Mineral insulation has been popular for several decades and is used for the construction of many buildings.

Performing both thermally and acoustically, these products have been able to evolve, renew themselves and adapt to new regulations.

At the top of the list, rock mineral wool has many benefits.

A mineral wool

While glass wool is made up of fibers obtained by heating sand and glass at high temperatures, its cousin, rock wool, comes from volcanic basalt stone.

Made up of mineral raw materials, it also contains polymerized synthetic resins which bind the fibers together.

It can be found in the form of rolls, rigid panels, in bulk (flakes) or even in shells (generally used for pipes).

Similarly, the thicknesses are variable, which allows them to be adapted to all needs, knowing that the thicker the layer of insulation, the greater the comfort.

Even if the price varies according to the conditioning, the thickness and the quality, count on average 7 € per m2 for rock wool.

Its price/quality ratio therefore remains quite attractive.

Thermal and acoustic comfort

Since this material is composed of many air cells, it has a strong thermal insulating power.

Retaining all its properties despite extreme temperature changes, this versatile material protects both from scorching summers and very cold, rainy or snowy winters.

A real barrier against noise and external noise pollution (road traffic, planes, works or even noisy neighborhoods), rock wool also provides undeniable acoustic comfort and is acclaimed by many builders and individuals.

Effective all-round protection

This mineral material is rot-proof and does not allow water to pass through, which prevents interior condensation.

It is also non-hydrophilic, which means that if it is accidentally wetted by rainwater or snow, for example, it will regain its thickness, characteristics and performance (provided it can dry without being handled or compressed).

This breathable insulation nevertheless allows air and water vapor to circulate: the indoor air, which is not very exposed to humidity, is therefore healthier for the occupants.

Finally, if the rock wool is "bare" (ie without Kraft coating), it is very resistant to fire, since it does not ignite and is able to slow the spread of flames.

Its only weak point ultimately lies in its vulnerability to rodents!

Remember to install anti-rodent grids to protect the openings and prevent them from digging galleries.

On the other hand, stone wool is resistant to termites, insects that can be very destructive, especially in certain regions.

A sustainable solution

Frequently used in the construction of so-called “sustainable” buildings, stone wool is an insulator with a low carbon footprint since it is infinitely recyclable.

In addition, some manufacturers also recycle waste from its manufacture or reuse their production offcuts.

OUR “HOUSING” FILE

To keep all its properties at the top, it is nevertheless advisable to renew it approximately every fifteen years.

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Focus: Precautions are necessary for installation

Despite its many advantages, rock wool, like glass wool, is still debated today about its real impact on health.

It is not without danger, in particular during its installation, because it can cause irritations of the skin, the eyes and the respiratory tracts

When installing it, it is therefore essential to protect yourself well with overalls, gloves, goggles and a mask with type P1 filter.

To avoid any risk of undesirable effects over time, also surround the rock wool, if possible, between two well-sealed walls. Moreover, in order to opt for quality insulation, preferably choose an Acermi-certified product.

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