What to cut mineral wool insulation

What are the mineral wool remnants good for?

Remnants of insulation should not be thrown away: they will also be useful for the pantry or utility room. Many people strive for budget insulation, so they use scraps and leftover material.

mineral wool waste can be recycled for subsequent use. In this case, special machines are used.

For the process of insulating the room went properly, you should know what to cut the mineral wool and how to do it. If you follow the simple rules of work with this insulation, you can achieve a good result.

Basalt heater is a subspecies of mineral wool, it is also called rock wool.

The advantage of this material will be that it:

• environmentally friendly (made from natural raw materials);
• easy to use (cutting and fitting)
• service life of about 50 years;
• low thermal conductivity (due to the air layer);
• almost does not absorb moisture (absorption not more than 5%);
• lets the steam pass through;
• does not support combustion;
• High noise insulation;
• does not irritate the skin upon contact;
• sound-absorbing material.
• the high price of the material;
• In the process of cutting and installing the basalt wool dust (from which you can protect yourself with a respirator);
• not tightness of the seams obtained during installation;
• not suitable for insulation of the basement and cellar.

There is a variety not only in thickness of material, but also on the scope of application:

• soft (for ventilated insulation);
• medium hardness;
• rigid (mounted before plaster, screed);
• cylindrical (for insulation of the pipeline);
• foiled (universal).

Basalt wool is used both for insulation of facades, roofs, floors, and for soundproofing of buildings.

Before installing basalt wool, note that the temperature must be kept below 20 and not above 25, the surface must be dry. When installing inside the premises must first be cleaned of dirt and dust, and pre-immersed.

If installation is performed outside the premises, it is necessary to remove all protruding and sharp elements, remove plaster (if any) and prime. Outdoor insulation is of two types, when the basalt wool is glued with adhesive directly to the wall, then covered with a reinforcing mesh and plaster is applied on top.

The next method of insulation is called a ventilated method, this method is more complicated and it is very important to do it right. The point is that between the wool and the wall slab must be left a small distance to ventilate the insulation, and so that condensate does not accumulate on it.

In the process of insulating the floor, you do not need to use glue or dowels, first lay the rock wool, and then lay the floor.

Correct transport of the material

Since the material is porous, brittle and hygroscopic, it must be handled accordingly.

When transporting and storing mineral wool, it is recommended to observe the following rules:

• In the process of loading and unloading do not throw the packages, and lay them carefully, avoiding their fall and strong compression.
• Use covered trucks to transport the bales, placing them horizontally on a flat bottom. Fix the insulation so that it does not hit the walls of the body.
• Store products in dry closed rooms. If this is not possible and it is stored outdoors, it should be covered with a film or tarpaulin to protect it from precipitation.
• Remove boards from the pack just before laying them. It will prevent moisture absorption and reduce the risk of accidental damage to the material.

Warming technology involves installation of boards back-to-back, with a compression of 1-2 cm on each side. On this basis, cut mineral wool should be inaccurate in size by no more than 0.5 cm.

Variety of mineral wool

There are different types of mineral wool: glass and basalt. The latter is made from a rock. gabbro-basalt. During the manufacture carbonates are added to it, which allows to regulate its acidity.

Such a factor as. acidity, is of great importance for mineral wool. The more acidic the wool, the less sensitive to water.

The type of wool, which has more acidity, is considered more durable. Synthetic, bituminous or composite clays are added to give it shape. Glass wool requires no special explanation, its name speaks for itself.

This is a mineral composition, for the manufacture of which, use the same components as for glass (it can be broken glass).

The two types of wool differ in properties. Glass wool is usually thicker by 15 microns (from 3 microns), but basalt wool is several times longer.

The conclusion is inescapable: glass wool is a stronger material that can withstand more aggressive environmental factors than basalt. Also glass wool does not burn.

Thermal insulation of roofs with mineral wool is difficult to work on sloping roofs with a rafter structure. In such cases, it is better to use dense wool. To prevent moisture from accumulating under the roof, you should use cellulose wool.

Remains of mineral wool

There is some unspent material left over after the thermal insulation is done. Given its unique characteristics, there is no need to rush to get rid of scraps of boards. They can be used beneficially in the household. If this is not planned to do immediately, the insulation should be hermetically sealed and stored out of reach of children and animals.

Mineral wool is advisable to use to insulate such structures:

• dog kennel;
• a shed for pets;
• Blind area around the house;
• garage walls and ceiling;
• home workshop;
• basement;
• food cellar.

Benefit from the leftover mineral wool can be made by surrendering it to a recycling collection point. The accepted material is sold to companies that produce granules from it, serving for the re-production of insulation.

What we’re going to cut with

On an industrial scale to cut mineral insulation use special machine equipment. Consider how to cut the mineral wool insulation yourself at home.

Often a mounting knife is used to cut mineral wool. But it has one disadvantage. a short blade, which is not suitable for working with thick slabs of insulation. In addition, the blade dulls quickly and must be replaced.

Sometimes uses a special hacksaw for wood or metal, and craftsmen have found what to cut the mineral wool at home. a kitchen knife notched to cut the loaf.

But still, choosing what to cut stone, glass or slag wool, it is better to use special tools.

Knife with stainless steel blade

Knife for cutting insulation material with a long blade of durable stainless steel is suitable for working with mineral wool of any thickness. To cut insulation of different rigidity, on each side of it there are teeth of larger and smaller size. Such a blade enters easily into the thickness of the board, allowing you to make even shaped cuts due to the sharp tip.

Knife with a blade of carbon steel

Mineral wool cutting knife with carbon steel blade has high cutting quality and is easy to sharpen. However, it requires more care compared to a stainless steel blade because it is prone to rusting. It must be wiped dry after each use and lubricated.

What is the best way to cut mineral wool?

A distinctive feature of mineral insulation is composed of fibers structure, which must be whole to provide thermal insulation. In this regard, special attention should be paid to the cutting process. Never use a pair of cardboard or cloth cutters, or a regular table knife, to cut through the material. These tools are not designed for this material, as they can spoil its appearance and degrade its useful properties. It is very useful for beginners repairers and builders to know what tools are suitable for this business.

The characteristics and properties of the material

Mineral wool is produced in the form of slabs and rolls

Before you begin construction or repair work, the owner of the premises think about the criteria by which to choose the material. Currently, the assortment of sales is dazzling with a variety of cloths, which differ from each other in terms of raw materials, price, scope of application, operating characteristics.

The term “mineral wool” refers to three types of materials, namely:

Glass wool (made of fiberglass) is characterized by low density and high hygroscopicity. The material does not have moisture resistance properties, and heat resistance should not be expected from it: when it reaches a high temperature of heating (about 300 degrees), wool fibers melt, and the material is no longer perform the function of the insulation. Glass wool is sold in rolls.

Glass wool is produced by blowing: an industrial centrifuge creates air flows that go straight into the raw material. Due to the air flow fibers appear from the threads, and they may have different length, direction and thickness.

Mineral wool has a low thermal conductivity, transmits steam due to the cells in the structure and almost does not absorb water. In addition to the basics in the composition of little binders, which allows it to withstand high temperatures. The material is widely used as sound insulation and insulator for various substrates and surfaces. Produced in strips that vary in strength.

Slag wool for thermal insulation

Slag wool is the cheapest option for insulation. The material consists of fibres, which are the waste products of blast furnaces, it is not dense and has no good heat resistance. If to overheat a slag wool, it will sinter. Therefore, the material is not suitable for the insulation of premises adjacent to heat sources, as well as not recommended for the construction of houses.

The structure of the horizontal layer of any kind of mineral wool is created along the direction of the fiber. The formation of vertical sections is due to the elements, which are arranged chaotically. Each type of material has its own characteristics and external differences.

Are there any nuances in transportation and storage?

Manufacturers recommend storing mineral wool in a single package, and it is better if the pack will be placed on a flat surface. Each stack of packages should not be higher than 2 meters. Optimal storage conditions are closed rooms, resistant to moisture. It is not recommended to store the insulation outdoors, but if this happens, then it is necessary to cover it with a tarpaulin or film.

Wool should only be stored horizontally

It is worth following the same rules when transporting: transport the wool horizontally and in a dry truck bed. It is also necessary to ensure that the material is protected from mechanical stress and atmospheric precipitation. You can’t squeeze it too hard when loading and unloading the material.

Unpacking the mineral insulation also requires certain nuances. Material should be taken out of the packaging only before the start of work, which will minimize the various risks associated with damage to the insulation. Laying out the material for cutting, use its packaging as a bedding. Thus, the product will not get dirty. Also, the packaging can be used to collect other debris at the construction site.

What is the best way to cut mineral wool??

Professionals use a special machine to separate blades and rolls. But many people wonder: “What is the best way to cut mineral wool in the boards at home to save money?”

Important! To cut mineral wool use a hacksaw for metal or wood.

At home, in order to cut the fabric assembly knife is used. This tool has one drawback, because of the small blade, it is difficult to cut thick boards. That’s why I recommend using a stationery knife only for thin sheets. If this condition is not respected, the fabrics can be destroyed.

Performance features of basalt wool

Basalt and other rocks of its group are used for production. They take thin fibers, in the melt of which limestone (10-15%) or charge is added. Additives increase the resistance of the material to extremely high temperatures, aggressive environments. As a result, there is a thermal insulation, which has quite high performance characteristics:

• thermal insulation and hydrophobization. The first parameter is from 0,042 to 0,048 W/mK. Approximately the same characteristics have other known insulation materials (such as polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam). Minwool is not able to accumulate moisture (hygroscopicity. less than 1%), which makes its weight unchangeable. A distinctive feature can be called a vapor permeability, which guarantees insulation and at the same time an intense exchange of moisture between the outside environment and the walls of the building;
• density, strength. The insulation has a sufficient density (from 30 to 100 kg / cu. m), which guarantees high thermal insulation properties with optimal strength. Stiffness of the material is provided by the direction of the fibers; they are arranged in a horizontal and vertical direction;
• Soundproofing. Good noise protection characteristics are achieved due to the porous structure of the wool;
• resistance to aggressive environment. Wool is “indifferent” to alkalis, acids; it does not rot, fungus does not attack. Rodents also bypass this insulation;
• fire resistance. Basalt wool can withstand heat up to 700 ° C. This protects the structure from total destruction in a fire and gives time to evacuate the occupants;
• health safety. In the manufacture of resins containing harmful substances (formaldehyde, phenol). But following the technology implies their introduction into the composition of the insulation in a chemically bound state. Substances become completely neutral to the environment and pose no danger to humans.

Cutting Tools

Hard slabs can be cut with a well-sharpened loaf knife

In the production process, in order to cut the material into pieces of the required configuration, special stationary equipment is used.

The following tools can be used at home:

• A box cutter. Simple and inexpensive equipment with replaceable blades that are easy to replace as they wear out. Thin steel cuts through basalt and glass base material well, but is virtually powerless against slag slabs. The disadvantage is that this product can only be used to cut mineral wool thicknesses of up to 50mm.
• Metal Hacksaw. Perfect solution when you want to cut slag stone or rock wool up to 100mm thick. Saws are available as single-edged and double-edged blades with fine and coarse teeth. It is easy to choose the most convenient option.
• Special knives. The products have narrow blades up to 34 cm long with unset teeth. Handles are specially adapted for sawing at an optimum angle. Different models have blades made of cold-rolled stainless or carbon steel.
• loaf cutter. The machine is not a bad counterpart to the special tool. Use knives with serrated rather than wavy edges. Blade must be longer than 15 cm.
• Cutting machine. The equipment is quite expensive, but productive. Enables precise and straight cuts. Buying a machine makes sense if there is a large amount of work on insulation.

The choice of the device for cutting mineral wool is conditioned by your own priorities, construction skills and financial capabilities.

How to cut mineral wool insulation

Questions about what and how to cut mineral wool, there are always quite a few. Especially for those who are going to build a house on their own (e.g., a frame house, which involves assembly by themselves). After all, its structure is a fibrous material, in addition to having a certain thickness. Ordinary cutlery knives or scissors designed for cutting cardboard or dense fabrics, it is absolutely not suitable.

However, before you start cutting mineral wool, it is important to deliver it correctly to the construction site. Otherwise the material, brought to a defective state, will not have to be cut, but simply replaced by a new one. And this is an additional cost.

How to transport insulation correctly

This science is simple, but very important. So:

• boards and mats are transported horizontally;
• The truck should always be with a protective tent;
• Transportation is carried out only in a packed form;
• When transporting, loading and unloading works it is important not to compress the heater too strongly;
• Unpacked mineral wool just before the start of insulation work.

Working with Mineral Wool

What shall we cut with?

This can be done with different devices, depending on the thickness of the mineral wool.

• special blades with a length of about 300 mm. Often they are offered by manufacturers of insulation materials. Such a tool has teeth of different sizes to cut mineral wool of different thickness and density;
• Saws with undiluted teeth;
• hacksaw for metal;
• cutting machines. Used when cutting elements of complex shapes. However, for independent construction of their own house, that is, for a single use, to acquire such expensive equipment is not advisable. you will have to adapt to the capabilities of other tools.

How to cut

When cutting mineral wool, it is important to maintain the shape and density of the material, not to get injured and not too costly. Therefore, it is important to follow the following tips:

• in independent construction, when the workers are not sufficiently experienced, it is advisable to consult with experts before starting threading, especially if it is supposed to have pieces of complex shape. This will help prevent unnecessary consumption of insulation;
• the tool for cutting should be well sharpened, so the mineral wool is not torn into fibers and less “dust;
• when slicing the insulation, please note that in order to ensure the dense overlap of the mineral wool insulation space, leave an allowance of about 2 cm;
• It is better to cut rolled mineral wool before it is unrolled;
• mineral wool boards must be taken out of their packages and cut one by one;
• it is not recommended to cut mineral wool “in advance”, for the entire amount of work at once. this increases the risk of accidental damage to its shape by additional shifting from place to place or stacking pieces on top of each other.

It is important to create a safe working environment

This is really important. As in any case, observing simple safety precautions will help to preserve health, to carry out the work in optimal time and at a high quality level. Things to watch out for:

• it is better to cut insulation in mild weather, as you must wear a protective suit of thick cloth to work, which will prevent skin contact with the fibers of mineral wool and its irritation;
• To protect your hands wear special gloves. with silicone or rubber coating on the palms;
• special goggles will be needed to protect your eyes;
• A respirator will protect your respiratory organs.

Such measures are necessary because when cutting insulation, particles of material rise into the air from under the knives. Which can get in the eyes, respiratory tract, as well as cause skin irritation.

• When working with this type of insulation must periodically arrange a break, during which to ventilate the room;
• transfer the cut pieces should be carefully, not throwing, in order to reduce the amount of fibrous suspension in the air;
• No children should be on the construction site at this time, even in protective gear.

As you can see from the above, there is nothing too complicated about slicing mineral wool. If the designated rules are followed, it is not difficult to perform work in a quality and safe manner.