Ecowool and mineral wool: which insulation is better to choose?

Insulation is an indispensable element for creating comfortable temperature conditions in the room. Such materials are used for decoration of residential, commercial and public buildings. The market offers a huge variety of options with individual properties and characteristics. Among the rich assortment, mineral wool and ecowool, which are at the peak of popularity, stand out. Let's consider their differences and find out which of the materials is better to use under certain conditions.

Ecowool is a material that is obtained as a result of recycling waste paper. The product is in the form of dense granules. The insulation is mounted in two ways: dry or wet spraying.

• Glass wool. This finishing material is made of fiberglass, the thickness of which varies from 5 to 15 microns. The length is also different and can be between 15 and 50 millimeters. The product can be made in rolls or slabs. The practical shape allows easy installation on both horizontal and vertical surfaces.

• Slagged. For its manufacture, blast furnace slag and formaldehyde are used. The last component is hazardous to human health. The material cannot be used on open metal substrates due to the increased acidity of the main component of the insulation. Otherwise, corrosion begins to act. One of the features of the material is the ability to absorb moisture, which is why it is impractical to lay slag wool in damp rooms. Due to its affordable cost and efficiency, the material is in great demand. It is recommended for use in industrial and manufacturing facilities.

• Stone cotton wool. The product is made by processing basalt rocks. Manufacturers also mix in hydrophobic additives. The insulation does not prick like glass wool, thanks to which it is more convenient and safe to work with it.

In the process of comparing two heaters, it is imperative to evaluate the performance characteristics, as well as the individual properties of the goods.

The main purpose of the insulation is to maintain the optimal temperature inside the building by completely preventing or partially reducing the process of air exchange between the street and the building. Each of the two materials has its own coefficient of thermal conductivity. The higher the value, the better the efficiency.

Indicators:

• ecowool - from 0.038 to 0.041;

• mineral wool: glass wool - from 0.03 to 0.052; slag wool - from 0.46 to 0.48; stone wool - from 0.077 to 0.12.

The first option does not change its indicator in the process of interaction with moisture. Dampness evaporates easily due to the special structure of the fibers, and the material returns to its original properties and appearance.

Another insulation behaves completely differently.Even with the slightest interaction with moisture, the effectiveness of mineral wool decreases significantly. The finish begins to freeze, and the shape is restored with difficulty over a long period of time.

You will learn more about how heaters behave when interacting with moisture by watching the following video.

Air thought is also of great importance. It means the effectiveness of the insulation in strong gusts of wind. A lower indicator indicates better heat preservation inside the building.

• Ecowool - 75 × 10-6 m3 / m * s * Pa.

• Mineral wool - 120 × 10-6 m3 / m * s * Pa.

Fire resistance is an important factor in terms of fire safety. In describing this performance, it is important to understand the difference between burning and smoldering.

Minvata smolders, but does not ignite. In the process of decay, the material releases substances that have a detrimental effect on the health of people and animals. Another insulation melts when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, the product must not be placed near open flame sources.

As a rule, buildings of various types (residential buildings, commercial objects, public institutions, etc.) are built for many years.

The service life of ecowool varies from 65 to 100 years, depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the material. The correctness of the installation process and the organization of ventilation of the working layer also play an important role.

Mineral wool is not as durable. The average period of its service is about 50 years, provided that all recommendations for installation and use are observed.

The scope of use of mineral wool is limited due to the complex installation procedure. This material is practically not used for cladding complex shapes and unusual structures. The difficulty lies in the fact that mineral wool is sold in the form of panels, rolls and blocks, and adhesives are used during the installation process.

When using ecowool, the type of base, like the condition of the walls, does not really matter. The product can either be applied to the surface or blown into cavities. The time taken to work depends on the method of application. The mechanical method is much faster, but it requires special tools, as opposed to the manual method.

Additional finishing has a direct impact on the life of the insulation. With proper use of the vapor barrier layer, mineral wool can be laid inside or outside the room. Ecowool is laid without a protective layer. Additional cladding can only be used in individual cases.

The cost of the finishing material plays an important role in the final selection of the product. Ecowool will cost much less than mineral insulation. The difference in price can be from 2 to 4 times, depending on the manufacturer and the individual store margin.

To make the right choice, you need to have a general understanding of each material. The article examined the technical characteristics and features of two different types of heaters. Using the above information, you can make a choice, taking into account operational capabilities, cost of materials and other aspects.

Ecowool is ideal if the main selection criterion is the adhesion of the finish to the base and the absence of shrinkage. If quick and easy installation is more important to you, then it is recommended to opt for mineral wool.The main advantage of this insulation is that no additional equipment is required to install it.