Density of mineral wool thermal insulation. The advantages of mineral wool. Description and influence. Density of mineral wool thermal insulation What is the density of insulation kg m3

Have you decided to insulate your house or apartment? Professionals recommend using mineral wool for these purposes, as it is the highest quality and reliable insulation. This material not only keeps the house warm, but also creates comfortable silence, preventing noise from the street and neighbors. The quality of insulation directly depends on the characteristics of mineral wool. About such a characteristic as density mineral wool, will be discussed in this article.

Density of mineral wool

In order for the material to meet all requirements, it is necessary to determine the density of the mineral wool. The higher it is, the higher the cost of the insulation. This is explained by the fact that the density value is affected by the number of fibers contained in the material. To achieve high level density, material consumption will increase during production.

Density stone wool determined by the weight of 1 m3 of material. Various representatives provide products of different densities, it depends on the used technological processes. Naturally, when choosing a material, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the building or room where sound insulation and thermal insulation will be carried out. For insulation of multi-storey residential buildings, mineral wool with a density of 35 to 40 kg/m3 is used. Denser materials are used for thermal insulation of production facilities. There are special formulas with which a specialist will correctly calculate the density of mineral wool required for carrying out high-quality insulation one or another building. There are different types of mineral wool used for different purposes, and each has its own density.

Density of mineral mats – from 100 to 200 kg/m3, mineral felt – 100-150 kg/m3, semi-rigid slabs – 70-300 kg/m3, rigid slabs – 100-400 kg/m3. Thanks to high density rigid slabs are used for insulation of coatings, walls, ceilings of industrial and residential buildings, as well as refrigeration units. This is also ensured thanks to another very important characteristic– thermal conductivity of mineral wool, which is very low.

Insulation density Izover

The density of insulation is a characteristic that mainly affects the use of the material. For example, for thermal insulation of light roof structures, floors between floors, attics, curtain walls facade systems you can use low-density Izover insulation, such as ISOVER Classic, ISOVER Frame-P32, ISOVER Frame-P34, ISOVER Sound Protection and others. A density of 12-20 kg/m3 will be sufficient to use mats and slabs for their intended purpose. By the way, during thermal insulation work not only slabs and mats are used, but also other products. Which ones exactly, read the article Mineral wool products .

If it is necessary to insulate a flat or pitched roof, insulate walls with a ventilated gap or apply a plaster layer, here you need to select a material with a density of 50 kg/m3. These are the usual and hard ISOVER slabs Pitched Roof, ISOVER Plaster Facade, ISOVER Vent Facade, ISOVER OL-TOP, OL-P, OL-Pe, OL-E.

Ursa insulation density

Ursa thermal insulation boards have high strength indicators, they are durable, reliable, non-hygroscopic, due to which they are used for insulation various parts buildings - roofs, floors, facades, thermal insulation of foundations and underground premises.

The manufacturer Ursa produces low-density products. There is a misconception that to ensure a high degree of thermal insulation you need to use high-density insulation . But it is not always the case. The density of the material is selected depending on the application. This is exactly the same as the dimensions of mineral wool. This characteristic is also important for the use of the material in certain conditions.

Highest density (35 kg/m3) have mats URSA GLASSWOOL FACADE. They are used for insulation systems with a ventilated air gap. That is why high density material can be used here. For frame partitions this material will no longer work.

Density of Knauf insulation

Mainly a manufacturer of mineral insulation cotton wool Knauf focuses on thermal insulation of attics and interfloor ceilings, insulation of pitched and flat roof, as well as walls, if necessary, do not load thermal insulation structures. That is why all products have low density. For example, for roof insulation, the material TEPLOrovelya 037A with a density of 18 kg/m3 is used. But for insulation of interfloor ceilings it is suitable TEPLOroll 040, whose density is only 12 kg/m3.

Mineral wool slabs Ventilated facade Thermo Plate 032 have a density of 34 kg/m3, and this is enough for thermal insulation outer walls when using the material as an inner layer.

Rockwool insulation density

For heat and sound insulation of ventilated coverings, roofs, attics, walls, wooden beams, suspended ceilings, floors on joists, frame walls and partitions, the manufacturer Rockwool offers slabs and mats Rockmin, Domrock, Superrock density from 20 to 30 kg/m3. But for heat and sound insulation of the walls of external buildings, you can use a slab Panelrock, which has a density of 65 kg/m3. The manufacturer also has mineral wool with a density of 161 kg/m3. These are slabs Stroprock, used for heat and sound insulation of floors on the ground and floors under a concrete screed.

Density of mineral wool: high and low density mineral wool, Builder's Book

Mineral plate for home insulation - technical characteristics

Mineral wool is the most popular thermal insulator, which has been widely used in mass and individual construction. The development of technology has made it possible to improve the performance properties of this material. Today manufacturers offer mineral wool slabs With different characteristics for insulation and sound insulation of building structures and roofs. In order for thermal insulation to fully meet the design requirements, you need to know how to choose the right mineral fiber insulation.

Roofing pie using mineral wool board

Scope of application

For the manufacture of mineral wool, glass melt, blast furnace slag, rocks of volcanic origin. Using a centrifuge, fibers are obtained from the melt, which are mixed with a binder of synthetic origin. From the resulting mass, mineral wool slabs are formed, which vary in size, density and hardness.

Thermal insulation boards made of mineral fibers are used for heat and sound insulation:

• floors;
• pitched and flat roofs;
• roofs made of three-layer panels;
• floors;
• ceilings;
• partitions;
• three-layer lightweight walls made of block materials (mineral wool is placed in the middle of the structure);
• frame walls;
• facades (when insulated under plaster and as part of ventilated curtain facades).

An example of a wall pie using mineral wool

Basic properties

When choosing roof insulation, wall structures, for a floor or ceiling, it is necessary to take into account the thermal insulation properties of the material, its density, resistance to moisture, vapor permeability, and fire resistance.

Mineral wool is characterized by a high ability to protect against cold and noise, and at the same time is one of the budget heat insulators. But before purchasing insulation, you should understand what criteria are used to evaluate its suitability for installation in specific conditions.

Advantages of fiber insulation

Mineral wool boards are characterized:

• low specific gravity - insulation with this material will not overload the structure;
• high strength (this indicator depends on the density of the slab);
• fire resistance;
• biostability (the material is resistant to decay, unattractive to pests and rodents);
• durability (service life provided correct installation exceeds 50 years).

Comparison of thicknesses of materials for thermal insulation

High specifications make the material a leader in the heat insulator market.

Thermal conductivity

Slab thermal insulation made of mineral wool due to its fibrous structure provides good protection from heat leakage. Thermal conductivity indicators depend on the type and purpose of the slabs - they are in the range of 0.036-0.042 W/(m K) at temperatures from 10°C to 25°C according to GOST 4640-2011.

Fire resistance

Mineral wool is a material with a high degree of fire resistance - such insulation does not ignite from random sparks and does not contribute to the spread of fire. Fiber boards withstand contact with surfaces heated to +400°C and air heated to 750°C.

Non-combustible slabs made of basalt fiber can withstand contact with an open flame (1000°C) for two hours, provided that the material is made without the use of fillers made from flammable synthetic substances.

The higher the density of the block, the stiffer it is and the better it can withstand deformation stresses under load. Vary the following types mineral wool slabs:

• soft slab (40-55 kg/m3, grade PM-40 and PM-50);
• semi-rigid slab (60-90 kg/m3, grade PP-60, PP-70, PP-80);
• rigid slabs (100-150 kg/m3, grade PZh-100, PZh-120, PZh-140);
• slabs of increased rigidity (160-210 kg/m3, grade PPZh-160, PPZh-180, PPZh-200);
• hard slab (220-300 kg/m3, grade PT-220, PT-250, PT-300).

Laying slabs with your own hands in the attic

Waterproof

Mineral wool slabs are prone to moisture accumulation. The strength and other properties of the fiber are not affected, but the replacement of air with moisture in the structure of the material leads to a sharp increase in the thermal conductivity coefficient, that is, a deterioration in performance properties. The use of certain fillers allows the material to be hydrophobized. According to GOST, the average water resistance level of insulation should be 4-7 pH.

Vapor permeability

Mineral wool is characterized by the highest vapor permeability in comparison with heat insulators made from other materials. The indicator is 480*10-6 g/(m*hour*Pa). In insulating structures where an impenetrable vapor barrier is not provided (for example, external insulation of walls under plaster) or a gas-permeable membrane is used, insulation with mineral wool makes it possible to maintain gas exchange through the structure, which ensures a favorable microclimate in the room.

Using a vapor barrier to protect against moisture

Advantages of slab insulation

The mineral plate not only has high performance properties. Due to their structure, the blocks hold their shape well, they are easy to mark and cut to size.

Soft, semi-rigid, rigid and hard blocks are easy and quick to install - in most cases, the heat insulator is installed directly into the cells of the wall or ceiling sheathing, between roof rafters or floor joists. When insulating a flat roof externally, hard mineral wool slabs are laid in a layer on the prepared surface, and when external thermal insulation walls under plaster - fastened with glue and fasteners with “umbrella” caps.

Installing slabs between rafters

The advantages also include the affordable cost of the material.

Minslab: types and technical parameters

Mineral fiber mats vary in technical indicators as it depends on the following factors:

When choosing a material for insulation, it is necessary to take into account the scope of use of a heat insulator with certain properties.

Types of slab insulation

Vary thermal insulation mats three types - glass wool, slag wool and stone wool.

Glass wool is the most cheap option insulation. For manufacturing, the same components are used as for glass - dolomite, limestone, borax, sand, soda. The fiber is 5-15 microns thick and 15-50 mm long. Temperature Range operation from -60 °C to +450 °C. Glass wool cakes over time and its heat-shielding properties decrease. During installation, fragile fibers break easily, so it is necessary to use protective equipment when working. It is also important to properly cover the insulation with a vapor barrier so that glass dust does not penetrate into the room..

Slag wool is characterized by low environmental safety, since the raw material for its production is blast furnace slag. For this reason, the material is not recommended for use internal insulation residential premises. The fiber thickness is 4-12 microns, length - 16 mm. Slag wool easily absorbs water and is therefore not suitable for external insulation designs.

Roll of slag

Stone wool (basalt insulation) is the most effective and safe heat insulator, since it practically does not crumble during installation, and its particles do not enter the air as a suspension. Stone fiber material is durable and fire-resistant, environmentally friendly if phenol-formaldehyde resin was not used in its manufacture. But the product is highly expensive.

According to the fibrous structure of the miniplate, it can be::

• with a chaotic arrangement of fibers;
• with a lamella (perpendicular) arrangement of fibers.

With a lamella arrangement, the tensile strength of the material is higher.

Marking

According to accepted standards, mineral wool is marked depending on its density. The same indicator affects the scope of application of the material.

Modifications for ease of installation

The creation of a thermal insulation barrier on vertical or inclined structures, the installation of insulating flooring is associated with the arrangement of a multi-layer system, which may include vapor and moisture barriers, and a wind screen.

To simplify the installation of the insulation system, special mineral fiber mats with an additional layer are used on complex surfaces:

• lamination polymer film or fiberglass protects the fibers of the heat insulator from being blown away by the wind;
• foiling prevents steam from penetrating into the insulation and helps retain heat in the room by reflecting thermal radiation;
• The outer bitumen layer serves as a waterproofing protection that does not prevent steam from escaping.

Installation of foil-coated mineral slabs

Popular brands of mineral slab insulation

To buy a fibrous heat insulator with the required characteristics, environmentally friendly, manufactured in accordance with Russian and international standards, be sure to check the availability of quality certificates.

• Rockwool (heat and sound insulation of the Butts line);
• KNAUF;
• ISOVER;
• Ecover;
• TechnoNIKOL.

Characteristics facade insulation rockwool

Size range

When choosing mineral wool slabs, it is necessary to take into account the calculated thickness of the heat insulator. On this parameter influence:

• features of the insulated design;
• climate of the construction region;
• dew point location;
• thermal conductivity of the block;
• load level.

Mineral wool slabs: technical characteristics of mineral wool slabs

High density insulation materials

Depending on their density, these materials, known as mineral slabs, are produced in several categories. Construction market offers panels P 75, P 125, P 175, P225 and semi-rigid slabs PPZh Gost. All varieties of these products are successfully used in industrial and private construction. Panels are different

• increased strength,
• resistance to destructive external influences,
• meet the requirements of environmental standards and fire safety regulations.

Performance properties mineral wool insulation increased strength, deserve more detailed information.

Semi-rigid, hydrophobized mineral slabs P 75, with an average density of 56-78 kg/m3, are made from basalt wool. The range includes several subtypes of panels, different thicknesses, ranging from 40 to 200 mm, and format. Developers construction projects, use the material to insulate vertical, horizontal and inclined structures.

In particular, mineral slabs n 75 have proven themselves in thermal insulation of ventilated pitched roofs, heat and sound insulation of floors, frame walls and internal partitions. Except technical parameters, this material is attractive easy installation and affordable cost.

Material can be optimal solution choosing insulation for finishing the facade using the technology " wet plaster" The density of mini-slabs P 125 is 80-100 kg/m3, so the insulation is created on vertical structures and foundations moderate loads, which do not require measures to further strengthen them.

Rigid mineral wool slabs P-175 , widely used in industrial and private construction. Mineral board can be used with equal success in insulating horizontal, vertical and inclined building structures, as well as in frame-panel technologies. Rigid thermal insulation P-175 works effectively as a lower thermal insulation layer in multilayer roofing systems. The use of material for thermal insulation is not excluded industrial equipment. The glass wool insulation of this model is characterized by an affordable price for a wide range of consumers.

Mineral wool slabs P175 are characterized by a density of 145-175 kg/m3, thickness is 50 mm. The material can withstand significant, including local, mechanical loads without consequences, which determines its suitability for use in particularly critical areas. Like previous models, the plates can be installed with equal success on a wide variety of building structures. Thanks to hydrophobization, the amount of moisture in the volume of insulation does not exceed 1.5%.

Minslab P-225 is characterized by high rigidity, so the demand for this insulation is especially high when insulating coatings made of concrete or profiled metal. The density is 170-230 kg/m3, which determines the significant weight of the insulation for the facade, which must be taken into account when choosing the thickness of the material and the method of its installation.

Minslab PPZh-200 in terms of technical characteristics and types of application is close to P 225 insulation. The difference lies in the possibility of application, without concrete protective screeds.

High density insulation materials

Of all the insulation used in construction, about 80% is mineral wool. The demand for the material is due to its positive characteristics- low thermal conductivity, resistance to fire, lightness, affordability. However, there is another criterion that expands the scope of application of insulation - the density of mineral wool. Thanks to it, you can choose the material for any type of room.

All thermal insulation materials are divided into several groups according to their density:

• especially light;
• lungs;
• average;
• hard (dense/heavy).

The first includes polystyrene foam (expanded polystyrene) - a material that has a structure of pores, inside of which there is air. Mineral wool is considered a lightweight insulation material. This material prevents an increase in the concentration of water vapor, therefore it is often used for thermal insulation of easily loaded surfaces indoors. However, the density of mineral wool can vary from a couple of tens to several hundred kg/m3; for this reason, it is classified as light only conditionally.

Effect of Density on Heat Conductivity

As a rule, consumers often pay attention to performance characteristics insulation rather than on physical properties such as density. And it is necessary to take it into account, since it carries important information.

Any thermal insulation material contains air either in a rarefied or normal state. There is a dependence: the less vapor there is inside the insulation and the worse it is isolated from interaction with the outside air, the higher the thermal conductivity coefficient will be. And the larger the latter, the worse material retains heat.

Intertwined fibers are the basis of the structure of all mineral wool insulation. The higher the density of these elements, the less air present inside and the higher the thermal conductivity.

Therefore, it is necessary to select mineral wool based on insulation purposes - for rooms where reliable insulation from the cold is required ( living rooms, partitions between floors, floors), denser materials are suitable, and for areas of the house where heat preservation is not so important (non-residential attics, caissons) - lighter slabs or rolls of mineral wool.

Classification of mineral wool by density

The market is filled with offers of domestic and foreign manufacturers. To systematize hundreds of items, below is a list of materials produced in Russia that differ according to the criterion under consideration, as well as some recommendations for use.

P-75

The density of this brand of insulation is 75 kg/m3. The low indicator allows the use of cotton wool only on lightly loaded surfaces, including horizontal ones ( attic floors, pitched roof). The material is more popular in the oil and energy industries - it is used to wrap pipes of heating plants, as well as joints of gas and oil pipelines.

There are insulation materials of lower density (15, 25, 40 kg/m3), but they are practically not used, because they lose their shape and properties even with minimal load.

P-125

The density of this mineral wool is 125 kg/m3. The material is good for covering ceilings, floors, walls, partitions, frame buildings in a temperate climate zone. In addition to decent thermal insulation properties, it perfectly suppresses extraneous noise.

PZh-175

Material of increased rigidity (this is reflected in the name). It is used for cladding walls or ceilings made of metal, reinforced concrete, concrete, brick.

PZh-200

It also has increased density (200 kg/m3), rigidity and is used in the same situations as the previous one. There is one advantage over the previously mentioned one - PZh-200 serves additional protection from fire.

Mineral wool slabs with a density from 75 to 200 kg/m3, described above, are quite sufficient for insulating any premises of a private or apartment building. However, on the market you can find unfamiliar markings for products manufactured 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 insulating concrete elements, maximum permissible load- 5 kN/m2);
• IM, IMP (rafters, floor structures, foundation);
• AKL, KKL (high-rigidity materials used for thermal insulation of pitched roofs);
• TKL (flat roof thermal insulation);
• VIL (reminiscent of AKL and KKL, but has cut corners; used if the roof needs to be sloped);
• TSL, VUL, IRL (thin slabs, used for wind protection of light structures - walls or rafters);
• ILP (pressed between elements of concrete, brick, metal buildings);
• A, IL (classic mineral wool boards used for wall insulation; recommended for areas where space for material is limited).

The specific density of the insulation is not indicated, since compatibility with various designs it is not difficult to compare its indicator with its domestic counterpart.

In order to systematize the information presented above, here are some tips for arranging thermal insulation of a certain density:

• slabs up to 35 kg/m3 are used for insulation of non-load-bearing horizontal surfaces(attic floors);
• 35-75 kg/m3 - internal floors, interior and interfloor partitions, ceilings; walls of non-residential or industrial premises;
• 75-100 kg/m3 - ventilated external walls, up to 125 kg/m3 - ventilated facades; The maximum density is specified provided that the additional processing walls (siding, plastering, etc.);
• 100-150 kg/m3 - floors between floors of concrete and reinforced concrete structures;
• 150-175 kg/m3 - load-bearing reinforced concrete structures;
• 175-200 kg/m3 - arrangement of the floor under the screed, in which the insulation is top layer coatings; roof and attic.

It is important to remember that denser mineral wool slabs weigh down the structure. Also, almost any work on insulating premises requires the use of two additional levels of protection - from external moisture (hydro-) and the formation of condensation (vapor barrier).

Knowledge of such physical properties mineral wool, as its density, significantly facilitates the consumer’s task of choosing suitable material for thermal insulation of the room. By purchasing the necessary insulation, the buyer gains peace of mind regarding the durability of the structure and the overall comfort of living in the house.

The density of insulation is its mass per 1 m3 of volume, which is also called specific gravity. It is she who determines the installation methods and the choice of material in general.

Description and influence

Density is a value that is inversely proportional to the porosity of the insulation. Porous materials retain heat and create a kind of buffer. Therefore, the conclusion arises about how density affects: the more specific gravity, the less thermal insulation properties has an insulator.

A good example

For example, birch timber - 500-770 kg/m3, basalt fiber - 50-200 kg/m3. And the thermal conductivity coefficient of birch is 0.15 W with the same fiber index of 0.03-0.05 W. So porous mineral insulation retains heat almost 5 times more efficiently than denser wooden beams.

It is precisely because of their specific gravity that even thick, reliable walls do not always provide good thermal protection. But a thin layer of insulation can correct this problem. In addition, low specific gravity gives less load on structures: cellular concrete with a low thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.1 W is not suitable for insulation thin walls, frame buildings since its density is almost 400 kg/m3.

Density provides resistance to mechanical stress, so insulators with low specific gravity need protective layer. Such materials include penoizol, polystyrene foam and penoplex, as well as mineral wool.

Types and selection

In general, all insulators can be divided into the following groups:

• dense – mineral wool under high pressure;
• medium - glass wool and polystyrene foam;
• light - mineral wool;
• very light - foam plastic boards.

To determine the type of insulation, you need to consider some factors.

For finishing in a residential building

Thus, for finishing walls and floors in a residential building, it is better to use basalt materials, which are distinguished not only by their optimal density, but also by their environmental friendliness. For basalt fiber, it can be different: for walls with siding cladding, it is better to use a material with a unit mass per unit volume of no less than 40 and no more than 90 kg/m3. This indicator should increase with the growth of the building: the more floors, the greater the rigidity.

Materials of 140-160 kg/m3 are suitable for working with plastered facades. Most often, special elements with high peel strength and vapor permeability are used. When insulation from the outside of the house is impossible, the procedure is carried out from the inside - density also affects here, insulators with a low density are needed. In both cases, mineral or glass fiber is suitable.

For roof and floor finishing

Thus, slabs for roofing insulation should have a low specific gravity. But it depends on the type of roof:

• a pitched roof requires slabs of 25-45 kg/m3;
• for the attic you need materials with a pressure of at least 35 kg/m3;
• a flat roof needs insulators that can withstand good mechanical loads - snow and wind, so suitable basalt wool from 150 kg/m3, expanded polystyrene with an indicator of more than 35 kg/m3.

Extruded polystyrene foam is used for thermal insulation of the floor. If the insulation is carried out on joists, then mineral wool slabs can be used - rigidity is not particularly important, because the beams will take the pressure. IN interior walls install slabs of 50 kg/m3.

Penoizol and polyethylene

Penoizol has one significant difference from previous insulators - it is applied in liquid form and has a low density of 10 kg/m3, while its high porosity gives it good insulating properties. Foamed polyethylene can have different specific gravity - it depends on the availability of reinforcement and thickness:

• roll material is needed for floor insulation - 24 kg/m3;
• for frame buildings and insulation of refrigeration units, engineering structures has reinforcement with aluminum sheets -50-60 kg/m3.

Thus, foam glass has a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.1 W and is much stronger than other insulation materials. The density indicator reaches 400 kg/m3 and the material is very stable - suitable for external thermal insulation without requiring a protective layer. Cellular glass has a wide range of materials:

• external insulation - 200-400 kg/m3;
• vertical structures – 200 kg/m3;
• roofs and foundations – 300-400 kg/m3;
• for lungs and frame structures– 100-200 kg/m3.

Thermal conductivity is 0.04-0.06 W and is almost similar to mineral insulation.

Manufacturers and types

However modern materials thanks to the latest technologies may have different densities despite being made from exactly the same raw materials.

Fiber raw materials

Basalt wool has an average value of 50-200 kg/m3 - the range is wide. The maximum value belongs to options intended for floors and roofs.

So, basalt slabs TechnoNikol Galatel have a specific gravity of 195 kg/m3. Dahrok basalt wool from Rockwool at 190 kg/m3 - its purpose is for insulation under rolled roofing covering. Basalt fiber Knauf Insulation HTB with a low density of 35 kg/m3 is intended for frame structures and prefabricated buildings. TechnoNikol Rocklight mineral wool in 30-40 kg/m3 is a lightweight insulation option, and the same Knauff company produces Knauff NTV in a density variation of 150 kg/m3.

Foam materials

The density of foam plastic is about 100-150 kg/m3 - the densest slabs are needed for finishing the roof or floors. Manufacturers clearly divide foam boards by area of ​​application, when the specific gravity changes accordingly. Extruded polystyrene foam at 28-35 kg/m3 is one of the lightest materials and the most heat-insulating.

For example, TechnoNikol Carbon Sand with a rating of 28 kg/m3 is used for sandwich panels, and TechnoNikol Carbon Prof with a rating of 30-35 kg/m3 is applicable for insulating walls and load-bearing structures. Plates from the same manufacturer with a density of 50-60 kg/m3 are used for road construction. Penoplex Wall has a differentiated density: 25 kg/m3 - for insulating vertical structures, 47 kg/m3 - for road construction.

Cotton wool is one of the most popular insulation materials, both among private developers and professional builders. This popularity is due to its 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 considered mineral wool density, on which its thermal insulation qualities depend.

What is meant by the term “mineral wool density”?

You can determine which insulation has a higher density before purchasing it - material with a higher density is more expensive. At the same time, you need to understand 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 specific gravity, which follows from the units of measurement of density - kg/m3. In this case, we are not dealing with “net” weight, but with the number of fibers in a volume equal to 1 m3. The number of fibers varies depending on the type of mineral wool and its manufacturing technology.

Accordingly, the density various types 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 higher the density, the greater the mechanical load that mineral wool mats or slabs can withstand.

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

• Ability to withstand static and dynamic loads.
• Ability to maintain original shape.
• Compressive resistance force.

At the same time, density does not affect:

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

How to properly use mineral wool depending on its density?

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

In other words, it is necessary to make a preliminary thermal 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 for use only on 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 use mineral wool with a density of about 75 kg/m3.
• 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 implied that finishing will be carried out - in the first option with siding or similar material, in the second - reinforcement and plastering.
• To insulate interfloor ceilings, the density of mineral wool should be 150 kg/m3, and for load-bearing structures it increases to 175 kg/m3.
• Floors under concrete screed, in the event that cotton wool acts as the top layer, insulate with cotton wool with a density of 200 kg/m3. The material with which the roof or attic is thermally insulated should have the same indicators.

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

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

And if you are building or reconstructing your home yourself, then sooner or later you will be faced with the question of which insulation to choose?

On the market today building materials a huge selection of manufacturers and brands of insulation.

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

Insulation is selected according to its technical characteristics.

Characteristics :

The main parameter of insulation characteristics, 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 school physics and associates the density of insulation with weight and mass.

The heavier the better, but this does not always follow true, depending on what factors and what operating conditions.

The choice of insulation directly depends on the budget, as paradoxical as it may sound, and of course the load on the structure as a whole or on a specific element.

Based on the density of the material, the following classification is distinguished:

Extra light

There are also brands with non-uniform hardness, one side compacted with outside, and the second is soft on the inside.

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

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

• For roofing – 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 insulation materials

And now we will compare some insulation materials.

Mineral wool

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

Almost all structural elements of buildings. Available in water slabs, mats, rolls.

Majority large manufacturers mineral wool (TechnoNIKOL, Knauf, Izorok) produce mineral insulation.

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

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

Polyethylene foam

Has a density of up to 25 kg/m3, 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

The density ranges from 80 to 160 kg/m3, and is used for insulating walls and floors where sufficient strength is required. Available in the form of slabs of various sizes.

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

Price

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