyes and respiratory tract.

Negative sides of basalt insulation

• No matter how manufacturers convince that basalt wool is absolutely safe, this is not entirely true. It, like glass wool, can release toxic substances throughout its entire service life, since the fibers are interconnected by phenol-formaldehyde resin, the fumes of which are dangerous to human health. The question is how high the concentration of such components is - it will never be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the certificate of sanitary conformity of the purchased material.
• Unlike glass wool, rodents are happy to use basalt insulation for housing, so this must be foreseen in advance and the walls of a private house should be protected by backfilling around it at a distance of 500 ÷ 700 mm of expanded clay of fine fraction, the layer thickness of which should be at least 80 mm. This insulating material is precisely bypassed by rodents, since it does not have density, in other words, they simply “drown” in it.
• Stone wool has a fairly high price compared to glass wool.

Video: review of basalt mineral wool " TechnoNIKOL»

slag wool

This type of insulation material is made from blast furnace slag. Slag fibers have a length of 14 ÷ 16 mm and a thickness of 5 ÷ 10 microns.

Slag - there are more disadvantages than advantages

Such a heater is able to withstand a maximum temperature of only 285 ÷ 300 degrees, which is much lower than other types of mineral wool. When the specified threshold is exceeded, the slag fibers are sintered, and it almost completely loses its heat-insulating qualities.

The material is very hygroscopic, that is, it is quickly saturated with moisture, which also leads to the loss of its basic sound and heat insulating properties, and mold and rot can appear completely inside the mats.

In addition, rodents calmly settle in this material, arranging nests and passages in it. It is especially important to take this into account if the insulation is chosen for a private house.

When installing slag wool, as in the first two cases, it is necessary to protect the skin, respiratory tract and eyes from small, sharp fibers. In this case, they are not as numerous as with glass wool, but in order to get skin irritation, a few such splinters are enough.

In addition, residual acidity is present in the composition of slag wool, therefore, if this material is used for external insulation or in a room with high humidity, it will aggressively affect the metal parts located next to it, including the reinforcing belt of insulated structures. Hence the conclusion that equipped with slag is absolutely not suitable for insulating water and sewer pipes.

The price of slag wool is significantly lower than that of glass or basalt wool. However, you should not choose it precisely according to this criterion, since not only money can be spent in vain, but such insulation can seriously harm the health of the residents of an apartment or house.

Ursa Terra mineral wool prices

Ursa mineral wool

Brands of basalt mineral wool

So, the undisputed leader in terms of performance is still basalt insulation. Despite the increased cost, zealous owners choose it. However, one should not forget about one more criterion that you need to pay attention to when choosing. It's about density. specific type material, since the scope of this heat insulator will depend on this parameter.

Brand of insulation board	Material density, kg/m³	Scope for insulation
Light slabs	30÷40	Internal surfaces of walls, partitions, ceilings, pitched roofs, pipelines different orientation(water supply, sewerage, gas pipeline, etc.)
Soft plates - P75	75	attic floors, attic rooms, floor slabs, horizontal unloaded surface slabs
Semi-rigid plates - P125	125	Horizontal enclosing structures, floors, ceilings.
Rigid plates - P175	175	Horizontal and vertical building envelopes, roofs and facades
Plates of increased rigidity - PPZH200	200	Roofs (for waterproofing flooring made of rolled and mastic materials), plaster and ventilated facades.

If you are going to purchase one or another type of mineral wool, you need to carefully study the packaging and check whether the GOSTs are indicated, which must be observed during the production process:

• Mineral wool slabs - GOST 9573-96.

• Mats stitched from mineral wool - GOST 21880-94.

Mineral wool boards of increased rigidity - PZH

• Plates of increased rigidity (PPZH) - GOST 22950-95.

Knowing all the information about the varieties of mineral wool, it will be quite possible to decide whether they are suitable for insulating a house or any part of it. In any case, even if it is decided to purchase another heat-insulating material, then it is also worth carefully studying its technical characteristics.

An alternative to mineral wool - extruded polystyrene foam

In some cases, the use of mineral wool is impractical or even impossible. Synthetic heaters come to the rescue, among which the most used is polystyrene foam. About the physical and operational, one of the most popular varieties of extruded polystyrene foam - in a special publication of our portal.

Evgeny AfanasievChief Editor

Publication author 10.09.2015

The question itself: “Which is better - mineral or basalt wool?” Is not correct to put, since basalt wool is one of the varieties of mineral insulation.

Depending on the type of mineral raw materials used in production and the technological process, mineral wool is divided into several varieties.

Varieties of mineral wool:

• slag wool - is a product of processing blast-furnace slags;
• glass wool - made from waste broken glass and quartz glass;
• stone wool - rocks and other additives such as limestone and dolomite serve as raw materials;
• basalt wool - produced from a melt of igneous gabbro-basalt rocks without other mineral additives.

For some reason, glass wool is most often considered mineral wool, although other types of mineral raw materials can be used in the production of mineral insulation.

Although mineral insulation is considered environmentally friendly, this is not entirely true.

Slag wool is a particularly harmful material, although if you focus on the cost, it may seem very attractive.

Slag wool is not suitable for domestic use, because it does not resist getting wet well and has a residual acidity inherent in slag raw materials. Therefore, she provides Negative influence on any metal and other structures nearby. So this option should not be considered at all for the purpose of insulating a residential building.

There are three options left: glass wool, stone wool and basalt. You will have to choose from them.

Glass wool has many advantages and affordable cost, so it can become good option for those who are not afraid of difficulties during installation - the material is very prickly.

We will also consider two other types - stone wool (we will call it mineral wool) and basalt wool - as different materials.

To do right choice and at the same time do not overpay for a heater, you need to understand its characteristics and features.

Requirements for fiber insulation

In order to evaluate which insulation is better and choose the optimal one, you need to know what operational requirements are imposed on it.

The requirements are:

• Thermal conductivity - this indicator should be as low as possible, then the material will retain heat well and not let the cold through.
• Moisture resistance is an indicator that significantly affects the durability of the material and the efficiency of its work. If the mineral insulation gets wet, its heat-shielding characteristics will decrease, and it will not be able to effectively perform its main function. In addition, wet insulation can become a breeding ground for mold and fungus, which are dangerous for the supporting structures of the building.
• Fire resistance is also a critical indicator that characterizes the degree of resistance of the material to ignition and the ability to self-extinguish. It is desirable that the insulation has fire resistance, expressed by the G1 marking - that is, non-combustible. There is also NG marking - that is, the material does not burn at all, due to impregnation with flame retardants.
• Insulation density - than less indicator, the lighter the material, the more convenient it is to work with it. In addition, a lower density usually improves the heat-shielding characteristics of wool.
• Environmental friendliness of mineral material. This factor is very important when using insulation inside the building.
• Soundproofing is a property inherent in loose materials like mineral wool. The higher the indicator, the more comfortable it will be to live in the house. This property is especially important for buildings located in busy urban areas.

The installation technology of a particular insulation is also of great importance. The convenience and speed of thermal insulation work depends on it.

Since this mineral wool insulation has a wide distribution and application, it makes sense to consider its characteristics. Fiber thickness of this type cotton wool is approximately 5-15 microns, and the length is up to 50 mm. Long fibers, intertwined, give the material elasticity and strength, so it is often sold in rolls.

Working with glass wool requires taking measures to protect the eyes, skin and respiratory organs from small and sharp particles of glass threads that make up the insulation.

They can hurt the skin, cause irritation and itching. It is also impossible to inhale glass dust, so you will have to work in a respirator. Builders working with glass wool should be dressed in a special suit made of dense fabric, gloves, a respirator and goggles.

• thermal conductivity coefficient - 0.030-0.052;
• hygroscopicity - medium;
• operating temperature range - from -60 to +500 degrees.

Thus, in addition to low thermal conductivity, glass wool has:

• high elasticity and compressibility;
• incombustibility;
• good soundproofing characteristics;
• durability;
• ease of installation (subject to the implementation of protective measures).

It is applied as follows:

• roof insulation;
• insulation of external and internal walls and partitions;
• thermal insulation of floors and ceilings;
• insulation of facades (subject to the implementation of high-quality moisture protection).

The disadvantage of the material is a rather high water absorption, leading to a significant decrease (up to 40%) insulating performance.

The main advantage of glass wool is its low cost - about an order of magnitude lower than that of the other two heaters.

Due to the high compressibility, the material can be highly compacted during packaging (up to 6 times), and after unpacking it restores its previous shape within an hour. Release form - mats, rolls and plates.

This type of insulation is made from rocks such as gabbro and diabase. Marl and metamorphic rocks, dolomites and limestones can also be added to the raw materials. The thickness of the insulation fiber is 5-12 microns, and the length is about 16 mm.

The material has the following characteristics:

• thermal conductivity coefficient - 0.048-0.077;
• hygroscopicity - low;
• operating temperature range - from -45 to +600 degrees.

By its properties, this material resembles slag wool, but differs from it in that it almost does not prick and has low water absorption. Therefore, it will be quite comfortable to work with her. And good water resistance makes it possible to use the material for heating cladding of premises.

The material also has the following properties:

• high fire resistance;
• vapor permeability;
• good sound insulation;
• chemical resistance;
• biological stability;
• corrosion resistance (does not contribute to the corrosion of metals even with direct contact).

The density of mineral wool varies from 20 to 350 kg / m3. This allows you to choose the most suitable material to perform a specific type of work. For example, for ceiling fit low-density wool, and walls need a denser insulation.

Insulation is available in rolls and plates of various thicknesses. On sale you can find slabs of variable cross-section, they are used for roofing with unorganized rainwater runoff.

In addition to the use of mineral wool for thermal insulation of buildings, it is also successfully used as a heat-resistant material - for insulating hot pipelines, places where exhaust pipes pass through ceilings.

This material is also made from gabbro and diabase, but without the addition of other species. The thickness of superthin fibers of the material is 1-3 microns, thin - 5-15 microns. The average fiber length is about 50 mm. The fibers in the thickness of the material are distributed randomly.

This gives the insulation high thermal insulation properties:

• thermal conductivity coefficient - 0.035-0.042;
• hygroscopicity - very low;
• operating temperature range - from 190 to +1000 degrees.

Basalt wool, in fact, is the same stone wool, but of higher quality. Therefore, its cost is much higher, which means that there must be good reasons for its use.

Basalt material has the lowest vapor permeability among all mineral heaters. Therefore, it is indispensable in cases where the walls must "breathe". It also has the best indicator of temperature resistance among all types of mineral wool.

The material is used for the following purposes:

• insulation of walls, ceilings, floors, and cotton wool can be laid under a screed, under plaster or sheathed surfaces from above;
• insulation of pipelines;
• soundproofing device - in this regard, neither glass wool nor ordinary stone wool can be compared with basalt insulation;
• for fire protection purposes.

Depending on the rigidity, basalt insulation is divided into:

• Soft - used where there is no impact on structures of heavy loads (ventilated facades).
• Medium hardness - also used in the construction of ventilation facades, as well as ventilation ducts and blocks.
• Rigid - in heavily loaded structures. For example, for walls that, after installing the insulation, must be plastered over a grid or for floors under a screed.

There are also types of basalt insulation designed for special work. For example, in the form of cylinders to protect pipes.

For structures with increased requirements for thermal insulation, foil material is used, which not only retains heat, but also reflects it into the room.

Insulation is produced in the form of rolls, plates and bulk (for application using pneumatic equipment).

Thus, basalt wool (being one of the types of mineral wool) in almost all respects is best material among all mineral wool heaters. But the high cost limits its use to those objects and structures where its performance is important.

In other cases, the most appropriate option is to use stone wool, and with a limited budget, you can use glass wool, not forgetting the need for waterproofing.

As for the environmental friendliness of stone and basalt wool, they are often presented as absolutely harmless. This is not entirely true, since they use phenol-formaldehyde resins as a binder. True, there are few of them - about 3% and they are in a bound form, which is why they are not released into the air when normal temperature. But when heated, phenols are released and begin to evaporate. Therefore, despite the high fire resistance of materials, their excessive heating in enclosed spaces is undesirable.

Excellent characteristics, the ability to perform self-assembly, acceptable cost, mineral base, made fiber leaders in sales. What is better for warming own house: basalt wool or mineral wool?

Characteristics of heaters

In order to find the correct answer to this question, we analyze the main characteristics of these materials. Special attention is paid to fire-fighting internal and external thermal insulation, material safety for health. Foil basalt wool and mineral wool is compatible with all finishing and building materials. Basalt wool is unique in many ways technical parameters. This material is considered a high-quality and effective fibrous insulation, which is made from a molten rock. Basalt wool is much better than other analogues in terms of thermal conductivity, and besides, it is not harmful to the health of the inhabitants of the house. Such characteristics were appreciated by consumers, basalt wool was named by them the best heat-insulating material.

Attention! Basalt wool "TechnoNIKOL" was developed using modern technologies, is an advanced material, the characteristics of which are much better than other heaters.

Basalt wool is offered by the manufacturer in rolls, so this insulation is much better and more convenient for thermal insulation in a residential building. The manufacture of new panel and roll basalt insulation is carried out according to a chemical technology that does not involve the use of phenol that is harmful to health. Throughout the operating period given material retains its properties, such cotton wool is not harmful to the health of residents of the house, does not emit into environment toxic chemicals.

Specialists are convinced that basalt wool fully meets the modern requirements for thermal insulation work of any degree of complexity. New types of basalt wool have new characteristics such as the vertical orientation of mineral fibers. Due to this, they better withstand mechanical deformations, have high mechanical strength.

The specifics of mineral insulation

The term "mineral wool" implies several low-cost mineral and fiberglass heat-insulating materials made from recycled materials using ash, slag components.

Attention! Mineral wool has a low cost, but its main performance characteristics are inferior to basalt wool.

Mineral heaters are used when there are not enough material resources to purchase better materials. Since such a material has low thermal insulation characteristics, it is better to choose mineral wool with a large thickness. Mineral wool, which has a low density, does not allow the propagation of sound vibrations of different frequencies, that is, it protects the room from extraneous sounds entering it.

To ensure high-quality thermal insulation of a residential building, it is advisable to use several options for heaters at once. Only in this case you will get the desired effect.

Stone wool has excellent thermal insulation parameters, in addition, this material is recognized as a good sound insulator.

When carrying out hinged, facade, panel and plaster insulation, it is better to purchase classic mineral wool. At the same time, it is important to pay attention to high quality products, choosing products of well-known construction companies. Warming with mineral wool of the foundation of the house or the roof of the facade is allowed if this design has the necessary margin of safety. At self-selection insulation, it is desirable to apply a special classification, providing for the division of all products into facade and roofing insulation.

High-density materials are distinguished as a separate group of products created for insulation. Such heaters are suitable for creating heat-insulating concrete screeds, organizing roofing roofs, building structures with serious loads, the operation of which is implied in difficult conditions. The video fragment presents heaters, the main performance characteristics

Differences between mineral and stone wool

Stone wool has a high density, so it is offered to customers only in the form of slabs. Mineral wool is a heat-insulating fibrous material that involves the introduction of special minerals extracted from natural depths into the composition.

Varieties of mineral wool

Currently, insulation manufacturers offer several types of mineral wool:

• stone wool;
• slag;
• glass wool.

The main difference between mineral and stone wool lies in the raw materials used for the technological process. In the case of the production of basalt material, volcanic rock (basalt) is used. The rock is crushed into small fractions, then heated to a temperature of more than 1000 degrees. After melting, the stone becomes plastic, reminiscent of magma in an active volcano.

This substance is inflated by a powerful stream of air, due to which small fibers are formed. To connect them into a single canvas, a special binder based on phenol-formaldehyde resin is added. The percentage of these chemicals is so small that it is not capable of adversely affecting human health. Among the differences between basalt insulation and mineral materials important point is the release of basalt materials only in the form of slabs.

In the manufacture of glass wool, broken glass is used, left over from the glass-blown industry, as well as quartz sand. If we analyze the environmental characteristics of glass wool, they are much higher than that of basalt insulation. Glass wool contains no harmful chemicals such as phenol-formaldehyde resins. On sale glass wool is offered in the form of rolls, mats, plates.

Slag wool is considered a harmful heat insulator; professionals do not recommend using it inside a dwelling. In the manufacture of this material, slag (waste) from the metallurgical industry, which includes clay, is used. During melting, it is possible chemical reaction between clay and magnesium and calcium carbonates, leading to the formation of slag.

Material characteristics

For detailed analysis differences between mineral and basalt wool, let's analyze their technical characteristics:

• operational period;
• mounting.

There are no special differences in the installation algorithm of the analyzed heat insulators, there are only a few points that you need to know for high-quality fixation of each type of insulation. Both types of wool can be laid on both vertical and horizontal surfaces. Due to the fact that the density of stone wool is greater, it has a slight elasticity, increased brittleness. This material practically does not absorb moisture. Even with 20-30 percent moisture absorption, basalt insulation in in full retains its performance characteristics. The material practically does not shrink, suitable for laying under plaster or under a screed. Mineral wool is soft material so it quickly absorbs moisture. It is quite difficult to get rid of water absorbed into mineral wool, therefore this material is covered with a special film or diffusion membrane. Some varieties of mineral wool are suitable for laying under plaster, concrete screed.

Conclusion

Basalt insulation is characterized by brittle and short fibers, so they break easily, a huge amount of dust appears in the air. Getting on the skin, the dust causes an unpleasant itch. When using basalt wool, it is important to pay special attention to the tightness of the skin being created. Both glass wool and basalt insulation are widely in demand in the modern construction industry. Professionals consider the use of these two materials at once for high-quality insulation of a residential building to be an ideal option.

With the advent of the first cold weather, people living in private homes begin to think about warming their homes. They face the question: what better fit, mineral wool or stone wool? Both belong to the same class of heaters, but each has its own advantages, disadvantages and other qualities, while there are many differences that are paid attention to when choosing.

The market of manufacturers is huge, the assortment is diverse and it is necessary to understand all the criteria. Therefore, in the article we will talk about the production of each of the cotton wool, the differences and main characteristics, the most successful and no qualities for insulation. different types houses - urban and rural.

Construction work using mineral wool

Differences between stone and mineral

When we are told about mineral wool, we do not understand what it is. To make it easier for people to understand, Everyday life it is called, oddly enough, glass wool. That is, the basis is the material that is mined from mineral rocks, has excellent sound insulation, thermal insulation and consists of small fibers.

1. Glass wool.
2. Stone wool.
3. Slag.

After considering the types of mineral, the question of which is better disappears in itself, because the basis is the same, but the production technique is different. Worth sorting out.

They differ from each other mainly in the composition and content of raw materials.

In large industries of this type, such rock like basalt. Crushed into small pieces, taken to production, heated to a melting point (1000 degrees). The resulting liquid mass is inflated, after cooling, small fibers are obtained. Further, for transformation into the final product, the liquid is combined with a solution of phenol-formaldehyde. In the end, you should get plates that resemble cotton wool, but more structured.

Fiber Density

Mineral raw materials:

• Broken glass and quartz sand. Resinous substances are not required to glue the material. Disadvantages - crumbles during installation, can get into the lungs, there is a possibility that sharp parts will damage the skin, problematic in operation.

• Waste from the metallurgical industry. They are made from clay and carbonate, which reacts with potassium. Disadvantages - can not be used for the home, as it is toxic and causes unnatural reactions of the body (allergies, general deterioration in health).
• . Produced from environmentally friendly clean materials and is not harmful to health. Serves as the most popular for warming of roofing constructions.

Also, for the manufacture of subspecies - glass wool and slag wool, quartz sand and remnants of broken glass in production are melted down, less often full glass.

Mineral wool rolls

The difference between stone and mineral insulation

1. Appearance. Stone wool is produced and produced in slabs. The rest are rolls or mats, soft in structure.
2. Glass wool is an environmentally friendly product, because phenol solutions, etc. are not used in the manufacture.
3. For one type of mineral product, quartz sand is needed in combination with broken glass.
4. Type 1 insulation is better protected from water penetration.
5. Keeps heat better.
6. Much easier to transport Right place because it is light in weight.
7. On stone wool, the risk of mold formation is low.
8. The fibers are in a cross direction. This has the advantage of being practical.
9. Stone is not able to allocate different kind toxins.

Density of stone wool

That is, when compared, the first subspecies of mineral wool turned out to be more reliable, stronger.

The composition includes dolomite, mounting adhesive and limestone.

At the same time, the service life of both heaters is the same - half a century. But with careful use and careful attitude, it can last up to 20 years in a person's house.

What is better for a home in the city?

You need to know that stone mineral wool has a lower sound conductivity, which becomes the best indicator if you need to get rid of unnecessary noise in the house. Especially if built in a big city.

Also, this material has high vibration resistance properties. And this is the ability to comply with the parameters presented by the manufacturer. It can be used for work places with high temperatures.

Cons of stone wool:

• Due to the structure and physical conditions, when installed, gaps appear between the plates, the quality of thermal insulation is greatly reduced.
• It is easy to make a mistake, so it is better to trust professional builders.
• This type of mineral wool is not the most budget option.

Installing stone wool on the front side of the house

Which type of wool is better: stone or mineral?

The installation of both watts is not much different from each other.

1. Stacked on different surfaces: horizontal and vertical.
2. Stone wool is less plastic, brittle, has good water repellency, good sound insulation.
3. Basalt does not crumple over time and under the weight of roofing materials.

What is the difference:

1. The density of stone wool is much higher than mineral wool. The soft component bends strongly and easily passes water. Additionally, you will have to impregnate or cover with a protective material. But when moisture penetrates, mold forms, an unpleasant odor appears and you will have to change the coating to a more reliable one. This will be difficult due to the thinness of the fibers, they crumble a lot.
2. To create good strength, acrylic is added to glass wool.
3. Also, it responds well to physical impact, that is, it stretches and does not break, does not cause allergic reactions and does not harm the skin. Glass wool resembles cotton in structure.
4. Mineral wool is harder to install in vertical surface because of the softness of the structure.
5. If insulation of the pipeline is required, then mineral wool is excellent.
6. Stone insulation retains its basic characteristics longer.

Important! Stone wool is much more expensive than mineral wool and its analogues due to the above properties. Basically, because of the durability, strength, dense structure, which does not allow moisture and extraneous sounds into the home.

Installation of mineral wool. You can see that it looks like silk.

Both materials fully comply with the indicators from the manufacturers. But each is better or worse for warming in certain parts of the house.

Installation of stone mineral slabs in the attic

If you want to create thermal insulation for the pipeline, then mineral wool is better, as it is soft, flexible and will not allow pests (mice) to get to the protected part. And for the insulation of walls and floors in the house - stone wool. Because its solid structure without the possibility of further compression allows you not to change the material for years. It also does not let in moisture and sounds that interfere with a quiet life. Ideal for living in the city and in a private house in winter.

Glass wool has become an environmentally friendly product, because the manufacture does not use harmful solutions that can harm human health (cause allergic reactions, itching, damage to internal organs due to ingestion).