ecowool properties. Ecowool: characteristics, pros and cons, methods of laying and blowing. Frame insulation technology
Many of us, engaged in construction, faced the problem of choosing a heater for buildings. To date, the market offers many different types of heaters, which differ:
By its quality;
Manufacturing materials (natural or synthetic);
By cost;
According to the consumption of insulation material;
According to the service life of the heater;
According to thermal insulation properties and many other characteristics.
The most optimal option, which appeared at the beginning of the 20th century on the market of North America and Europe, is cellulose insulation, or ecowool. Customer reviews about it are of a different nature, they are both positive and negative.
Background to the creation of cellulose insulation
The first mass production of recycled cellulose insulation was organized in Germany in 1928. Later, already in the 50s, when the boom in the construction of frame houses in North America and Europe began, the production of ecowool acquired a huge scale. The countries in which cellulose wool as a heater has gained the most popularity are Canada, the USA, Finland, Germany, Austria, and this material is very widely used, oddly enough, in Japan. Cellulose wool in Russia was called "ecowool".
For comparison: in Finland, with a country population not exceeding 5.5 million people, the production of this insulation is almost 25 thousand tons annually, which is more than 1 million square meters of insulated buildings. The main part of the production of ecowool falls on the share of the private construction sector, which is more than 70%. Often, houses are built from modern building materials, which only imitate such natural building materials as glued laminated timber, logs, natural stone, etc. Cellulose wool acts as a heater inside. So, in Finland, the share of private residential premises that are insulated with ecowool is more than 80%. This trend of using this building insulation is explained by the following:
In a humid climate and negative air temperatures, buildings insulated with environmental insulation last much longer than synthetic ones;
Costs for repair and maintenance of premises for the replacement of insulation material are reduced;
Such a heater performs the functions of a thermos: it retains heat in winter, and coolness in hot weather in summer, and also protects all buildings from microorganisms and rodents, which are the scourge of building materials.
Taking into account the above facts, the Ministry of the Museum Department of Finland made a decision obliging all museums in the country to use cellulose wool as the main or additional insulation, since, having hygroscopicity, it maintains the necessary microclimate for museum exhibits and the most legally protected historical buildings.
And in North America, in particular in the USA, the amount of ecowool reached almost 340,000 in 2005 alone.
In Russia, the distribution of cellulose wool began only in the early 90s. Both the total number of enterprises producing ecowool and the number of its consumers is steadily growing exponentially. Because consumers could be convinced of the cellulose and the effect obtained from its use. And the most important thing is the availability and low cost of raw materials for its production.
The structure and composition of ecowool, distinctive features
Ecowool is a heater having a capillary-porous loose structure. It consists of:
Cellulose fiber - 81%;
Flame retardants (to protect against burning) - 12%
Non-volatile antiseptic materials (boric acid) - 7%.
Ecowool is produced mainly from recycled cellulose fiber, namely, waste paper.
Ecowool insulation has a gray or light gray tint.
There are other types of heaters, similar in structure, these are:
glass wool;
Styrofoam.
All these synthetic heaters contain phenolic compounds, which are toxic substances for humans. When these materials are heated to a temperature of 250 degrees Celsius, the binder completely evaporates from them, which makes further use of the material impossible. Also, a big disadvantage of this type of insulation is that they are made from synthetic materials that do not absorb moisture remaining on the surface of the fibers. Ultimately, this leads to the formation of such problems with heaters as:
Formation of condensation on the surface;
Reproduction on the surface of fungal formations and mold;
The formation of "cold seams" in the insulation.
Advantages of ecowool as a hygroscopic material
Ecowool, unlike synthetic materials, due to natural cellulose capillaries in its structure, absorbs moisture by almost 14% and at the same time does not lose its qualities, like other heaters. On the contrary, it retains its qualities in a moist state, like wood, that is, it retains heat and does not freeze. For those who decide to insulate the room with ecowool, there will be no need to use a vapor barrier film, since there is no condensation on the surface.
Insulation materials made of synthetic materials (mineral, basalt and glass wool) have the following negative properties:
The movement of air and moisture occurs along their fibers;
Moisture is not absorbed by materials, but accumulates in the form of condensate, which harms the surrounding building materials;
To remove moisture from the insulation, it is necessary to create ways for its removal through the use of membrane vapor-tight films.
It should also be noted that cellulose wadding, when wet, does not change its volume due to the capillary structure of the fibers. That is, in the cold season, when the outside temperature is below zero and the humidity of the air is constantly increased, the volume of the insulation and, accordingly, the walls will not change.
When the humidity outside the room changes, cellulose wadding compensates for the difference in humidity levels inside due to the hygroscopicity of the fiber structure. This is also important when the outside air temperature increases while the indoor temperature and humidity remain the same. In this way, the room will always be warm in winter and stay cool in the heat of summer, maintaining a favorable climate for materials and, of course, people.
Ecowool is able to absorb water, the reviews of the masters therefore recommend that it also be used for insulating pipelines, since emergency situations of pipe rupture are possible, and in such cases, until the water supply is turned off, it is required to protect the buildings from water penetration as much as possible.
Application of ecowool
The main applications of cellulose wadding:
1. As a thermal insulation material:
For floors of both lower and upper floors in the construction of private and apartment buildings;
When used as an insulating plaster;
For insulation of light frame structures;
Ecowool wall insulation (consisting of several layers);
When carrying out reconstruction work for old buildings;
2. As a soundproof material:
In the ceilings between floors;
In wall partitions.
Ecowool is used to insulate basement, roofing and interfloor floors of residential premises, industrial, commercial, agricultural buildings and structures. As used only internal masonry.
Comparison of ecowool properties with other types of insulation
If we compare ecowool with other heaters, we get the following ratio.
Ecowool layer cm corresponds to:
A layer of 50 cm of wood timber;
Foam concrete layer 46 cm;
18 cm layer of mineral wool;
A layer of expanded clay in 90 cm and 146 cm - from brickwork.
Technical parameters of such cellulose insulation as ecowool, material characteristics:
Density - 40-75 kg / m 3;
Thermal conductivity - 0.036 to 0.042 W / mK
Air tightness - degree D2 (low);
Ignition - degree G2 (moderately combustible);
Vapor resistance - 0.3 mg / (M x H x Pa);
Sorption humidification - 16% for a period of 3 days;
Medium (acid-base balance) - pH = 8.3
Installation of cellulose wool
Installation is carried out in one of two ways:
Automatic (using a blow molding machine: dry or wet-glue).
Manual laying method
This is the most common way of laying ecowool, when it is not possible to use special blowing machines for applying insulation. With this method, the cotton wool is first loosened with a hand tool, as it is pressed when packed into bags. The loosened cotton wool is laid around the entire perimeter of the surface to be insulated, or ecowool insulation is simply poured into these cavities. The reviews and comments of the masters say that for the manual installation method, an important condition is compliance with the rules for laying wool to obtain the desired insulation result. So, according to the advice of experts, the rate of laying ecowool for walls is about 70 kg per 1 m 3. If ecowool is used for floors, the consumption will be 2 times less, that is, 35 kg per m 3.
Automatic laying method
1. Dry mounting method. The most optimal and fastest way to apply ecowool to the surface, however, this method requires knowledge of the laying methodology from the specialists involved in its installation. To start dry application, it is necessary to cover the inner surfaces of the frame with kraft paper or construction paper, thus obtaining a closed volume of space for filling. Cardboard or paper is fastened with a stapler or construction adhesive tape, since under air pressure the paper surface can be blown out by air pressure or squeezed out by the volume of insulation.
2. Wet-glue application method. With this method, a solution is created from ecowool using a water-adhesive (PVA-dispersion) special solution. With the help of the installation, ecowool is blown into the previously created space. Then the excess layer is cut off and dried with heat guns. The advantage of this method is that it is visual, that is, areas of filling the frame are visible.
There are also additional requirements for applying cotton wool in this way:
Ecowool spraying in the room should take place at a temperature not lower than +5 degrees Celsius;
Complete drying should take place in the period from 2 to 5 days, while the temperature regime should not change;
Ventilation must be installed for wet vapors from the insulation layers.
Additional benefits of using ecowool, reviews consumers
Ecowool is the most cost-effective option for insulating rooms. Since ecowool (the cost of which is much lower than other heaters) has antiseptics in its composition, this provides a longer service life, protection against damage by fungal formations and mold, and also repels rodents. Ecowool has good adhesion:
To the tree;
to concrete;
To the brick
For glass and metal.
At the same time, it has a passive chemical environment. That is, when interacting with metals, concrete or wood, it will not cause corrosion, rust or decay. Ecowool also has fire resistance characteristics, while not emitting toxic substances at elevated temperatures that are dangerous to human life and health.
Description
Mytishchi ecowool
Cellulose insulation material of gray (light gray) color usually consists of 81% recycled cellulose (recycled newsprint), 12% antiseptic (boric acid), and 7% fire retardants (borax). The fibers of the material contain lignin, which, when the material is moistened, binds the fibers and structural elements. All components of this material are non-toxic, non-volatile, natural components harmless to humans. Cellulose insulation resists open fire for a long time, does not rot, has good heat and sound insulation, at the level of the best examples of insulating materials. The thermal conductivity coefficient of the material is 0.037-0.042 W / (m * K), and it is also able to retain up to 20% moisture in the upper layers of the insulation, which has almost no effect on the thermal insulation properties. The material easily releases moisture to the environment due to the capillary structure of cellulose fibers and does not lose its properties when dried. Application density is 28-65 kg/m3. The flammability group depends on the technical conditions of the manufacturer. Reference indicators: G2 - moderately flammable (GOST 30244), V2 (DIN 4102) - moderately flammable (GOST 30402), D2 - moderately smoke-generating ability (2.14.2 and 4.18 GOST 12.1.044), RP-1 - flame spread over the surface "0" (DSTU B V.2.7-38-95) Air permeability - low, with a material density of 35.0-40.0 kg / m3 only (80-120) x10-6 m3 / msPa, vapor permeability - 0.3 mg /(mchPa), sorption humidification according to GOST 17177.5 for 72 hours - 16%. Value = 7.8-8.3, therefore, ecowool is a chemically passive medium and does not cause corrosion of metals in contact with it.
Story
The thermal insulation properties of cellulose have been known for a long time. At the end of the 19th century, a wide study of the properties of paper material was also carried out, as a result of which the technology for the production of ecowool was created. In 1928, the first production of insulation was opened in Germany.
Advantages
- cost-effective thermal insulation material on the market.
- biostability - ecowool eliminates the appearance of fungi, mold, rodents, insects.
- environmental friendliness - the environmental friendliness of ecowool is in doubt, as it contains boric acid and borax.
- has adhesion to metal, glass, wood, brick, concrete
- a high degree of fire resistance (the speed of the fire front passing through the ecowool is about 2 mm / min).
- when properly laid with the correct densities, it does not shrink over the years. This fact is confirmed by 80 years of observations conducted by German specialists. Immediately it is worth dispelling the myth about non-shrinking varieties of ecowool. Often, manufacturers go for excessive grinding of cellulose fiber, so as not to make it difficult for themselves to comply with the norms of densities during blowing, however, such non-shrinkage ultimately leads to a decrease in the properties of ecowool and to excessive dusting during blowing.
- sound insulation and noise reduction - high noise isolation index (if there are conclusions)
- ease of application of insulation in hard-to-reach places
- effective use in building renovation
- low breathability
- high resistance to "convective" losses, that is, the natural physical process of squeezing warm air out of the insulation layer with cold air
Flaws
- the low density of the insulation does not make it possible to organize "floating" floors
- for high-quality insulation of complex surfaces, special equipment is required
- with a dry laying method, it generates dust during installation, while the dust contains boric acid and borax
Applications
Cellulose insulation is used in Germany, England, Finland, Japan, USA, Canada and other European countries. In different countries, the insulation has different brands. At the same time, the structural composition of the insulation is not the same everywhere.
Ecowool packaging
Mounting methods
There are three ways to install cellulose insulation in construction:
- Hand laying
- Mechanized dry laying (using blowing machines)
- Spraying wetted material onto the surface (using blowing machines and wet application kit)
Hand laying
When manually laid, ecowool is loosened with improvised tools in any container and laid out on an insulated surface: floors, ceilings, attics - or fall asleep in the cavity of a building: walls, attics, roofs. When installing in structures, the required installation density must be observed, e.g. for walls it is min. 65-70 kg/m³. for ceilings - at least 35-40 kg / m³. Manual installation in wall structures requires a lot of attention and time, so it is cost-effective to use this method only for small volumes.
mechanized laying
During mechanized laying, blowing units are used, which loosen the insulation in the bunker and supply it in the air stream to the place of blowing or laying at a distance of up to 200 m horizontally and up to 40 m vertically. Cellulose insulation penetrates into the most inaccessible cavities and gaps, forming a continuous and seamless heat and sound insulation layer, without requiring disassembly of existing structures, even in cases of insulation of structures already in operation.
Wet styling
Wet laying differs from mechanized laying only in that ecowool is applied to structures with water or with water and glue as a binder. This requires the use of a special
Modern building technologies offer a variety of materials that can be used to insulate various buildings. A person always tries to choose the best, especially when it comes to his own home. After all, it’s not for nothing that they say: “My house is my fortress.” And I want this fortress to be distinguished by special comfort, warmth and coziness.
Ecowool occupies a special place among insulating materials. This is a loose, lightweight material, which includes:
- cellulose fiber (waste from cardboard production, waste paper), accounting for about 80% of the total;
- boric acid, which acts as an antiseptic. Protects against the appearance and reproduction of fungus and bacterial flora. It is about 12%;
- flame retardants that have insecticidal properties. In addition, this component reduces the level of flammability of the insulating material. It makes up about 8% of the total mass.
Ecowool has found application in the construction of various structures. It is used for heat and sound insulation of residential premises, trading floors, office buildings, warehouses.
Before using ecowool to insulate a structure for any purpose, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the material, the positive qualities and disadvantages of ecowool.
Ecowool is a popular and time-tested heat and sound insulating material. With 70 years of experience, it has gained fame as a good building material with a long shelf life.
The unique technical characteristics of ecowool make it an affordable and safe material for the construction of country houses, cottages and other non-residential buildings:
- environmentally friendly material that does not contain substances harmful to humans, carcinogens, formaldehyde compounds;
- thermal insulation capacity is high. Thermal conductivity coefficient - 0.032-0.041 W / mS. Fills all the voids, getting into the most inaccessible places. The seamless material does not form "cold bridges", protecting the room from the cold as much as possible in the winter, and perfectly maintains a comfortable temperature in the summer. Residents of cold areas are especially interested in the high thermal conductivity of ecowool;
- soundproofing capacity is 63 dB with a layer of 50 mm thick. It is for this reason that ecowool is used to insulate recording studios, equipment repair hangars, shopping pavilions within the city;
- vapor permeability. The ability to bind moisture, which is up to 30% of its own weight, and release it into the environment without losing its qualities. It is similar to wooden structures. Condensation does not form on the surface and inside the insulation array. Does not require additional vapor barrier, unlike synthetic materials of the same application;
- Fire resistance is above average. Ecowool is a slow-burning and practically non-flammable material. Does not form a flame at temperatures above 1300°C. Possesses low smoke generating ability;
- the material has high biostability, reliably protects the insulated surfaces from rodents, insects, rot and fungi;
- shrinkage of the material is practically absent or gives a low percentage. Due to the presence of cellulose fibers, springy. It has high adhesive properties, perfectly mounted on concrete, brick, glass and metal;
- mounted by spraying, filling the most inaccessible places, which guarantees good insulation of surfaces;
- installation is easy and fast. The dry method of laying the material makes it possible to carry out work even at sub-zero temperatures.
The use of ecowool and comparison with other heaters
Such characteristics of ecowool make it possible to use it as a heat and sound insulating material.
As a heat-insulating material, cellulose wadding is used:
- for insulation of ceilings, both upper (floor) and lower (ceiling), in the construction of private or apartment buildings;
- insulating plaster (on the inside) for the walls of buildings of any purpose;
- for effective insulation of frame structures of light type;
- during the reconstruction of old and dilapidated buildings in order to achieve greater heat retention.
The thermal conductivity of ecowool does not depend on fluctuations in air humidity, which can be perfectly used not only in areas with a cold climate. This material has the quality of making the room in which it is used, a kind of "thermos" - that is, during cold weather, heat is retained in the house. And in the hot season, a comfortable coolness is maintained.
You can use the soundproofing properties of ecowool in such cases:
- for insulation in apartment buildings between floors;
- to eliminate noise in wall partitions;
- as soundproofing material in public places.
Cellulose wool in terms of its heat and sound insulation characteristics can "eclipse" some of the usual building materials. A fifteen centimeter layer of ecowool corresponds to:
- wooden beam with a width of 50 cm;
- foam concrete layer of 46 cm;
- a layer of mineral wool 18 cm thick;
- a layer of expanded clay 90 cm thick;
- a layer of brickwork 146 cm wide.
Specifications plus affordable price make this offer very tempting. But first you need to know all the pros and cons of the material.
Positive characteristics
The use of ecowool is fully justified. Those who have already managed to apply it in their home can tell a lot of interesting things for those who want to purchase material for construction. So what's good about it:
- good soundproofing. A layer of cellulose wool 15 mm thick can absorb sound up to 9 dB. For industrial and commercial purposes, this material is already successfully used to insulate airports, stadiums, sports palaces and recording studios;
- a relatively small amount of ecowool is required for high-quality insulation of walls, floors or ceilings. It is necessary from 28 to 65 kg per cubic meter of insulated area, depending on the installation method;
- is an absolutely safe material for health, as it does not contain harmful substances. But before buying, you should still ask the consultant what flame retardant was used in the production of insulation. The best option is borax or borax. Ammonium sulfate can cause a rather sharp and strong unpleasant odor, and such material quickly loses its properties;
- during installation with the help of special equipment, the material is very easily blown into all hard-to-reach places, closing the gaps and without creating seams;
- the seamless laying method makes it possible to significantly save on energy resources, since there are no "cold bridges" that cause a decrease in the temperature in the room, especially with changes in humidity and pressure;
- hypoallergenic material, does not contain components that can cause dermatological diseases or irritation of the respiratory tract;
- has an affordable affordable price, easy to use, high quality and natural ingredients.
But along with such positive characteristics, the material still has its drawbacks, which for many will be significant.
Disadvantages of ecowool
Today, there are practically no building materials that would not have negative reviews and shortcomings. For cellulose wool they are:
- despite the excellent thermal insulation qualities, the material tends to lose them. In fairness, it must be said that this does not happen very quickly;
- for installation work, it is better to use special equipment that makes it possible to achieve the desired density of the insulating material;
- installation work must be carried out by a highly qualified specialist. Ecowool is considered a rather “capricious” material and the quality of installation will depend on the experience of the master;
- when installing cotton wool by a dry method, a large amount of cellulose dust is formed, and work must be carried out in special protective suits and respirators. The wet method does not have such a drawback, however, conditions are necessary for drying the treated surface - a temperature of at least 15 ° C, the drying time is from 48 to 72 hours, and sometimes more. However, preference should still be given to the wet installation method, since in this case it is possible to achieve good heat and sound insulation;
- unlike expanded polystyrene, cellulose wadding does not have such rigidity, which makes it impossible to install it in a frameless way;
- when processing vertical surfaces, at least 65 kg per cubic meter must be used, otherwise the coating density will be insufficient, and voids may occur during material shrinkage;
- It is not recommended to use ecowool near open flames or strongly heated surfaces. Stoves, fireplaces, chimneys cannot be insulated or insulated using such material, as there is a risk of slow smoldering of the insulation.
It should be noted that almost all insulating materials have similar disadvantages. But synthetic ones are not particularly safe, since they contain various chemical compounds that can cause allergic reactions.
The trend of the modern market of insulating materials is the transition to more environmentally friendly and energy efficient solutions. The Ecowool company invites you for high-quality, reliable GreenWool insulation based on recycled waste paper.
The history of the use of ecowool has more than 125 years. In 1893, cellulose insulation began to be produced in England and Canada almost simultaneously. The first large plant was launched in Germany in 1928. More widely and on a larger scale, the material began to be used after 1950. The production method and recipe have not changed, but the name of cellulose insulation differs in different countries: Isocell, Isofloc, Termofloc, Climacell are the most popular brands of European manufacturers. In Russia, ecowool appeared in the early 1990s and gained a strong position in the insulation market.
Our company purchased the Makron automated line (Finland) in 1993. Since 1994, Ecowool LLC has been producing and promoting cellulose insulation on the construction market, and since 2017 it has been manufacturing products under the Ecowool GreenWool brand. We are open for cooperation with wholesale and retail consumers of ecowool: construction companies, private households, housing and communal services.
Ecowool - what is it and where is it used
ECOWOOL is an environmentally friendly and economical heat-insulating material for insulation and soundproofing of industrial, agricultural, warehouse, residential multi-storey and individual buildings.
The scope of sprayed ecowool is wide. It is used for insulation of a number of structures:
- pitched roofs;
- External and internal walls;
- Interfloor and attic floors;
- Floors.
Ecowool is used for both new construction and reconstruction as additional insulation. Masonry made of bricks, concrete blocks, aerated concrete, shell rock, wooden structures - various surfaces can be insulated with the material. Efficiency is ensured by a high density of 55 kg/m³ and a thermal conductivity of 0.038 W/mK. Ecowool service life - 100 years.
When it comes to improving the thermal insulation properties of an old building, homeowners also prefer ecowool insulation: it allows the wooden components of the building to “breathe” and prevents condensation.
Cellulose ecowool is indispensable for internal insulation of walls in frame and combined, stone and wooden houses, warehouses, arched vaults, etc.
Production and application technology
For the production of GreenWool cellulose insulation, our company uses professional equipment from the Finnish Makron plant. The plant is equipped with filters for removing dust, automatic control of dosing of components and finished products. The entire production process, from waste paper to insulating material, requires little electricity and no water. Thus, the manufacture of ecowool causes less damage to the environment than traditional heaters.
To apply the finished GreenWool material, blowing technology is used in dry or wet form. The result - a layer of Finnish ecowool lays on the surface without seams and gaps, filling the smallest gaps. For laying the material, a special professional blowing machine of the X-Floc (Germany) and ACCU1 (USA) models is provided. The heater is loaded into it. The application process includes the following steps:
- Loading into the bunker installation of insulation;
- Mechanical loosening of cotton wool;
- Pneumatic supply of ecowool through a hose to the right place.
The equipment covers up to 150 m of horizontal surface and up to 30 m of vertical.
When using the technology of wet spraying of ecowool, the material is applied to the plane with the addition of water or glue. In this case, the operator of the blowing plant uses special nozzles and a device for supplying liquid under pressure. The advantage of this method is that the insulation adheres better to the surface due to the activation of the natural substance lignin in the cellulose fibers.
If the question arises, to buy basalt or ecowool, the answer suggests itself. Cellulose insulation does not contain harmful chemical impurities. Which is better - ecowool or mineral wool - is also confirmed by numerous customer reviews.
In addition to mechanical application, manual laying of the material is possible if the surfaces to be treated are small. In this case, the insulation is stirred in the container with an electric mixer and unfolded with ramming to achieve the desired density. For example, the stacking density in vertical cavities should be at least 65kg/m³.
It is possible to reuse ecowool in case of dismantling of the building structure.
What is ecowool made of?
Is ecowool harmful? This question is of primary concern. Indeed, when insulating the internal structures of residential buildings, some other materials can emit harmful fumes in the premises. You can also hear about ecowool that it contains dangerous compounds. We hasten to dissuade you. Ecowool GreenWool is highly environmentally friendly. In its production, only raw materials that are safe for health are used - paper printing products.
The traditional composition of ecowool for insulation:
- Cellulose makes up 81% of the total mass;
- Boric acid is used in ecowool as an antiseptic to protect against fungus and mold and makes up 8%;
- Borax is used as a flame retardant and ensures the inertness of the ecowool material to fire. Its volume is 11%.
Fire-fighting and antiseptic components of natural origin are found in the natural environment in a free form in the form of mineral salts. These additives are non-toxic, non-irritating to the skin, do not attract insects, and do not affect other building materials.
Therefore, the question: is ecowool harmful to health - disappears by itself.
Characteristics and properties of ecowool
Ecowool has the following properties:
High thermal insulation
Compared to basalt wool, the efficiency of ecowool is 24% higher. The technology of applying the material ensures the filling of any cavities, eliminates the formation of cold bridges and heat leakage. Thanks to ecowool, solar heat penetrates less into the premises, thereby providing comfortable coolness on hot summer days. Ecowool really retains heat, as its long fibers have low thermal conductivity and do not shrink even when applied vertically.
Comparison of the thermal conductivity of ecowool with other materials (mineral wool, polystyrene) showed that this parameter is approximately the same for everyone. However, when exposed to moisture, other heaters sharply lose their heat-insulating properties. Cellulosic material continues to "work" at any humidity.
Here is a comparative table of the thermal conductivity of ecowool and other heaters:
Hygroscopicity
The unique property of ecowool is to absorb and release moisture. Therefore, it can be safely used in rooms with high humidity. The thermal insulation qualities of the material are preserved, providing economical heating.
Moreover, ecowool, in comparison with other heaters, has less wind permeability, which is especially important for frame buildings. The premises maintain an optimal microclimate, regardless of the weather outside the window. This is confirmed by the reviews of ecowool consumers.
Incombustibility
Looking at the composition, you might think that ecowool is on fire. However, when exposed to fire, it only smolders, preventing the flame from spreading. This is due to the addition of borax, which eliminates the combustibility of ecowool. A minimum amount of combustible elements is released, mainly carbon.
Crystallized water, included in fire-resistant additives, is released at high temperatures and prevents oxygen from entering the hearth. This is how the self-extinguishing of the heater occurs.
If you doubt which is better, ecowool or stone wool in terms of flammability, it is important to remember that the latter contains phenolic resins. When exposed to high temperatures, lethal substances are released. The harm from ecowool during smoldering is insignificant, does not pose a danger.
Ability to adapt to cavities of any shape, uneven ground
If other heaters have to be pushed, adjusted in shape and size, cellulose material freely fits into any spaces. For clarity, you can see pictures and videos on laying ecowool.
Soundproofing
GreenWool is the best ecowool in terms of soundproofing qualities:
- 25 mm GreenWool layer is capable of absorbing 10 dB of sound;
- An 80 mm layer of minplate is capable of absorbing 10 dB of sound.
To ensure high-quality sound insulation in small apartments, there is a way to use ecowool using the technology of applying plaster to concrete, wood or brick surfaces. In this case, the material is laid with smooth spatulas in a 10 - 12 mm layer. One bag of insulation is enough for 6 square meters. m of surface.
The soundproofing property of GreenWool ecowool is confirmed by tests at the Acoustic Research Laboratory (Moscow). Evidence of this is the certificate of conformity SNiP 23-03-2003 and GOST 23499-2009. According to the results of tests, ecowool is recommended for arranging sound insulation of residential, public, and industrial buildings.
Comparison of different heaters
Due to the possibility of applying cellulose insulation to the most inaccessible places, a heat-insulating layer is formed without joints and gaps between the material and the surface. Such a result cannot be obtained if expanded polystyrene, mineral wool or glass wool are used. There is no need to dismantle the walls, floor.
Comparison of technical characteristics of ecowool and other heaters:
Properties | mineral wool board | Styrofoam | Ecowool |
Insulation components | Basalt, phenol | Synthetic resins, gas generator | Waste paper, sodium tetraborate, boric acid |
Density (kg/m³) | 35 – 190 | 20 – 40 | 42 – 75 |
Adherence to the surface | Loose | Remain voids | Absolute fit with filling of all gaps, grooves |
Shrinkage susceptibility | Gaps form between plates over time. | Excluded | |
Steam permeability (mg/Pa.m.h) | Condensation occurs | Condensation occurs | Condensation does not form |
Air permeability (m³/m.s.Pa) (wind permeability) | 120x10 - 6 | High through temperature bridges | Minor (80x10 - 6) |
Sound absorption (k) 10 cm layer (density 75 kg/m³) | Due to the appearance of cavities between the plates, the property deteriorates | due to the formation of "sound bridges" | 0,87 |
stability in an aggressive environment | Causes rust. | Does not withstand exposure to petroleum products, mineral oils | Provides corrosion protection for metal elements |
Hygroscopicity | Absorbs and does not release moisture | Condensation appears on the heater | Absorbs and releases moisture well |
Reaction to moisture | sags | Excluded | |
Harmlessness | Promotes the reproduction of fungi, the ingress of their products into the air, which may cause allergic reactions in residents | Prevents the formation of mold, fungal deposits | |
Environmental friendliness | Contains carcinogenic ingredients | Decomposes, releasing toxic impurities | Absolutely harmless due to natural ingredients |
Incombustibility | The binder component is subject to combustion. Releases deadly gases in the process | It burns well. The combustion product is deadly. The burning mass contributes to the further spread of fire. | Inert to fire. Flammability is weakly expressed. When fire hits, the upper part smolders and goes out, stopping the spread of the elements. Little smoke is emitted. |
Long service life | Decomposes under the influence of fungal microorganisms | Crumbles and settles | 100-year service life, which is confirmed by statistics |
Where is it recommended to use | Buildings and structures for technical purposes | The scope of application is not limited. The best option for residential buildings, children's buildings, health facilities |
The data given in the table is the result of experimental studies. The description of ecowool clearly shows that in terms of technical characteristics, ecowool is significantly superior to basalt insulation or foam materials.
Advantages and disadvantages of ecowool
Ecowool insulation has the following positive characteristics:
Environmental friendliness
Ecowool is not harmful to health. The main material (cellulose) and protective components (borax and boric acid) are of natural origin. When comparing ecowool and mineral wool, the first wins unequivocally: plate heaters contain phenol as a binder and emit toxic gases during combustion.
biosecurity
Cellulose cotton wool is not susceptible to rodents, thanks to the boron component, which has an unpleasant taste and makes it difficult for mice and rats to breathe. Another plus is that microorganisms, mold, fungi do not start in the insulation.
If you have to choose ecowool or basalt wool, the preference for the first option will be a win-win. In basalt insulation, rodents willingly make moves.
Economy
In addition to safety, buyers of insulating material are concerned about the question: what is cheaper than ecowool or mineral wool? Only 30 - 65 kg of cellulose material is required per 1 m³ of space. If you do not know what is better for economy - ecowool or basalt insulation, then choosing a cellulose insulation is more expedient. The slab material in case of moisture ingress requires immediate replacement, otherwise the process of rotting of wooden elements may begin. In addition, due to shrinkage, gaps are formed between the plates, which need to be insulated. Therefore, when working with basalt material, additional costs will be required.
If you do not know what to choose, ecowool or mineral wool, you should also consider that when working with GreenWool, no waste is generated. The material is consumed without residue, therefore, it is more economical. Thus, when choosing a heater, there should not be a question of what is cheaper - ecowool or mineral wool.
The ability to use the premises and live in the house during insulation
Again, there is a choice of which is better, ecowool or mineral wool, if the work is carried out in an already inhabited house. Cellulose material is absolutely safe, which cannot be said about the mineral wool board. When working with it, it is impossible to be in the premises. A minute stay in the room where the slabs are laid causes coughing, suffocation, skin itching and tearing.
Ease of application
GreenWool insulation does not require adjustment to the size of the space. It is laid either by hand or blown into the right place with the help of special equipment. Even the most inaccessible places (corners, grooves, seams) will be well protected. When choosing a heater - mineral wool, penoizol or ecowool - it is necessary to be guided by a clear understanding that plate materials will not provide a snug fit to surfaces and can cause significant heat loss.
Despite a number of advantages of ecowool, the material has some disadvantages (we would call them features):
Ecowool shrinkage. There are rumors on the Internet, and people say that ecowool shrinks. To clarify this issue, let us dwell on the features of the material. Self-density of ecowool for horizontal floors in loose form = 38 kg/m³. Therefore, an experienced operator lays the material on a horizontal slab using a free spray method with a 10% thickness margin. After some time, the volume decreases by 10% and the density of the compacted material becomes 38 kg/m³ x 1.1 = 42 kg/m³. Thereafter, no further shrinkage of the wool occurs.
On inclined and wall structures, subject to the density of ecowool (density in roofs = 55 kg / m³, in walls = 65 kg / m³), when installing a professional and experienced team, when using a professional blowing machine and high-quality wool with the right fibers, GreenWool does not give no shrinkage.
- Application requires special equipment, you need to invite a specialist. If the volumes are small, manual stacking and tamping will be the way out.
- On the Internet, you can find reviews about ecowool that it does not dry out. Indeed, when using wet application technology, it can retain moisture for a long time. It takes 48 to 72 hours for the layer to dry completely.
- In reviews of ecowool, there are consumer complaints about the appearance of non-insulated areas. They occur during vertical filling, when the material is laid with a density of less than 65 kg per 1 m³. The way out is to monitor the consumption of material.
- Smoldering near sources of fire. The composition of ecowool includes boric acid and borax, which prevent burning. However, the components do not exclude the smoldering of the material. Therefore, it is recommended to cover the insulation with basalt, asbestos-cement slabs if the operating temperature exceeds 250 degrees.
If we weigh the pros and cons of ecowool insulation on the scales, there are more advantages. The disadvantages are minor, they can be corrected during work.
Professionally installed insulation guarantees:
- excellent microclimate and comfort all year round;
- tangible energy savings;
- wonderful acoustics;
- high degree of fire safety.
The GreenWool insulation sold by our company meets safety requirements. The quality of ecowool is confirmed by laboratory tests. Evidence of the reliability of the material is the certificate of conformity of ecowool GOST R ISO 9001-2015 (ISO 9001:2015), fire safety requirements. On production the conclusion on conformity to hygienic, sanitary standards is received.
Delivery is carried out in Russia and the countries of the Customs Union.
Video: ecowool experience, pros and cons
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High-quality thermal insulation will not interfere even with a brick house - if you equip it from the inside, and then what about frame or panel houses.
And in the choice of the necessary materials for insulation today there is no shortage - there are many offers, both traditional and very exotic and expensive. One of the relatively affordable options is the use of ecowool. You can argue about how popular it is now, or you can just roughly estimate the scale of its production in Russia.
Useful information:
Naturally, ecowool also has its pros and cons. Which of its properties are not entirely successful, and which ones simply depend on the quality of installation - this is what it is better to find out in advance, before carrying out the relevant work.
Composition and basic properties
The main stage in the production of ecowool is the introduction of specialized additives into the cellulose base. The following can be used as a basis:
- excess raw materials in the production of corrugated packaging and cardboard, as well as substandard products of such industries;
- waste paper - secondary mixed-grade cellulose. It does not provide the required purity and uniformity, therefore, the quality of the insulation made from such raw materials will also be lower.
In percentage terms, the composition of ecowool is as follows:
- Paper basis - 81%;
- Boric acid - 12%. During production, it is added to the base twice - the compound determines the presence of such an important property in ecowool as resistance to ignition, as well as the antiseptic and insecticidal qualities of the insulation;
- Borax - 7%. Sodium salt of boric acid - is included in the composition in order to obtain a non-combustible insulation.
Ecowool production technology was borrowed from Finland, where its production volumes are very large, and the share of ecowool in the market of heat-insulating materials in low-rise construction reaches 70%.
What does ecowool look like? The insulation is supplied in briquettes, and their contents are a crumbly, soft to the touch substance of gray or almost white color.
For the convenience of packaging, the insulation is pre-compressed, if you remove it from the briquette and fluff it, the material will increase in volume by 3-4 times. Interestingly, the density of ecowool in packages can be different depending on the manufacturer.
Features of the composition and production of ecowool make it possible to obtain a heat-insulating material that initially has the following characteristics:
- coefficient of thermal conductivity- 0.037-0.042 W / mK, this means that through 1 meter of insulation at a temperature difference of 1 Kelvin only about 0.04 watts of thermal energy will pass, this allows the heat generated by heating devices to remain inside the house;
- vapor permeability- 0.3 mg / (mchPa), the material is able to absorb wet steam from the room and, if there is ventilation, dry out without forming condensate;
- breathability- low, about 0.0001 cubic meters / sq. MPa at a density of 40 kg / cubic meters;
- flammability- moderate (G2), flammability - difficult to ignite (B1), smoke-generating ability - low (D1);
- sound absorption- 63 dB for every 50 mm of thickness;
- density– when laying, it fluctuates in the range from 25 to 96 kg/cu.m.
Are these values good or not? If we compare the main indicator - thermal conductivity, then ecowool and its competitors, some types of mineral wool and polystyrene, are approximately on the same level. But after all, giving preference to any material, they are also guided by such considerations as ease of installation or versatility, and for someone, the value of sound absorption or hygiene may come first.
Many years of experience in the use of ecowool in construction allows us to draw a number of conclusions about its operational features, both positive and negative.
Benefits of using ecowool
It is worth listing the advantages in order to understand in which “special” cases this insulation is simply irreplaceable:
- High thermal insulation properties- this property of ecowool, which determines the insulation, deserves to be designated as plus and minus at the same time. The fact is that the initially high thermal conductivity of ecowool can be affected by the conditions of installation and operation, which will be more convenient to consider, speaking about the shortcomings of the insulation.
- Solidity of the insulating layer- with proper installation, an even layer of insulation is achieved, without seams and voids, ecowool fibers fill the smallest gaps.
- High level of sound absorption- the insulation not only perfectly absorbs sound itself, but also does not allow it to penetrate through the gaps, which simply cannot exist in the ecowool layer. This material is just a godsend if the house is operated in an aggressive sound environment.
- Breathability and moisture resistance- these properties are due to the vapor permeability and structure of the fibers of this insulation. The material absorbs excess moisture from the room air, and then, if ventilation is provided, it is able to give this moisture back without losing its insulating properties. In fact, ecowool simultaneously with insulation performs the functions of a vapor barrier.
- Eco-safety- thermal insulation does not harm the environment and humans, both during production and during installation and subsequent operation.
- resistance to biodegradation- antiseptic additives do not allow the material to rot or become moldy even with a high degree of moisture and make the insulation unattractive to rodents and insects; such “neighbors” also cannot move and live inside a properly applied insulation layer.
- Fire safety- the material does not ignite and does not even melt, it can only smolder in the presence of a continuous source of strong heat, while it does not emit toxic substances. If, for example, a roof or wall is insulated with ecowool, then fire will penetrate through the insulation for a very long time.
- Durability- is considered as a combination of the integrity of a) the structure of the insulation and b) the "warm" layer made from it. The material itself, as already mentioned, is bioresistant, and during installation with a margin and ventilation, shrinkage and caking will not occur. At the moment, in Europe there is an experience of successful operation of ecowool for 70 years.
- Economy- achieves due to the relatively low density of the insulation, acceptable cost and lightening, and therefore cheaper capital structures.
- Fast and safe installation- insulation of the house with ecowool with a mechanized laying method can be done in 1-2 days, depending on the area, not taking into account the time for the insulation to dry. The requirements for personal protective equipment are not as stringent as, for example, when working with mineral wool.
Here it would be appropriate to mention the main areas of application of ecowool:
- roofs, attic and attic floors;
- interior partitions, floor, ceiling;
- filling cavities during the construction of well masonry or box-shaped structures - the wall practically consists of ecowool, on both sides of the insulation - brick lining;
- insulation of external walls - log, foam concrete, aerated concrete, frame;
- correction of the shortcomings of the previous thermal insulation without complete dismantling.
By the way, in the process of warming with ecowool, there is practically no waste, moreover, this insulation can be reused without any additional processing.
Thus, ecowool can be called an almost universal insulation. It remains to be seen why "almost"?
Negative points and features of insulation
Any building material has drawbacks, the only question is whether it is possible to put up with them or reduce their manifestations to a minimum. In the case of ecowool, the following should be taken into account:
- Instability of thermal insulation properties- a problem may arise if the installation was carried out without a margin for shrinkage or the insulation layer is not ventilated and cannot release accumulated moisture into the atmosphere. Conclusion - high-quality insulation with ecowool is possible with qualifications and experience.
- equipment requirements- manually with ecowool it is possible to carry out, perhaps, only floor insulation, and even then, if it is small in area. In other cases, it will be necessary to carry out spraying (blowing) using a set of specialized equipment, which includes a blowing unit for supplying ecowool.
- Extended installation time with wet laying- it is this laying method that allows you to get the highest quality insulating layer. In this case, complete drying can take up to 72 hours.
- Low stiffness insulation- unlike polystyrene foam boards, with the help of ecowool it is impossible to equip, for example, the thermal insulation of a floor screed without a frame. This, however, applies to any heaters that do not hold their shape.
- The need for additional protection from sources of fire or high heat- if there is a fireplace in the room, then the thermal insulation near it should be protected with asbestos-cement slabs or basalt mats with a heat-reflecting surface.