What is glass wool, how is it produced, the main types of material, the technical characteristics of the insulation, the pros and cons, the features of the choice and an overview of the manufacturing companies, the rules for installing the heat insulator. Depending on the level of softness, glass wool can be rigid and semi-rigid, as well as elastic. The material with minimal density is flexible. Long fibers are responsible for the good sound insulation characteristics of the insulation, and the most compressed heat insulator retains heat better than others.
In addition, there is such a variety as foil glass wool, which provides not only good thermal insulation, but also vapor barrier.
Glass wool specifications
The properties of glass wool can vary depending on the type of material used, its density, fiber length, and so on. In general, the insulation has the following technical characteristics:
- Thermal conductivity of glass wool … The long fibers of the heat insulator curl up like cocoons and hold the air inside. This structure provides good thermal insulation. The thermal conductivity index is in the range of 0, 039-0, 047 W (m * K).
- Soundproofing … On average, the sound absorption of glass wool ranges from 35 to 40 dB. Fibers are evenly distributed throughout the material to absorb vibration and acoustic noise.
- Vapor permeability … This indicator is 0.6 mg / mh * Pa. This is almost twice as much as that of basalt wool, which is an undoubted advantage of glass wool.
- Fire resistance … Binding resins are present in this insulation, but it does not belong to the category of spontaneously combustible materials. Glass wool can withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius without structural changes. And when ignited, it emits a minimum of smoke. The category of glass wool according to the generally accepted classification is from NG to G1.
- Moisture resistance … The coefficient for this parameter for glass wool is 15% with partial immersion. Sorption humidification during the day is 1, 7%.
- Resistance to mechanical stress … The newest samples of glass wool are characterized by good elasticity and strength, in contrast to the early counterparts of insulation. Modern high-quality material can be laid in places where there is a large mechanical load - roofs, ceilings.
- Biological resistance … Glass wool insulation does not attract rodents, it is not a favorable environment for the reproduction and growth of fungi and mold.
- Resistance to deformation … Glass wool can be compressed up to six times without loss of quality. This feature makes the material easy to transport. The special elasticity of the fibers ensures that after straightening the glass wool will return to its original shape. With long-term use, high-quality material will not shrink (except in cases of abundant wetting or the use of poor quality insulation).
- Density of glass wool … This indicator may differ depending on the manufacturer of the insulation and the type. On average, it is 11-25 kg per cubic meter.
Advantages of glass wool
This insulation was widely used in our country during the Soviet years. Today glass wool is more advanced and has the following advantages:
- Good thermal insulation properties … A layer of this material of 50 millimeters can be equated with the thermal conductivity of brickwork 100 centimeters thick.
- Moisture resistance … Glass wool practically does not absorb moisture.
- Easy to transport … The material is lightweight and shrinks well. Therefore, no special transport is required to deliver the glass wool to the work site.
- Non-toxic … In the production process of this insulation, only pure materials are used, as well as for the manufacture of ordinary glass. The heat insulator does not emit toxic compounds during operation and even in case of fire.
- Fire safety … Glass wool practically does not burn.
- Resistance to microorganisms … The material will definitely not be covered with mold, and insects or rodents will not start in it.
- Low price of glass wool … Insulation is an order of magnitude cheaper than many similar mineral fibrous materials.
Disadvantages of glass wool
Like other types of insulation, fiberglass insulator has disadvantages, which are often decisive when choosing a different material. Consider the negative characteristics of glass wool:
- Increased fiber fragility … Working with glass wool requires enhanced protection and care. Even the slightest hit of glass dust on the skin or mucous membranes will provoke severe itching and an allergic reaction. Thin and sharp tiny fragments of fibers also easily penetrate into the lungs and remain there for a long time, causing irritation and even swelling.
- The need for reliable insulation of glass wool … Especially when insulating interior walls. This disadvantage is directly related to the thinness and fragility of the fibers, particles of which can eventually enter the room.
- Instability in front of the rays of the sun … Glass wool does not like to be in direct sunlight for a long time. They have a destructive effect on her. Therefore, it is important to protect the insulation layer from external influences.
- Relatively short service life … Glass wool retains its optimal thermal insulation properties for about 10 years.
Glass wool selection criteria
When planning to purchase this insulation, keep in mind certain nuances so that the glass wool is of high quality and lasts as long as possible:
- First of all, pay attention to the packaging in which the heat insulator is stored. It must be solid and whole. It is highly not recommended that the material is exposed to atmospheric moisture or sunlight during storage.
- Quality material has a light yellow color and a uniform structure.
- Consider the density and thickness of the glass wool. The most common density is 11 kilograms per cubic meter. This insulation is ideal for insulating horizontal unloaded structures: floors with logs, ceilings, roofs.
- For thermal insulation of pitched roofs, partitions and internal walls, a material with a density of 15 kg / m is intended3 and more.
- If layered masonry is supposed, then it is best to use insulation with a density of 20 kilograms per cubic meter.
- For thermal insulation of external walls, staple glass fiber with a density of 30 kilograms per cubic meter is suitable.
- It is also recommended that the glass wool be cached with glass mat. The latter will protect the fibers from blowing and give the material additional strength.
Glass wool price and manufacturers
Almost all manufacturers of mineral-based insulation have glass wool in their product lines. The most popular brands are:
- Isover … It is the world's leading manufacturer of thermal insulation. The company has a representative office and working facilities in Russia. Produces glass wool of various modifications - for exterior decoration, roofing and interior work. The average price for glass wool in slabs and rolls is 700-1800 rubles.
- URSA … A manufacturer from Spain, which also has a plant in Russia for the production of thermal insulation. Presented products for any work on the insulation of residential and non-residential buildings. The average price for glass wool ranges from 800 to 2600 rubles.
- Knauf … German large brand. The company offers glass wool in the most expensive price category. However, the product is of high quality, and there is a large assortment for all types of thermal insulation work. The average price of the material is 1100-2100 rubles.
Brief instructions for the installation of glass wool
Installing glass wool is easy enough even alone. This does not require special tools. The only thing that is required is reliable protection of the respiratory system, eyes and skin.
We install glass wool according to the following instructions:
- We install a wooden frame on the surface. A bar with a cross section of 3x5 centimeters is suitable.
- After the lathing has been installed, we cut the glass wool using a construction knife.
- Taking the material down, we put it in the frame. It is not necessary to use additional fasteners, since the insulation will straighten itself and fill the space if the installation is done correctly.
- We glue the joints with tape or fill with polyurethane foam.
- We cover the glass wool with a vapor barrier film.
- Reinforcement and plastering can be carried out on top of the thermal insulation layer.
Watch a video review of glass wool:
Glass wool is a reliable insulation material that was most widely used during the Soviet era. Nowadays, the popularity of the material has slightly decreased, but it is still actively used due to its excellent thermal insulation qualities. The composition of glass wool is environmentally friendly and does not harm health if you use personal protective equipment when working with it.
