Characteristics and properties of different brands of mineral wool

It is impossible to imagine the arrangement of any room without heat insulating means for walls and floors. Minvata is one of the most effective types of inorganic fiber insulation. Thanks to the air contained in its gaps, heat is retained. The product is made from glass or rocks. The best performance helps to avoid cold air entering the house. Therefore, today it is the most demanded and durable product.

In the modern market, there are many manufacturers who successfully and efficiently produce mineral wool, which is subject to any geometry. Due to the flexibility of the material, builders form sealed seams. The insulation is sufficiently fire resistant, which allows you to be confident in safety. In addition, during operation, it does not emit toxins. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the leading brands in this field in order to appreciate the experience of each of them.

Isover - high quality mineral wool to choose from

The manufacturer offers two solutions: glass wool and stone wool. This is a big plus when choosing thermal insulation, since both of these materials are usually in demand in the construction of an object. Izover has an excellent reputation in Russia and offers thermal insulation only with environmental quality certificates. Constant introduction of modern technologies allows to improve the characteristics of the products and to reduce the cost at the same time. The latest "novelty" from Isover is the release of mineral wool with high strength and elasticity, without dust and with a minimum of "prickly". In terms of quality, products under this brand are unlikely to be compared with more expensive competitors, but in terms of price / quality ratio, Isover mineral wool is one of the best.

Beltep is a good and inexpensive mineral insulation

Basalt mineral wool from this manufacturer is available in two packages: rolls or slabs and is considered a good solution for creating multilayer thermal insulation systems. The high assessment of Beltep basalt wool is confirmed by reviews from construction forums and from individuals.

Among the advantages of Beltep mineral wool insulation:

• fire safety;
• environmental friendliness;
• vapor permeability;
• resistance to deformation;
• acoustic comfort;
• a large selection of materials in terms of density;
• low hygroscopicity;
• affordable price.

In addition, the material has high rigidity, dimensional stability, and is easy to cut and assemble. If we compare with European manufacturers, then in some respects BelTep is inferior to them, but when there is a choice between it and many Russian brands, they often buy mineral wool from a Belarusian company. So we can say that BelTep basalt wool is the best competitor to many similar proposals.

Rating: 9.5 points out of 10

Builders reviews: “I tried Beltep mineral wool in my work. The density is good, it does not bend, it stands clearly between the rafters, without falling out. "

Major manufacturers of stone wool

On the modern market, there are 3 main manufacturers of basalt-based mineral wool:

1. TechnoNIKOL.
2. Knauf.
3. Rockwool.

Mineral wool Technonikol

This material is used for heat and sound insulation of facades, roofs, partitions and technological pipelines. The density of this material ranges from 30 (ROKLIGHT and TKHNOLIGHT Extra) to 145 kg / m3 (TECHNOFAS).

In the modern Russian market, this product is represented by the following varieties:

Basalt wool Knauf

Knauf stone wool is an effective thermal and sound insulation based on rocks, which has high vapor permeability, chemical resistance to acids, meadows and oil products.

On the Russian market, this material is produced under the Knauf Insulation brand and is represented by the following assortment:

Basalt wool Rockwool

The products of the Rockwool concern are highly efficient hydrophobized mineral slabs made from basalt rock with the addition of special additives to improve technical characteristics.

The company offers the following assortment in Russia:

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Equipment for the production of mineral wool makes it possible to produce high-performance insulation for all types of premises, as well as to provide reliable heat and sound insulation of both the roof and floors and walls.

On the modern market, you can find a wide variety of mineral heaters based on basalt rocks, which have not only high technical characteristics, but also provide refractoriness to technological pipelines in accordance with world standards.

Paroc mineral wool - excellent quality but high price

Having opened any construction forum, in the topic "thermal insulation" you immediately come across the name of the Park brand. Its basalt mineral wool firmly occupies a leading place in the rating of users, and there are many reasons for this. After all, Paroc means the same quality of products regardless of the location of the plant, and the best performance in all the main indicators of mineral wool.

Paroc focuses on energy efficiency. Basalt wool Park allows you to:

• save energy, including heat;
• not to have a negative impact on the environment;
• protect from noise and dust;
• provide fire safety.

This manufacturer has realized all the advantages of stone wool, there are practically no fakes, but disadvantage still present - a high price.

Rating: 9.9 points out of 10

Testimonials: “I like Paroc mineral wool the most! I am planning it on the roof of my house ”.

Stone mineral wool production technology

The production of mineral (basalt) wool consists in the melting of rocks at a temperature of 1500 C. After that, the liquid lava-like mass is drawn into stone fibers using a centrifuge, special filters based on platinum or other heavily fusible metals and strong air currents.

Further, various water-repellent additives and plasticizers are added to the resulting fibers, after which, at a temperature of about 200 C, the polymerization process takes place, as a result of which the equipment for the production of mineral wool produces ready-made basalt slabs, which are cut in accordance with the required dimensions.

Thermal insulation boards made of mineral wool

Rigid slabs of mineral wool Izovol Izobel L-25

Mineral wool slabs Izovol Izobel L-25 are used for insulation of premises and building structures... They can be used to insulate attic rooms, balconies, baths and saunas.

The slabs represent a natural insulation, as they are made from refined basalt fibers without the use of blast furnace slags. This material implements the latest Ecosafe technology developed by Izovol specialists. The insulation has a minimum level of water absorption, which is only 1.5% of its volume.

Izovol Izobel L-25 consists of natural stone fibers, and they belong to the class of non-combustible materials. In the event of a fire, the plates will actively prevent the further spread of the fire. They are able to withstand temperatures up to +1100 degrees Celsius. Throughout the entire operational period, the plates retain their original shape and are completely unaffected by fungi and mold. Price - from 300 rubles per pack of 8 pieces.

Pros:

• low level of thermal conductivity;
• high sound insulation performance;
• low hydrophobicity;
• high fire resistance;
• environmental Safety;
• service life up to 50 years without loss of quality;
• relatively low cost.

Minuses:

• some heat loss is possible at the joints of the slabs, which is solved by bandaging the seams with two-layer insulation.

Insulation plates from ROCKWOOL LIGHT BATTS mineral wool

Lightweight heat-insulating water-repellent ROCKWOOL LIGHT BATTS slabs are made of mineral wool based on basalt rocks... In the production of plates, the Flexi technology is used, thanks to which one edge of the plate acquires the ability to spring. This greatly facilitates the installation of insulation. The flexed edge is located on one of the long sides of the board. It has a width of 50 mm and a corresponding marking at the end of the plate.

ROCKWOOL LIGHT BATTS slabs with Flexy technology adhere tightly to the structure without forming gaps... Thermal insulation boards have good biostability, that is, they cannot serve as food for rodents and insects, and still do not provoke the growth of fungi and mold. They can be used for thermal insulation of walls (frame and siding), pitched roofs, attics, balconies, baths and saunas. Price - from 700 rubles per package.

Pros:

• springy edge;
• simplified installation of plates;
• lack of cold bridges due to the tight abutment of the plates;
• fire safety;
• durability. Their service life is at least 50 years;
• environmental friendliness.

No significant disadvantages were found.

TechnoNicol Rocklight stone wool slabs

Technical characteristics of Rocklight thermal insulation boards from TechnoNIKOL allow them to be used almost everywhere. And all because the basis of these slabs is mineral wool, which is perhaps the best thermal insulation material. This wool is made from basalt fibers extracted by melting mineral rocks. The result is very dense and durable material with extremely low thermal conductivity.

Rocklight thermal insulation boards are free from most of the traditional disadvantages of mineral wool. The main ones include swelling of cotton wool after contact with water and the creation of conditions for the reproduction of rodents. The TechnoNIKOL company managed to produce stone wool, which practically does not absorb moisture. The problem with rodents was solved by a special treatment of the insulation, which made it inedible for mice and various insects. At the same time, it remains completely safe for a person. Price - from 460 rubles per package.

Pros:

• excellent thermal insulation characteristics;
• lack of shrinkage and reaction to moisture;
• vapor permeability;
• fire safety;
• relatively light weight, which provides additional convenience when installing plates;
• resistance to the effects of various microorganisms and rodents;
• environmental friendliness;
• long service life.

There are no significant disadvantages.

The best manufacturers of premium mineral wool

These companies include factories in Denmark and France. These are not cheap products that have proven themselves all over the world for their high quality and long-term preservation of positive characteristics. Here are the top brands according to users' opinion.

Isover is the most experienced manufacturer

Isover is a subsidiary of the world famous Saint-Gobain building materials concern, which began its activity in 1665. He now owns over 1000 enterprises in 67 countries with over 150,000 employees.

Mineral wool from this manufacturer is supplied in rolls and slabs. One of the latest developments has high strength and minimal stinging. The cotton wool is intended for private and commercial use. The company has many certificates for environmental safety of materials.

Pros:

• the best price / quality ratio;
• environmental certificates;
• availability in any specialized store;
• low thermal conductivity;
• easy to fit;
• simply cut into the desired parts;
• dismantling and reuse is possible;
• good flexibility allows it to be installed in buildings of any shape.

Minuses:

• work requires protective equipment;
• gives off a pungent odor;
• if moisture gets into it, it can deteriorate;
• hydro-barrier substrates are required;
• there is little information on use on the packages.

Knauf - according to high German standards

This brand has been known since 1932. The headquarters are located in Germany. The company specializes in building finishing and thermal insulation materials.

Innovations are constantly being introduced into the development, which gives a wide variety of products based on basalt and glass fibers, and also preserves the purity and safety of the insulation.

The company has five lines of mineral wool, each of which is designed for a specific use: for walls, roofs, ceiling tiles, acoustic partitions and general purpose.

Pros:

• variety of products for technical insulation and living quarters;
• absence of toxic phenol-formaldehydes;
• reliably blocks access to sound;
• is an excellent barrier to cold;
• does not crumble;
• very lightweight;
• conveniently mounted at any angle;
• does not burn.

Minuses:

• high price;
• when working without a mask, irritation may appear in the respiratory organs;
• pricks into bare hands.

Rockwool - the most expensive options

This Danish manufacturer has a large selection of mineral wool. The company has existed since 1909 and its engineers have devoted a lot of time to the development of sound and heat insulation materials.

The best product in this area is considered to be stone wool, which is suitable for facades, ceilings and panels. Now the company has 28 factories operating in 18 countries.

A separate specialization of the company is acoustic insulation for specialized studios. All manufactured products are certified by EcoMaterialGreen.

Pros:

• large construction companies work mainly with Rockwool;
• fibers can withstand temperatures of 1000 degrees;
• there are no deformations and shattering;
• good vibration and noise absorption;
• energy efficient;
• a variety of ready-made sizes for various installation objects;
• convenient packaging.

Minuses:

• high price and quality do not exclude protective equipment;
• hydrophobic material;
• the material is designed for 10-15 years of use;
• sometimes living creatures (mice) can start.

The best manufacturers of economy class mineral wool

This part of the market is represented by companies from neighboring countries that have developed independently, without the participation of foreign concerns. Their assortment contains the necessary minimum for simple and quick insulation and insulation. Here are the top brands with these products according to customer reviews.

Beltep - slabs for everything

The Belarusian manufacturer produces mineral wool in slabs of any thickness. It is designed for facade insulation, ventilation and universal use. Basalt fiber and binder resins are used in its creation.

This gives a non-combustible material with good steam output. The assortment includes various density of cotton wool from 35 to 200 kg / cubic meter, which allows using the insulator both for internal partitions and for external decoration.

Pros:

• very cheap;
• many options for thickness and density;
• not flammable;
• suitable for vertical and inclined surfaces;
• elastic material.

Minuses:

• a lot of corrosive dust in the air during installation;
• phenolic resin in the composition;
• Strong smell;
• breaks easily and requires careful handling;
• possible allergies during work;
• clogs up the nose if mounted without a mask.

TechnoNicol Rocklight - simple insulation

This Ukrainian product is gradually gaining popularity in the construction market for external and internal decoration. The insulation is based on basalt fiber.

The products are manufactured in slabs of various lengths and thicknesses for specific objects. This wool is suitable for insulating roof slopes, brickwork, wall partitions and intermediate floors.

The manufacturer focused on lightweight types of insulation with a density of 30 kg / m3. The hydrophobic board can be mounted at any angle. The fibers are arranged in a chaotic manner, which increases sound insulation.

Pros:

• affordable cost;
• variety of sizes and thicknesses;
• high heat retention rates;
• reliably blocks access to noise;
• does not burn;
• good air permeability;
• chaotic arrangement of fibers.

Minuses:

• slabs are heavier than imported counterparts;
• can absorb moisture from important plaster;
• slabs are loose and crumble;
• deteriorate from water;
• different density of materials is found in the package;
• the stove is easy to break.

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Advantages of stone wool (basalt insulation)

High chemical resistance. Due to this property, the material does not react with alkalis and acids and has increased resistance to petroleum products and solvents.

Porous structure. Due to this property, fibers make up only 70% of the total volume of the material. The rest are air layers that provide low thermal conductivity of the resulting material.

Refractoriness. This property makes it possible to insulate both steam pipelines and industrial equipment with high temperatures. Since the material is made of natural stone, it can withstand temperatures up to 7000C.

High vapor permeability. Due to this property, the material does not absorb, but passes moisture through itself without the formation of condensation.