Thermal insulation materials presented on the construction market are divided into two categories. These are mineral fiber products and foams. Environmentally friendly natural basalt insulation is more popular among consumers. Characteristics of the material allow it to be used both indoors and outdoors. It consists of molten fibers of natural minerals and is available in the form of plates, rolls, mats, cylinders.
Structure and composition
Basalt insulation is made from rock minerals. This raw material is crushed and melted at a temperature of 1600 º. Under the influence of a stream of air, thin and short fibers are blown out of the liquid stone . Due to their chaotic interweaving, many pores are formed in the material in which air is present, which ensures the preservation of heat.
The composition of the raw materials includes oxides of minerals: aluminum, calcium, sulfur, iron, sodium and magnesium. To obtain high-quality fibers and to control the modulus of acidity, carbonate additives are introduced into the melt. Their content in the finished product does not exceed 5% of the total mass. The material contains no substances that adversely affect human health.
Kinds
Basalt based insulation is made of two types:
- BTV - from thin fiber;
- BSTV - from superthin.
The production of fibers for each type of basalt differs in the melting temperature of raw materials. The finished product consists of 95% natural fibers, the remaining 5% are synthetic binders. According to their characteristics, these species are superior to mineral wool, polystyrene.
Main characteristics
Thermal insulation basalt has the following properties:
- Thermal conductivity up to 0.045 W / mK. Basalt insulation, the characteristics of which allow this material to be considered excellent heat insulators, achieves low thermal conductivity due to the length of the fibers, their multidirectionality and a large amount of air in the pores.
- Hydrophobicity and vapor permeability. The material does not absorb water, passes vapor well. Moisture can freely pass through it and not linger.
- Strength, resistance to deformation. Basalt heaters keep their shape well, do not sag, and are stable under the influence of aggressive environments. Resistance to acids, alkalis allows them to be used for thermal insulation in the chemical industry, thereby protecting structures from damage.
- Flammability and fire safety. Basalt does not burn, therefore, the insulation made by it increases the fire safety of the premises. Its melting temperature is above 1000 º.
- Soundproofing. The dense porous structure of the basalt material gives it excellent acoustic properties, while sound is well absorbed.
- Environmental friendliness. Basalt insulation, consumer reviews of which confirm its environmental properties, is non-toxic and safe for human health.
Areas of use
Basalt insulation, the characteristics of which determine its use for insulation, sound insulation and fire protection, is used in various fields: industry, construction, etc.
Industrial equipment having a complex configuration (drying chambers, furnaces, turbines, as well as technological heating mains, pipelines) is isolated by products in the form of mats or shells. For horizontal surfaces, basalt wool insulation with a minimum density of 40 kg / m 3 is used .
The material is used in the construction and decoration of facades, roofs, ceilings, partitions in houses and buildings of various purposes. Basalt insulation, whose characteristics are the best, is used in ventilated facades for siding, panels, plaster and in three-layer walls. For pitched roofs, medium-density material is better. With external thermal insulation, strength plays an important role, therefore, for this purpose another insulation is used - high density basalt slabs (90-135 kg / m 3 ). To prevent the product from slipping, it is not recommended to use it for exterior decoration of lower density.
Mounting
The installation technology of the insulation is carried out in two ways: under the plaster and under the device of the ventilated facade. In the first case, the plates are glued to the surface with glue. Before warming the walls with basalt wool, it is necessary to cover them with a special primer that will clean the surface of dust and provide good adhesion to the adhesive composition. After the primer has dried, the installation of basalt slabs is started . They are mounted so that the plate of the second row overlaps the joints in the center of two products located in the first. In addition to gluing, the insulation is fixed with dowels (umbrellas). Then they apply adhesive solution and reinforcing mesh. After this, the surface is plastered.
When the device is installed using a ventilated facade, a vapor barrier film is laid on the surface , then the plates are mounted and the insulation is laid on top. A crate is installed on top, which serves as the basis for the cladding. Make it from wooden bars or profiles located vertically. The distance between the thermal insulation and the cladding will provide ventilation of the insulation.
Dimensions, cost and reviews
They produce basalt insulation, the reviews about which are the most positive, in the form of plates, rolls, mats of various densities and sizes. Depending on the manufacturer, the dimensions of the plates can be:
- 60x120x5-10 cm;
- 60x120x2-20 cm;
- 60x100x5-10 cm.
Sizes of roll material:
- 1000x4000x50-100mm;
- 1000x2500x20-100 mm;
- 1000x3000x200mm;
- 1000x4750x200 mm;
- 6000x1000x200mm.
The affordable cost of basalt insulation (the price depends on the density) can be 1300-5500 rubles per 1 m 3 . Durability, reliability, multifunctionality - the main characteristics that justify the popularity of the material among consumers. Many say that it has many advantages over other types of insulation. This is one-component, and a high level of heat and noise insulation, and resistance to fungus and mold, and harmlessness. At the same time, consumers find disadvantages of such material. The main one is a rather high cost.