Review of insulation stone (basalt) wool

Any building’s ability to remain comfortable and energy-efficient depends heavily on its insulation. Stone wool, also called basalt wool, is one material that is frequently used in this field. This insulation option, which comes from volcanic rock, is a great option for both residential and commercial properties because of its many advantages.

Stone wool is well known for having superior thermal insulation qualities. Because of its strong, fibrous structure, which effectively traps air, indoor temperatures remain steady and heat transfer is minimized. In addition to improving comfort, this reduces energy consumption by reducing the requirement for heating and cooling.

Stone wool performs exceptionally well in terms of heat resistance as well. Because basalt has a high melting point, it is not combustible as a raw material for stone wool. This adds another degree of security and gives residents more time to flee in the event of a fire.

Stone wool also has the benefit of soundproofing. Because of the fibrous nature of the material, sound waves are absorbed and dampened, making the interior quieter. This makes it especially useful in multi-family homes or noisy urban areas where sound control is crucial.

The main quality of stone wool insulation is its durability. Its resistance to mold, moisture, and pests guarantees a long lifespan with little upkeep. Over time, because it doesn’t need to be replaced frequently, its durability makes it a cost-effective solution.

To sum up, stone wool insulation provides an exceptional blend of fire safety, durability, soundproofing, and thermal efficiency. These qualities contribute to a building that is safe, secure, and energy-efficient, making it a flexible and dependable option for any building project.

Property Description
Thermal Insulation Stone wool provides excellent thermal insulation, keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer.
Fire Resistance It is highly fire-resistant, helping to protect buildings from fire hazards.
Sound Insulation Stone wool effectively reduces noise, creating a quieter indoor environment.
Durability This insulation is durable and maintains its properties over time.
Environmental Impact Made from natural stone, it"s an eco-friendly insulation option.

Description of the material

Although it may come as a surprise to many visitors to the StroyGuru website, basalt wool has been used for home insulation for several centuries. There are no specific mysteries here: lava erupted in the form of a fountain during the eruption of one of the Hawaiian Islands’ volcanoes, and a powerful airflow transformed some of the molten basalt into long, robust threads.

Locals discovered them and started using them to insulate their houses. After learning about this, Europeans attempted to artificially replicate the natural process. The search was ultimately successful, and as a result, basalt wool insulation became available for purchase on the building materials market. They started melting gabbro, one kind of granite, over time.

Stone can be turned into wool through a straightforward process that involves multiple steps:

  • basalt or gabbro is crushed;

  • the crushed mixture is loaded into a furnace and heated to 1500 o C;
  • the molten mass is fed to rotating drums, which are blown with a strong flow of air, as a result of which stone threads are formed;
  • plasticizers are fed into the resulting fibers (formaldehyde resin, and from leading manufacturers – arbolo-urea resin);
  • the fibers are cooled to a temperature of +200 o C to start the polymerization process on the surface of the fibers of the thinnest layer of resin;
  • on a special conveyor belt, the fibers are compressed (pressed) to a certain density;
  • continuous tape is cut into sheets or tapes for rolls;
  • the resulting insulation, if necessary, is reinforced or foil-coated.

We will go through the benefits and drawbacks of a product made with this technology.

Advantages and disadvantages

The following qualities set stone wool insulation apart from its rivals:

  • durability – manufacturers indicate a service life of more than 50 years. In practice, there have been cases of material service life of 70-75 years without significant loss of heat-saving properties;
  • resistance to heat – destruction of fibers begins at +1100 o C and above;
  • almost zero hygroscopicity – within a day, cotton wool completely immersed in water absorbs only 0.095% of moisture;
  • very high thermal insulation properties;
  • good soundproofing properties – absorbs up to 57 dB of airborne noise (cotton wool is powerless against structural and impact noise);
  • excellent resistance to fungi and mold – microorganisms do not multiply on basalt fibers;
  • versatility – used for insulating walls outside and inside the building, floors, ceilings, roofs, metal entrance doors, etc.d.;
  • convenient transportation – easy to transport and carry;
  • simple installation – installation can be done by hand;
  • resistance to alkalis, acids and salt solutions;
  • good elasticity – shapes and sizes are maintained throughout the service life;
  • environmentally friendly – all components do not belong to the group of allergens and do not emit harmful substances when heated.

Be aware that formaldehyde and arbolo-carbamide resins are present in insulation. The first is completely safe for human use, while the second, when heated, releases so few toxic chemicals that the body hardly detects them at all.

Two additional characteristics of stone wool should be mentioned as well:

  • The ability of the material to resist rodents – they do not create passages and nests.
  • When performing thermal insulation of walls from the outside and inside, decorative plaster can be applied directly over basalt wool.

Among the drawbacks, as reported by customers:

  • high price;
  • the presence of seams through which heat is lost;
  • dust – is formed during cutting and laying, which requires the presence of a respirator (a new product has appeared on sale – dust-free stone insulation).

Characteristics and properties

Numerous indicators are present in each type of insulation. Nonetheless, the following features of basalt wool are crucial in real life:

  • linear dimensions of products;
  • fiber size;
  • insulation properties;
  • specific gravity (density);
  • hygroscopicity;
  • vapor permeability;
  • strength;
  • fire-resistant properties;
  • ecological cleanliness.

Linear dimensions of insulation

The sizes of rolls and sheets are not restricted in any way by Russian or European standards. Slabs can have a width of 50–60 cm and rolls up to 100 cm. Slabs: 100–120 cm, rolls: 200–600 cm in length. The thickness is between 2 and 24 cm. The kind and geometry of the insulated surface determine the precise measurements.

Fiber size

The size of the fiber affects a number of crucial insulation parameters, including the thermal conductivity coefficient, specific gravity, elasticity, and strength. The following sizes are indicated on the packaging: BSTV (basalt with ultra-fine fiber) and BTV (fine-fiber basalt).

The fiber diameter for BTV is 5–15 microns, and its length is 15–50 mm. Fibers with a diameter of 1 to 3 microns and a length of 50 to 70 mm are included in the BSTV classification.

In addition to the aforementioned fiber characteristics, coarse fiber materials with a thickness of 150–500 microns and thick fiber materials with a thread diameter of 25–150 microns are utilized in industrial construction.

Thermal insulation properties

A material’s thermal conductivity coefficient indicates how well it retains heat; the lower the coefficient, the better the thermal insulation properties. The range of this indicator for wool derived from basalt fibers is 0.035 to 0.042 W/(m×°K). To illustrate the effectiveness of the insulation, allow me to provide a brief example. Consequently, heat is retained by a 5 cm thick basalt mat in the same manner as:

  • wood 13-15 cm thick;
  • brickwork made of red brick 70-80 cm thick;
  • sand-lime brick and cellular concrete 1 m thick.

In terms of insulation, basalt wool performs similarly to cork, foam rubber, and polystyrene foam, with the exception of polyurethane foam.

The influence of insulating mat density and fiber diameter on thermal insulation characteristics explains the indicator’s variability. After all, the air chambers found within the material’s fibrous structure are what actually hold heat, not the fibers themselves. As a result, stone wool’s thermal conductivity decreases with increasing insulation’s air content.

But hold off on purchasing loose insulation that has the BSTV marking. Its low strength causes the heat insulator to compact on horizontal surfaces and settle on vertical ones, which is its only drawback. The thermal insulation qualities of basalt wool are mostly lost in both situations.

Insulation weight

The density of the insulation, which is connected to the weight load on the insulated structures, determines how much weight it contains. This, however, is a partial solution to the issue. The indicator also affects the mats’ thermal conductivity and strength (rigidity), which are frequently the deciding factors when selecting a thermal insulation material.

Because basalt slabs have densities ranging from 30 to 300 kg/m 3, you can select the ideal insulation for a given circumstance. Considering the insulation’s density, the following major brands:

  • PT-250, PT-220, PT-300 (hard mats) with a specific gravity of 220-300 kg/m3;
  • PPZh-160, PPZh-180, PPZh-200 (plates with increased rigidity) — the density indicator reaches 160-210 kg/m3;
  • PM-50, PM-40 — the most popular sheets with a density of 30-55 kg/m3;
  • PZh-120, PZh-100, PZh-140 — rigid insulation with a specific gravity from 100 to 150 kg/m3;
  • PP-80, PP-70, PP-60 — semi-rigid mats weighing 60-90 kg/m3 .

Hygroscopicity

The hygroscopicity of insulation materials is always a problem because wet insulation loses its ability to insulate against heat. Basalt fibers absorb very little moisture.

For that reason, a basalt mat was submerged in water for a full day in order to test its wettability. Consequently, the subsequent information was acquired:

  • only 0.095% of water was absorbed;
  • the inside of the cut mat was absolutely dry.

Cotton wool can be used for thermal insulation in saunas, baths, and foundations if the person is continuously in a damp room, as long as the moisture absorption rate is between one and two percent.

Vapor permeability

Whether or not the walls will "breathe" depends on whether the finishing materials have vapor permeability. Let us perform a small experiment to find out. After putting a pot of water on the stove and bringing it to a boil, place a piece of insulation made of basalt over the boiling water. We see the result after one to two minutes: steam starts to flow freely through the insulation. The experiment’s findings show that the insulation’s vapor permeability is between 0.25 and 0.35 mg/m2 x h x Pa.

Strength

A multitude of indicators characterize the material’s strength:

  • compressive strength – 8-60 kPa;
  • for layer separation – 80 kPa;
  • bending – 0.15 mPa.

Here are two examples to help you grasp what this means in real life:.

1. A car rolled onto the mat, exerting 100 kPa of pressure. After the load was removed, the fibers fully reverted to their original shape, leaving no trace behind.

2. We attempted to rip apart the layers of insulation by adhering plates to the slab’s top and bottom. As the image illustrates, efforts won’t be considered successful until forces greater than 80 kPa are applied.

Fireproof properties

The term "basalt wool" describes materials that are resistant to fire; it should not be confused with "fire resistance." The experiment demonstrates that the fiber does not ignite or collapse when the insulation is heated with autogen to +700–800 o C.

You won’t feel any heat at all if you touch the heated region with your bare palm from the opposite side; the temperature will only be between 15 and 25 o C, which is the ambient temperature naturally heating. This experience validates the material’s resistance to fire as well as basalt wool’s superior thermal insulation qualities.

Stone wool, sometimes referred to as basalt wool, is a very effective insulator that is well-known for having outstanding acoustic and thermal qualities. This insulation has outstanding fire resistance, durability, and energy efficiency because it is made of natural volcanic rock. It is a sustainable and safe alternative that offers excellent insulation performance. The main advantages of stone wool insulation, its uses in different construction projects, and the reasons it is a better option for contemporary building solutions will all be covered in this review.

Is basalt wool harmful?

A lot of experts think that wool made of basalt is unhealthy. Their argument is supported by the formaldehyde resin’s ability to release toxic compounds when heated. It is challenging to concur with this, though, for two reasons.

  • Leading manufacturers of stone wool have switched to arbolo-urea resins, which are harmless to human health.
  • Indeed, when formaldehyde resin is heated, hazardous substances are released into the surrounding space. But their size is so small that they do not harm the human body (the insulation contains only 3% resin, and the resin, in turn, releases about 3% of harmful substances when burning). It should not be forgotten that doctors prescribe medications containing 0.5% formaldehyde to patients, considering this dose safe.

Application area

The national economy uses basalt wool in a number of different sectors. It is present in pipeline transportation, drip irrigation soil composition, fine and coarse water purification filters, etc. Nonetheless, the construction of homes and businesses is the primary application area. Here, the substance serves as insulation:

  • flat roofs;
  • attic space;
  • floor bases;
  • interfloor floors and ceilings;
  • external and internal walls;
  • foundation from the inside of the building;
  • walls with multi-layer masonry;
  • frame houses made of sandwich panels.

Additionally, materials with qualities like fire resistance and the capacity to absorb noise in the air are used. Consequently, you can purchase:

  • basalt wool for the chimney – protects flammable elements of the building from contact with an overheated chimney;
  • soundproofing mats for recording studios;

  • rigid slabs for constructing a “wet” facade, on which you can immediately plaster.

Manufacturers and prices

The top producers of basalt slabs, according to a study of Russian preferences, are:

Rockwool. With multiple factories in Russia and the CIS, the Danish company Rockwool (Rockwul) is able to provide European-quality products at competitive prices (the cost of construction does not include the cost of transportation, customs clearance, or the higher wages of foreign workers).

Characteristics of basalt mats include:

  • fire resistance – one of the few enterprises whose wool can withstand heating up to +1000 o C (for European consumers the norm is +600 o C);
  • durability – not only linear dimensions are preserved, but also insulating properties;
  • environmental friendliness, as confirmed by the “EcoMaterial Green” certificate;
  • good noise and heat protection properties.

One meter three costs roughly 7,000 rubles.

Croatia. Practically no thermal insulation-focused construction forum exists where the Finnish company Paroc’s products aren’t discussed. Products offered by the company:

  • high heat-saving properties, allowing you to save on heating the room;
  • good acoustic insulation – basalt wool is used to protect recording studios from extraneous noise;
  • excellent fireproof characteristics.

However, before selecting the "steam" products, it is still worthwhile to check the price of stone cotton wool coming from Finland. Ultimately, the cost is fairly exorbitant at 9,400–10,750 rubles/m3.

IZOVOL. A Russian company called "IZOVOL" produces insulation using basalt fibers. There is a strong market for reasonably priced products for ventilated facades, roofs, and walls.

Especially well-liked is the brand line for attic and pitched roof thermal insulation. The product complies with European and Russian standards in terms of its technical and operational features.

  • the insulation has a low thermal conductivity coefficient – 0.035 W/(m×°K);
  • standard indicators of durability, sound insulation, etc.d.

A minor shedding that occurs during the work process is the drawback, and it has a big impact on the rating. "IZOVOL" is available for 3,999–4,900 rubles per square meter.

TechnoNIKOL. Another Russian company that produces basalt insulation is TechnoNIKOL. Products under the brand are made in the Czech Republic, Belarus, England, Lithuania, and other nations. Vatu stands out for its good quality and reasonable prices. The company’s businesses started producing dust-free wool (Rocklight brand), which makes insulation easier, for the first time in history.

The holding is one of the TOP 5 largest producers of mineral wool in terms of production volume. The price range for a square meter is 2,350–3,780 rubles.

Iseki. Russia is home to Isover, a French multinational company that produces insulation made of basalt. Because the products offer the best value for money when it comes to both quality and price, the brand leads in sales in the majority of global markets.

One meter three can be purchased for 3,999 to 5,240 rubles.

Basalt wool insulation technology

The specific nuances of the technology involved in thermal insulation of different building elements must be considered when working with basalt insulation.

Roof insulation

This is where condensation formation is most likely to occur, so keep that in mind when insulating the roof. As a result, the following order should be followed when performing all work:

  1. the bottom of the rafters is filled with lathing, on which the insulation will be laid;
  2. a vapor barrier film made of polyethylene 0.5-0.1 mm thick is overlapped over the sheathing and rafter system so that moist air from the room does not enter the insulation layer;
  3. joints are glued with construction tape or masking tape;
  4. 18-20 cm thick basalt mats are laid on the film between the rafters (ideally, the thickness of the mat should correspond to the width of the timber in the rafter system);
  5. A class B vapor barrier (sometimes written and said windproof) membrane of class B (for a pitched roof) is attached to the insulation layer. In this case, it is necessary to lay it with the smooth side to the insulating layer, the rough side to the roof;
  6. the counter-lattice is stuffed;
  7. boards are nailed to the rafters to secure the roofing material and create a ventilation gap between the roof and the insulation;
  8. roofing material is attached.

If the roof has an attic, OSB or plywood sheets are fastened to the rafters below in place of lathing.

Floor insulation

Rigid basalt fiber mats with a high compressive strength can be used as floor insulation by applying the "floating" screed principle. In this case, the tasks are completed in the following order:

  1. the base of the floor is repaired, after which it is carefully cleared of debris;
  2. waterproofing work is carried out to prevent moisture from getting on the insulation from below;
  3. heat-insulating mats are laid. It is advisable to seal the connecting seams with tape or masking tape;
  4. a reinforcing film is laid on top of the insulation;
  5. a screed is poured.

In actuality, the final floor covering is typically placed directly on top of basalt insulation. The work algorithm in this instance is as follows:

  1. a polyethylene film with a thickness of about 200-500 microns is laid on the screed;
  2. a lathing with a height of 20-50 mm is arranged (it is advisable to make the cells a few millimeters smaller than the size of the mats);
  3. insulation is installed in the sheathing;
  4. a wooden floor or rough plywood or OSB flooring is laid over the lathing for laminate, tile, parquet, etc.d.

Wall insulation

Stone wool insulation is fastened to the building’s exterior and interior walls in different ways. The following is the indoor work algorithm:

  1. the wall is cleared of old finishing, after which it is inspected and, if necessary, repaired;
  2. removes dirty and greasy stains;
  3. a layer of penetrating primer is applied;
  4. a vertical frame is mounted in increments equal to the width of the mat;
  5. insulation is placed between the vertical posts. At the same time, the slightest cracks and gaps are not allowed – they will conduct cold;
  6. the resulting gaps between the slats and the cotton wool are foamed with polyurethane foam;
  7. the sheathing is covered with sheets of plasterboard.

Facade insulation

It is best to use specialized facade insulation made of basalt for facade insulation. In this instance, three distinct technologies are used to complete the thermal insulation work:

  • "well" system;
  • with a ventilated facade;
  • "wet" method.

"Well" system

The existence of two walls—one load-bearing and the other decorative—between which the insulation is installed is a characteristic of this insulation technique. In this instance, the photo’s schematic diagram illustrates how the supporting structure is laid first, followed by the insulation of the façade and the subsequent laying of the facing brick wall.

With ventilated facade

The following procedures are followed when installing a ventilated facade:

  1. a frame is placed on the wall with a distance between vertical posts equal to the width of the slabs. Horizontal slats are attached at intervals that are a multiple of the length of the insulation mats. The width of the beam should be slightly larger than the thickness of the insulating mats – this way a small ventilation gap is formed between the heat-insulating layer and the facade cladding;
  2. sheets of insulation are placed in the cells of the sheathing, after which they are fastened with special screws to the wall or staples to the slats;
  3. a windproof (vapor barrier) membrane is attached on top of the insulation;
  4. the counter-lattice is attached;
  5. the façade is covered.

"Wet" method

The most popular technique for insulating facades in private construction is the "wet" approach. In essence, it involves first securing the basalt slabs to the wall with extreme rigidity using glue and five unique dowels, and then attaching a reinforcing mesh to the wool. A decorative plaster layer is applied to complete the technical process.

Stone wool, sometimes referred to as basalt wool, is unique in that it is an extremely effective insulator. Because it is composed of naturally occurring volcanic rock, it has exceptional acoustic and thermal insulation qualities. Because of its non-combustible nature, which guarantees improved fire safety, it is a preferred option for a variety of building types.

Stone wool’s longevity is one of its main advantages. Unlike many other insulation materials, it resists moisture and maintains its insulating qualities even in damp environments. Because of its resilience, it can be used in a variety of settings, including those with high humidity.

Stone wool is also good for the environment. It can be recycled at the end of its lifecycle and is frequently made with recycled materials. Because of its sustainability, it’s a great option for people who want to lessen their impact on the environment without sacrificing effective insulation.

In general, stone wool provides a dependable, secure, and environmentally beneficial insulation choice. Its effectiveness as a sound and thermal insulator, as well as its sustainability and longevity, make it a useful material for both residential and commercial building projects. Stone wool is a viable option to consider if you’re searching for an insulation solution that is both responsible and effective.

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Timur Kiselev

Professional builder with 15 years of experience. I know everything about the construction of houses, cottages, bathhouses and other buildings. I will be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.

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