Density of mineral wool for various surfaces. How to understand the density of mineral wool? Scope of mineral wool

Each physical body has characteristics that tell us about its qualities. With regard to heat-insulating materials, one of the main physical indicators is the density or specific insulation weight. The density of a substance is usually measured in kg / m3. The importance of information about how much a cubic meter of insulation weighs depends on the scope of application.

• The density and porosity of the heat insulator are inversely proportional. That is, if the density index is high, then, accordingly, the porosity of the material will be low. And vice versa. The more porous the insulator, the better it retains heat by trapping air in the pores.
• The weight of the insulation must be known when calculating the load on the structure. However, cellular concrete cannot be considered a heater, since its density is quite high and is more than 400 kg / m3.
• Most insulation materials require an additional protective layer. Knowing their density, you can determine how durable the protective coating should be. A low (low) density of a substance means a weak physical connection of structural particles, as a result, faster destruction.
• Heaters of various densities have specific purposes. Some are designed for insulation of floors, roofs, walls, floors, while others are designed for heavy loads in road construction. Depending on the purpose and the need for strength, it is necessary to choose heat-insulating materials of the appropriate specific gravity.

Specific gravity of various types of thermal insulation

Density indicators differ not only depending on the type of insulation, but also on the type of different modifications of the same material. The manufacturer must specify the following parameters: volumetric weight of insulation, which corresponds to the density of the material and the weight of the insulation package.

1. Mineral wool has a wide density range. The material of the largest specific gravity (190 - 200 kg/m3) is used for roof insulation. Insulation weighing 35 kg / m3 - for installation in frame structures.
2. Foam boards - from 100 to 150 kg/m3. Appointment by density is clearly differentiated. Often used as roofing or floor slab insulation.
3. Extruded polystyrene foam. Density ranges from 28 to 35 kg/m3 and depends on the manufacturing technology. The range of use is extremely wide. Particularly dense types are used in road construction.
4. Penoizol applied in liquid form has a very high porosity, and a density of 10 kg / m3. The material is very fragile, but with good thermal insulation performance. Needs additional coverage.
5. Foamed polyethylene is used for insulation of floors, frame structures, engineering systems. The specific weight of conventional roll material is about 24 kg/m3. Reinforced or foil types can have a density of up to 60 kg / m3.
6. Foamed glass is used for thermal insulation of roofs, facades, foundations. It is durable, dense, resistant to aggressive environmental influences, and does not need additional coating. The specific gravity reaches 400 kg/m3. Lightweight species have a density of about 100 kg / m3. The thermal conductivity of foam glass is comparable to that of basalt wool.

Cotton wool is one of the most popular heaters, both among private developers and professional builders. Such popularity is due to excellent heat-saving and fire-fighting properties, as well as ease of installation and a wide range of possibilities.

However, in order to use mineral wool correctly and with the greatest efficiency, it is necessary to understand its characteristics. In this regard, the most important indicator is mineral wool density on which its thermal insulation properties depend.

What is meant by the concept of "mineral wool density"?

You can determine which insulation has a higher density before buying it - a material with a higher density is more expensive. At the same time, it must be understood that, despite the fact that “you can’t spoil porridge with oil,” using cotton wool of maximum density is not always economically feasible.

One of the characteristics of this parameter is the specific gravity, which follows from the density units - kg / m3. In this case, we are not dealing with a “net” weight, but with the number of fibers in a volume equal to 1m3. The number of fibers varies depending on the type of mineral wool and the technology of its manufacture.

In accordance with this, the density of various types of mineral wool (glass wool, basalt wool and slag wool) has a fairly wide range - from 30 kg/m2 to 220 kg/m3. This implies a significant difference in its physical and technical qualities. However, there is a general pattern - the greater the density, the greater the mechanical load that mineral wool mats or slabs can withstand.

Therefore, in order to correctly choose the best option for insulation, it is necessary, in the general case, to imagine what technological characteristics are affected by mineral wool density for walls, ceilings, roofs and facades. So in direct proportion to the density are the following characteristics:

• Ability to withstand static and dynamic loads.
• The ability to retain its original shape.
• Force of resistance "on compression".

At the same time, density does not affect:

• Noise absorption.
• Vapor permeability.
• thermal insulation qualities.
• Thickness of slabs, mats or rolls.

How to apply mineral wool correctly, depending on its density?

When choosing this insulation, you should strive to choose the optimal density based on their specific climatic conditions and the type of insulation object.

In other words, it is necessary to make a preliminary heat engineering calculation, however, due to the complexity of the calculation, you can use the empirical method - ask your neighbors, but it is best to consult the seller of a local building materials store.

• Material with a density of up to 35 kg/m3 is recommended only for unloaded horizontal surfaces. As a rule, such insulation is produced and sold in the form of rolls.
• If it is necessary to insulate the internal floor, ceiling and interior partitions, mineral wool with a density of about 75 kg / m3 is used.
• For thermal insulation of ventilated facades, the wool density must be at least 100 kg/m3. For non-ventilated facades - 125 kg/m3. In both cases, it is understood that finishing will be carried out - in the first version with siding or similar material, in the second - reinforcement and plastering.
• For insulation of interfloor floors, the density of mineral wool should be 150 kg / m3, and for load-bearing structures it increases to 175 kg / m3.
• Floors under a concrete screed, in the event that cotton wool acts as the top layer, are insulated with cotton wool with a density of 200 kg / m3. The same indicators should be for the material with which the roof or attic is thermally insulated.

As already mentioned, it must always be remembered that plates (mats) with a higher density have a greater mass. This is important to consider when building the frame in which they will be mounted.

In addition, do not forget that, regardless of density, any type of mineral wool needs mandatory vapor and waterproofing.

Every time when it comes to home insulation, a lot of questions arise, including the question: what kind of insulation is better to choose? Is this or that insulation suitable for insulating walls, facades, floors, baths?

After reading this article, you will learn:

• what is the difference between glass wool and basalt insulation (rock wool);
• what is better mineral wool or basalt;
• pros and cons of mineral wool;
• pros and cons of basalt wool;
• what is the density of the insulation;
• which insulation is more suitable for your task;

Mineral wool. Varieties of cotton.

Mineral wool is an environmentally friendly product, which is produced in accordance with GOST 31913-2011 (EN ISO 9229:2007) “Heat-insulating materials and products. Terms and definitions” by means of various interweaving of fibers of mineral raw materials and environmentally friendly additives.

Depending on the production process and the type of mineral additives, mineral wool is divided into:

• glass wool- the basis of ecological raw materials, waste of broken glass;
• stone wool- the basis of ecological raw materials, igneous gabbro-basalt rocks;
• slag wool- the basis of ecological raw materials, blast-furnace slags (processing of production wastes).

Pros and cons of heaters

Like any material, different types of mineral wool have their pros and cons.

Pros and cons of glass wool

Pros and cons of stone wool

Pros and cons of slag wool

What is the density of the insulation? Why is it important to pay attention to it?

Insulation density- this is the most important indicator of mineral wool, which is responsible for the rigidity of the insulation and where it can be applied.

It is always measured in kilograms per cubic meter, and can vary from 15 to 220 kg/m².
The greater the density of the mineral wool slab, the more rigid the slabs, and hence the ability to resist deformation under loads and its own weight, the formation of cracks and the loss of technical characteristics.

That is why it is very important to pay attention to this indicator, because. it depends on what surface they can insulate.

What density of insulation should be?

This question is asked by everyone who is just starting to understand the insulation of the house, because. due to different production technologies, this indicator can vary greatly, and due to the wide variety it is very easy to get confused.

So, let's figure out what density, and where you can use it.

Mineral plates with a density of 10-20 kg/m3- this is, as a rule, glass wool insulation in the form of rolls:

Basalt mineral wool with a density of 150-175 kg/m3- these are rather rigid slabs that can be used for insulation of interfloor ceilings, load-bearing structures, upper layers in the device of a loaded roof and other loaded structures.

The most famous brands this category is: TechnoNIKOL TechnoFas and others.

Basalt mineral wool with a density of 175-200 kg / m3 is a very rigid mineral slab, which is used under a concrete screed and in places where special requirements are imposed on the insulated surface.

The most popular insulation with such a density: ROCKWOOL Roof Butts B and others.

Video review of heaters. Characteristics that you should pay attention to when buying.

findings

Warming a house, balcony, attic or floor is not such an easy task, because. you need to have a tool and certain skills in construction, as well as a good understanding of the technical characteristics of a particular insulation, first of all, this concerns its density, thermal conductivity and water resistance.

Couldn't make a choice? It doesn’t matter, ask our consultants for help, they will be happy to help you choose the right insulation option for your task, and, if necessary, arrange prompt delivery to the facility. Call us and we will always be happy to help you.

Cold weather is coming, heat bills are only increasing - many owners are starting to think about warming their homes.

There are many thermal insulation materials.

But it is mineral wool for wall insulation in terms of the combination of its technical characteristics and cost that is the most popular of them.

Varieties of mineral wool and their distinctive characteristics

Mineral wool is a fibrous material produced in the form of mats or rolls and obtained from melts:

• glass (glass);
• blast-furnace metal slag (slag);
• rock eruptions (stone or basalt wool).

Each of the options has different thermal conductivity and maximum operating temperatures. Plus, many manufacturers add their own components to the composition to achieve the unique characteristics of the produced insulation.

The most common and long known glass wool. It retains its characteristics at temperatures ranging from -60 C to +450 C and has good thermal conductivity of 0.38-0.45 W / m * K.

Slag wool is somewhat worse in terms of thermal conductivity, but only by 5-10%. But at temperatures above 300 C, it begins to sinter and lose its thermal insulation properties. It also has the worst performance among analogues in terms of hygroscopicity, it absorbs moisture with ease. And for all mineral wools, water is the main enemy. After absorbing moisture, their thermal insulation characteristics are sharply reduced.

Basalt wool is able to properly perform its functions at temperatures up to +600 C, and some options even up to +1000 C. Its thermal conductivity varies from different manufacturers around 0.035-0.05 W / m * K. Plus, it has better vapor permeability, the walls will turn out to be more “breathable”

All mineral wools are non-combustible.

All of them are afraid of moisture and during installation it is imperative to lay high-quality vapor barrier. Otherwise, they will absorb moisture, which, when the air temperature drops, can simply turn into ice and destroy the material.

And everyone has a common drawback - the fragility of the fibers during styling and, as a result, a lot of small pieces that penetrate everywhere and cause severe itching. Which can cause serious breathing problems. Therefore, when working with all mineral wools, be sure to wear gloves and a respirator with goggles.

Density of mineral wool

The density index of mineral wool directly affects its thermal insulation properties and price. The more fibers in a cubic meter of material, the better it retains heat and is able to withstand large mechanical loads.

The density of different types of mineral wool and different manufacturers varies in a fairly wide range - from 20 to 220 kg / m3. Therefore, when choosing mineral wool for wall insulation, you should clearly understand what it affects, which option is best suited for specific purposes.

Vapor permeability, sound absorption and thickness of produced mineral wool slabs practically does not depend on its density. The difference, if any, is minor.

Basically, the density of the fibers in mineral wool affects:

• indicators of dynamic and static loads;
• resistance to "compression";
• preservation of the original form.

The denser the mineral wool, the longer it will last. But economic expediency dictates its own rules. Why pay more if the benefits are minimal.

Plus, for heavy material, it will be necessary to equip a more reliable and expensive frame.

1. Up to 35 kg/m3 - suitable only for use on unloaded horizontal surfaces (for example, ceiling insulation from the attic).
2. Up to 75 kg / m3 - for internal interior partitions and the ceiling from the inside.
3. Up to 125 kg / m3 - insulation for facades (for ventilated it will be enough 100 kg / m3, and for non-ventilated all 125 kg / m3).
4. Up to 175 kg / m3 - material for load-bearing structures and interfloor ceilings.
5. Up to 200-220 kg / m3 - an insulating layer on the floor under a concrete screed, for thermal insulation of attics and verandas.

Mounting

The technology of laying mineral wool as thermal insulation for floors, walls and roofs is extremely simple. It is necessary to equip the frame and lay a heater inside it, while not forgetting about the hydrovapor barrier. In more detail it looks like this:

• On the insulated surface, a frame is made of wooden bars. The distance between them is made a couple of centimeters less than the width of the roll or mineral wool slab. So that she lies between them as tightly as possible. On inclined surfaces, for reliability, it can be further strengthened with “fungal dowels” or glue. Bars can be replaced with drywall profiles.
• As the first layer, a vapor barrier is laid. Then the mineral wool itself, and on top is another waterproofing layer. When mounted outside, the option is allowed when the first hydrobarrier is skipped. And mineral wool is glued to the walls with a polymer-cement composition. The option depends on the chosen material and the type of finish.
• The outer vapor barrier layer is fixed on the frame. And on top of it, another crate is stuffed to press down the mineral wool and subsequent decorative finishes. Or plastering is done.

Results

Mineral wool allows you to quickly and independently make the house warm and cozy.

Moreover, such insulation will last for many years. The main thing is to carefully approach the choice of mineral wool for wall insulation and properly perform vapor barrier in order to minimize the effect of moisture on the material.

Depending on what material is used as a raw material for the manufacture of natural insulation, the weight of the mineral wool changes. The main indicator that will allow the consumer to determine how much weight they will have to work with during the laying of thermal insulation material is the density, which is defined as the weight of mineral wool in the amount of 1 cubic meter. By and large, the weight of mineral wool boards used in private housing construction and repair is relatively insignificant, does not affect either the speed of their laying or the ease of performing technological operations.

What determines the weight of the applied mineral wool?

In the production process of insulation offered to customers under the general name of mineral wool, both basalt rocks can be used, which allows us to call the final product basalt wool, and waste from the metallurgical industry - slag, whose weight is much less than basalt, which affects the weight of the insulation.

The weight of mineral wool depends on its density, which affects the choice of material depending on the application - loaded or not loaded surfaces. For the most part, this indicator can range from 35 to 100 kg / cubic meter. Given that the size of the insulation boards used is on average 0.6 square meters, then the weight value during installation is also insignificant. The term "density" in some cases can be replaced by the name "volumetric weight of the minplate", which is fully consistent with the definition of density and represents the weight of 1 cubic meter of insulation.

How much do Rockwool boards weigh?

The weight of mineral wool from Rockwool, a popular manufacturer of heaters in our country, depends on the density of the thermal insulation material that the buyer chooses to perform a certain type of work:

1. Weight Rockwool Acoustic Butts, density 45 kg/cu. meter, dimensions 1000 x 600 x 50 mm is not more than 1.35 kg.
2. Weight Rockwool Acoustic Butts, density 37 kg/cu. meter, dimensions 1000 x 600 x 50 mm is not more than 1.1 kg.
3. The weight of Rockwool Light Butts Scandic mineral wool, with a density of 37 kg / cubic meter, dimensions 1000 x 600 x 50 mm, is not more than 0.75 kg.

The mass of mineral wool can drastically differ when using combined types of insulation - a Rockwool Fire Butts foil plate, with a density of 110 kg / cu. meter, dimensions 1000 x 600 x 30mm weighs within 2 kilograms. The weight also depends on the thickness of the insulation used - Rockwool Light Butts Scandic, with a density of 37 kg / cu. meter, dimensions 1000 x 600 x 100mm weighs about one and a half kilograms.

Cotton wool is one of the most popular heaters, both among private developers and professional builders. Such popularity is due to excellent heat-saving and fire-fighting properties, as well as ease of installation and a wide range of possibilities.

However, in order to use mineral wool correctly and with the greatest efficiency, it is necessary to understand its characteristics. In this regard, the most important indicator is mineral wool density on which its thermal insulation properties depend.

What is meant by the concept of "mineral wool density"?

You can determine which insulation has a higher density before buying it - a material with a higher density is more expensive. At the same time, it must be understood that, despite the fact that “you can’t spoil porridge with oil,” using cotton wool of maximum density is not always economically feasible.

One of the characteristics of this parameter is the specific gravity, which follows from the density units - kg / m3. In this case, we are not dealing with a “net” weight, but with the number of fibers in a volume equal to 1m3. The number of fibers varies depending on the type of mineral wool and the technology of its manufacture.

In accordance with this, the density of various types of mineral wool (glass wool, basalt wool and slag wool) has a fairly wide range - from 30 kg/m2 to 220 kg/m3. This implies a significant difference in its physical and technical qualities. However, there is a general pattern - the greater the density, the greater the mechanical load that mineral wool mats or slabs can withstand.

Therefore, in order to correctly choose the best option for insulation, it is necessary, in the general case, to imagine what technological characteristics are affected by mineral wool density for walls, ceilings, roofs and facades. So in direct proportion to the density are the following characteristics:

• Ability to withstand static and dynamic loads.
• The ability to retain its original shape.
• Force of resistance "on compression".

At the same time, density does not affect:

• Noise absorption.
• Vapor permeability.
• thermal insulation qualities.
• Thickness of slabs, mats or rolls.

How to apply mineral wool correctly, depending on its density?

When choosing this insulation, you should strive to choose the optimal density based on their specific climatic conditions and the type of insulation object.

In other words, it is necessary to make a preliminary heat engineering calculation, however, due to the complexity of the calculation, you can use the empirical method - ask your neighbors, but it is best to consult the seller of a local building materials store.

• Material with a density of up to 35 kg/m3 is recommended only for unloaded horizontal surfaces. As a rule, such insulation is produced and sold in the form of rolls.
• If it is necessary to insulate the internal floor, ceiling and interior partitions, mineral wool with a density of about 75 kg / m3 is used.
• For thermal insulation of ventilated facades, the wool density must be at least 100 kg/m3. For non-ventilated facades - 125 kg/m3. In both cases, it is understood that finishing will be carried out - in the first version with siding or similar material, in the second - reinforcement and plastering.
• For insulation of interfloor floors, the density of mineral wool should be 150 kg / m3, and for load-bearing structures it increases to 175 kg / m3.
• Floors under a concrete screed, in the event that cotton wool acts as the top layer, are insulated with cotton wool with a density of 200 kg / m3. The same indicators should be for the material with which the roof or attic is thermally insulated.

As already mentioned, it must always be remembered that plates (mats) with a higher density have a greater mass. This is important to consider when building the frame in which they will be mounted.

In the process of building houses, cottages, heaters of various types are used.

And if you are building or reconstructing your own housing, then sooner or later you will face the question of which insulation to choose?

Today, the building materials market has a huge selection of manufacturers and brands of insulation.

All of them are designed for, flooring and much more.

Choose a heater according to their technical characteristics.

Characteristics :

The main parameter of the characteristics of the insulation, which will be discussed in our article today, is density. The density of the insulation varies from 11 to 400 kg/m3.

Classification of insulation by density level

Usually everyone remembers the physics of the school and associates the density of the insulation with weight, mass.

The heavier the better, but this does not always follow correctly, it comes from what factors and what operating conditions.

The choice of insulation directly depends on the budget, no matter how paradoxical it sounds, and of course the load on the structure as a whole or on a specific element.

According to the density of the material, the following classification is distinguished:

Extra light

There are also grades with non-uniform stiffness, one side is compacted on the outside, and the other is soft on the inside.

The density and thickness of the insulation has a direct relationship. That is, for different types of floors, different heaters are required, both in thickness and in terms of thermal insulation density and.

From this we conclude that the thickness depends on its application:

• For the roof - 20-30 cm.
• For the basement - 5-15 cm.
• For the attic - 10-15 cm.
• For external walls - 5-10 cm.

The denser the material, the thinner the thickness.

Comparison of heaters

And now we will compare some heaters with you.

Mineral wool

One of the universal materials, density varies from 30 to 200 kg/m3.

Almost all elements of building structures. Is issued in water of plates, mats, rolls.

Most of the major mineral wool manufacturers (TechnoNIKOL, Knauf, Izorok) produce mineral heaters.

There are also manufacturers who produce mineral wool with certain characteristics.

Ursa, Knauf produce materials with a density of 11 to 35 kg / m3, which are only suitable for roofing.

Polyethylene foam

It has a density of up to 25 kg/m3 and is used as a substrate for finishing flooring. There are options using foil, they have a density of about 55 kg / m3, they are mainly used for walls.

Styrofoam

Density ranges from 80 to 160 kg/m3, it is used for insulation of walls and floors, where sufficient strength is required. It is produced in the form of plates of various sizes.

It must be remembered that for each object under construction, individual calculations are made for the choice of insulation. We recommend buying insulation from time-tested manufacturers.

Price

The average price of insulation for 1 m2 practically does not depend on the manufacturer and with a thickness of 50 mm averages 100 rubles.

There is a wide range of thermal insulation materials on the market, which differ from each other in raw materials for manufacturing, production method and purpose. The method of work determines such an indicator as the density of the insulation.

Insulation density is a value that determines the mass of one cubic meter of material. For different thermal insulation materials, this indicator is different.

This parameter of the insulation is determined by the purpose of thermal insulation.

Density and its effect on material properties

Since the heat-insulating material has a different density, there are several types of it:

• especially light;
• easy;
• average;
• dense (hard).

Density affects the following indicators:

• thermal conductivity;
• noise reduction;
• bearing capacity;
• mounting method.

In any heat-insulating material, air is the main heat-insulating component. It can be in its natural or discharged state. The better it is isolated from the environment and the more it is contained in the insulation, the higher the thermal conductivity of the material.

The lower the breathability of the insulation, the better it absorbs noise. A heat-insulating material that has an increased density will absorb sound better even if this is not its main purpose. But since in some heaters the density index reaches 150 kg / m³, there is a large load on the floor structure. Therefore, it is better to purchase a specialized noise-absorbing material.

Too light insulation should not be used in areas that will be subjected to high loads. At low strength characteristics, the material will deform. Therefore, thermal insulation with a density of at least 150 kg/m³ must be used.

It is more convenient to work with a lighter, i.e. less dense insulation. However, the choice of density depends on the location of the material. For laying it between the lags of the roof, light and soft thermal insulation is suitable, and for walls it is advisable to choose a denser one in order to avoid its slipping.

The choice of insulation density

Before deciding which density of thermal insulation to choose, it is necessary to determine where it will be installed. If wall insulation is planned, the type of cladding plays an important role. It determines the type and density of the heat insulator. So, for a residential building, it is recommended to use basalt wool, which has low thermal conductivity, high fire resistance and environmental friendliness.

For facing with siding, a basalt heat insulator with indicators of 40-90 kg / m³ is suitable. The higher the thermal insulation is, the higher the indicator should be. If the surface will be plastered, then you need to choose a special thermal insulation for facade work. The density should be 140-160 kg/m³. In these works, special elements are used that have high rates of vapor permeability and tear strength. For interior work, a heat-insulating material with a low density is used.

In roofing work, the choice of insulation depends on the type of roof. If the roof is pitched, choose a heater with indicators of 30-45 kg / m³. For attic insulation, the indicator should be at least 35-40 kg / m³. A flat roof must withstand the heavy loads exerted by snow, wind and other atmospheric phenomena. Therefore, in this case, thermal insulation with a density of at least 150 kg/m³ should be used if mineral wool is used. For expanded polystyrene, this figure should be no more than 40 kg / m³.

To isolate the floor from the cold, you should choose a material whose mass pressure per unit volume is sufficiently high. However, if it is planned to lay the material between the lags, loose insulation can be used. The lags take on the entire load, and the thermal insulation is not tasked with withstanding the pressure exerted.

In interior partitions, the heat-insulating material also performs a soundproofing function. Since these partitions are not designed to protect against low temperatures, medium-density thermal insulation can be used. It is desirable that it be presented in the form of plates.

Mineral wool density

The density of mineral wool directly depends on its purpose. This indicator is affected by the thickness and number of fibers in the structure. Mineral wool is produced in the form of soft mats, rolls and rigid slabs, the mass pressure per unit volume of which varies from 11 to 400 kg/m³. Plates are used for thermal insulation of facade walls, soft rolls or mats are used for laying between logs or in a frame.

Styrofoam Density

Polyfoam is divided into the following types:

• PSB-S-15 up to 15 kg/m³;
• PSB-S-25 15-25 kg/m³;
• PSB-S-35 25-35 kg/m³;
• PSB-S-50 35-50 kg/m³.

PSB stands for pressless expanded polystyrene, and the letter "C" means that the heat-insulating material is self-extinguishing. The numbers define the upper limit of the density. The denser the foam, the greater the load it can withstand and the more resistant to mechanical damage.

Conclusion

The choice of thermal insulation is an important stage of construction. To choose the right material, you need to consider the following factors:

• type of work (internal or external);
• insulation installation method (horizontal or vertical);
• the load falling on the heat-insulating material;
• whether it is used for soundproofing;
• average temperature during the cold season, etc.

It is important to take into account not only the pressure of the mass per unit volume, but also the structure of the insulation, the features of its manufacture and application. An important role is played by how the thermal insulation material wears out over time. Mineral wool, for example, tends to absorb moisture, which leads to a gradual increase in thermal conductivity. It also crumbles and crumbles, which makes it thinner at the top.

The room to be insulated also affects the choice of material. So, for outbuildings, it is not enough to choose a heat-insulating material with a high density. It is necessary to install one that will not be destroyed by small rodents and insects.

As you can see, the density indicator is an important criterion when choosing a heater, but not decisive.

Today, mineral wool is one of the most popular insulation materials, and it is used by both private developers and professional builders. And the fundamental role, in addition to its heat-saving and fire-fighting qualities, is played by ease of installation and the ability to use one type of insulation for almost all the main components of the house structure: floor, walls, roof.

Mineral wool is often used as a thermal insulation material, as it has thermal insulation and fire protection properties.

But in order to use mineral wool as a heater correctly and with the greatest return, you need to know its characteristics. And the most important indicators on which the thermal insulation properties directly depend are its density and thickness.

What is the density of mineral wool?

To choose a heater that meets the desired requirements, first of all, you need to know its density. It is quite simple to determine it when buying: a heater with a higher density will cost more. Another thing is that it is not always rational to use mineral wool of maximum density to insulate individual nodes.

An indicator of this mineral wool parameter is its weight, which is understandable, since it is measured in kg / m³. In this case, we are not talking about net weight, but about the number of fibers in a cubic meter of material, which is the true indicator of this parameter. The very same number of fibers varies depending on the production technology used. The higher the density level, the greater the consumption of material in production, hence the increase in price.

The spread of variations in the density of mineral wool is very large (from 30 to 220 kg / m³). Accordingly, its physical and technical characteristics also differ significantly. But there is a general pattern: the greater the density, the greater the distribution load of mineral wool slabs can withstand. However, it should be noted that this only applies to fiber density. For varieties of mineral wool reinforced with amplifiers, this classification is not suitable.

In order to properly use mineral wool insulation, you need at least a general idea of ​​which important technological characteristics density has a significant impact on, and which remain unchanged.

Directly depend on:

• preservation of the original form;
• compressive strength.

At the same time, it practically does not affect:

• on soundproofing properties;
• for vapor permeability;
• on thermal insulation properties;
• to the thickness of the material.

With this knowledge, it is much easier to make the right choice.

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Varieties of mineral wool

Speaking of mineral wool, it must be borne in mind that its very definition is not entirely correct. According to GOST 52953-2008, the mineral wool class includes 3 types of insulation: glass wool, slag wool and stone wool.

They differ among themselves in the length and thickness of the fibers, therefore they have different performance characteristics, including density. Therefore, they have different thermal conductivity, load resistance, water resistance and fire resistance.

Glass wool is based on fibers with a thickness of 5 to 15 microns and a length of 15 to 50 mm. Thanks to them, glass wool becomes an elastic and fairly durable material, and besides, it is much cheaper than other types of mineral wool.

The main inconvenience when working with it is the need to work all the time in protective equipment: a protective suit, tight gloves, goggles and a respirator. The reason for this is the fragility of glass threads. They break easily, dig into unprotected skin, injuring it. And glass dust, getting into the eyes or lungs, can cause serious injury to the worker, up to disability.

Slag wool is produced from blast-furnace slag, the size of the fibers is 16 mm, and the thickness is from 4 to 12 microns. Although this insulation is not as dangerous as glass wool, its fibers are also quite brittle, so it is inconvenient to work with it without gloves.

Slag wool cannot be used in damp rooms, since any slag has a certain residual acidity, which, upon contact with moist air, will act aggressively on metal structural elements.

Slag wool is not suitable for facade insulation, as it is very hygroscopic. For the same reason, it is not suitable for thermal insulation of water and sewer pipes, regardless of whether they are plastic or metal.

In stone wool, the size of the fibers practically does not differ from the size of the slag fibers. But, unlike the latter, they are much stronger, therefore, they hardly break during operation, so it is practically safe to work with it. Therefore, in the construction literature, the definition of "mineral wool" most often means stone wool.

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How should mineral wool be used?

When using mineral wool as a heater, one should strive to choose the optimal density of the boards based on the object of insulation, as well as information on the compaction coefficient provided by the manufacturer. When preparing a professional project for insulation, complex calculations are used, but in practice, when insulating their houses, their owners act more on a whim.

Mineral wool is produced in the form of mineral mats, mineral felt, semi-rigid and rigid boards.

Mineral mats are a piece of mineral wool carpet, which is enclosed on both sides in bituminized paper, fiberglass or a special metal mesh, and stitched with a strong thread for better fixation. Mineral mats have standard dimensions of 50x150 cm, their thickness can vary from 2 to 10 cm, and their density - from 100 to 200 m³

Such mats are used mainly in industry, for thermal insulation of equipment and pipes, since their dimensions make it possible to insulate pipes of various diameters. Such mats can withstand temperatures of 400 ° C, and on the basis of a metal mesh - up to 600 ° C without any damage to their thermal insulation properties. Due to their large size, mats are rarely used for warming private houses.

Mineral felt is available both in sheet and roll form. Wool in felt is impregnated with synthetic resins, which significantly improves its thermal insulation qualities. Its density becomes 75-150 kg / m³, and thermal conductivity - 0.046-0.052 W / (m-K).

For the production of semi-rigid boards, synthetic resins or bitumen are sprayed onto the mineral fiber, and then it is pressed and dried. The density of such boards depends on the compaction force and ranges from 75 to 300 kg/m³. The dimensions of the plates are 60x100 cm, the thickness can reach up to 20 cm. Plates with synthetic fillers can be used to insulate structures with temperatures up to 300 ° C, and on a bituminous binder - no higher than 60 ° C.

Mineral wool rigid boards are obtained by mixing mineral wool with synthetic resins and then polymerizing and pressing it. The density of such plates is in the range from 100 to 400 kg / m³, the dimensions are the same as for semi-rigid ones, 60x100 cm (thickness - from 4 to 10 cm).

Each of these types has its own purpose. Mineral felt and mineral mats are mainly used for insulation of engineering communications (pipes) of various diameters, as well as horizontal planes (floor, ceiling).

Semi-rigid and rigid boards are used to insulate both horizontal and inclined planes (slopes and decorative elements), and rigid boards, due to their rigidity, are used to insulate vertical wall planes.