The Basics Of Rock Wool Insulation

By Bradd Alan


Basically, the term rock wool insulation stands for a type of insulation that has been developed from the actual rocks and minerals as mined from the ground. There are other terms referring to this material such as slag wool insulation, stone wool insulation and mineral wool insulation.

To make the insulation, a manufacturer can exploit different minerals and rocks depending on the application of the final product. However, the most important factor that guides the manufacturer is the ability of the slag wool to hold water and block sound or noise. This is important because most of the insulations involving the glass wool are done in industries. Most of these industries are involved in crop production and building and construction factories where much noise is produced.

To produce the most resistant and durable insulator, a very complex production method is employed where the raw materials have to be melted. The process will demand extreme heat of up to 1600C furnace treatment where raw materials are melted, purified and stream of air current passed though before being cooled. An advanced technology can also be used to make the processing more effective.

This process will result into slag wool composed of intertwined fibers that are joined together by strong bonds of starch compound. To control impurities such as dust from being trapped in the fiber, oil is added to the molten mixture before cooling to prohibit such a setback. The rock wool produced will be a good conductor of heat that is also effective in controlling heat transfer where they are employed. This property of heat monitoring and transfer make them suitable for use in buildings that are prone to fires such as electricity and gas production companies.

There are other benefits of using rock wool on top of being fireproof in that it greatly reduces consumption of energy at industrial and domestic levels. They are also safe to manufacture and use as they are made of naturally available materials. Research has proved that this type of insulation poses little or no risk at all including the worry of cancer or respiratory diseases development.

The absorption of water property that mineral wool insulator has, makes it a good water repellant. Horticultural industries normally prefer this insulation due to its water retention ability. It will also support the plant roots and ensure minerals are absorbed more easily by roots. This is normally important in fruits and vegetable production.

The slag wool insulation is normally of high pH value meaning that it can be unsuitable for crop growing due to being highly basic. The optimum pH value of crop production is around pH 7 where the surrounding is neutral. A treatment will therefore be important to lower the pH of the insulation that can be done through soaking. The insulation is soaked in pH-adjusted water for over 24 hours where it absorbs the water and low the base content in it. This method will produce a good foundation for plant growth in horticultural industries.

In houses and offices, rock wool insulations will give users acoustic properties they need most. The insulation is a good sound absorbent that can make a noise free environment for effective communication. The wool and be incorporated with acoustic ceilings to offer permanent indoor noise insulators.




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