Energy efficient buildings are constructed using thermal insulation materials. The idea of using cellulose insulation is not new. Its production began in Germany in 1928. The product from natural raw materials is safe for health, easy to use and effective. Ecowool insulation is gaining popularity in Russia. Dozens of production lines have been launched, providing the market with quality products. The material is used in the construction of private and apartment buildings, industrial and office buildings.
Basic properties of ecowool
Cellulose insulation is a gray, loose fibrous material. The basis of organic insulation is waste from the cellulose industry and waste paper. They make up 80-81% of the volume. Contaminated recyclable materials, printing defects, cardboard packaging are taken into production. The rest falls on antiseptics and fire retardants, additives that prevent material from decaying and igniting. Boric acid (12% of the mass) prevents the spread of fungi, prevents rotting. Borax (7-8% by volume) slows down the ignition of the material.
The additives improve the properties of cellulose wool, repel insects and rodents. These are natural substances, they are non-volatile and low-toxic. Boric acid and borax will not harm health, they are used in medicine and agriculture. Due to the flame retardant treatment under the influence of an open flame, the thermal insulation material does not burn, but is charred. At the same time, it does not emit, like polystyrene, dangerous toxic smoke. Ecowool contains no harmful substances.
Characteristics and properties of ecowool:
- thermal conductivity coefficient - 0.037-0.042 W / m * K;
- density - 28-65 kg / m3, with wet application up to 75 kg / m3;
- vapor permeability - 0.3 mg / mchPa;
- sound insulation - 60 dB with a layer of 10 cm;
- flammability class - G2, moderately flammable;
- sorption moisture - 16% in 72 hours.
The heat insulator has a long service life, during which the performance is almost unchanged. The loose structure of the material ensures normal air exchange.
Material advantages
Ecowool insulation has pros and cons. The advantages of the material include:
- Thermal insulation properties - the loose structure of the material, containing air, prevents heat loss.
- Absorption and evaporation of moisture - hygroscopic material is able to absorb and release water. Wetting does not impair the characteristics of the insulation, with an increase in the humidity parameter by 20%, the thermal conductivity increases by 5%. The material retains water in the upper layers, preventing deep penetration.
- Sound insulation - The fibrous structure of the heat insulator helps to damp sound waves. Bulk material closes small and large cracks, cutting off extraneous noise.
- Seamless technology - when the insulation is applied with a wet method, a uniform layer is formed. When walls are insulated with ecowool, the mass fills all voids under pressure, leaving no areas for cold to penetrate. Dry filling is no less effective, cotton wool is leveled over the entire surface, no seams are formed.
- Environmental friendliness and safety - the building material is of natural origin, therefore it is not dangerous for people. It contains no toxic components.The natural component lignin is used for gluing the mass.
- Chemical inertness - no corrosive processes occur when the material is applied to metal structures.
Cellulose insulation is offered at an affordable cost. Costs increase when a wet application is selected.
It is difficult to find building materials without flaws. When choosing a heater, they are guided not only by positive qualities. Information about the disadvantages of ecowool will help to competently organize the process of thermal insulation at home. The main problems when using the material:
- For high-quality thermal insulation, it is necessary to purchase special equipment. Household class models cost about 20 thousand rubles.
- Shrinkage - an unpleasant feature of the insulation is a decrease in volume. On a vertical surface, it reaches 20% of the original fullness. The voids create bridges of cold. Experts advise using the wet method of applying the material for vertical surfaces, and laying it with a margin on horizontal spans.
- Low stiffness of the insulation requires the installation of a cellular frame.
- Hygroscopicity - the disadvantage of ecowool is the ability to absorb moisture.
- Insufficient heat resistance - cellulose begins to smolder when heated. It cannot be used to insulate chimneys and stoves.
- When applied wet, it takes 2-3 days for the layer to dry.
Most of the drawbacks of insulation are easy to level. If you work with the material, taking into account the manufacturer's recommendations, the advantages of ecowool outweigh the shortcomings.
Release form and methods of application
The soft loose material is compacted before being sold. Rolls and briquettes wrapped in plastic wrap are formed from it. Ecowool in slabs is convenient to transport, it takes up less volume. Before starting work, the briquettes are fluffed up, increasing their size by 3-4 times.
Buildings are insulated with dry and wet methods. Cellulose wool in the form of a free-flowing mass is recommended for horizontal surfaces. To create an insulating layer on the walls, it is advisable to dampen the material. The work is done manually or using blow molding machines. For wet application, a water pump is added to the pneumatic unit.
Wet method
When insulating a house with ecowool in a wet way, an adhesive or water composition is created. It is atomized by blowing machines with various nozzles. The lignin contained in cellulose provides the binding qualities of the mixture. Before applying the insulation, it is necessary to mount the wooden crate. The wet mass is sprayed on in an even layer. The protruding sections are cut with a knife and reused. Blowing the compound under pressure allows all gaps to be filled, providing a seamless finish.
For thermal insulation of metal and concrete structures, the wet-glue method is recommended. Raw materials are wetted with water and glue, diluted in proportions according to the manufacturer's instructions. The method is used on vertical surfaces and ceilings, it provides increased adhesion to any material. Due to the need to purchase special equipment, the wet insulation method is used less often than dry backfill. It is advisable for large areas requiring thermal insulation.
Dry method
Bulk material is laid by hand or blow molding equipment is used. The first option is popular for do-it-yourself eco-wool insulation. The density of the backfill depends on the site - for the overlap, the consumption is 35-40 kg / m3, and for the walls, 60-65 kg / m3 will be required. Before backfilling, it is necessary to fluff up the compressed mass. For this, a drill with a nozzle is used.
If the installation of ecowool is carried out in an automated way, a closed space with an opening equal to the diameter of the hose is preliminarily created.The builder himself pours dry fibers into the floor frame without any problems. The manual method is time consuming but cheaper.
Comparison of ecowool and other heaters
Laying cellulosic material is more laborious, but as a result, the heat loss will be minimal. In addition, a paper product is more environmentally friendly than glass and basalt fiber boards. Both materials are prone to moisture accumulation. When water gets in, cellulose insulation almost does not change its characteristics, and mineral wool begins to let the cold through.
A foamed plastic heat insulator is applied to the surface in liquid form using spray equipment. Penoizol is also available in the form of plates and crumbs. Its thermal conductivity is similar to that of cellulosic material. The process of installing heaters is in many ways similar; they use the filling and filling method. Of the disadvantages of penoizol, the ability to crack when the building shrinks is noted.
With the same degree of thermal insulation, ecowool has an integral advantage - it is made from natural raw materials. The material is not harmful to health. Using waste from the pulp industry helps prevent the proliferation of landfills.
Scope of application
Ecowool is used in the construction and repair of buildings. This is the best option for warming and soundproofing frame houses. The eco-friendly product has found application in the construction of private houses, public buildings, educational institutions. Scope of application includes:
- facades of buildings and industrial buildings;
- walls, ceilings and floors of residential buildings;
- roofing, attics and attics.
Insulation can be used for external and internal thermal insulation of premises. Products of Russian and foreign brands are presented on the building materials market. When choosing ecowool, you should pay attention to the type of fire retardants. Experts advise buying safe heaters with borax.
