What Is Rock or Mineral Wool?
Rock or mineral wool is a mineral fiber used as a building insulation material.
Blast furnace slag and basalt generated during the manufacture of iron are heated to 1,500 to 1,600℃ and rotated to deform them into fibers for processing. Depending on the application, the fibered material is processed into cotton or plate form.
Applications of Rock or Mineral Wool
Rock or mineral wool has high thermal insulation and soundproofing properties and is used in many applications. It is commonly used as a heat insulator for roofs, walls, and floors of buildings.
It is sometimes used as a sound-absorbing material. Other applications include heat insulators for pipes and tanks, fireproofing materials, and the interior of vehicles such as automobiles, ships, and railcars.
Characteristics of Rock or Mineral Wool
Rock or mineral wool is a fibrous insulation material made from rock. It has excellent heat insulation, soundproofing, and fire resistance properties.
Advantages
1. High Thermal and Sound Insulation Properties
Used as a heat insulator, it can improve heating and cooling efficiency and increase energy savings. In addition, its soundproofing performance can reduce noise and create a comfortable living space. In particular, the use of thicker Rock or Mineral Wool provides higher thermal insulation.
2. Excellent Fire Resistance
Rock or mineral wool has excellent fire resistance, thus reducing the risk of fire. It is often used to improve the fire resistance of buildings. Furthermore, it is corrosion resistant and can be used for a long period. Rock or mineral wool is also an environmentally friendly material because it is made of natural fibers.
Disadvantages
1. Generates Toxic Substances
The fibers generated during cutting are toxic. For this reason, protective equipment such as masks and gloves should be worn when handling rock or mineral wool.
2. Vulnerable to Moisture
Rockwool is susceptible to moisture and requires proper installation. If moisture gets into the material, its thermal insulation performance will deteriorate, so it must be installed properly.
3. Relatively Expensive
Compared to other fibers, it is expensive. However, considering its high performance, it can be said to be cost-effective.
Types of Rock or Mineral Wool
Rock or mineral wool comes in a variety of forms, such as plates and rolls. The performance also varies depending on the type of fiber. For example, there are those made from basalt and those made from glass fiber.
Rock or mineral wool made from basalt is characterized by its high heat resistance and durability, as well as its excellent fire resistance flow. Rock or mineral wool made from glass fibers, on the other hand, is lightweight, flexible, and easy to install.
How to Select Rock or Mineral Wool
It is important to select rock or mineral wool for the necessary functions for your application. The level of heat insulation, soundproofing, and fire resistance varies depending on the product.
Thickness, shape, and dimensions should also be considered. In particular, it is important to select the appropriate size according to the shape and conditions of the location where it will be installed.
How to use Rock or Mineral Wool
1. Rock or Mineral Wool in Board Form
Rock or mineral wool in board form is used as insulation for roofs, walls, and floors of buildings. In this case, rock or mineral wool must be cut into planks to fit the building frame before it is applied.
There are several methods of installation, such as using adhesives to fix it in place, or fastening it with wires or screws. If adhesives are used, appropriate adhesives should be selected.
2. Rolled Rock or Mineral Wool
Rock or mineral wool in roll form is often used as a thermal insulator for pipes and ducts. Rock or mineral wool in roll form is easy to install, as it can be cut and rolled to the required length.
However, when wrapping a roll of rock or mineral wool, it is necessary to maintain sufficient thickness. For better soundproofing, it is recommended to use a double-layered structure or a combination of soundproofing sheets.