How to insulate a chimney pipe with your own hands: why and what to wrap it with, which insulation is best for thermal insulation of metal

Why is it important to insulate the chimney?

Chimney insulation is necessary for the following reasons:

1. Fire prevention, because when a chimney passes through various types of coverings (walls, floors and ceilings), a fire may occur.
2. With sudden temperature changes, the material from which the chimney is made may begin to collapse. A similar thing can happen as a result of the formation of various acids and alkalis during the combustion process. They can destroy not only the pipe itself (this factor applies mainly to metal products), but also everything that surrounds it: walls, floors, ceilings.
3. The rapid heating provided by the chimney, against the backdrop of a rapid increase in temperature in the room, negatively affects things and furnishings in the room, including humans, so thermal insulation will help prevent this adverse effect and ensure normal regulation of heat exchange.
4. Reduce the release of condensation that appears due to temperature differences during the heating process. The released moisture forms harmful chemical compounds, reacting with many other substances contained inside the pipe.

Important! The main goal of providing high-quality thermal insulation to pipes is to minimize the risks of harm to human health, things and directly to the structural materials of the room.

Choosing a thermal insulation method depending on the chimney material

Gone are the days when chimneys were made primarily of brick. With the advent of gas and solid fuel boilers, they began to be made of metal, and asbestos pipes are also not uncommon. Insulation of different pipes requires an individual approach.

Insulation of metal pipes

To insulate the pipes of fireplaces and stoves that are not the main source of heating, but are used periodically, it is enough to plaster the pipe. This method is most often used for brick pipes, but is also applicable for metal ones.

Positive factors of an insulated chimney

After building a house, carrying out work on roof insulation, and insulating it, it’s time to start waterproofing the channels. There are several positive aspects to such work, which we will look at later. So, insulating a chimney pipe allows you to:

• Reduce thermal energy consumption, it is noticeably reduced.
• Preserve and secure the passage through the roof itself.
• Ensure high wear resistance of the structure.
• Create a certain interior style without relying on a pipe.

In principle, this work should not cause any particular difficulties, but it is still worth understanding that in order to properly insulate, you need to choose the type of insulation that is suitable specifically for your home and performs the functions assigned to it.

Materials for insulation of chimney pipes

It is advisable to start a project for insulating chimney pipes at the time of construction of a house or cottage, but thermal insulation work can be carried out at any stage, even if the dwelling has already been built. Next, we will consider the main methods, methods and materials that are suitable for carrying out this procedure.

The integrity of the chimney pipe is affected by two main factors that must be taken into account during insulation work:

1. Dew point. This point concerns the release of condensate, the negative impact of which was discussed above. The fact is that in the absence of proper thermal insulation, the dew point moves inside the pipe. That is, the warm air that rises during the heating of the room rises up from the direct heating source, reaches a certain point inside the chimney, and settles there in the form of condensate drops. This is especially dangerous for metal and brick products, since excess moisture is absorbed by the material and destroys it from the inside, freezing and turning into ice;
2. aggressive negative impact of gases released from combustion. During the heating process, harmful chemical compounds inevitably appear, which destroy the entire home heating system. This especially applies to weak acidic solutions of nitrogen or sulfur. With prolonged exposure, they can destroy a chimney made of almost all materials.

To protect yourself from such harmful factors, you can choose one of the following insulation materials:

• non-flammable insulation for chimneys made of slag wool;
• glass wool;
• basalt wool.

The most popular and widely used are thermal insulators made of basalt wool.

This version of fire-resistant insulation for chimney lining is available in two forms: in rolls and mats. It also varies in density and size, depending on the individual characteristics of the pipe, the purpose of the lining and other design factors, which are taken into account separately in each specific case.

Their main feature: preservation of structure and properties even with strong heating up to +400°C. They are fire-resistant and non-flammable, therefore reducing the risk of fire to a minimum.

Metallurgical slags are used as raw materials for production.

The disadvantages of this material include:

• presence of residual acidity;
• the possibility of a hostile environment occurring when moisture gets on the material.

Despite these negative aspects, this fire-resistant chimney insulation is widely used in repair and insulation work, as it maintains an ideal price-quality ratio.

Glass wool is an insulating material with a fibrous structure. It is produced from broken glass or raw materials used during glass melting.

Depending on the manufacturing method, glass wool is divided into:

• thin, which is obtained by spunbonding (pulling) from glass melt;
• rough through the blowing method.

Glass wool is sold in the form of rolls or slabs.

Basalt rocks are used as raw materials for the production of insulation.

• The method of using inorganic elements provides complete resistance to rotting and fungi.
• Basalt wool for chimneys has high strength and heat resistance, so it is preferred to be used as non-combustible thermal insulation to prevent fire inside the chimney.
• The insulator fits well and adapts to the insulation surface. Has a long service life. After installation, it serves without loss of its characteristics for 30-40 years.
• Based on strength, basalt wool is divided into: soft, semi-rigid and hard.

Basalt wool has an additional useful property in the form of protection against moisture, therefore it is a more universal method of thermal insulation in comparison with glass wool or slag fiber.

Classification

Non-flammable fire-resistant insulation is often classified according to its state of aggregation, appearance, internal structure, depending on which it can be:

• Frame , including multilayer, reinforced with non-combustible materials, often used as elements of structural fire protection of load-bearing metal structures of construction projects.
• Rolled , which allows you to wrap it around elements of building structures of various shapes and cross-sections, as well as sections of pipelines and ventilation ducts that need to be protected from freezing and possible exposure to fire in the event of a fire.
• Slab , as well as in the form of separate heat-insulating mats, specially developed by designers and manufacturers of standard sizes, which facilitates their installation and installation inside building structures, for example, partitions between rooms.
• Loose , including artificially expanded, cellular, which significantly increases its thermal insulation properties.
• Liquid foaming material that hardens during polymerization and drying after application to building structures, sections of pipeline networks, ventilation systems of protection facilities, most often called fire-resistant foam.

The choice of one or another class of non-combustible, fire-resistant insulation is determined both by design solutions and experience of use in civil and industrial construction during the construction and repair of various objects.

Slab fire-resistant insulation

Foil fire-resistant insulation for chimneys of stove pipes

Stitched foil fire-resistant insulation

Fire resistant mineral wool

We have already discussed the insulation of a metal chimney in particular above. Determine what the casing in the ceiling and on the roof will be made of. Pay special attention to places of insulation near the outlet of the pipe; in those places the greatest temperature difference is observed.

Method of insulating a steel chimney

There is no particular difference between the insulation of a stainless steel channel and the like. Also pay attention to the transition directly in the house, as well as in the insulated part of the roof. Often, many owners are careless about arranging a channel in the attic, but in most cases it is from there that the fire begins to spread. According to the advice of many experts, it is better to completely thermally insulate the channel in an unheated room.

Chimney insulation design

The insulated chimney has a sandwich-like appearance. This design includes two pipes - external and internal, between which there is basalt insulation for chimney pipes.

Such a structure will help prevent the formation of condensation. In the manufacture of the inner pipe, which bears heavy loads from the interaction of combustion products, high-quality steel is used.

The outer pipe is decorative. For its manufacture, copper, stainless steel or any other material coated with colored enamel is used.

But with an industrial chimney everything is a little different. As a thermal insulation material, you need to use insulation that can withstand temperatures up to 4,000 degrees.

Such material should also provide protection for the outer skin, since the constant influence of temperatures and temperature changes can negatively affect the outer (cement) layer.

Indications for insulation

The gas removal process is accompanied by the accumulation of particles of combustion products on the walls of the smoke channel and the formation of condensate, which negatively affects the performance of heating equipment. Insulation of an asbestos, ceramic or metal exhaust pipe helps to level out problems with a decrease in the efficiency of the device, therefore it is recommended to perform high-quality thermal insulation of the chimney at the construction stage. If necessary, insulate the gas exhaust channel during operation, using a suitable material with a low thermal conductivity coefficient.

What does chimney insulation provide:

1. The risk of exposure to factors that cause damage to the surfaces of metal, ceramic or asbestos gas exhaust pipes is reduced. Thus, the presence of high-quality thermal protection helps eliminate problems with condensation. In this case, a significant increase in the potential of the exhaust channel is observed.
2. Problems with deteriorating traction are leveled out. With reliable thermal insulation, the level of thermal conductivity of the pipe material is reduced. This explains the decrease in the temperature difference between the combustion product flows and the surface of the smoke exhaust line. As a result, the level of deposits on the walls is significantly reduced and the risk of deterioration in traction is eliminated.
3. The energy efficiency of the heat generating device is optimized. An insulated chimney ensures correct consumption of fuel resources, as energy costs for maintaining the required temperature level in the combustion chamber are reduced.
4. The strength characteristics of the structure are improved. Using a thermal insulation frame, a kind of reinforcement of the structure is performed, which is especially important when arranging the chimney section above the roof level. Reinforced with a reliable layer of heat-protective materials, the smoke channel is not afraid of significant wind loads, temperature changes and other external factors.

High-quality thermal insulation is important not only when installing thin-walled steel smoke exhaust pipes. Insulation with materials with a low thermal conductivity helps to improve the efficiency of brick chimneys and purlins made of asbestos, metal and ceramics.

Chimney insulation with mineral wool

Fireproof thermal insulation: oxygen index of the material

The oxygen index of insulation is the degree of fire safety of a material, indicating the minimum amount of oxygen per unit volume of insulation.

The oxygen index has several flammability thresholds:

• 40% – high level, composite polymers;
• 31% – cellular and fibrous and non-combustible insulation;
• 20% – building materials that burn well in air.

When choosing insulation for your needs, first of all you need to pay attention to this indicator.

How to make non-flammable thermal insulation of chimneys

When fuel burns in stoves and fireplaces, carbon monoxide is formed. They are removed through the chimney. Despite its apparent simplicity, this design is complex. Chimneys are installed to provide the necessary draft, so they should be correctly brought to the roof, the height determined and connected to the roofing. Properly made thermal insulation for chimneys is also important.

Furnace gases escaping from the furnace to the outside have a high temperature. When they rush up the chimney channel, condensation forms on its inner walls. This leads to the following problems:

• if moisture is absorbed into the chimney material, it will deteriorate over time;
• sometimes droplets of water settle on the surface of the outlet channels, which reduces their permeability and allows smoke to leak into the room;
• when condensate constantly flows down the walls of the chimney, smudges, hanging drops and an unpleasant odor appear.

Thermal insulation of the chimney helps to avoid these troubles and extends its service life.

Note! The chimney is insulated to prevent rapid cooling. If you do it incorrectly, you can’t count on a positive result.

How to isolate the furnace channel depends on the material from which it was made. You can make insulation using:

• crushed bricks;
• slag;
• expanded clay;
• basalt or mineral wool;
• kaolin, etc.

After installing the containment shell, the smoke exhaust structure is lined. For this purpose it is used:

• brick;
• slag concrete and reinforced concrete slabs;
• galvanized metal casings;
• wooden boards;
• profiled sheet, etc.

On a note! The easiest way is to buy a ready-made insulated sandwich pipe and install it at the stage when the chimney is being built.

Let's take a look at some thermal insulation options separately.

Basalt wool insulation

This method of protecting chimneys is attractive due to its accessibility and is therefore used more often than others. Basalt wool has a thickness of 20-100 mm and can withstand temperatures up to 750 degrees. This fire-resistant material is wrapped in several layers around the pipe and secured with wire. A layer of plaster is applied on top.

Lining the chimney with stainless steel sheets is done in the following order:

• measure the perimeter of the pipe, including insulation;
• cut a piece of sheet steel up to one meter long and a width equal to the perimeter of the structure plus an allowance for fastening;
• round the sheet and finish the edges with a roller;
• put the resulting form on the stove chimney, pull it together and fasten it with metal screws;
• In the same way, install several more metal casings on top of each other (make sure that the seams run at an angle of 120˚).

On a note! If you do not use steel casings, the insulation will not last long and you will have to replace it. Even if you insulate the chimney with foil or film, they will not be able to prevent moisture from penetrating into the basalt wool.

Applications of kaolin

Another method of thermal protection of chimneys is the use of kaolin. The material is characterized as:

Work on installing non-flammable thermal insulation for chimneys is carried out in the following order:

1. first plaster the stove channel;
2. then glue kaolin sheets to the wet plaster;
3. Finally, sew up the chimney with facing material.

Insulation with mineral wool

Thermal insulation using mineral wool is done as follows.

• Build a metal profile sheathing around the chimney. The profile size is selected depending on the thickness of the insulation, and the lathing pitch depends on the width of the insulating sheets.
• Attach mineral wool to the profile in several layers (do not forget to space the seams).
• Wrap the finished structure with vapor barrier film and seal the joints with tape.

Note! Sheets of metal corrugated sheets can be used as finishing. They are fixed to the sheathing using special screws with rubber gaskets.

How to insulate a chimney also depends on the material from which it was made.

Thermal insulation of steel pipes

The chimney, made of a round steel pipe, is insulated using a ready-made metal case. Large diameter galvanized pipe is suitable for this purpose. The difference in the diameters of the chimney and insulation is 16-20 cm. Thermal insulation is installed in this way.

1. Place the casing on the steel chimney.
2. Pour expanded clay, broken brick or slag into the space formed between the elements. You can also compact mineral wool, basalt wool or fiberglass between the pipes.
3. Fill the open area with cement mortar, waterproof it and install a protective casing on top.

On a note! The profile steel pipe is sheathed using wooden panels or metal sheets (corrugated sheeting). The distance between the components of the structure is 8-10 cm. The space is filled with insulation and securely sealed on top.

Insulation of brick chimney

In this case, preference is given to mineral wool, which is attached as follows:

• cut out pieces of insulation the size of which corresponds to the area of ​​the side walls of the pipe;
• attach the blanks to the brick using plastic dowels with round heads, or use tape (this option is lightweight, but not reliable);
• cover the attached material with asbestos-cement slabs, corrugated sheets or bricks.

Important! To reduce heat loss, plaster the brick on the outside of the channel, and then cover it with a frost-resistant compound.

Thermal protection of asbestos-cement pipes

Insulating chimney pipes from asbestos cement is done like this.

1. First, clean the outer surface of the chimney from dust and dirt.
2. Make a folding metal casing consisting of two halves. When assembled, its diameter should be 12-16 cm larger than the diameter of the pipe. The height of the case can vary within one meter.
3. Place the bottom galvanized casing on the chimney.
4. Fill or compact protective material into the resulting space.
5. Install the next case and reinstall the insulation.
6. Cut the top casing together with the asbestos cement pipe at a slight angle.
7. Cover the insulation with a thin layer of cement mortar.

On a note! If you do not install a metal case, the mineral wool will become wet, heavy, crumpled or frayed in the wind. Birds, rodents or cats also take away the insulation.

Insulation of the chimney in the ceiling

When a metal chimney passes through a wooden ceiling, the distance between them must be at least 30 cm. If the chimney is lined with brick, then this value is reduced to 10 cm. The opening is filled with basalt wool and closed from below and above with a metal sheet. Make sure that the chimney is securely fastened to the ceiling.

Thermal insulation for chimneys: types of insulation and methods of protecting chimneys, Portal about pipes How to insulate a chimney - non-flammable thermal insulation. What materials are used to insulate chimney pipes in the ceiling? Methods and nuances of insulating structures made of

How to install insulation yourself

Installing insulation is not a complicated procedure; it can be easily done independently. Before starting work, you need to understand what method of insulation will be used. This depends on the type of chimney, the design of the building and the funds that are planned to be spent on thermal insulation of the chimney.

A reliable method of insulation is bulk insulation. A special box is installed around the chimney. Kaolin, expanded clay, sand, slag and other heat-insulating materials are poured into it. The method is highly reliable: the structures are strong and durable. The insulation materials used are non-flammable and resistant to high temperatures. The properties do not deteriorate over time, which allows you to reliably insulate the chimney. The main disadvantage of this method is its high labor intensity. It is recommended to install the box at the construction stage of the building. Otherwise, serious alterations may be required, which will entail large expenses.

Insulation, sandwich type

The most popular method of chimney insulation is “sandwich”. Rolled or sheet products made of basalt, glass or other mineral wool are used. The “sandwich” is formed as follows: the bottom layer is the chimney itself, the outer layer is an additional sheet of iron, the “filling” is a layer of insulation. The gap should be about 4-5 cm. That is, the diameter of the outer pipe should be 8-10 cm larger than the diameter of the inner one.

Sandwich insulation device

The operating procedure is as follows:

• Pre-assembly of the vertical section.
• The insulation is laid out next to the assembled chimney; it is desirable that the length of the roll matches its height.
• The chimney must be placed on top of the insulation.
• Thermal insulating material is secured with tape. One edge is fixed before the entire structure is placed in a large diameter pipe, which will become the outer layer of the “sandwich”. The other end is when the entire chimney is placed in a wide pipe.
• The last stage is the installation of the chimney. It is necessary to fix it to the wall, make a joint with the roof on the roof.

Advice! Reliable fastening of the chimney is ensured by special brackets. They can be included in a set, purchased separately, or made independently from a corner.

Also, mineral wool can be fixed to the chimney simply using wire or metallized tape. But even in this case, it is necessary to cover the outer layer with non-combustible material. You can use roofing felt, fire-resistant fabric, or aluminum foil for winding. External protection will help extend the life of the insulation.

The use of polymer materials as insulation

The shape of thermal insulating products made of polymer materials, including foamed polyethylene, allows you to install insulation without much difficulty.

The detachable structure is called a “shell” because it fits tightly around the chimney. Its main advantage is ease of installation. Well suited for insulating a round metal chimney. The disadvantages include the need for individual selection of the product according to the diameter of the chimney.

A “shell” is made of polyurethane foam and polystyrene foam; it is not suitable for chimneys, as it cannot withstand temperatures above 100 °C. Similar products made of polyethylene foam are used at temperatures up to 170-180 °C. If basalt or mineral wool is used as the material, then such a product can withstand heating up to 400-450 °C.

Basalt "shell"

Waterproofing

To ensure that the insulation is not exposed to precipitation and is protected from the negative effects of the environment, it is necessary to install waterproofing. It is mounted on top of the roofing materials and is an apron made of waterproof material. After fixing the waterproofing, all joints must be thoroughly coated with bitumen, liquid rubber or silicone sealant. There are other methods of waterproofing.

Waterproofing the chimney on the roof

Fire insulation

Heating chimneys to high temperatures causes additional requirements for their design. This is especially true for chimneys organized in wooden houses. All points of contact with building structures must be carefully insulated to avoid overheating and ignition.

All methods described above are suitable for isolation. Insulation can be added to these using asbestos fabric or cardboard. The use of asbestos pipes and the installation of ceramic chimneys will reduce the risk of fire. Drastic ways to solve the problem: take the chimney out to the street and use a pipe made of red refractory brick.

Thermal insulation of brick pipes

Even if the pipe is made of fire-resistant red brick, it still needs to be insulated. The easiest, fastest and most reliable way is plastering. From 3 to 5 layers of plaster are applied, and the total thickness should be about 40 mm. To ensure that the layers hold tightly, additional reinforcing elements are applied. They are installed separately on each layer of plaster.

Lathing device for installing a heat insulator

To insulate a brick pipe with mineral wool, a lathing made of a metal profile or wooden beam is mounted on it. The sheet insulation is installed tightly enough to eliminate any gaps. The cotton wool is covered with a layer of vapor barrier, the joints are taped. The final stage is finishing. You can apply plaster or sew up polymer siding.

No matter how simple the measures for insulating a chimney may seem, you should first carefully study all the necessary information. It is necessary to pay great attention to the choice of heat insulator. It is necessary to think in advance about the order of work and prepare tools, materials, and organize free access to the chimney or to the place of its installation.

Safety when insulating a chimney at height

Before insulating a metal or any other pipe, you need to inspect the workplace to assess possible risks in order to minimize them. A ladder prepared in advance and tested for strength, boards for flooring over slate or tiles, strong, proven ropes - all this will ensure your safety during the work.

When laying boards on slate, observe the following rule: boards are laid across the waves. If you don’t have an industrial safety harness, make one from strong, thick rope or belt.

One end of such insurance must be firmly attached to a strong, fixed structure of the house or roof.

Clothing should not be unbuttoned, have drooping sleeves or a dangling collar, but it is best to use overalls.

When laying a chimney pipe through the thickness of the ceiling, do not skimp on insulation - lay it in this place, even if the ceiling material is non-flammable: heated concrete can ignite the decorative finishing of the ceiling.

You don’t have to lay basalt or mineral wool next to the stove or heating boiler, but such areas should be no more than 50 cm wide.

If the insulation material is able to withstand high temperatures (read the instructions for it), then it is better to lay it in these places.

Metal chimney winding

“What should I use to wrap a metal chimney pipe in a bathhouse?” - a popular question among summer residents. After all, there are many materials used for this garden. The absence of flammable substances in the coating is a primary nuance that must be taken into account. It is preferable to use high-quality material that has all the necessary properties. It should also be completely safe to use.

The most common materials:

1. Glass wool;
2. Fibrous building materials;
3. Mineral wool.

Non-combustible thermal insulation: insulation of brick, asbestos-cement pipes, stainless steel chimneys

The need to insulate high-temperature routes has arisen since their inception. And if the insulation of pipelines was solved quite simply - they were buried in the ground, then the insulation of chimney pipes caused a number of difficulties. And they were associated primarily with the danger of fire of the heat insulator itself. This is why non-flammable thermal insulation for chimneys is a priority when choosing insulation.

For information! In some sources you can read that such a layer is possible without reinforcement, but I would still like to remind you that reinforcement is an element of strengthening, and the layer that you leave will serve as a shield for the pipe, while independently taking on themselves against all temperature fluctuations and aggressive atmospheric influences. Therefore, the stronger the structure, the longer and without problems it will serve.

Next comes the application of the plaster itself, which must be prepared in two consistencies: pasty and more liquid. Layers are applied one after another, the last being a thick layer, which is leveled and whitened with regular whitewash.

Also suitable for a brick wall are basalt wool mats, foam glass and any other non-flammable thermal insulation material, and the technology will be as follows:

• The pipe is wrapped in insulation: either mats of basalt wool (foam glass) are attached to umbrellas, or a roll is wrapped around the pipe and fixed with wire;
• Next, either prepare another brick box around the pipe, followed by sealing the gap between the main pipe and the casing with cement mortar;
• Either the insulation is wrapped in foil, the lower joining part is cemented to form a cement pad, the joints and seam part are closed with special foil tape.

Insulation of brick pipes is as follows:

• At the end of all work, we need to get a layer of 5 cm, this will be quite enough for pipes, so we clean the pipe itself from dirt and unstable layers and reinforce it with a coarse metal mesh;
• All the technologies we have described are quite simple, one might say economical, and easy to do with your own hands.

Pipes made of so-called stainless steel

The same materials are used for steel chimneys as for asbestos-cement pipes. Laying technology, materials, fastenings, all this is reminiscent of the previous chapter. Only in this case there are ready-made solutions that you can choose and not suffer. These are the so-called sandwich systems, when the pipe is already in the pipe, and non-combustible insulation is inserted between them.

General recommendations for carrying out work

Warming is a necessary process.

Whatever technologies you choose for insulation, there are general recommendations that, for some reason, are lost in the general cacophony of advice, but which are still worth listening to in order to avoid many embarrassments. So:

• As you have noticed, in all works it is proposed to seal the bottom edge in a cement base, before carrying out such work, make sure that the roof base allows it to be done;
• When carrying out insulation, keep in mind that neither the insulation nor the casing (if any) should come into contact with the roof. That is, it is necessary to think through the docking and drainage system;
• When purchasing adhesive mixtures for fixing the same basalt wool or foam glass, as well as adhesive tape for fixing insulation, pay attention first to the area of ​​application, and then to the price, and not vice versa. The fact is that heat-resistant materials will initially be more expensive than conventional ones;
• When choosing a thermal insulation material, consult the seller about the possibility of using the material. Although the material is imported specifically for your region, sometimes thinner insulation is left behind. Just keep in mind that for insulation work, a material of at least 40 mm is required;
• More complete information may be in the accompanying documents for the material, as well as on the packaging, the official website of the manufacturer, do not be lazy to look at the information.

Fireproof thermal insulation for walls

Applying liquid polyurethane foam to walls.

Ideally, non-flammable wall insulation should always be used when it comes to thermal insulation of load-bearing structures. According to the rules of heating engineering, work should be carried out from the outside and only as a last resort from the inside. For these purposes, the choice of materials is quite wide:

If previously the most popular non-flammable insulation for walls was mineral wool, today it has greatly lost its position in favor of modern liquid thermal insulation. We are talking about polyurethane foam and penoizol, and insulating paint, although it is positioned as a non-flammable insulation for the facade, is in fact only suitable for thermal insulation of communications.

Bulk materials for horizontal structures are applicable not only during construction, when they can fill the space between walls. After the structure is erected, it can be blown out through the holes made in the wall. Bulk non-flammable thermal insulation for walls fills all the cracks, in principle, like liquid insulation, but the latter has its advantages:

it is lighter; lower thermal conductivity coefficient; reasonable price; possibility of application to a wall, for example, on a facade.

Foam glass is still the most expensive material among fireproof thermal insulation.

It comes in granules, stones (like crushed stone) and blocks. Granules and blocks are used for walls. The former are filled into inter-wall cavities, and the latter are used to construct protective structures on the façade side.

The blocks are quite strong, but still cannot act as load-bearing elements. Due to their high cost, such materials are used only on large objects. They are almost never used for private houses, since the insulation will turn out to be simply golden.

After cleaning the heat exchangers, the liquid for heating radiators must be neutralized with a special solution and only then poured into the sewer. Non-freezing liquid for a heating system in a warm house only thickens even at -60. You will find its characteristics here.

Brands of basalt insulation for chimney insulation

Various manufacturers offer consumers more than several dozen types of basalt insulation materials. Some are manufactured abroad, others at domestic enterprises.

Judging by customer reviews, the products of the following companies are popular:

• Rockwool basalt wool is manufactured at the enterprises of the company of the same name, located in Denmark. In terms of its characteristics: hydrophobicity, sound and heat insulation, as well as mechanical strength, Rockwool is significantly ahead of analogues from other manufacturers. Rockwool basalt wool is used by manufacturing companies to insulate finished ceramic chimneys from Schiedel, Effe2 and others.
• URSA basalt wool – originally manufactured in Italy. Today the company has 14 large production centers located in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, which as a result could not but affect the quality of the products. The URSA company specializes in insulation of industrial and domestic premises, and is popular due to the good price-quality ratio of its products.
• Izovat basalt wool is an insulation material manufactured in neighboring countries, in Ukraine. The product range includes mineral boards with densities from 30 to 200 kg/m³. It is worth paying attention to the brand intended for insulating brick chimney ducts with subsequent plastering of the surface. The thickness of Izovat slabs is from 30 to 200 mm.
• Basalt wool Paroc is a Swedish company that has been specializing in the production of stone wool since the 30s of the last century. Paroc production facilities are located exclusively in EU countries, which allows us to maintain a high level of quality and full compliance with safety standards in force in Europe.
• Paroc basalt cylinders can be used to insulate iron chimney pipes. For this purpose, the company has developed the Paroc Pro Section and Paroc Pro Bend + covering layer series, which provide maximum thermal insulation and protection of steel structures.

When choosing basalt for pipe insulation, you should mainly focus on the thermal characteristics specified by the manufacturer. On the basis of large concerns, modifications specifically designed for smoke exhaust systems have been developed.

Features of chimney insulation with basalt wool

In addition to the correct choice of basalt insulation, you need to worry about compliance with installation rules. As practice shows, the following norms are especially often violated:

• The thickness of the basalt wool layer in penetrations through wooden structures is at least 5 cm. The distance from load-bearing beams is at least 1 m.
• If you need to lay the material in several layers, correctly lay out the fire-resistant basalt slab with an offset to overlap the joints of the bottom sheet with the top sheet. The same rule applies when installing cylindrical insulation. The longitudinal seam of each subsequent shell is shifted by 180°.
• The installation of a chimney passage through a wooden ceiling using basalt wool involves the use of fire-resistant cutting. There should be a distance of 50-100 mm from the heating surface to the flammable material. The gap is filled with stone wool.

• The thickness of the basalt fiber in the chimney should be no more than 40 mm, for external insulation, up to 100 mm. Density is selected depending on operating conditions. To insulate ceramic chimney pipes connected to solid fuel boilers, basalt wool with a density of 100 to 200 kg/m³ is used.

• There is no point in using high-temperature basalt wool for thermal insulation of a chimney connected to a gas or liquid fuel boiler, since the temperature of the exhaust gases rarely exceeds 200-300°C. It would be optimal to install cylindrical insulation.
• Calculation of the required amount of basalt wool for insulation of a steel chimney. The required thickness of the material is selected. The insulation packaging indicates the approximate consumption of cotton wool for different layer thicknesses. All that remains is to calculate the size of the circle in centimeters and the length of the pipe. After this, the number of packages is calculated.
• After insulating a single-layer pipe with non-foil material, it is necessary to manufacture a protective structure.

In some construction stores, packages with basalt insulation can be cut in half, or the mats can be sold individually. This allows you to purchase the exact amount of material and avoid overpayments.

Pros and cons of using basalt for chimney insulation

The main disadvantage of basalt insulation is its cost. Otherwise, compared to any other types of thermal insulation, basalt undoubtedly wins. The advantages of the material include:

• Low thermal conductivity - even at flue gas temperatures above 500°C, basalt wool heats up to no more than 30°C. During a short-term ignition of soot and a temperature jump to 900°C, the outer contour of the sandwich pipe will not heat up more than 45°C.
• Non-flammability - the material can withstand the impact of directed fire from a gas burner without igniting. Cotton wool begins to melt after exceeding 1100°C. Therefore, you can lay basalt insulation close to the chimney pipe and not worry about the safety of the room during the entire period of operation.
• Simple installation - mats and sheets can be easily cut with a regular paint knife. The material is fixed using clamps or binding wire. If you lay basalt wool yourself when installing chimneys, you can significantly save on the work.
• The specific gravity of even basalt fire-resistant wool is 30 kg/m³; accordingly, after insulation, the weight of the chimney structure increases very slightly.

Basalt wool has no analogues in its characteristics and is the optimal solution when choosing insulation for a chimney. The only thing that limits the popularity of the material is the high cost associated with the peculiarities of the production process.

The use of foil insulation

Foil-coated basalt wool has a wide range of applications due to its good performance characteristics. This heat insulator can be used for:

1. Rooms with high humidity levels, for example baths and saunas. Hot air does not come out for a long time, and cold air does not penetrate inside.
2. Warm pools. Thermal insulation with basalt foil wool will allow the structure to be used even in severe frosts.
3. Fireplaces in dachas and country cottages. In this case, using basalt wool with foil can not only preserve heat, but also ensure safety, since the foil coating is protected from fire.
4. Pipelines on private property. Helps protect the system from frost and unwanted moisture, which can lead to pipe damage.
5. Foundations of buildings. When insulating the base of a house, basalt wool plays a dual role: a heat insulator and a moisture-repellent membrane.
6. Sea and river vessels. Used to maintain a comfortable microclimate in holds and cabins.
7. Walls, roofs and floors of private houses. Residential properties will be reliably protected from cold, noise, and moisture, while the cost of such thermal insulation is quite acceptable.

It will be possible to achieve a good thermal insulation effect only if you strictly follow the insulation algorithm recommended by material manufacturers and specialists.

Insulation for asbestos and steel pipes

Thermal insulation with stone wool (rockwool)

Mineral wool is widely used as insulation for interior and exterior decoration.
Stone wool has very low thermal conductivity, plus it is fire resistant. The material is non-flammable, allows air to circulate, and prevents rotting. Natural stone is used in the production of rockwool. The easiest way is to wind it around the cleaned surface of the pipe and tighten it with clamps or metal staples. It's better to do more than one layer. Wrap the top with foil and secure. Such thermal insulation can be easily done with your own hands after watching a video on the Internet, but remember that it is short-lived.

The most preferable is another method: Make additional protection for the insulation - a casing (cover) made of steel or galvanized iron. The result is a design of two pipes, different in diameter, with a layer of cotton between them. Fill the resulting empty spaces with concrete. Thermal insulation will be reliably protected from external influences - wind, rain, snow.

• lightness of construction, does not weigh down the roof;
• easy to do with your own hands - does not require special tools or skills;
• low price;
• does not require a long time investment, as the process takes only a few hours.

Expert advice

Builders advise choosing thermal protection according to the following criteria:

• fibrous base, light weight;
• ready-made stainless steel sleeves;
• resistant base to high and temperature changes, covered with foil;
• the internal diameter must be larger than the outlet of the heating device.

Install a smoke exhaust channel according to the rules. It is also worth taking advice from experts. Thermal insulation is carried out according to the following standards:

• thermal insulation must be applied in a continuous layer, without transitions, especially in places of contact with the ceiling and roof;
• mats and strips are laid only with the markings facing outwards;
• installation of parts is carried out from the bottom up, overlapping, the lower end is covered with the upper connection;
• internal insulation is carried out in stages, during installation of the structure, external insulation after complete assembly;
• a spark arrester is installed at the end if the roof consists of flammable materials;
• use personal protective equipment.

The rules are simple; following them will help prolong the operation of the output channel.

The main mistakes when insulating a chimney

When thermally insulating a chimney with your own hands, the following mistakes are often made:

• the use of low-quality or unsuitable material according to technical characteristics, which during operation can shrink and expose part of the structure;
• lack of a protective casing for insulating material in the chimney head area;
• The thickness of the thermal insulation layer is too small (less than 4 cm).

Sources

• https://teplota.guru/teploizolyatsiya/bazaltovaya-vata.html
• https://banya10.ru/samodelki/ogneupornyj-material-dlya-dymohoda.html
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• https://mailtrain.ru/uteplenie/negoryuchij-uteplitel-dlya-dymohoda.html
• https://rtkpipe.ru/vidy-trub/ogneupornaya-izolyaciya-dlya.html
• https://izhprofibur.ru/drugoe/tolshhina-uteplitelya-dlya-truby-dymohoda.html
• https://stroy-m.org/uteplenie/negoryuchij-uteplitel-dlya-dymohoda.html
• https://santatrade.ru/kak-obmotat-trubu-dymokhoda-bazal-tovoy-vatoy/
• https://politoff.ru/sravneniye-utepliteley-dlya-dymokhodov/
• https://AvtonomnoeTeplo.ru/pechi-kaminy/229-vata-bazaltovaya-dlya-dymohoda.html
• https://1pofasady.ru/uteplenie/bazaltovaya-vata-s-folgoj
• https://pipe-s.ru/negoryuchiy-uteplitel-dlya-trub-dymokhoda/