Coldness on the way, the bills for heat only increase - many owners start to think about warming the home.
Thermal insulation materials are numerous.
But it is the mineral wool for the insulation of the walls in terms of the totality of its technical characteristics and cost is the most popular of them.
Varieties of mineral wool and their distinctive characteristics
Minvata is a fibrous material, produced in the form of mats or rolls and obtained from melts:
- glass (glass);
- blast-furnace slag of metals (slag);
- eruptions of rocks (stone or basalt wool).
Each of the options has different parameters of thermal conductivity and limiting operating temperatures. Plus, many manufacturers add their own components to the composition to achieve the unique characteristics of the insulation produced.
The most common and known for a long time is glass wool. It retains its characteristics at temperatures ranging from -60 C to +450 C and has good heat conductivity of 0.38-0.45 W / m * K.
Slag in thermal conductivity is somewhat worse, but only by 5-10%. But at temperatures above 300 C begins to cake and lose heat insulation properties. It also has the worst performance among hygroscopic analogs, it absorbs moisture with ease. And for all mineral wool water is the main enemy. After absorbing moisture, their thermal insulation characteristics are sharply reduced.
Basalt cotton wool is able to function properly at temperatures up to +600 C, and some options up to +1000 C. Its thermal conductivity varies from 0.035-0.05 W / m * K in different manufacturers. Plus it has the best vapor permeability, the walls are more "breathable"
All mineral wools are non-flammable.
All of them are afraid of moisture and during installation, a qualitative vapor barrier must be laid. Otherwise, they will accumulate moisture, which, if the temperature is lowered, can simply turn into ice and destroy the material.
And at all the general lack is a fragility of fibers at stacking and as consequence of set of small slices which penetrate everywhere and cause a strong itch. What can cause serious problems with breathing. Therefore, when working with all mineral wools, gloves and a respirator with glasses should be worn.
Density of mineral wool
The density index 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 y different types of mineral wool and from different manufacturers varies in a fairly wide range - from 20 to 220 kg / m3. Therefore, when choosing mineral wool to warm the walls, you should clearly visualize what it affects, which option is better suited for specific purposes.
The vapor permeability, noise absorption and thickness of produced mineral wool plates practically does not depend on its density in any way. The difference, if any, is insignificant.
In general, the density of 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 overpay if the benefits are at a minimum.
Plus, under the heavy material will need to equip a more reliable and expensive frame.
- Up to 35 kg / m3 - suitable only for use on unloaded horizontal surfaces (for example, insulation of ceilings from the attic).
- Up to 75 kg / m3 - for internal interior partitions and ceiling from the inside.
- Up to 125 kg / m3 - insulation for facades (under the ventilated will be enough 100 kg / m3, and for unventilated all 125 kg / m3).
- Up to 175 kg / m3 - material for load-bearing structures and interfloor overlappings.
- Up to 200-220 kg / m3 - a warming layer on the floor for a concrete screed, for the thermal insulation of mansards and verandas.
Installation
The technology of laying mineral wool as a thermal insulation of floors, walls and roofs is extremely simple. It is necessary to equip the frame and lay the heater inside it, not forgetting about the water vapor barrier. More detailed it looks as follows:
- On the heat-insulated surface a frame made of wooden blocks is made. The distance between them is made a couple of centimeters less than the width of the roll or plate of mineral wool. So that she lay between them as tight as possible. On inclined surfaces for reliability it can be additionally strengthened with "dowel-fungi" or glue. Bars can be replaced with profiles for plasterboard.
- As the first layer is vapor barrier. Then the mineral wool itself, and on top another waterproofing layer. When installing from the outside, let's assume the option, when the first hydro-barrier is skipped. And mineral wool to the walls is glued with a polymer-cement compound. The option depends on the selected material and the type of finish finish.
- The outer vapor barrier layer is strengthened on the frame. And on top of it, another crate is packed on it to press down the mineral wool and then decorative finishes. Or plastering is carried out.
Outcomes
Mineral cotton wool allows you to quickly and independently make the house warm and cozy.
And this insulation will last for many years. The main thing is to think carefully about choosing a mineral wool for warming the walls and correctly performing the vapor barrier in order to minimize the impact of moisture on the material.
Vata is one of the most popular heaters, both for 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 correctly and with the greatest efficiency use mineral wool, it is necessary to understand its characteristics. In this regard, the most important indicator is density of mineral wool, on which its thermal insulation properties depend.
What is meant by the concept of "density of mineral wool"?
Determine what kind of insulation is more dense before you buy it - a material with a higher density is more expensive. It should be understood that, in spite of the fact that "you can not spoil the porridge with oil," it is not always economically expedient to use cotton of maximum density.
One of the characteristics of this parameter is the specific mass, which follows from the units of density measurement - kg / m3. In this case, we are not dealing with "clean" weight, but with the number of fibers in the volume equal to 1m3. The number of fibers varies depending on the type of mineral wool and the technology of its production.
In accordance with this, the density of various types of mineral wool (glass wool, basalt wool and slag wool) has a fairly wide spread - from 30 kg / m2 to 220 kg / m3. Hence, there is a significant difference in its physical and technical qualities. However, there is a general pattern - the greater the density, the greater the mechanical load can withstand mats or slabs of mineral wool.
Therefore, to choose the right one the best option insulation, it is necessary in general to represent what technological characteristics affect density of mineral wool for walls, ceilings, roofs and facades. So in direct dependence on density there are following characteristics:
- Ability to withstand static and dynamic loads.
- Ability to maintain the original form.
- Resistance force "on compression".
At the same time, the density does not affect:
- Sound attenuation.
- Water vapor permeability.
- Heat-insulating qualities.
- The thickness of the plates, mats or rolls.
How to apply mineral wool properly depending on its density?
When choosing this insulation should try to choose the optimal density based on their specific climatic conditions and the type of insulation.
In other words, it is necessary to make a preliminary heat engineering calculation, but due to the complexity of the calculation, one can use the empirical method - to ask neighbors, but it is best to consult the seller of the local building materials store.
- Material with a density of up to 35 kg / m3 is recommended to be used only for unloaded horizontal surfaces. As a rule, such a heater is produced and sold in the form of rolls.
- If it is necessary to insulate the inner floor, ceiling and interior partitions, mineral wool with a density of about 75 kg / m3 is used.
- For thermal insulation of ventilated facades, the density of cotton wool should be not less than 100 kg / m3. For non-ventilated facades - 125 kg / m3. In both cases, it is assumed that the finish will be made - in the first variant, siding or similar material, in the second - reinforcement and plastering.
- For thermal insulation of floors, the density of mineral wool should be 150 kg / m3, and for bearing structures it increases to 175 kg / m3.
- Floors for a concrete screed, in the event that the cotton wool acts as the upper layer, is insulated with a wool with a density of 200 kg / m3. The same indicators should be for the material, which is insulated roof or attic.
As already mentioned, it is always necessary to remember that plates (mats) with greater density have a greater mass. This is important to consider when building a frame in which they will be mounted.
In addition, do not forget that, regardless of the density, any kind of mineral wool needs an obligatory steam and waterproofing.
Particular attention should be paid to its technical characteristics. Because of this will depend on its thermal conductivity and the ability to reduce the level of heat loss in that or other room. One of such important characteristics is the DENSITY of the heat-insulating material.
Types of heaters in terms of density
It is worth remembering that the higher the density of thermal insulation material, the greater the load it exerts on the foundation of the house.
It should be noted that high density is not always a guarantee of high thermal insulation characteristics.
Therefore, the insulation is divided into several types, the classification of which is based on the density of the material:
- Particularly light;
- Lungs;
- Medium;
- Dense (hard).
Particularly light insulation refers to - foam polystyrene (foam), which is a porous structure. Lightweight heaters are made on the basis of mineral wool. To heaters with an average density is foam glass. And as for dense insulation, they are also made by using mineral wool, the process of preparation of which is carried out under high pressure.
Lightweight insulation blocks the increase in the concentration of water vapor, so this material is used to heat non-loadable surfaces inside premises: walls, partitions, ceilings, etc. Heaters with light density can reduce heat loss to a minimum.
Dense insulation is best used for the outer part of the wall. In this case, the thermal conductivity will be better. Such material is well tolerated by various mechanical loads and perfectly resists the adverse effects of moisture.
Thermal conductivity and density - how are they related?
It's quite difficult to understand what the insulation density affects, because this index has practically no direct effect on the thermal conductivity. At the same time when choosing a heater, it is necessary to take into account the density.
In any insulating material - air, in the usual or discharged state, is the main heat insulator. The more air is contained in the heat-insulating material, and the better it is isolated from contact with the outside air, the lower the thermal conductivity coefficient.
When comparing expanded polystyrene and mineral wool, it should be noted their different structure. Styrofoam consists of expanded polystyrene balls filled with air. Therefore, a change in the density in the structure of the foam almost does not affect the level of thermal conductivity in this material.
Mineral wool, consists of intertwined fibers, between which is air. The smaller the density of the structure of this material, the more air there will be, and thus the thermal conductivity of this material will be lower. With a more dense structure of the material, the thermal conductivity will be higher, because The air in it is smaller.
Density and thickness of the insulation
The thickness and density of the insulation are dependent on each other. To choose a heater of the required thickness, it is necessary to take into account the minimum level of heat transfer resistance of the surrounding structure. For example, for insulation of attic floors and wall insulation, these indicators will change. From this it follows that the thickness of the thermal insulation material depends on its use:
- For the basement - 6-15 cm;
- For external walls - 8-10 cm;
- For floors of the attic - 10-16 cm;
- For the roof - 15-30 cm, etc.
And as for the density, then, the denser the insulation, the heavier load it can carry. Therefore, when choosing a thermal insulation material, it is worth considering all the features of the room and the building where the heater will be used. For example, mineral wool, with a density of 35-40 kg / m3, is used to insulate multi-storey residential buildings, but it is not recommended to lay such material under the screed or to use it in a laminated masonry. when stacking, the screed will crush mineral wool, and in the layered laying - the mineral wool will settle with time. In such cases, a denser material is used, it is used for thermal insulation production buildings: for the floor screed, a heat insulation material is used - from 160 kg / m3, and for layered walls - from 80 km / m3.
To determine which density of thermal insulation material is better, many factors should be considered. In this case, do not forget that the thermal conductivity of heat insulation materials is about the same, but the transportation of a heater with a higher density will be somewhat complicated.
Each time when it comes to warming the house, then there are a lot of questions, including the question: what kind of insulation is better to choose? Suitable, this or that heater for warming walls, facade, floor, bath?
After reading this article, you will learn:
- the difference between glass wool and basalt insulation (stone wool);
- that mineral wool or basalt is better;
- the pros and cons of mineral wool;
- the pros and cons of basalt wool;
- what is the insulation density;
- what insulation is more suitable for your task;
Mineral wool. Varieties of cotton wool.
Mineral wool - it is an environmentally friendly product that is produced in accordance with GOST 31913-2011 (EN ISO 9229: 2007) "Heat-insulating materials and products. Terms and definitions "through a variety of interlacing of fibers of mineral raw materials and environmentally friendly additives.
Depending on the technological process of production and the type of mineral additives, mineral wool is divided into:
- Steklovatu - the basis of ecological raw materials, wastes of broken glass;
- Rockwool - the basis of ecological raw materials, igneous gabbro-basalt rocks;
- Slag cotton wool - the basis of ecological raw materials, blast furnace slags (processing of production waste).
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 insulation density? Why is it important to pay attention to it?
Density of a heater - this is the most important indicator of mineral wool, which is responsible for the stiffness of the insulation and where it can be applied.
It is always measured in kilograms per cubic meter, and can vary between: 15 to 220 kg / m ?.
The greater the density of the mineral wool plate, the stiffer the slabs, and consequently the ability to withstand deformation under loads and own weight, the formation of slots and the loss of technical characteristics.
That is why it is very important to pay attention to this indicator, because on it depends on what surface they can be insulated.
What is the insulation density should be?
This question is asked by all who are just beginning to understand the warming of the house, because due to different production technologies this indicator can be very different, and because of the wide variety it is very easy to get confused.
So, let's understand what is the density, and where you can use. 
Mineral plates with a density of 10-20 kg / m3 - this is, as a rule, insulation from glass wool 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 to insulate interfloor ceilings, load-bearing structures, top layers in a loaded roof structure and other load-bearing structures.
The most famous brands this category is: Technonikol TechnoFas and others.
Basalt mineral wool with a density of 175-200 kg / m3 - this is a very tough mineral slabs that are used for concrete screed and in places where the insulated surface is required special.
The most popular insulation with the following density: ROQUEL Ruf Butts In and others.
Video review of heaters. Characteristics that are worth paying attention to when buying.
conclusions
Warming the house, balcony, attic or floor is not such an easy task, because You need to have an instrument and certain skills in construction, as well as a good understanding of the technical characteristics this or that insulation, first of all it concerns its density, heat conductivity and water resistance.
Could not decide the choice? Do not worry, please contact our consultants for help, they will be happy to help you choose the right insulation for your task, and if necessary, arrange for prompt delivery to the facility. Call will always be happy to help you.
Of all the heaters used in the construction, about 80% falls on the share of mineral wool. The demand for the material is due to its positive characteristics - a low coefficient of thermal conductivity, resistance to fire, ease, affordability. However, there is another criterion that extends the scope of application of insulation - the density of mineral wool. Thanks to him, you can pick up material for any type of room.
All heat-insulating materials are divided into several groups according to their density:
- especially light;
- lungs;
- average;
- hard (dense / heavy).
The first is foam (expanded polystyrene) - a material that has a structure of pores, inside of which is air. Mineral wool is also considered a light insulation. This material prevents the increase in the concentration of water vapor, so it is often used for heat insulation of easily loaded surfaces inside the premises. However, the mineral wool density may vary from a couple of tens to several hundred kg / m3; for this reason it refers to the lungs only conditionally.
Effect of density on the conductivity of heat
As a rule, the consumer often pays attention to the performance characteristics of the insulation, rather than physical properties such as density. And it is necessary to take into account it, as it carries important information.
Any heat-insulating material contains air in the composition either in the rarefied or in the ordinary state. There is a dependence: the fewer vapors there are inside the heater and the worse it is isolated from the interaction with the outside air, the higher the value of the coefficient of thermal conductivity. And the more the latter, the worse the material keeps the heat.
Interlaced fibers - the basis of the structure of all mineral wool heaters. The higher the density of these elements, the less air is present inside and the higher the thermal conductivity.
Therefore, the choice of mineral wool is necessary, relying on the purpose of insulation - for rooms where reliable insulation from the cold is required (living rooms, partitions between floors, floor), materials are more dense, and for areas of the house where heat preservation is not so important (non-residential attics , caisson) - lighter plates or rolls of mineral wool.
Classification of mineral wool by density
The market is filled with offers of domestic and foreign producers. To systematize hundreds of titles, below is a list of materials produced in Russia that are different by the criterion under consideration, as well as some recommendations regarding use.
P-75
The insulation density of this brand is 75 kg / m3. A low indicator allows you to apply cotton only in lightly loaded surfaces, including horizontal ( attic floor, pitched roof). The material is more popular in the oil and energy industry - they are wrapped in pipes of heating plants, as well as joints of gas and oil pipelines.
There are insulation and lower density (15, 25, 40 kg / m3), but they are practically not used, because they lose their shape and properties even at minimal load.
P-125
The density of this mineral wool is 125 kg / m3. The material is good for covering the ceiling, floor, walls, partitions, frame structures in the temperate climate zone. Besides worthy thermal insulation properties, it perfectly suppresses extraneous noise.
PZH-175
Material of increased rigidity (this is reflected in the title). It is used for plating walls or ceilings made of metal, reinforced concrete, concrete, brick.
PZh-200
It also has an increased density (200 kg / m3), stiffness and is used in the same situations as the previous one. There is one advantage over the previously named - PZH-200 serves as an additional protection against fire.
Mineral wool slabs with density from 75 to 200 kg / m3, described above, are quite enough for warming any premises of a private or multi-apartment house. However, in the market you can find an unfamiliar marking of products made abroad.
Classification of mineral wool produced in other countries:
- VL, TL (suitable for structures with a maximum load of 8 and 12 kN / m2, respectively);
- EL, ELD, ELUS (good for insulation of concrete elements, maximum permissible load - 5 kN / m2);
- IM, IMP (trusses, floor structures, foundation);
- AKL, KKL (materials of increased rigidity used for thermal insulation of sloping roofs);
- TKL (thermal insulation of a flat roof);
- VIL (resembles AKL and KKL, but has cut corners, it is used if the roof needs to be tilted);
- TSL, VUL, IRL (thin plates, used for wind protection of light structures - wall or truss);
- ILP (pressed between elements of concrete, brick, metal structures);
- A, IL (classic mineral wool boards used for wall warming, recommended for areas where the space for the material is limited).
Specific density of insulation is not indicated, because in compatibility with various designs it is not difficult to compare its indicator with the domestic analog.
In order to systematize the information outlined above, here are some tips on how to arrange thermal insulation of a certain density:
- slabs up to 35 kg / m3 are used to insulate unloaded horizontal surfaces (attic floor);
- 35-75 kg / m3 - internal floors, interior and interstore partitions, ceilings; walls of uninhabited or industrial premises;
- 75-100 kg / m3 - ventilated external walls, up to 125 kg / m3 - ventilated facades; The maximum density is indicated under the condition that additional processing of the walls (siding, plastering, etc.) is carried out;
- 100-150 kg / m3 - overlap between floors of concrete and reinforced concrete structures;
- 150-175 kg / m3 - carrying reinforced concrete structures;
- 175-200 kg / m3 - arrangement of the floor under the screed, in which the insulation is the top layer of the coating; roof and attic.
It is important to remember that denser mineral wool plates weigh heavily on the structure. Also, almost any work on the insulation of the premises requires the use of two additional levels of protection - from external moisture (hydro-) and the formation of condensate (vapor barrier).
Knowing this physical property of mineral wool, like its density, makes it much easier for the consumer to choose the right material for the thermal insulation of the room. Buying the right insulation, the buyer becomes calm for the durability of the construction and the overall comfort of living in the house.