The latest developments in modern construction make it possible to achieve the best results and obtain a universal material capable of protecting from adverse external environmental influences. One of these is stone basalt wool. More on this later.
General description of the specified product
This is a pretty popular material. It is obtained by pressing stone basaltic rocks and hydrophobic binder additives. This process is not so complicated. Stone or basalt wool is a durable, fireproof, wear resistant material. It is used in the construction of residential and public buildings, as well as kindergartens. The material has the highest performance characteristics and is performed according to the quality standard according to GOST.
Technical description
Stone wool is a type of mineral. The main advantage of this insulation is that it is an environmentally friendly material, as it is made of molten gabbro-basalt rocks. Even in antiquity, local residents noticed the fact of a volcanic eruption, in the remains of which strong and long fibers were found. Based on this, basalt wool was later invented. This is reliable data.
The components that make up this insulation (stone wool) are various kinds of binders. They fasten the fibers together. These include synthetic, bituminous, composite binders (urea resins and concrete clay). These components give the product the desired density and shape.
Properties and characteristics of stone wool
In this regard, there are many interesting things. Namely:
- The main and main property is the incombustibility of the material. The degree of this parameter provides a barrier that can withstand quite significant temperatures - up to 1000 ° C. This is an absolute fire safety class . Therefore, in difficult situations, stone wool will create a barrier that is able to protect the structure from further passage of fire.
- The coefficient of thermal conductivity of the material is quite small. Its value ranges from 0.032 to 0.048 watts per meter. This allows the material to retain heat in cold weather and maintain indoor coolness in summer. This is achieved by a random arrangement of the fibers in the basalt insulation.
- The strength characteristics of the material help it withstand deformations during compression and tension. Stone mineral wool is able to withstand huge loads. Experience and research have shown the compressive strength of the material - from 5 to 80 kPa. Thus, it is proved that the material will last for many years without changing its size and shape.
- The acoustic properties of the insulation allow it to absorb noise, reduce the reverberation time. This helps to protect not only the walls of one isolated room, but also neighboring rooms from sound waves.
- Shrinkage of stone wool is minimal (about 5%). It also guarantees the durability of the material and prevents the appearance of cold bridges in the niches of the frame.
- The water-repellent composition of stone wool (with the addition of a mixture or limestone) has a hydrophobic property. Therefore, this insulation is great for rooms with high humidity (baths or saunas). Water absorption in this case is about 2%
- Stone wool has absolute vapor permeability. Moisture on the surface of the insulation does not form condensate, because it does not get wet and retains heat. From humid rooms air is discharged without any obstacles. The vapor permeability of this material is about 0.3 mg.
- The resistance of stone wool to an aggressive environment, as experience shows, is essential. It is not susceptible to decay, mold or fungus, and small rodents are not afraid of it, because it is quite hard material. In contact with metal, no traces of rust remain on the stone wool. Therefore, the specified insulation is used in industrial and technical structures in contact with aggressive environments.
- Environmental friendliness. The specified cotton wool is made from natural mineral raw materials. This is important. In production, basalt fiber combines with formaldehyde resin, which makes the material dense. However, harmful impurities of the resin are neutralized during the manufacturing process. Stone basalt wool does not cause allergies. Its fibers do not irritate the skin.
- The density of stone wool is quite high (from 30 to 100 kg / m³). This property allows the material to maintain rigidity and resistance to deformation.
- This insulation is convenient in transportation. This material is mainly produced in slabs. At the construction site the product is delivered packed in polyethylene. This also simplifies its storage.
Application
Stone wool is a fairly versatile insulation, and its use is possible in various fields of construction. This material is used in the following cases:
- In hinged ventilated facades.
- For insulation of the external and internal walls of the building.
- In the annexes to buildings, balconies and loggias.
- For insulation of roofs, pipelines, ceilings.
- In the walls of various materials: brick, concrete, stone, wood, metal.
- For insulation of floors and floors.
- For isolation of fire hazardous objects, furnaces, pipelines.
Installation of stone wool
This process is quite simple. There are soft, hard and semi-rigid slabs of stone wool. This simplifies the installation of the specified material - it does not require special skills, specialists, as well as the use of complex tools or equipment. Stone wool can be glued with a special building glue or attached with dowels. After this, a vapor barrier layer is laid, then you can proceed to the finish.
Tip
When working with this material, it is best to use a cotton-gauze dressing or a respiratory mask to prevent dust from entering the respiratory tract.
The main criteria for the acquisition of this material
Do not forget that when buying this product, you should carefully review the quality certificate and make sure that the formaldehyde content is minimal. Well-known manufacturers of basalt wool strive to ensure that the presence of harmful impurities in this material is at the lowest level. Therefore, it is better to buy the specified insulation in firms that have already established themselves in the construction market.
conclusions
Basalt or stone wool is a product obtained by melt rocks with the addition of binder mixtures. This insulation is an environmentally friendly material that is safe for human health and the environment. However, it contains formaldehydes and phenol. In the process of melt, these additives evaporate from the overall composition of the insulation. Stone wool, reviews of which are positive, is an excellent material and is popular in the construction and repair sector.