What is better ecowool or basalt insulation: composition, characteristics, installation and service life

Ecowool is a cellulose insulation material that appears in the form of a loose and light gray fibrous material. Insulation of houses with ecowool is used everywhere today, which is explained by its environmental friendliness. Since cotton wool itself is highly flammable, manufacturers use various fire retardants - substances that prevent the spread of fire - to produce insulated material. The composition includes substances that are safe for human health and do not emit unpleasant odors when heated.

The insulation composition includes the following substances:

• Up to 80% of the total material is cellulose - this is recycled newspaper, uncoated paper.
• 12% of the composition is allocated to boric acid - this is a powerful antiseptic that prevents the spread of fungi and bacteria inside the insulation.
• 8% is borax, which reduces the fire hazard of the material. Moreover, it is borax that prevents the reproduction of insects and rodents in the insulating layer.

Thanks to the studied composition of ecowool, the low cost of the insulated material becomes clear. It does not contain a toxic component, which is why it is allowed to use insulation for the construction of residential buildings.

Ecowool insulation

Ecowool is paper crushed to powder in a special machine, diluted with brown and boric acid. Natural components in the form of fire retardants and antiseptics occupy 8% and 12%, respectively. They repel ants, beetles, cockroaches. Cause irritation in small rodents such as rats, mice, chipmunks. Prevents the formation of fungal deposits and shingles mold. They make the insulation impervious to flames, increasing its fire resistance to “G1” class.

Ecowool

History of ecowool creation

The first mentions of paper insulation date back to the 18th century. Thomas Jefferson, the man who laid the first stone in the construction of the federal states of America, insulated his villa with dry cellulose. This was in the seventies of the eighteenth century. In 1770 to be exact. Primitive cotton wool disappointed the Confederate president. The house was cold and had to be heated by a fireplace. They forgot about the insulation and stopped using it. For more than 100 years, no one remembered it or used it as an insulator.

German engineers registered a patent for the production of ecowool. This happened in 1929, when the Great Depression was raging in the United States. The Germans came up with a formula for recycling cellulose fibers and then compacting them into soft slabs that were placed between wall panels or under the floor. For half a century it was used to insulate houses by the Germans, French, Austrians, as well as residents of Finland and Canada. But even that thermal insulation wool was difficult to compare with the ecowool that is produced today.

Ecowool composition

Cellulose is a fundamental component of the announced insulator. It occupies a fourth part, that is, almost 80%. Another twelve percent is allocated to Lewis boric acid, which bears the name of the scientist-developer. The insecticidal liquid has the chemical formula “H3BO3”, inhibits the spread of microorganisms, and absorbs sharply increasing temperatures when exposed to flame. The remaining eight percent is occupied by potassium tetraborate - a compound of “Na-K-Cl” and acid “K2B4O7”. Repels pests and helps fight fire.

Cellulose

Fire retardant is a product that localizes the spread of flames when ecowool comes into close contact with fire. Two elements are responsible for this - phosphate and ammonium chloride. The finished product is a colorless liquid, which is diluted with paper powder at the production stage. A natural antiseptic destroys microbes at the formation stage, destroys the chain of viruses, and slows down the growth of bacteriological cells. Due to this, ecowool is unattractive as food for mice, rats, and other representatives of the rodent family.

Technical characteristics of ecowool:

• thermal productivity coefficient – ​​0.033-0.036 W/m*s, which is one and a half, or even two times better than analogues with chemical components;
• vapor permeability potential – 0.3-0.35 mg/m*h*Pa, slightly lower than mineral wool (0.49), higher compared to polyurethane foam (0.05);
• air permeability – 80*10-6 m3/m.s.Pa eliminates the appearance of cold bridges, while the foam actively forms them;
• high ability to absorb noise - 15-60 decibels, which cannot even be compared with polyurethane foam or basalt insulation;
• acidity and resistance to aggressive environments - 9.3 ph, equivalent to better protection of metal, wood, brick compared to mineral water 6-7 ph;
• water resistance – 0.54 mg/m*h*Pascal, as the ability to retain excess moisture without the risk of condensation formations;
• fire resistance class - “G1” or “DIN 4102-B1” completely surpasses highly flammable foam boards;
• environmental safety – compliance with the international standard “ISO 14001”, as well as the requirements of the Western Union “EMAS”, which is not available for similar building materials;
• guaranteed service life - ecowool 100 years, foam plastic no more than ten, basalt 20 years maximum.

Insulation of floors with ecowool

Advantages and disadvantages of ecowool

three advantages of ecowool:

• the best indicators of vapor permeability, thermal conductivity, sound insulation;
• seamless insulation, replacement of joints, joints, cracks, elimination of cold bridges;
• There are no requirements for the installation of additional vapor barrier; ecowool does not need a vapor barrier.

two disadvantages of ecowool:

• the need to use special equipment in the form of a blowing unit;
• shrinkage and heat loss if the technology for preparing walls for insulation is not followed.

Summarizing the above, it is easy to conclude that the negative properties of ecowool are unimportant. The knowledge possessed by a few civil engineers will help you avoid problems when working with ecowool. Experts strongly advise against approaching blowing on your own. Otherwise, shrinkage cannot be avoided. Want to know more? Watch the video - how to avoid shrinkage of ecowool. Next, you will find common misconceptions about ecowool insulation and a smooth transition to its main competitor - mineral insulation.

Myths and facts about ecowool

• The most common misconception is that ecowool is flammable because it is made from books, newspapers and magazines. Yes, the production raw material is paper, but impregnated to the capillaries with fire retardants, ecowool does not support combustion, but only smolders;
• When insulating a house with ecowool using the wet-glue method, condensation forms in the walls. It provokes mold and unpleasant odors. When applied wet, a small amount of liquid is added to the ecowool, which dries within 24-48 hours.
• Sodium tetraborate is harmful to humans. Compared to formaldehyde, it is not a volatile substance, which means it cannot cause damage to the lungs. It is widely used in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry.
• If borax is fatal to rodents, it can certainly provoke the growth of cancer cells in the human body. Mice do not die from borax fumes. It only irritates their mucous membrane. It is absolutely safe for people.
• Is it true that ecowool helps save money on heating your home in winter? Compliance with the technology of insulating walls, floors and ceilings with ecowool ensures that the heating budget is maintained from 20% to 50% without exaggeration.

Ecowool does not burn

Which insulation to choose - cellulose or mineral wool?

Mineral and cellulose wool (ecowool) are two popular insulating materials that are used as insulation. Thanks to their use, a reduction in heat transfer and, accordingly, the cost of heating a particular facility is achieved.

Mineral wool

This type of insulation is distinguished by a high level of heat and sound insulation, due to which it is widely used in industry. They are isolated:

• interfloor ceilings, walls and facades;
• surfaces heated to high temperatures;
• partitions, roofing structures and much more.

According to production technology, mineral wool is divided into three main types:

1. Stone - from the melt of igneous rocks.
2. Slag - from metallurgical industry waste.
3. Glass - from broken glass formed during its production.

Each of them has its pros and cons, while stone (basalt) wool is considered the safest for human health, therefore more popular than other subspecies. In turn, slag insulation has a minimal price, and glass insulation has better tensile strength and high reliability.

Cellulose wool (ecowool)

This is a modern and environmentally friendly material, which is made from paper production waste and is used for thermal insulation of various building structures. It also contains a fire retardant component (fire retardant) and boric acid, which prevents rotting of the insulation.

The range of applications for ecowool is very wide - residential and commercial premises, warehouses, public buildings and other facilities. By spraying, it is used to insulate building structures that are extremely difficult to insulate using other methods. As a result, a solid, dense layer is formed that prevents heat loss.

In European countries, this material is used for thermal insulation of frame houses; its share in this market is about 70%. It is noteworthy that it has been actively used there since the 1950s, when the need arose for large volumes of effective insulation for the construction of individual housing. In Russia, ecowool began to gain popularity only relatively recently - since the early 1990s.

What to choose?

To evaluate these popular materials, we will use several criteria that determine the choice of thermal insulation composition. Among them:

1. Coefficient of thermal conductivity. For mineral wool, the range of values ​​of this indicator is 0.035-0.040, for cellulose wool - 0.037-0.042 W/(m*K). As you can see, in terms of their heat-insulating properties, the materials can be called equally effective. In this case, the exact value of the indicator is determined by the density and production technology. For example, slag wool has higher thermal conductivity than stone wool.
2. Fire hazard. Both mineral and cellulose wool can withstand open fire for a long time. The latter can be of different flammability groups: G2 (moderately flammable), B2 (moderately flammable), D2 (moderately smoke-generating), RP-1 (flame spread over the surface “0”). This indicator depends on the manufacturer's specifications.
3. Installation. Mineral wool slabs can be laid manually. In the case of ecowool, special equipment is needed to blow it in, ensuring a uniform layer of insulation and preventing its shrinkage in the future. At the same time, cellulose wool can fill any cavities, which is unattainable when using mineral wool boards. Also, when using wet technology, ecowool can be applied from below to the ceiling. And the most undoubted advantage of ecowool is seamless installation, which cannot be achieved when insulating with mineral wool. Heat savings due to seamlessness are 36-40%.
4. Environmentally friendly. To be fair, we note that this is a rather slippery parameter; it largely depends more on the quality of a particular product than on the type of insulation. And yet, ecowool is the leader in terms of environmental friendliness, since it does not contain volatile and harmful chemicals. In addition, it itself serves as protection against the harmful effects of carcinogens released by polystyrene foam and glass wool.

We hope you get a general idea of ​​these materials. Good luck with your choice!

Ecowool

Ecowool is an environmentally friendly . Does not contain harmful or toxic substances. Made from natural raw materials (wood fibers and minerals). Used quite often.

Advantages:

• Absorption.
• Evaporation of moisture.
• Good thermal insulation.
• Soundproofing.
• Environmentally friendly.
• Moisture resistance.
• Lightness of the material.
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• Increased thermal conductivity during operation.
• The need for additional equipment during installation.
• Possibility of shrinkage deformations.
• Labor intensive installation.

Minvata

Mineral wool is one of the most common types of insulation for insulating various elements of a building, that is, insulation is laid in the roof, floor and interior floors, floors, walls, both inside and outside the room. Tiled or rolled mineral wool allows you to quickly insulate a house, bathhouse, and various utility and non-residential premises.

Such popularity of mineral wool is easily explained by the wide selection of varieties, brands, and availability in retail chains. Also low cost, ease of installation, high heat and sound insulation characteristics. But there is another side - a negative one, which sometimes outweighs all the positive qualities of many varieties and brands of mineral wool. The use of formaldehyde resins as a binding component to form an insulating layer significantly reduces its environmental friendliness, but reducing the component reduces the moisture resistance of the finished insulating material. Only some types based on basalt fiber do not contain harmful toxins. In its pure form, it is difficult to impart the required density to mineral wool; there remains a risk of dust from mineral fibers getting into the air of the insulated room, so it is mainly produced in rolls or mats with already formed density and rigidity.

Comparison with alternatives

Let's take two fairly popular materials: Rockwool insulation (glued basalt wool, supplied in the form of rigid mats) and the material that we are considering today. So, ecowool or basalt insulation?

Raw materials

1. In the case of Rockwool, its role is played by molten basalt (rock) and a binder - phenolic-based glue.
2. Ecowool, as we have already found out, consists of cellulose and derivatives of natural minerals.

In this case, the assessment is clearly in favor of a more environmentally friendly material: we have heard more than enough about the dangers of phenol. However, with external insulation, there is no threat to the health of the inhabitants of the house in both cases.

Fungus, mold

1. In basalt wool, when it is moistened, mold feels at ease. Mineral fibers, albeit slowly, are destroyed by the fungus.
2. Boric acid is a very effective antiseptic. The fungus does not grow in cellulose with its additive. Even though we are talking about organic material.

Thermal conductivity

It is approximately the same for both materials; the difference is in favor of cellulose insulation, but within the margin of error. However:

1. Basalt wool loses its heat-insulating qualities when moistened.
2. On the contrary, cellulose flakes retain them completely.
3. Rockwool is laid with voids. Yes, air is an excellent heat insulator; but without the cellular structure of the insulation, heat begins to be transferred by convection currents.
4. With the industrial laying method, cellulose fills all the voids. There is not the slightest gap left.

Density of abutment to structures

Even with the most careful laying of the slabs, gaps will remain.

Shrinkage

1. Over time it is inevitable. Voids form between the slabs.
2. When laying dry and in dry air, shrinkage is possible. When wet, the flakes form a strong structure with unchanged linear dimensions.

Vapor permeability

The ratio is approximately 1:2 in favor of cellulose insulation. A definite plus in his favor.

Breathability

It is one and a half times more than basalt wool. Wind and drafts have a much greater effect on its thermal insulation qualities.

However: when installing a wind barrier, this quality of insulation has virtually no effect on the warmth in the house.

Fire safety

In terms of this parameter, the materials are more or less on par:

1. Rockwool's phenolic binder burns out at temperatures above 250 C. It is clear that nothing beneficial to health is emitted into the atmosphere.
2. Cellulose is charred in the surface layer, but does not support combustion. During charring, substances of approximately the same composition are released as when burning wood.

The material is clearly not suitable as kindling for a stove.

Is vapor barrier necessary?

A vapor barrier protects the insulation in a wall or roof from vapors that escape from the house. Warm air, meeting cold air, condenses at the dew point, which usually falls right on the insulation. As we have already figured out, moisture does not have the most favorable effect on thermal insulation material. You can often come across the opinion that when insulating with ecowool, a vapor barrier is not needed. This is not entirely true, because moisture may not damage the insulation itself, but will cause rotting of other structural elements (walls, sheathing, etc.).

• Basalt mineral wool - vapor barrier needed
• Fiberglass-based mineral wool - vapor barrier needed
• Ecowool - it is recommended to use vapor barrier in places with high humidity.

Ecowool - disadvantages and advantages of insulation

Today, modern thermal insulation material – ecowool – is widely used in the construction of houses. Not everyone has a positive attitude towards the quality of ecowool as an insulation material. That is why, before using this thermal insulation material, it is necessary to carefully consider its main characteristics and properties.

• Ecowool - technical characteristics and properties of insulation

Specifications

In the process of comparing two insulation materials, it is necessary to evaluate the performance characteristics, as well as the individual properties of the products.

Thermal conductivity

The main purpose of insulation is to maintain the optimal temperature inside the building by completely preventing or partially reducing the air exchange process between the street and the building. Each of the two materials has its own thermal conductivity coefficient. The higher its 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 during interaction with moisture. Dampness easily evaporates due to the special structure of the fibers, and the material returns its original properties and appearance.

Another insulation behaves completely differently. Even with the slightest interaction with moisture, the effectiveness of mineral wool is reduced 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 insulation materials behave when interacting with moisture by watching the following video.

Air capacity

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

• Ecowool – 75×10-6 m3/m*s*Pa.

• Mineral wool – 120×10-6 m3/m*s*Pa.

Flammability

Fire resistance is an important factor from a fire safety point of view. When describing this performance characteristic, it is necessary to understand the difference between combustion and smoldering.

Mineral wool smolders, but does not ignite. During the smoldering process, the material releases substances that have a detrimental effect on the health of people and animals. Other insulation melts when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, the product should not be placed near open flame sources.

Life time

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

It is advisable to use durable and reliable finishing materials so as not to spend money on frequent repairs.

The service life of ecowool varies from 65 to 100 years, depending on the manufacturing company 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. Its average service life is about 50 years, provided that all installation and use recommendations are followed.

Which insulation is better for the floor in a wooden house

You can choose insulation for the floor in a wooden house by comparing its performance properties. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the design of the floor and the compatibility of thermal insulation with the elements of the structure.

When designing insulation for floor or floor structures, it is not enough to calculate the thickness of the layer. It is necessary to take into account the mutual influence of materials on each other:

Floor design

Overlap on beams

• the heat insulator is placed between the timber;
• even when using the most reliable vapor barrier membranes, moist air inevitably penetrates into the structure;
• if the thermal insulation is absolutely vapor-tight (EPS or PSB), all the moisture will be absorbed into the timber and will not be able to escape due to tight contact with the insulation;
• problems (rot, fungus, insects) are possible after 1 – 1.5 years of operation;
• but they will not occur when using hygroscopic thermal insulation materials (ecowool, mineral wool, sawdust, expanded clay, cork granules), which will absorb part of the water along with the beams, and then release it outside through the waterproofing (membrane).

We wrote here how to properly make a vapor barrier.

Floor on the ground

• in this design, the heat insulator is laid on a sub-concrete or membrane under the screed;
• cotton wool and bulk materials do not have sufficient strength to withstand operational loads (some manufacturers have exceptions in the form of high-density mineral wool);
• these insulation materials are hygroscopic, there is always a possibility of them getting wet, even due to capillary suction;
• In any case, moisture will not be able to escape through the screed without dismantling the structure, and besides, moisture is not harmful to concrete;
• Therefore, in floors on the ground it is better to use polystyrene foam, which does not absorb water at all and has a high density.

Advice! Foam plastics and expanded polystyrene are considered incompatible materials for wooden structures and wood-containing boards.

Choice of insulation

Polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam

Due to the above laws of building heating engineering, vapor-tight materials are only suitable for floors on the ground. The layer thickness is usually:

• from 5 to 10 cm for EPS;
• up to 5 to 13 cm for PSB.

Important! With a slight decrease in this characteristic, the user will not experience a significant deterioration in living comfort, but will overpay the energy supplier by 10-20% of the family budget on a monthly basis.

Mineral wool

In contrast to previous materials, mineral wool is not recommended for floor screeds on the ground, but is excellent for lumber in wooden floors. Depending on the heat loss inside the structure, the layer thickness will be:

• 20 – 30 cm for the basement;
• 10 - 15 cm for all subsequent floors.

Ecowool

Shredded waste paper and cardboard packaging impregnated with a protective fire retardant (borax) and antiseptic (boric acid) are called ecowool. The material has features:

• not suitable for flooring on the ground, as it does not have the necessary density to withstand loads;
• the only insulation in which rodents do not live or move;
• considered the best thermal insulation for floor beams;
• The layer thickness is 25 cm and 20 cm for the basement and subsequent floor levels, respectively.

Advice! Without changing the thermal conductivity of 0.04 W/m*K and 20% hydrophobicity, the density of ecowool can be adjusted on site independently. For floors, a maximum value of 40 kg/m³ is used.

Foamed polymers

Compared to popular mineral wool and polystyrene, foamed polymers are more expensive. These materials are created to save working space, which is not relevant in floors on the ground and floors on beams.

When foil modifications are poured into concrete, the gap between the heat source and the reflective insulation disappears, and it stops working. Foamed polymers are best used in thin-layer structures under floor coverings, but not in slabs and screeds.

Foam glass

After foaming quartz raw materials, foam glass is obtained, the weight of which is 5 times less than that of dry wood. By analogy with expanded polystyrene, this material is a vapor barrier that can withstand high loads without destruction from 40 t/m² and reduces sounds by 50 dBa.

It is produced in slabs, on which loaded trucks can easily move, or in granules for filling into wooden floors. With a density of 150 kg/m³, the layer thickness for the basement and all subsequent floors is 18 cm and 15 cm, respectively. Suitable for flooring on the ground, but there is a drawback - the high price.

Expanded clay

With the advent of highly effective thermal insulators, expanded clay is used selectively. With its characteristics - thermal conductivity of 0.1 W/m*K, it will be necessary to increase the layer thickness by 4 times in comparison with basalt wool or 6 times in comparison with Ecowool. Such a volume will not fit in the ceiling along the beams, and when added to concrete, the thermal conductivity increases even more. Therefore, expanded clay in its pure form is rarely used for floors on the ground.

Fibrolite

Thermal insulating material fiberboard is obtained by mixing wood wool with liquid glass and cement. The slabs are considered universal, as they dampen structural and airborne noise and reduce heat loss in the load-bearing structures of the building after pasting with this material.

They produce fiberboard in Satka near Chelyabinsk, in Bulgaria it is known under the brand Zidarit, in Austria it is called Heraclitus. Since the material is hygroscopic, it should not be embedded into floors along the ground. But for floors on beams and for pies of other structures made of lumber, Fibrolite is ideal. The recommended layer thickness is 10 cm for the upper floors and 15 cm for the basement.

Sawdust

To reduce heat loss in the basement floor along the beams, you will have to lay at least 30 cm of sawdust on it. Therefore, in its pure form, the material is used only for backfilling slabs in unused attics. Most often, sawdust serves as raw material for more effective thermal insulation and structural materials.

Taking into account the above, if there are wooden elements in the floor structure, it is necessary to use vapor-permeable insulation - mineral and ecowool. Foam glass or high-density extruded polystyrene foam should be laid on the ground in a concrete floor.

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Areas of application of insulation

Mineral wool is effective for use:

• For insulation of pitched and flat roofs, or as the top or bottom layer of thermal insulation of a roofing pie.
• For external insulation with plastering.
• For insulation of industrial water supply systems, pipelines, heating networks, various equipment and tanks.
• As a thermal insulation material in sandwich panels and three-layer reinforced concrete structures.

Ecowool is used even in the most inaccessible places and is suitable for any type of structure and premises, namely:

• Walls and partitions.
• Cherdakov.
• Floors and ceilings.
• Attic.

What are the main characteristics of ecowool and what is its advantage over other insulation materials?

Recently, ecowool has been used as thermal insulation in the construction of houses, since this material is considered the cheapest and most environmentally friendly.
By using this material in rooms with high humidity levels, you will get rid of condensation forever. Cellulose insulation (ecowool) uses the thermal insulation properties of cellulose, which makes up approximately 80% of its composition. This loose and fibrous material is used in construction as insulation.

Cons of fiberglass:

• requires protective equipment when working: gloves, mask, goggles;
• subject to shrinkage;
• releases harmful substances when burning;
• high water absorption (up to 25%).
• not suitable for heavy facades.

“Corporation K Two” is the official dealer of Paroc and Ursa brand basalt insulation. From us you can buy all materials for the facade of your home, from high-quality thermal insulation to facing materials such as clinker bricks and clinker tiles.

You can buy basalt slabs for thermal insulation, as well as get high-quality advice on selection issues at the address: Grodno, st. Puchkova, 31 , or call: +375 (44/29) 578 66 66 . Come shopping!

What do ecowool and mineral wool have in common?

Both materials are good in their own way. Some characteristics do not make much difference between them. For example, they are very close in thermal conductivity . Therefore, both are good insulators. Using them, you can achieve high levels of thermal insulation, which is the primary goal in this case. But do not forget that mineral wool has a direct relationship between thermal conductivity and water absorption. This aspect is discussed below.

Thermal conductivity is characterized by thermal conductivity coefficient . The lower the thermal conductivity coefficient, the better.

There is also a direct connection with the density and thickness of the insulation, so the choice must be made taking these characteristics into account. Thermal conductivity may vary depending on the density.

Table of thermal conductivity of materials

Material	Thermal conductivity of materials, W/m*⸰С	Density, kg/
Glass wool	0,038-0,046	11-200
Slag	0,46-0,48	74-400
Basalt wool	0,039	30-35
0,036	34-38
0,035	38-45
0,035	40-50
0,036	80-90
0,038	145
0,038	120-190
Ecowool	0,032	35
0,038	50
0,04	65
0,041	70

Compare by cost

The cost of glass wool, basalt or stone wool depends on several parameters:

• density;
• type of material (roll, plate);
• brand.

Thus, the average cost of glass wool “Ursa M-11”, located in a roll in two layers, with a length of 900 cm and a width of 120 cm, is 1170 rubles. The price of a package consisting of 12 slabs (50*600*800 mm) of Rockwool stone wool is 495 rubles. Pack of 5 slabs measuring 150*600*1200 mm of Rockwool wool – 930 rub. Stone wool from other manufacturers has different prices, which often depend on the promotion of the brand. Products from the most popular brands are always more expensive.

Ecowool is sold in bags or polyethylene packages of rectangular cross-section. The price for this material is indicated differently: per 1 kg or per 1 m³. The average price for 1 kg is 33 rubles, for 1 m³ – 1400 rubles. The spraying method of this insulation makes it possible to obtain different densities of the thermal insulation layer, the final cost of which is calculated taking this parameter into account.

Rid your home of rodents and insects

To permanently protect your home from the invasion of rats and mice, as well as insects, you do not need to use toxic chemicals - just insulate the house with ecowool, and these uninvited guests will lose interest in your home.

The fact is that both insects and rodents cannot live next to ecowool - they cannot tolerate the borates that it contains. Boric acid and its salts are non-volatile, resist fire, and are safe for humans. Consequently, the use of cellulose insulation allows you to solve a number of important problems:

• increased thermal insulation;
• increased sound insulation;
• protecting your home from rats and insects;
• protection from drafts;
• natural regulation of home humidity;
• absence of mold and mildew.

Composition and release form

The insulation contains mineral salt, which has a strong antiseptic and antifungal effect.

Due to the fact that ecowool contains cellulose, it prevents heat loss and has good resistance to mechanical damage. After application to the coating, a durable surface without seams is formed, acting as insulation.

Since cellulose is not moisture-resistant, resistant to fire and bacteria, additives are added to the composition to increase its fire safety. Often these additives are:

• Borax. Reduces the fire hazard of insulation. Use when insulating chimneys or other areas that are exposed to high temperatures is unacceptable. But when insulating walls and ceilings, it will be the optimal solution.
• Boric acid. Prevents rotting of the insulation, adds resistance to pests and insects. Resistance to pathogenic microorganisms increases.

Ecowool is produced in bags of 15 kg. Bulk insulation is pressed into briquettes with a density of 110 kg per cubic meter. m. Before use, you need to unpack and fluff so that the material expands several times.

Seamless installation.

Ecowool differs from “traditional” heat-insulating materials in the installation method. Basalt mineral wool and fiberglass are produced in rolls or slabs. They are cut into rectangular pieces and laid between joists, sheathing or rafters, depending on the place where the insulation is installed. Installation of ecowool is carried out using the “dry” or “wet” application method. Thanks to this, a continuous insulating layer is obtained without seams or joints. When laying mineral wool and other slab materials, the seams remain “cold bridges”.

The use of specialized equipment allows you to lay ecowool in hard-to-reach places

Ecowool is laid manually or automatically. Manual is more labor-intensive and does not always allow achieving the same insulation density in all areas. Automated installation is carried out through a blowing machine with a corrugated hose. “Wet” or “dry” application method is selected depending on the surface.

When it comes to installation, it is difficult to choose an undisputed leader. On the one hand, the seamless application method allows you to get rid of “cold bridges”; on the other hand, the installation process itself becomes more complicated. In addition, “wet” styling will require drying time (2-3 days).

Mineral wool or ecowool - which is better?

Memories of winter chill your soul and body, and you, in search of effective insulation, cannot decide: Mineral wool or ecowool - which is better? Then this information will put everything in its place. So, drumbeat... Let's start the insulation competition. May the warmest one win!

Mineral wool and ecowool: what are these materials?

Both insulation materials are designed for a wide variety of thermal insulation systems, but have different compositions, and with them properties and characteristics. Let's figure out which material will work 100%.

Ecowool contains 80% cellulose, and the auxiliary substances are borax and boric acid. Natural fiber itself is very quickly destroyed by microorganisms and burns, but additives can inhibit these processes for a certain time.

Certified Rockwool mineral wool consists of more than 95% natural stone of the gabbro-basalt group and a small amount of organic binder. The fabric fibers are biologically resistant, do not corrode and are fire resistant.

We can safely conclude that the first round is for fibers from stones. Perhaps the technical characteristics of thermal insulators will change the score? Let's see!

Mineral wool and ecowool: comparison of properties and characteristics.

Basalt fiber is available in different forms: mats, slabs, insulating cylinders, with or without a foil layer. But ecowool is a loose material made from ground paper, which is directly moistened with water during installation or mixed with an adhesive composition. The very fact of “preparing” insulation outside the factory raises suspicions. So, let's look at the main characteristics of insulation in comparison.

• Density. For Rockwool mineral wool, this parameter is constant within the product and is strictly controlled in production. But there are a lot of modifications of the mineral sheet itself with a coefficient from 30 kg/m³ to 220 kg/m³; there are even slabs with a top, more rigid and correspondingly dense layer, which allows you to install a two-layer thermal insulation system at a time. But cellulose wool is supplied in briquettes and prepared directly at the installation site. A mistake by the master or uneven mixing can significantly affect its quality. That is, the density of the finished layer varies in the range from 26 to 95 kg/m3.

• The thermal conductivity of Rockwool mineral wool is in the range of 0.035 - 0.039 W/m•K, which is achieved due to the air contained in its structure. For cellulose material, this figure is slightly higher than 0.037-0.042 W/(m*K), that is, it will inhibit heat transfer worse.

Table: Comparison of properties of mineral wool and ecowool

Name of material	Thermal conductivity, W/m*K	Vapor permeability, mg/m*h*Pa	Moisture absorption,%	Flammability group
Minvata	0,037-0,048	0,49-0,6	1,5	NG
Ecowool	0,032-0,041	0,3	1	G2

Installation methods and practicality. For high-quality mineral wool, everything is simple: choose rolls, slabs or molded products according to the parameters of the object being insulated. Then the products are trimmed to fit and fixed mechanically or with adhesive. But loose bulk material must first be prepared, then applied either with a special blow molding installation or manually. The latter requires high concentration of attention and time and labor costs.

Price

The cost of the finishing material plays an important role in the final choice of 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 markup.

Buy insulation only from reliable retail outlets that offer a certified product at a reasonable price. To ensure the quality of the material, require an appropriate certificate.

Maintaining humidity in the house

This property of ecowool is well known - natural regulation of humidity in the house. The process is ensured due to the properties of the insulation: it accumulates moisture when there is an excess of it in the air and releases moisture back when it is lacking, for example, during the heating season. By the way, ecowool absorbs moisture into itself, that is, moisture is absorbed into the fibers themselves, leaving the air between the cellulose fibers minimally humid, unlike mineral wool (if we return to the question: which is better - ecowool or mineral wool), and moist air is a conductor cold.

Density and weight

The higher the density of the insulating material, the greater its weight per unit area. With greater weight, the requirements for supporting structures increase. This is especially true when installing a roof. Also, in the case of ecowool, the density is affected by the uniformity of application.

Read about the features of choosing insulation for a roof in the article: “How to insulate a pitched roof.”

• Basalt mineral wool – 25 – 50 kg/m3 depending on the brand
• Fiberglass – 15 – 20 kg/m3
• Ecowool - 35 kg/m3 for horizontal structures and 65 kg/m3 for horizontal ones.

Thus, from the point of view of numbers, the materials do not differ much, but at the same time, applying ecowool to vertical surfaces with insufficient density can lead to subsequent shrinkage. Due to the specifics of application, the density in different areas is not the same.

Disadvantages of ecowool - myths and reality

But ecowool is also not ideal, there is a drop in the ointment, a page of our website is dedicated to it. But we’ll try to dispel some misconceptions about toxicity here.

The first argument of ecowool opponents from among competitors: “Boric acid belongs to class III. dangers" and cite GOST 18704-78 as a weighty argument. However, having opened GOST, you can easily understand that these are specifications for the production of boric acid and there is a direct link to the classification of chemicals - GOST 12.1.007-76, which explains in detail that the third class is moderately dangerous among chemicals. Along with boric acid, the list includes nickel, aluminum, manganese, iron, silver, etc. We hope that after these discoveries you won’t want to throw away your family silver? And a dose of boric acid taken orally is considered toxic: 15-20 g (tablespoon) for adults and 4-5 g for children.

The second argument is that “ecowool generates dust when installed dry.” But how many construction and finishing operations can be considered “clean”? There is no point in arguing here - it’s a normal working moment.

The third argument against ecowool is that it is essentially cut newspaper, and printing ink is harmful.” The days when paints contained heavy metals are long gone - expensive and not profitable. Today, printing houses use pigment and mineral oils.

Another argument is that “small producers do not provide the proper quality.” Manufacturers of many materials are guilty of this, and we always encourage careful selection and verification of certificates of conformity. We ourselves work only with reliable partners. And we feel free to talk about the disadvantages of ecowool.

Comparative table of two insulation materials

In order to make a choice, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the materials. This will help you decide which is more profitable: mineral wool or ecowool.

Characteristics	Mineral wool "TeploKnauf" (loose)	Ecowool
Thermal conductivity (W/m*K)	0.038	0,032-0,041
Moisture absorption (%)	0.5	According to GOST 17177.5 for 72 hours - 16% (a block with heat-insulating material is placed over a container of water and kept for 3 days, after which it is weighed)
Density (kg/m3)	11	30-55
Vapor permeability (mg/(m*h*Pa))	0.3	0.67
Flammability group	NG (non-flammable)	G2 (moderately flammable)
Density of connection to the structure	With voids	Absolute
Linear shrinkage	Interslab voids form	Absent

When the humidity level of ecowool reaches 20%, processes begin to develop in it, leading to the appearance of mold. But at the same time, the material loses its thermal insulation properties by only 2-4%. The situation with mineral wool is sadder. With 1% moisture (by weight), it loses its thermal insulation properties by 8%.

Penoizol

Insulation in the form of liquid foam with a jelly-like consistency. It consists of urea resins with additives and foaming agents. The production and cost of the material are inexpensive, which makes the insulator affordable.

Which is better: ecowool or penoizol

Let's compare the main technical characteristics:

Index	Ecowool	Penoizol
Thermal conductivity, W/m*K	0,038…0,041	0,031…0,047
Density, kg/m3	30…75	8…25
Shrinkage	No	1…5%
Vapor permeability, mg/Pa*m*h	0,67	Absorbs up to 1/5 of its volume with subsequent evaporation and preservation of properties
Life time	Up to 65 years old	Up to 50 years

The thermal conductivity of the opponents is almost the same, deviations can be neglected - in practice they are not felt.

The weight of penoizol insulation is significantly lower than ecowool, so it can be used for lightweight structures.

Installation of both materials occurs by spraying and distribution. When applied wet, ecowool dries in up to 3 days, just like penoplex. The latter finally sets and hardens only on the third day.

The cost of penoplex crumbs is from 1600 to 2000 rubles/m3.

Ecowool or penoizol

Ecowool is not the only seamless insulation material, but it is the only one with a natural organic base. None of the insulation materials that can be poured, sprayed and even glued into the cavity of structures: walls, pitched roofs, floors and various ceilings has such a unique opportunity - to be identical in nature to wood and become one with wooden structures. Let's look at the example of the choice: “ecowool or penoizol”?

The main raw material in the production of penoizol is urea-formaldehyde resin - hazard class 2 - a product of polycondensation of urea with formaldehyde. When pouring, penoizol releases these formaldehydes - substances hazardous to human health. The polymerization process is not always irreversible. When heated, reverse processes are inevitable - the toxic smoke of modern fires is caused precisely by the toxins of burning polymers. But the choice: “ecowool or penoizol?” You will have to do it yourself, although our clients prefer not to take risks when there is natural material and reliable installers from the Teploservice Company.

DIY penoizol

Having decided to insulate the ceiling and other surfaces in a private house with foam insulation on their own, many people think about acquiring equipment for the production of foam. In this case, you need to carry out the following calculation:

• find out the area of ​​all surfaces and structures that need to be insulated;
• determine the range of materials to be purchased;
• calculate the cost of materials and tools;
• take into account the duration of the work.

In order to significantly save on paying for the work of the team, it is recommended to purchase or make your own equipment and purchase components for the production of penoizol. Upon completion of the repairs, you can rent it out or carry out similar work yourself in other areas. Well-established production can be a good help for the family budget.

Equipment for penoizol

In order to reduce costs that are directly related to the thermal insulation of a structure, you can refuse to purchase equipment for the production of penoizol and make it yourself. The device consists of the following parts:

• gas-liquid unit;
• hoses;
• plastic containers;
• compressor;
• taps.

The principle of operation of the device is as follows: a container with components and a compressor are connected to the gas-liquid unit using hoses. After switching on, foam begins to form, which is fed into pouring molds or air gaps on the site. Before purchasing penoizol or renting the necessary components, it is important to familiarize yourself with the recommendations.

Basalt insulation

A practical and environmentally friendly insulation material called stone wool.

Production of basalt insulation

Compound

The insulation is based on mountain basalt rock, it is crushed and melted at 1500 degrees. The result is a kind of liquid form of stone, which is placed on a rotating drum and exposed to a powerful stream of air. Short and thin fibers are blown out. The remaining fibers are bound using arbolo-urea resin, after which the material is fed to the press.

Main technical characteristics:

• Thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.032-0.0045 W/mS.
• Density – from 40 to 200 kg per 1 m3.
• Vapor permeability – up to 0.3 mg/mchPa.
• Flammability - class NG (non-flammable material).
• High hydrophobicity (moisture is practically not absorbed into the material). Moisture absorption – no more than 5%.
• Excellent sound absorption ability.

Non-combustibility of basalt insulation

Price

Basalt insulation is available in three variations:

• Mats. They have the highest density and are used for insulating facades and baths. Price from 800 rub. for a mat measuring 50x610x1170 mm (thickness, width, length).
• Rolls. The most popular type of basalt insulation. Price from 1200 rub. per roll measuring 50x1200x4000 mm.
• Bulk crumb. Used for insulating floors and attics. Price from 400 rub. for 1 m 3.

Laying rules

The technology for laying basalt insulation is as follows:

1. Install a vapor barrier layer of polyethylene film or foil.
2. Then a metal cornice or wooden sheathing is made (attached to the surfaces using dowels).
3. Thermal insulating basalt is attached using glue. The glue is evenly applied to the slabs and then pressed tightly against the wall surface.

Important! To save material, it is recommended to first install large fragments as whole slabs, and then cut the material and cover small areas.

Application area

It is used for insulating any structures: facades and pitched roofs, shelves, floors and spaces between walls.

This insulation is ideal for baths and saunas.

Due to its non-flammability, it is widely used for insulating high-rise and frame structures.