Use of waste stone wool insulation. General concepts

Among all varieties of mineral wool, stone wool is especially popular. This insulation not only provides a high level of protection against temperature losses, but also has unsurpassed soundproofing properties. All this determines the wide scope of its use.

High quality natural insulation

The very name of the insulation seems to contain some kind of contradiction, because the stone is associated with something solid, dense, heavy and high-strength, while cotton wool is something light, porous, airy. But this insulation really manages to combine a low mass with a high level of resistance to mechanical stress and external influences of a different nature.

Such characteristics are due to the specific origin of stone wool slabs. The insulation is based on volcanic rocks (mainly basalt, as well as diabase and porphyrite), which are melted by TechnoNIKOL specialists at a temperature of 1500 degrees. Further, this plastic mass of future stone wool is sent to a centrifuge, where, as a result of exposure to a strong air flow, it is converted into fine fibers. Then binders are added to them, providing a single structure of the insulation, and a water repellent. Thanks to the latter, stone wool acquires water-repellent properties, which are very important for thermal insulation of external walls.

Due to a special corrugator, the basalt fibers of the material are pressed into a web, sent to the polymerization chamber, where it hardens at a 200-degree temperature, acquiring the final form and the desired characteristics. At the final stage, with the help of cutting equipment, stone wool insulation is divided into blocks, the dimensions of which can vary over a wide range.

Key properties of insulation

One of the most important indicators characterizing the insulation is the acidity module. It reflects the ratio between acidic oxides (substances with a fairly high resistance) and basic oxides (substances with a higher activity) contained in stone wool. Accordingly, the higher this indicator, the less susceptible to external negative influences and the more durable the material will be.

Most of TechnoNIKOL's insulation materials have a high acidity modulus, which determines the widespread use of this material in modern construction. In addition, stone wool has the following positive properties:

• Effective thermal insulation. Practically a reference insulation is stone wool, the price of which allows it to be used both for the walls of private residential buildings and for industrial-scale buildings. High resistance to heat transfer can be achieved due to the fact that the closely intertwined fibers of the material hold a large volume of air in a stationary state;
• Removal of moisture from the walls. Traditional heaters cannot stand the effects of water, and when wet, they lose a significant part of their thermal insulation qualities. A material such as stone wool behaves quite differently. This insulation has a high vapor permeability, however, it practically does not retain moisture coming from the room, remaining dry. This is due to the use of stone rocks in the manufacture of material slabs, as well as additional processing with water-repellent solutions carried out by TechnoNIKOL;
• Quality sound absorption. The fibrous structure is the key to excellent acoustic and soundproofing characteristics of the material. That is why stone wool insulation for walls, the price of which depends on the type of rock, the density of the material, the type of binder and other factors, is so in demand in housing construction.

This material has a lot of advantages, which determine its wide distribution and use. However, stone wool also has some disadvantages. True, most often they are associated either with the acquisition of low-quality insulation, or with improper installation of plates or violation of operating rules.

So, among the potential disadvantages of stone wool can be identified:

• Negative impact on health. This can be avoided by using protective clothing and special equipment when working with insulation. And also obligatory is plastering or facing of stone wool;
• Insulation tracking over time during operation on vertical structures. The solution lies in the careful and even fixing of the boards on the bearing surface;
• The need for mandatory use of a vapor barrier layer to protect stone wool from the side of the room.

Safety is above all

One of the most important problems that need to be addressed when insulating walls with stone-based slabs is to ensure a high level of fire safety. Measures taken in this regard sometimes lead to a significant increase in the price of work. However, the use of the TechnoNIKOL product makes it possible to eliminate such a problem.

Thermal insulation for the walls of this brand is made from basalt rocks, which makes it absolutely incombustible, the melting temperature of the fibers exceeds 1 thousand degrees. It is important to note that even when heated, the material does not emit any harmful substances and toxic gases.

Attention! High-quality insulation not only does not ignite itself, but also prevents the spread of heat generated during a fire, protecting wall and roof structures from deformation and destruction. Due to this, it is possible to gain additional time for evacuation, the price of which in emergency situations is extremely high.

The meaning of density indicators

When choosing a material from TechnoNIKOL, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of key indicators that affect the features of its further application. Be sure to take into account the density, which may be as follows:

1. 30-50 kilograms per cubic meter - mineral wool, which looks like soft fluff, supplied in bags or in rolled rolls, but does not form the usual plates. Its use is mainly in the arrangement of thermal insulation of horizontally oriented planes located indoors, that is, reliably protected from negative external influences. Under load, the material is able to compress to half of its original volume;
2. 75 kilograms per cubic meter - stone wool of a semi-rigid type with a higher density, designed to insulate the horizontal planes of buildings. Has the ability to decrease under pressure by 20 percent;
3. 125 kilograms per cubic meter - a medium hardness insulation with suitable characteristics for its use on horizontal and vertical house structures. The level of its compressibility, laid down by the manufacturer TechnoNIKOL, does not exceed 12 percent;
4. 150-175 kilograms per cubic meter - a material that has a very high rigidity and is supplied to the market in a slab format. Provides high-quality insulation of walls and roof structures. A distinctive feature is the minimum level of compressibility under load, which is approximately 2 percent;
5. 200 kilograms per cubic meter - mineral wool slabs of the elite category, characterized by super strength, due to which it is able to withstand pressure up to 12 MPa.

The high level of strength and density contributes to the presence of the following significant qualities in the material:

• Its shape persists over time;
• Does not deform and practically does not shrink;
• Can withstand quite significant loads.

Varieties and forms of production of TechnoNIKOL stone wool

Due to its high quality level, this heat-insulating material is used extremely widely. However, not in every situation it is convenient to use a heater made in the form of a traditional plate. For example, when thermal insulation of pipes or large surfaces is performed, the material in this form will not work. Therefore, TechnoNIKOL produces stone wool insulation, the price of which is quite affordable, in the following formats:

• In the form of rolls and mats, which are used mainly for the insulation of walls, roofs, ceilings between floors, as well as structures that do not have significant loads. This is due to the fact that the material produced in this form does not have a high density;
• In the form of basalt-based slabs with a density of up to 220 kilograms per cubic meter. Excellent characteristics and reasonable price of a heater provide wider scope of its application. Such wool is suitable for laying under a concrete mortar screed, on roofs where it is planned to arrange parking for vehicles, as well as in other places that involve high loads;
• In the form of cylinders with holes inside - ideal for thermal insulation work with pipes.

The TechnoNIKOL company produces stone wool insulation, the characteristics, the price of which differ significantly, in a wide range:

• Rocklight is one of the most popular types of insulation, characterized by almost complete versatility and focused on performing the most diverse thermal insulation work. It is made in the form of plates, the dimensions of which are 1 thousand or 1.2 thousand millimeters in length, 500 or 600 millimeters in width, and 50 or 60 millimeters in thickness. The material has fairly average density, vapor permeability, and thermal conductivity. The undoubted advantage of this type is very attractive prices, which allow you to equip high-quality thermal insulation without a significant increase in the budget.
• Technolight is another type of material, which differs from the previous version primarily in lighter weight. The dimensions of the stone wool insulation of this model are generally similar to Rocklite, however, the thickness of the plates can vary from 40 to 200 millimeters. The material does not have a high density, so it is most rational to use it in places where it does not have to experience a significant load: between floor joists, when arranging attic floors, partitions, walls.
• Technoblock - insulation boards with a density of 40-50 kilograms per cubic meter, which makes it possible to use them both for interior work and for finishing facades and roofs. Excellent quality and low price makes this insulation option one of the most attractive offers on the market.
• Technovent is a specific type of insulation boards, which has a high density (within 72-88 kilograms per cubic meter) and is mainly intended for use in the arrangement of the heat-insulating layer of ventilated facades.
• Technoflor is the top of the TechnoNIKOL stone wool range. The material has an increased level of density (up to 185 kilograms per cubic meter) and a thickness in the range from 20 to 150 millimeters.

Applications

This heat-insulating material, due to its high performance, and also due to the fact that its price is quite low, is used for insulating a wide variety of building structures, from partitions with walls to ceilings and roofs. It is able to withstand prolonged use in conditions where it is simply irrational to use other types of heaters for the reason that their service life will be extremely short.

Attention! The indisputable advantage of stone wool is that it can be used without any problems in those rooms where there is always a high level of humidity, in particular, baths, saunas, swimming pools.

It is difficult to find a more suitable material for the thermal insulation of facades of various types, from ventilated, hinged and ending with such a specific option as wet facades. Stone wool perfectly combines with sandwich panels and walls, the laying of which is made according to the layered principle.

The versatility of the insulation is also manifested in the fact that it is excellent for minimizing temperature losses in pipelines. This is primarily due to the fact that this material easily tolerates the effects of extreme temperatures in the range from -100 to +1 thousand degrees. Not the last role in the choice of stone wool is played by its low price, thanks to which it is possible to significantly reduce the cost of thermal insulation work on large-scale projects.

High density and resistance to deformation makes it possible to use such plates in places where the influence of high mechanical loads is expected. Therefore, this insulation is perfect for use in private, multi-storey and industrial construction.

When carrying out works on thermal insulation of ventilated facades, it is advisable to use two-layer stone wool slabs. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that each layer has different density indicators: a softer and looser layer is directed towards the wall, and a denser layer is directed outward. Thus, it is possible to achieve high-quality insulation and provide effective ventilation.

To choose the best insulation - for arranging high-quality and durable insulation in an apartment or house, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each material.

What are the features of stone wool?

According to the type of feedstock, heat-insulating materials are divided into two large groups: inorganic (based on basalt rocks, fiberglass, asbestos, etc.) and organic (fibreboard, foam and foam plastics, peat slabs, etc.). We will talk about stone wool insulation, which is made from natural materials and is used without restrictions in the construction of a wide variety of buildings - from high-rise buildings to small private houses.

The stone wool production process begins with the melting of volcanic rocks (basalt, porphyrite, diabase) at a temperature of 1500 °C. Then the plastic mass, practically “lava”, is fed into the centrifuge.

where, under the influence of a powerful air flow, thin fibers are formed from it. A small amount of a binder (2-4% of the total mass) is added to them to preserve the shape of the plates, a water repellent to repel moisture. Then they set a random direction to the fibers, create a structure of the required density and send it to the polymerization chamber. Here, at a temperature of about 200 °C, the binder is cured and plates or mats are finally formed, which are subsequently cut into products of a certain size and packed in polyethylene.

Stone wool insulation is produced by many companies, including the most popular in the domestic market: TekhnoNIKOL, Izoroc, Izover, Izovol. Paroc. rockwool.

Important properties of stone wool

The main characteristic of thermal insulation is the value of the thermal conductivity coefficient. For stone wool materials, this parameter ranges from 0.035 to 0.045 W / (m. K), which makes them very effective.

The key to the durability of stone wool is the natural properties of natural stone and components that ensure the strength of the bonding of the fibers, the uniformity of the structure. And the finest fibers that form the material, arranged randomly, in horizontal and vertical directions, at different angles and tightly woven with each other, give the necessary rigidity and a stable shape. Therefore, cotton wool does not deform and does not shrink for a long time.

Due to the open porous structure (the fibers are intertwined with each other in different directions and form a multitude of interconnecting tiny cavities), stone wool insulation absorbs airborne and impact noise well and reduces vibrations. Therefore, it is used in acoustic ceiling systems, in the arrangement of interior partitions, ceilings and floors.

Stone wool does not burn, because, you see, it is impossible to set fire to a stone. Fibers from this natural material can withstand temperatures up to 1000 ° C, protecting building structures from fire and preventing their destruction. In case of fire, the insulation does not emit heat and smoke, does not turn into burning droplets. In addition, it prevents the spread of fire, so in the event of a fire in the room, there is more time to save people and property.

Products of well-known manufacturers comply with sanitary and epidemiological standards and do not harm human health and the environment. Quality materials have all the necessary certificates confirming their safety.

When choosing insulation from stone wool, one should take into account its properties, scope, type of insulated structure and operating conditions. Any material will be effective only if used correctly, and then the house will be warm in winter and cool in summer. In addition to creating a comfortable indoor climate, insulation will reduce heating costs, reduce operating costs, increase the service life of supporting structures; also thanks to it it will be possible to purchase boilers and air conditioners of lower capacity. Stone wool insulation is used in buildings of all types; on pitched and flat roofs; when insulating attic, interfloor and basement floors; walls of residential buildings, baths and saunas both outside and inside; in the construction of frame structures and interior partitions; arrangement of floors with the implementation of a screed, on floor slabs or logs.

Attic insulation with stone wool

The transformation of a cold attic into a residential attic is impossible without well-chosen and carefully installed thermal insulation. Such a reconstruction makes it possible to increase the living space at minimal cost, and the heat-insulating material becomes

a buffer that levels out temperature fluctuations and maintains a comfortable thermal regime. After all, the roof of the house, especially metal, heats up to 70 ° C in summer, and cools down to -DO ° C in winter. Among the products recommended for attic insulation are Light Butts and Light Butts Scandic (Rockwool). Rocklight (TechnoNIKOL), eXtra (Paroc), Isover Optimal (Saint-Gobain).

The main load-bearing element of the roof are the rafters. Most often, insulation is placed in the space between them. First, sheets of a moisture-windproof membrane with high vapor permeability are laid on the rafters. They prevent moisture from entering the thickness of the insulation, which penetrates into the under-roof space through the cracks and joints of the elements of the roof covering or falls in the form of condensate on its inner side. It is no secret that wet insulation loses its insulating properties and provokes rotting of the wooden parts of the roof structure and corrosion of metal ones.

Lathing bars are installed over the membrane along the rafters, and, if necessary (depending on the type of film), counter-lattices and battens are installed. Then the roofing is installed. Thermal insulation material is laid under the waterproofing, placing it between the rafters along the entire length of the slope to the walls. A vapor barrier is attached to the bottom or ends of the rafters, which protects the stone wool from moist air coming from the living quarters. After that, the bars are attached, which serve as the basis for the finishing cladding. By the way, in dry weather, the roofing cake can be laid in the reverse order (vapor barrier, insulation, waterproofing, roofing), which greatly facilitates and speeds up the work.

Floor insulation with stone wool

In order for the floors in the house to always be warm, it is necessary to provide effective thermal insulation. It can be done in two ways. The first - the insulation is placed between the logs, which are installed on a concrete floor in increments of 60 cm. A layer of vapor barrier is laid on top of the log, a solid flooring is mounted on it under the finish coating.

The second way: the insulation is laid on the floor slabs and a “floating screed” is arranged on top of it. In this case, the strength properties of the insulating material are important, that is, its ability to resist a particular load without deformation. Experts recommend using Floor Butts (Rockwool) for these purposes. "ISOVER Floating Floor" ("Saint-Gobain"), "Iso-flor" (Izoroc). Work on floor insulation begins with the dismantling of structures up to the ceiling. The surface is cleaned and leveled, rigid insulation boards intended for floor insulation are laid, and covered with a plastic film. Then a screed (thickness U cm) is made, reinforced with a wire mesh. At the same time, contact of the screed with the walls should be excluded, for example, using a thin layer of foamed polyethylene or sides around the perimeter of the room, made of

the same material. Then the screed will endure any thermal expansion, it will not crack, and the impact noise will not pass to the walls. After that, in accordance with the accepted rules, the floor covering is laid. Such a design is able to withstand fairly large loads, for example, the installation of a piano, electric stoves, etc.

Insulation of partitions with stone wool

The rooms in the house are separated by partitions, which should prevent the transmission of noise from a working TV, radio, as well as loud conversations from one room to another. Soundproofing ability of structures

characterizes the airborne sound insulation index Rw. The higher its value, the more effectively the partition prevents the penetration of sounds. Most stone wool manufacturers offer special slabs with enhanced soundproofing properties, such as Technoacoustic (TechnoNIKOL). "Acoustic Butts" (Rockwool). "Isover ZeukoProtection" ("Saint-Gobain"). Frame structures filled with these materials often have a sound insulation index Rw that exceeds the requirements of SP 51.13330.2011 "Noise Protection", according to which the Rw of partitions between apartment rooms should be 52 dB.

Facade insulation with stone wool

If, in the construction of a two-story cottage measuring 9 x 12 m, instead of masonry in three bricks (total thickness 770 mm), masonry with stone wool insulation (total thickness 380 mm) is used, more than 14 m 2 of additional area can be obtained only by reducing the thickness of the walls. In addition, the consumption of bricks will be significantly reduced, the amount of work on the construction of walls will decrease, and it will also be possible to significantly lighten the foundation. Experts consider the external to be the most rational home insulation. In this case, the condensation zone of the escaping vapors is carried out beyond the bearing wall - to the outer surface of the insulation. Vapor-permeable thermal insulation materials do not prevent the evaporation of moisture from the wall into the outer space. As a result, the humidity of the wall decreases and the service life of the structure increases. At the same time, the insulating material prevents the passage of heat flow from the load-bearing wall to the outside, increasing the temperature of the structure as a whole. The outer layer of thermal insulation protects the wall from alternating freezing and thawing, evens out the temperature fluctuations of its array, which also makes it possible to increase the durability of the supporting structure. Of course, the heat-insulating layer has to be protected with a durable vapor-permeable coating both from moisture by atmospheric precipitation and from mechanical influences. There are many different products for outdoor wall insulation. When choosing the optimal material, you can also focus on the type of surface finish (plaster, siding, etc.). say "Facade Butts" (Rockwool), Izovol F-100/120/150. Ragos Fas 1.

Qualitatively installed thermal insulation during the construction of baths and saunas allows the premises to warm up quickly and maintain a stable temperature for a long time. When using conventional thermal insulation, first a thermal insulation material is mounted between the guides of the frame, and then a vapor barrier layer is placed on top. Materials with a foil layer, for example, the deformation-resistant soft slabs of Sauna Butts (Rockwool), will greatly simplify the work and save time.

In addition, foil insulation is completely vapor-tight, and due to the reflective property of the metal, it reduces heat loss. But this rule only works if the installation is done correctly. Keep in mind: foil material is not laid in several rows so that the stone wool is not trapped between two impermeable layers. The foil should be located only from the side of the room. If it is necessary to arrange a multilayer structure, then materials without foil are laid to the outer wall, and with foil to the inner wall.

Rock wool insulation materials

ADVANTAGES OF STONE WOOL AS INSULATION

Fireproof, non-combustible (fiber melting point above 1000°C).

They have a low coefficient of thermal conductivity (0.035-0.065 W/(m * K). + Excellent isolate impact and airborne noise in the middle frequency range. + Vapor-permeable and hydrophobic. They freely pass water vapor, but do not absorb moisture from the air due to the minimum sorption capacity.

They have good physical and mechanical characteristics. + Comfortable and safe to install. + Chemically and biologically resistant, unaffected by bacteria and microorganisms, not of interest to rodents. + Durable (at least 50 years of service). + Safe for humans.

MINUSES OF INSULATION WITH STONE VAOY

– Slight (maximum 30%) compression of the material in the package, so it needs more space during transport.

- Relatively high cost.

Thermal insulation protection

When arranging an insulated attic, in order to protect the thermal insulation from moisture ingress, two types of rolled roofing films are most often used. Vapor barriers (vapor barrier) are used from the side of the room, and diffusion membranes are used on top of the insulation, on the outside of the rafters. Special mounting tapes are used for gluing canvases. It is even better to use films of the new Ondutis Smart (Ondulin) series with an integrated mounting tape. Working with this material is not difficult at all: it is enough to remove the protective film, combine a with an overlap, and they are easily and reliably connected to each other.

Stone wool: note

The physical and mechanical properties of acoustic stone wool ensure reliable operation of the material in vertical structures for a long time (at least 50 years).

Plates "Techno-acoustic" ("Techno NIKOL") are used in frame partitions, suspended ceilings, on ceilings without load on the material.

Frame partitions are fireproof, easy and quick to install, they are light in weight, and most importantly, they have excellent air and impact sound insulation.

External insulation of the house helps to increase the usable area of ​​the building without changing its size, reduce the consumption of building materials and facilitate construction.

The optimal size of the air gap between the foil layer and the lining (for example, from lining) is 1 cm. The gap will create the effect of thermal protection, reflect infrared rays.

Sauna Butts (Rockwool) are insulating boards laminated with aluminum foil on one side.

The vapor barrier foil layer is sealed, for which the joints of the plates are glued with adhesive tape that can withstand elevated temperatures.

Stone wool insulation: schemes

ROOFING PIE OF PITCHED ROOF. LOCATED ABOVE THE ATTIC:
1 - roofing;
2 - crate;
3 - thermal insulation between wooden rafters; A - waterproofing membrane;
5 - vapor barrier film;
6 - internal finishing coating

INSULATION WITH STONE WOOL OF THE FLOOR ON THE LOGS;
1 - rough crate for covering the floor from OSB or GKLV sheets;
2 — superdiffusion membrane;
3 - stone wool slabs between
wooden lags;
d - vapor barrier film;
5 - draft floor;
6 - substrate and top coat

FRAME PARTITION INSULATED WITH STONE WOOL:
1 - sheathing from GKL (GVL) in 1 (2) layers;
2 - stone wool "Technoacoustic";
3 - steel frame;
4 - sheathing from GKL (GVL) in 1 (2) layers;
5 - finishing the room

If the internal distance between the supports is less than the width of the mat by 10-20 mm (a), cut off a piece of the desired length and lay it flat (b). If the dimensions do not match, the slab is cut to a size equal to the pitch of the supports plus 10-20 mm.

If you are starting the stage of warming the room and at the same time are lost with the choice of material, then basalt-based stone wool will be an excellent solution. Such a fibrous insulation belongs to the mineral category, and is made on the basis of rock (stone) waste, including basalt. Hence the name - stone (basalt) wool. Therefore, the question “which is better - stone or basalt wool” is at least formed incorrectly. We emphasize once again that stone wool is a heater based on basalt (stone) rocks.

Types of insulation material

• Glass wool is a material made from glass waste and some sand.
• Stone wool - a heater made from basalt rocks.
• Slag wool is a material that is produced from the waste of the metallurgical industry.

In the material below, we will consider basalt insulation, form its description and study the technical characteristics in detail in order to understand that it is better and more convenient to use this particular type of material for insulating rooms and industrial equipment.

Production technology of stone insulation

Basalt insulation is produced from mining waste, but most of the constituent substance is given to basalt. The stone wool production process is as follows:

• First, all rock waste, crushed almost to a powder state, is heated at a temperature of 1300-1500 degrees Celsius. At this moment, the base substance melts to the state of thin fibers. At the same time, the process of fiber formation is stopped depending on the required rigidity of the basalt insulation boards. That is, if you need soft stone wool, then the fibers will be slightly longer and thicker. If the purpose of production is semi-rigid or rigid boards, then the fiber is made thicker and shorter.
• Then, in special tanks, the fibrous base is mixed with air masses, which allows the fiber to cool and fix it in a chaotic manner relative to each other.
• Next, phenolic resins are added to the resulting mass as a binder. They do not allow the fibers to move from their position, which means that the structure of the stone heat insulator will remain unchanged, subject to the operating conditions.
• The final stage in the production of basalt insulation is the pressing of plates while simultaneously exposed to a temperature of 300 degrees Celsius.

Important: as a layer that reduces the hydrophobicity of the insulation, metallized sheets are used, which are either planted on glue or sewn with a metallized thread. This type of stone slabs performs particularly well when insulating facades for wet finishing or when insulating saunas and baths.

The format and structure of the insulation

According to the type of purpose, all basalt-based heaters can be divided according to shape and structure. So, there are such types of insulating material:

• Plates. The most popular heat insulator. It is used for insulation of flat horizontal/vertical and inclined surfaces. Easy to install, light and easy to cut.
• Mats (rolls). They have a softer structure and are used if the object does not experience an increased bearing load. They can also be used for insulation of ventilation and industrial equipment of increased fire hazard.
• Cylinders. A special subspecies of basalt wool, used for warming highways for various purposes, including gas pipelines.

According to its structure, basalt can be:

• soft . More flexible insulation. Unlike plates, it has a lower density and is most often sold in mats and rolls.
• Semi-rigid. This type of mineral material is most often sold in two forms - cylinders or slabs. This structure has proven itself in the construction work of private and industrial purposes.
• Rigid slabs. This material has the highest density and is used where high bearing loads on the object are provided, as well as increased fire hazard of equipment. Plates of increased rigidity are especially often used in industry.

Characteristics of insulation based on basalt

To understand the difference between basalt (stone) wool and glass wool (or polystyrene), let's study in detail the technical characteristics of basalt insulation. So, they look like this:

• Thermal conductivity. For stone wool, the thermal conductivity level is from 0.032 to 0.048 W/(m*K), while foam and foamed rubber have the same values. Glass wool is slightly larger and transmits heat faster, but not significantly.
• fire resistance. This criterion is important when choosing a heater. So, it is worth knowing that stone wool begins to melt only at a temperature of 1114 degrees Celsius, but does not ignite. At the same time, the foam is able to burn already at a temperature of 400-500 degrees. In addition, basalt wool can compare favorably in that it tends to self-extinguish when melted, while polystyrene foam will also emit harmful styrene and phenol vapors into the atmosphere.
• Hydrophobicity. Here the insulation is slightly inferior to expanded polystyrene. But not critical. The percentage of water absorption by stone wool is only 2%. At the same time, the foam does not absorb water at all. However, if stone wool gets wet for a long time, then the structure of the slabs and mats will still lose its original state.
• Vapor permeability. Here the indicator is 0.3 mg / (m * h * Pa). This suggests that breathing walls made of wood or brick can easily let their vapors out without fear of being subject to the negative and destructive effects of condensate. That will successfully pass through the structure of basalt wool and come out. That is, moisture is not terrible for walls or insulation.
• Soundproofing. Basalt wool perfectly suppresses noise both from outside and inside apartment partitions. Therefore, this type of insulation is especially in demand by developers whose facilities are located in a noisy area.
• Density. Here the density level of boards and mats can vary from 30 to 159 kg/m3. Accordingly, with an increase in the density of the arrangement of fibers in the structure of basalt, its rigidity also increases.

• Strength . Stone insulation is not prone to deformation over a long period of time. The exception is a large amount of water that has fallen on the insulation. So, for compression, stone wool can withstand from 5 to 80 kilopascals.
• Environmental friendliness. Plates and mats of basalt insulation, although they contain phenolic resins, are still considered an environmentally friendly material, since a larger amount of phenols has already been neutralized at the stage of insulation production. Therefore, slabs and mats can be used both outside and inside objects.
• Chemical and biological inertness. Basalt insulation does not rot, does not rust, does not react with metal and other aggressive media. At the same time, no microorganisms and living beings are able to live in the material.

Important: when working with stone wool, despite the ease and simplicity of its operation, it is necessary to use protective clothing. Since the plates can crumble slightly when cutting, which gives allergenic pollen. And when installing segments of insulation, all joints should be closed with scraps of basalt fiber material.

Since basalt-based mineral insulation has a different density and shape, you need to be guided by the following principles when choosing a material:

• To insulate a sloping roof, it is better to use a material whose thickness will be at least 15 cm, and the density - from 40 kg / m3.
• To achieve high-quality sound insulation in interior partitions, you can use a heater with a density of 40-60 kg / m3. This will be enough, and overpaying - it makes no sense.
• To insulate the exterior walls of the house, it is recommended to use basalt insulation boards with a thickness of 10 cm or more and a density of at least 80 kg/m3.
• If a ventilated facade will be installed in two layers, then it is advisable to use two types of material - soft wool and then more rigid. At the same time, softer material should be arranged closer to the walls, and hard plates closer to the facade finish.

Important: when buying basalt-based insulation, pay attention to the packaging. As a rule, the manufacturer packs the material in a shrink film, which prevents moisture from getting inside. And if the packaging is torn or broken in places, it is better to refuse such a purchase. It is possible that during storage or transportation of the insulation, moisture has already got into it, which reduces the thermal insulation properties of basalt wool.

Manufacturers and cost of basalt insulation

In the Russian market, the most popular are basalt heaters from such manufacturers:

• This manufacturer has a heater of any density and shape. Most often, the plates are packed in 12-24 pieces. in the package. The cost of basalt from Knauf starts from 16 USD. for packing.
• Here, the insulation also has two types - rolls and plates. The cost of slab insulation starts from 14 USD. for packing.
• The cost of insulation from this manufacturer also starts from 14-24 USD. for packing.
• A new manufacturer of basalt-based insulation, but already well proven. The cost of the material starts from 24 USD. for packing in slabs or rolls.

We hope that the characteristics and cost of basalt fiber material given in the material will help you make the right choice and insulate your object with high quality.

What is stone wool, what varieties of this insulation exist, its technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, how to choose the right material and do-it-yourself installation features.

Description and features of stone wool production

Stone wool is one of the varieties of mineral fibrous heat insulators. It can be made from various rocks, but the material based on basalt fibers is considered the highest quality. Therefore, this insulation is also called "basalt wool".

In this heat insulator, synthetic impurities are contained in minimal quantities, and the excellent natural characteristics of the stone are preserved. The fibers are intertwined and connected with the help of special substances. The latter are phenol and formaldehyde in the form of resins.

The method of producing stone fibers was invented after an unusual discovery in Hawaii. There, after the volcanic eruption, the so-called "Pele's hair" was discovered - thin threads of frozen volcanic rock. They became the forerunners of basalt fiber, created in their likeness, but already under production conditions. Stone wool was first produced in 1897 in the USA.

In modern conditions, the material is made using the principles of the operation of volcanoes. In special furnaces, at a temperature of about 1500 degrees above zero, rocks are melted and a liquid melt is obtained. It is drawn into fibers using various methods: centrifugal-roller, blowing, centrifugal-blowing, centrifugal-spin-blowing, and others. The thickness of the finished fibers is no more than seven microns, the length is no more than five centimeters.

After the fibers are formed, a binder is added to them, spraying it, watering the basalt "carpet" or preparing hydromasses. In order to endow products with certain technical properties, during the manufacturing process, the material is additionally processed with special solutions that increase density, vapor permeability, and hydrophobicity.

After applying binders and technical fluids, the basalt carpet is subjected to heat treatment at temperatures up to 230 degrees. Under such conditions, the polycondensation reaction takes place. After heat treatment, ready-made stone wool is obtained with a specific open cell structure, which is able to withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius. Organic substances in this material contain no more than 3%.

The main types of stone wool

Based on its texture, shape and suitability for certain purposes, stone wool is divided into several types.

In terms of hardness, stone wool insulation can be:

• soft. This material is made from fibers of the smallest thickness. They create a huge number of cavities that hold air. It is he who prevents heat loss. Soft stone wool is used where no large mechanical loads are expected. It is suitable for insulation of facades, walls using frame technology, roofs and other things.
• medium hardness. The fibers that are used in the production of this stone wool are more rigid, which allows the material to be used for thermal insulation of facades where high-speed air flows take place. Also, this heat insulator is suitable for heat, fire, sound insulation of ventilation ducts.
• hard. The fibers of this material are the thickest and most durable. This type of insulation is used in places where heavy loads are expected. It is possible to lay hard basalt wool under a concrete screed, it can be used to insulate walls with subsequent reinforcement and plastering directly on the heat insulator.

Stone wool can be produced in the form of rolls (soft material), slabs (medium and high fiber stiffness), as well as cylinders. The latter are used for thermal insulation of pipelines. As a rule, their sizes are suitable for insulating pipes with a diameter of more than two inches (50 millimeters).

There is another type of stone wool - foil material. It provides double insulation. That is, it not only does not release heat beyond its own limits, but also reflects it, directing warm air into the building. This heat insulator can have one-sided foiling and two-sided. This foil-coated stone wool is versatile and can be used in any environment.

Specifications of stone wool

The technical characteristics of this insulation allow it to be used both for heat and sound insulation, and for protection against fire. Consider the main properties of stone wool:

1. Thermal conductivity of stone wool. The fibers in the insulation are randomly located, not strictly oriented. The material has an air structure. A large number of air gaps makes stone wool an excellent heat insulator. The coefficient of thermal conductivity is low - from 0.032 to 0.048 W / (m * K). According to this indicator, cotton wool is close to cork, foamed rubber, extruded polystyrene foam.
2. hydrophobicity. This type of mineral wool practically does not absorb water. Water absorption by volume is less than two percent. This allows you to use this material for warming wet rooms - bathrooms, saunas, baths, basements.
3. Vapor permeability. Regardless of the density of stone wool, it has excellent vapor permeability. The moisture contained in the air penetrates through the insulation without any problems. In this case, condensation does not form, and the material does not get wet. This quality of stone wool guarantees optimal temperature and humidity conditions in a room insulated with this heat insulator. Vapor permeability averages 0.3 mg/(m*h*Pa).
4. fire resistance. Basalt fiber wool is considered a non-combustible material. In addition, it can act as an obstacle to open fire. The maximum allowable temperature that the material can withstand without melting is 1114 degrees Celsius. Therefore, stone wool can be used to insulate devices that operate at high temperatures. According to fire safety standards, this insulation belongs to the NG group.
5. Soundproofing. This insulation is able to muffle the vertical sound waves that go inside the walls. By absorbing acoustic waves, stone wool reduces the reverberation time and does not transmit sound not only into the insulated room, but also into neighboring rooms.
6. Strength. Due to the random arrangement of fibers in stone wool, even a material with a low density can withstand heavy loads. With a deformation of ten percent, the insulation has strength limits for compression of 5-80 kilopascals. This property of stone wool guarantees a long service life without changes in shape and size.
7. Chemical and biological activity. In chemical terms, this insulation is passive. It does not react with metal, wood, plastic and other materials. In addition, the heat insulator is not characterized by rotting, damage by microorganisms, rodents.
8. Environmental Safety. The presence of phenol-formaldehyde resin in the composition of the material causes a lot of controversy regarding the environmental friendliness of stone wool. However, according to recent studies, the content of toxic substances in basalt fibers is extremely low. In addition, they do not stand out from cotton wool, since they are neutralized at the production stages.
9. Stone wool thickness. Recently, this insulation has been produced with a thickness multiple of 50 millimeters. The same is the minimum thickness of the material. This heat insulator is used under a concrete screed, for floor insulation. The maximum thickness reaches 200 millimeters. Typically, such stone wool is used on the upper floors of multi-storey buildings.
10. Stone wool dimensions. Stone wool in rolls is up to 10 meters long. The width is usually within 1.2 meters. The material in the plates has dimensions of 1000x1200 millimeters.

Advantages of stone wool

Stone wool is considered one of the most popular among other mineral fiber heat insulators. Among its advantages are the following:

• Excellent thermal insulation. Stone wool can be used even in harsh winter conditions. It is used for insulation of walls, facades, floors, roofs, pipelines and other elements of both domestic and industrial use.
• Good sound insulation. In a house insulated with stone wool, you will not be disturbed by outside sounds. Any acoustic waves are able to extinguish this material. It also dampens vibrations well.
• fire safety. Modern types of stone wool are not combustible and do not spread fire. Fibers can only melt, sinter, and then if the temperature reaches above 1000 degrees.
• Versatility. It is possible to insulate with this material buildings that have long been erected or just built. At the same time, the presence of high-quality supply ventilation does not matter. Stone wool does not interfere with air microcirculation.
• Chemical resistance. The material is not afraid of aggressive alkalis, acids, oils, solvents.
• Water resistance. Due to the processing of fibers with special hydrophobic compounds, stone wool will not absorb water and therefore lose its qualities. Therefore, the material withstands short contact with water perfectly.
• Long service life. Stone wool does not lose its thermal insulation qualities for a long time - up to 50 years or more.
• Low specific gravity. This heat insulator is easy to transport and install even on your own.
• Fast installation. It is especially convenient to lay stone wool in slabs. They are large and cover a large area at a time.
• Environmental friendliness. The material is harmless both during installation and during operation. It almost does not produce dust, like other types of fibrous insulation, and it can be laid without the use of a large number of protective equipment and devices.

Disadvantages of stone wool

There are not many cons to this heater. Basically, they appear in cases where you purchase poor quality stone wool from unscrupulous manufacturers. Then the material can get wet, which means it can lose its hydrophobic properties, be brittle, and even release toxic elements into the air.

In general, the following disadvantages of stone wool can be distinguished:

1. Relatively high price. Such a cost differs from the material from well-known brands, which guarantee that the insulation is made of pure basalt rocks, is environmentally friendly and will last a long time.
2. Small amount of dust. Stone wool fibers practically do not prick, unlike glass or slag wool. However, shaking the basalt insulation leads to the appearance of small clouds of dust. Inhaling them is definitely not recommended. Therefore, it is worth using a respiratory mask during work.
3. The presence of seams at the joints. The so-called cold bridges occur in places where stone wool slabs or mats do not touch tightly enough. Therefore, in order to avoid heat loss, during installation it is necessary to seal these holes with foam.

Criteria for choosing stone wool

It is necessary to choose stone wool based on your goals and the place where the insulation is used. When purchasing material, pay attention to the following recommendations:

• If you are going to insulate a roof that is built with a slope, then buy a heat insulator that has a thickness of 15 centimeters and a density of up to 40 kilograms per cubic meter. Otherwise, over time, the insulation runs the risk of sagging.
• To isolate interior partitions, use stone wool with a density of up to 50 kg/m 3 . This indicator will provide the necessary sound insulation.
• Load-bearing walls are recommended to be insulated from the outside. So you will take out the dew point, where the condensate will appear, to the street. It is advisable to use stone wool with a thickness of about 10 centimeters and a density of at least 80 kilograms per cubic meter.
• To insulate a ventilated facade, choose wool, which consists of two layers, or lay the material in two layers. Moreover, each will have a different density: loose - near the walls, dense - outside.

When choosing a heater, pay attention to its packaging. Most manufacturers wrap products in shrink wrap. If it has tears, parts of the material are exposed, then you should refuse to buy, as it may get wet during storage and lose its thermal insulation qualities.

Price and manufacturers of stone wool

It is recommended to choose stone wool from several of the most famous brands. These manufacturers ensure that the quality of their products is at a high level. The most popular brands are:

1. Knauf. The product line includes stone wool for all areas of use. Thermo Roll is suitable for warming horizontal and vertical surfaces, the price of a roll is from 1.2 thousand rubles. Thermo Plate 037 is excellent for thermal insulation of floors, partitions, ceilings between floors, external walls. The package contains from 12 to 24 boards. The price of stone wool ranges from 1000 to 1400 rubles. LMF AluR are foil-coated basalt slabs that provide not only sound and heat insulation, but also fire safety. The cost of a roll is about 1000 rubles.
2. Ursa. It offers materials for the insulation of civil and industrial buildings. There are several lines of stone wool. Pure One is a new generation material. Absolutely non-combustible, environmentally friendly, with high thermal insulation performance. One roll costs about 1500 rubles. XPS boards are designed for thermal insulation of facades, external walls, interfloor ceilings. The cost of packaging - from 1500 rubles.
3. rockwool. The most popular stone wool lines from this brand are Cavity Butts and Roof Butts. It is a material in slabs for the insulation of external walls, facades and roofs. The price of products ranges from 1000 to 1500 rubles per package.
4. Isover. This French manufacturer produces a huge range of insulation based on basalt fibers. The most popular types are: Isover Classic, Isover KT-37, Isover KL-37. The first is produced in the form of rolls of two mats. The price starts from 1500 rubles per pack. The second and third are the material in the slabs. It is preferred when handling rolls is difficult. The cost ranges from 900 to 1200 rubles per pack.
5. TechnoNIKOL. This manufacturer of stone wool has the following product range by series: Basalite, Technofas, Rocklight. Basalite is basalt wool in slabs that can be used for thermal insulation of roofs, facades, pipelines, floors, partitions. A pack of 10 pieces will cost 1300 rubles. Technofas are lightweight basalt fiber slabs. There are 4 pieces in the package. Its price is from 800 rubles. Rocklite is a versatile tile material. A pack of 12 products costs from 800 rubles.

Brief instructions for installing stone wool

To install basalt insulation on a facade or external walls, you will need special glue and dowels with a large cap. It is not recommended to attach the material only to glue, as it can fall off with gusts of wind or mechanical stress.

Also, during the installation of stone wool, you will need a construction knife, a metal or wooden profile (slats). With their help, it will be necessary to equip the crate. If the plates have a high density - from 100 kilograms per cubic meter, then for cutting you will need a hacksaw for wood.

We carry out the work in stages:

• We fix the vapor barrier film on the wall.
• We install the profile or bars vertically with a step that slightly exceeds the width of the roll or insulation plate. The material must be placed so that it holds itself between the profiles.
• We fill the finished cells with basalt wool, which is pre-lubricated with glue. Lightly press the insulation to the surface.
• We begin to collect a layer of thermal insulation from the bottom up.
• After you have assembled one row of stone wool, you need to fix the slabs or mats with dowels. To firmly fix the material on the wall, you will need 5-6 fasteners per square meter.
• The resulting gaps between the slabs or stone wool mats are filled with scraps of insulation, and covered with mounting foam on top.
• After covering the entire surface with material, place a windproof membrane on top. At the joints we glue with tape.

As a rule, high-density slabs are used to insulate facades and external walls, so immediately after their installation is completed, you can start applying plaster over them. This is called the "wet" method of insulation. We pre-glue the corners of the building with a reinforcing mesh. Also, siding, artificial stone can act as a facing material.

Watch the video review of stone wool:

Basalt fiber insulation is a material that is widely used in the field of thermal insulation. The excellent characteristics of stone wool and many varieties make it possible to use it for insulation of roofs, facades, external walls, partitions, floors, pipelines. A simple installation is within the power of even non-professionals.

Thermal insulation materials are used to insulate the house. Among them, stone wool is of particular interest due to its popularity. It is often used for insulation of industrial buildings, apartments, houses in the private sector. But not everyone understands what it is. This article describes the varieties of stone wool, its characteristics, as well as the best manufacturers that guarantee reliability and high quality.

What is stone wool?

Stone wool is made from volcanic rock. In its natural form, it is a solid material, so that it takes on a “cotton” shape, it is melted and separated into fibers. Depending on the manufacturer, one or another technology (centrifugal or spunbond drawing, blowing, windrowing) can be used for this procedure. The basalt treated in this way becomes free-flowing, and so that it does not crumble, and in order to be able to form a certain shape from it, the fibers are treated with a sticky substance.

Phenol-formaldehyde resin is the same adhesive, in any case, it is used more often than analogues. It glues the fibers, due to which they make layers of the required thickness. The stone wool is then treated with a special oil to make it water-repellent. The last stages of production are cutting and packaging of insulation.

Photo insulation of the facade with stone wool

Varieties of stone wool

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Stone wool is of different types. Basically, it is divided into types according to density.

• Soft cotton wool, she is a roll insulation. Its density ranges from 10-50 kg/m. cube Thermal conductivity coefficient 0.033 W/m*S. It is used in the improvement of pipelines, frames, ceilings, partitions.
• A semi-rigid board can have a density of 60 to 80 kg/m. cube The coefficient of thermal conductivity is 0.039 W / m * C. It is often used for facades, roofs, ceilings or in sandwich panels.
• Rigid board has a density of 90-175 kg/m. cube The coefficient of thermal conductivity is 0.046 W / m * C. This insulation is used for surfaces that are subject to significant mechanical stress. It can be a floor, a roof, a foundation, underground pipelines, etc.

At the time of purchase, the density of the material is always indicated in the form of a letter marking. Soft stone wool - PM, hard - PZh, and semi-rigid - PP. The numbers that are written next to these letters with a hyphen indicate the density itself. Most often found on sale: PM-40, PM-50, PP-70, PP-80, PZH-100 and PZH-120.

In terms of geometric characteristics, there is no single classification, because different manufacturers can offer completely different products. Here, many depend on where exactly the insulation will be laid. But the thickness of stone wool from different manufacturers is identical. It is sold in thicknesses of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mm.

Photo of stone wool in a roll and slabs

There is another classification according to the type of packaging.

• Stone wool rolls can be plain or with foil on one side to increase heat-reflecting properties. The length of such material in a roll can be from 3 to 50 meters, and the width is 0.6-1.5 meters.
• In slabs - a typical option used for the facade. The slabs are produced in widths of 60-120 cm and lengths of 120-150 cm.
• Shaped - this is the one that has a round shell. It is used to insulate pipelines.

Properties and characteristics of stone wool

Stone wool is often compared to other types of similar material. Namely with glass wool, slag and mineral wool. Below are comparative characteristics that allow you to navigate in one or another parameter of all types.

Parameter	stone wool	Mineral wool	glass wool	slag wool
Average fiber diameter (µm)	5-15	4-12	4-12	4-12
Fiber length	20-50	16	15-50	16
Thermal conductivity (W/m2*k)	0,033-0,046	0,077-0,12	0,038-0,046	0,46-0,48
Use temperature	-190 to +700°C	-60 to +600°C	-60 to +450°C	-60 to +250
Sintering temperature	700-1000	600	450-500	250-300
Heat capacity	500-800	1050	1050	1000
Compressibility (%)	up to 40	40	60	60
Elasticity	71	60	55	50
Flammability class	NG - non-combustible	NG - non-combustible	NG - non-combustible	NG - non-combustible
Sound absorption	0,87-0,95	0,75-0,95	0,8-0,92	0,75-0,82
Vibration resistance	Not	Not	Not	Not
Binder (%)	2.5 to 10	2.5 to 10	2.5 to 10	2.5 to 10
Hydration per day (%)	0,035	0,095	1,7	1,9
Chemical resistance to water	1,6	4,5	6,2	7,8
Chem. resistance to alkaline environment	2,75	6,4	6	7
Chem. acid resistance	22	24	38,9	68,7
Release of harmful substances	Yes, if there are harmful binders	Yes	Yes	Yes
The need for binders	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
causticity	Not	Not	Yes	Yes

Advantages and disadvantages

Experts note both the advantages and disadvantages of stone wool, so before buying it for insulation, you need to weigh the pros and cons. What are the advantages of stone wool?

• The material is lightweight, which allows it to be carried and laid without effort during the warming of the room.
• This is a time-tested heater.
• High insulating properties.
• Stone wool is not afraid of temperature changes. Regardless of the weather, it does not expand and does not shrink, it keeps its shape and retains its properties.
• The basic characteristics are the same regardless of the manufacturer. So, for example, insulation from Rockwool and Isobox have similar parameters and qualities, but differ in terms of price, additional raw materials used for production and other details. Hence the price difference.
• The material is not combustible.
• Depending on the quality of the insulation, vapor permeability can vary from 0.3 to 0.55 mg / m hPa. The higher the index, the better this property is expressed.
• Laying stone wool is quite simple, even without practice.

Now about the disadvantages of stone wool.

• Contrary to misconceptions, it does not scare away rodents. Mice and rats are not afraid of it and can safely live in it.
• The environmental friendliness of stone wool is often called into question due to the fact that the fibers are held together by resins during production. Manufacturers rarely explain what these resins are, their exact composition and whether they are harmful, so the question remains open.
• During the laying of stone wool, dust is generated, which is highly recommended not to be inhaled. Therefore, you can only work with it in a respirator.

Photo of stone wool TechnoNIKOL and Rockwool

Where is stone wool used?

Since the 20th century, stone wool has become widespread. Due to the fact that it is 95% natural material, it is used to insulate a wide variety of types of buildings.

• Walls. As a heater for the facade, this material is very popular. Thermal insulation properties prevent heat loss in winter and keep cool in summer.
• The floors are often insulated. It allows you to make screeds, provides sound insulation.
• Roofs (flat and pitched) are partially insulated with this insulation. True, it is not recommended to use only stone wool, but it is suitable as part of the protection.
• Partitions inside rooms are often made with the participation of this material. It provides additional sound insulation.
• Bearing beams and columns, reinforced concrete floors, transit ducts, cable and pipe passages can be made using stone wool. This provides fire protection and additional safety to the inhabitants of the premises.

The best stone wool manufacturers

Stone wool is produced by many manufacturers, but not all of them guarantee quality and durability. In order not to regret buying in the future, you should focus on leading manufacturers.

• TechnoNIKOL is a well-known manufacturer. Stone wool TechnoNIKOL comes out in series. For example, Rocklight - plates, cost from $ 12 per cubic meter. Teploroll - a roll, at a price of up to $ 23 per cubic meter. Technoacoustic - has excellent soundproofing properties. Price from 45 dollars.
• Isover - French manufacturer. Notable lines are Isover Classic, Isover KL-37 and Isover KT-37. The price depends on the type of product and quantity, but on average you can find products from $13 and up.
• Isobox - not an expensive type of stone wool from a domestic manufacturer. Products are produced in batches ("Light", "Inside", "Facade", "RUF", "Extralight") in automatic mode.
• Ursa - a well-known company, the material of which is used for the insulation of both residential, private houses, apartments, and industrial complexes. This company offers a new version of stone wool - Pure One, which is environmentally friendly and has high performance. One roll will cost $23 on average. There are also products in slabs for about the same cost.
• rockwool is the most popular brand. A lot of people heard about him and it's not surprising. The manufacturer focuses on quality and durability. Well-known stone wool lines are Roof Butts and Cavity Butts. The average cost of a package or roll is $15-23.
• Knauf produces stone wool of various types. Thermo Plate 0.37 is a good choice for floors, facades, partitions. The package contains 12-24 plates. The approximate cost is 15-22 dollars. Tormo Roll is an analogue in the form of a roll. It is recommended for warming any vertical and horizontal surfaces. The cost of one roll is from 18 dollars. There are also foil-lined products that start at $15 and up.

Photo of wall insulation with stone wool