Characteristics of Ecover basalt insulation, types and applications

The modern building materials market can please with a new type of basalt insulation - Ecover. It is absolutely safe for humans, since it is produced exclusively from rocks. Due to its unique properties, it is able to withstand various types of loads and environmental influences.

Ecover emblem

The brand itself offers a wide variety of thermal insulators for all occasions.

Features and nuances of production of Ecover insulation

Ecover mineral wool insulation is made from basalt rocks and industrial waste

Ecover brand products are made by melting raw materials with a mineral base, to which synthetic components are added. The technology of drawing out the liquid mass using specialized equipment ensures the production of a fibrous structure. The preparation of raw materials is carried out in filtration plants that process industrial waste.

Three methods for producing basalt threads have been developed:

• blowing;
• centrifugal roller;
• centrifugal-blown.

The choice of a specific technique is influenced by the availability of the required equipment. Technologists control every stage of the production process. All insulation modifications go through the following manufacturing stages:

• remelting;
• centrifugation;
• adding special synthetic sealants to the mass;
• pressing the resulting composition.

At the last stage, the canvas is cut into slabs and packaged.

Advantages and disadvantages

The insulation is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation, so there is no need to rush when finishing.
Thermal insulation Ecover has a number of advantages when we compare this insulation with analogues:

• reduction of thermal losses by 50%;
• the material is not susceptible to bacteria, fungi, mold;
• rodents do not spoil the product;
• UV resistance;
• good sound absorption rates;
• environmentally friendly material;
• has the ability to withstand high temperature influences;
• does not deform under mechanical and static load;
• long service life - more than 50 years;
• good hydrophobicity and vapor permeability;
• easy installation.

The main disadvantage of insulation is its high cost.

Features of the material

The properties of Ecover Light allow us to talk about the practicality and necessity of this material:

• preservation of room heat due to the fact that the material has a high thermal conductivity coefficient (0.035 W per square meter);
• due to the fibrous structure, the absorption of extraneous noise is ensured;
• environmental friendliness - only natural materials are used in production;
• fire safety and flammability - the temperature at which the material begins to melt must exceed 1000 degrees Celsius;
• water resistance - not susceptible to moisture;
• vapor permeability – Ecover perfectly allows air and steam to pass through without creating a greenhouse effect in the room;
• inertness to biological and chemical factors;
• ability to withstand heavy loads without deforming the structure.

What Ecover Light looks like
Ecover Light has the following characteristics:

• Dimensions: 100 cm – length and 60 cm – width.
• Density – 28 – 60 kg/cubic. meter.
• Thickness – 50 – 200 mm.
• Moisture absorption does not exceed 1.5 percent of the total volume.
• The degree of compressibility is 8 - 15 percent.
• Group of non-combustible materials.
• Melting point 1000 degrees.

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Application of insulation

This material is used for all types of structures to provide a durable and reliable layer of sound and heat insulation. Basically, Ecover is intended for installation on:

• frame walls;
• attics;
• attics;
• internal partitions;
• floors;
• facades.

Thermal insulation has high thermal protection and physical and mechanical properties, which guarantees the creation of an optimal microclimate in the room and durability.

Roof insulation using Ecover light

Types of products

Depending on its purpose, insulation is available in several popular types, which differ in parameters and scope of application.

Insulation of walls using basalt insulation

• Station wagon. This line is used for interior work in private homes. This includes:
• Ecover Light - has 3 types of density: 30 kg, 35 kg and 45 kg per square meter. They have a low level of moisture absorption (1%) and a standard type of thermal conductivity - 0.035-0.042 W per mK. Compression ratio – 20%;
• Ecover Light Universal - used for surfaces exposed to temperatures of no more than 400 degrees. Compression ratio – 25%. Density – 28 kg per cubic meter. The package has 12 plates, the total volume of which is 0.36 cubic meters;
• acoustic – designed to absorb noise, there is no shrinkage. Material density – 35 kg per cubic meter. Designed for installation on frame partitions, internal walls, ceilings between floors, on the ceiling of a room and between joists;
• standard 50 - has two types of density 50 kg and 60 kg per cubic meter. The compression percentage does not exceed 6%. Differs in increased strength indicators. The slabs are packed in 12 pieces. Volume – 0.36 cubic meters.

Manufacturer information

Ecover thermal insulation is produced at a modern Russian plant in the Sverdlovsk region. The choice of location was based on proximity to deposits of the gabbro-basalt group of rocks. Thanks to advanced technical equipment, the production of high-quality products is achieved that can solve issues of improving the energy efficiency and environmental friendliness of buildings.

The insulation composition includes: mineral wool created on the basis of rock and a binding component of synthetic origin. At the same time, it complies with all current standards of GOST 9573-2012.

Wall insulation options

The only correct option for effective and durable thermal insulation of walls is external thermal insulation. It fully complies with the principle of proper insulation from the point of view of thermal physical processes.

The essence of proper insulation is that the vapor permeability of all wall construction materials in the direction from the room to the street should increase. When insulating from the inside, this proportion is violated, which leads to numerous undesirable effects and significantly reduces the efficiency of using insulation. Therefore, insulating walls from the inside is justified only when, for some reason, external thermal insulation is impossible. And only when using a special additional vapor barrier on the side of the room.

In addition, external thermal insulation avoids the formation of condensation on the walls, which prevents the formation of dampness, which contributes to the spread of microorganisms and the formation of mold. Insulation also helps to neutralize the undesirable effects of strong temperature changes, when the wall “heats” under the scorching sun during the day and cools down greatly on a cool night.

Benefits of Ecover

Ecover mineral wool slabs have unique heat-insulating and sound-proofing properties.
They are non-flammable, due to their strength parameters they are resistant to deformation and subsidence, are not saturated with moisture (hydrophobic), and are environmentally friendly. All this is confirmed by relevant certificates and test reports at all stages of production. The material has passed the necessary operational tests. This type of stone wool based on basalt-type minerals produced by the modern company Ecover was developed specifically for use in non-load-bearing structures of premises. A large number of standard sizes of sheets of material: from 50 to 200 mm by 600, 1000 mm allows you to organize a waste-free system for insulating buildings. Different thicknesses allow you to optimize and reduce the cost of work.

The low specific gravity and the unique ability to maintain its original shape throughout the entire period of operation leads to an increase in the maintenance-free maintenance period of multi-pitched roofs, attics and ventilated types of facades with a significant glazing area.

Excellent thermal insulation ability of stone wool

EKOVER stone wool slabs have one of the lowest thermal conductivity coefficients among similar materials, which allows you to keep the room warm in winter and cool in summer. This is achieved by the fact that the finest basalt fibers in the structure of the material are closely intertwined and form tiny pores filled with air. As is known, air has the lowest thermal conductivity, and in stone wool slabs it is stationary, which eliminates the transfer of heat by convection.

The thermal conductivity of stone wool slabs depends on the density.

The lowest thermal conductivity coefficient (the best thermal protection indicators) is observed at a density of 50-80 kg/m3. At lower density values, the pores between the fibers become larger, which somewhat increases the mobility of the air contained in them. In high-density boards, the volume fraction of the solid phase—fibers—increases and the fraction of pores decreases, which also slightly increases thermal conductivity.

Saturating any material with moist air increases its thermal conductivity coefficient, since water conducts heat well. When calculating thermal insulation for a specific structure, the calculated thermal conductivity coefficient is used, which takes into account the moistening of the material during operation due to natural air humidity. This figure is slightly higher than the dry value. Such coefficients are determined experimentally and are applied depending on the climatic zone in which the construction site is located.

The minimum thermal conductivity coefficients of ECOVER slabs make it possible to significantly reduce the thickness of the enclosed structure. For comparison, 50 mm of EKOVER stone wool in its thermal insulation capacity replaces more than 180 mm of pine or spruce timber, about 300 mm of aerated concrete, 680 mm of hollow brick or 2500 mm of reinforced concrete.

General building insulation

The main purpose of these products is heat and sound insulation inside buildings and structures. Depending on the density of basalt slabs and the additives used, it is divided into several groups.

Light Universal

Designed to create an effective internal thermal insulation layer in unloaded structures of any type. These include building walls, attic spaces (suitable as insulation for attic roofs), and soundproofing partitions. For ventilated facades it can be used as an inner layer.

Light

For this group, you can select slabs depending on the density of the material. Their purpose completely coincides with the “Light Universal” described above. However, the expanded range makes it possible to choose the optimal model of basalt slab for internal insulation.

Light Universal

Light

Standard

This is a truly universal insulation material that can be used to create a reliable thermal barrier inside buildings. The increased density (60 kg/m³) is the main factor in the improved thermal insulation properties of this type of basalt wool.

Acoustic

To create good sound insulation, the manufacturer recommends installing a special type of basalt wool Acoustic. It is mounted in interfloor partitions, ceilings and floors, in which logs are provided. It is noteworthy that depending on the required level of noise reduction, you can select slabs of appropriate thickness - from 40 to 250 mm. A special series of basalt slabs was developed for external thermal insulation.

Characteristics of the “Ecover Light” series

This material is a heat-insulating, hydrophobized lightweight board, which is made on the basis of a synthetic binder. Ecover Light insulation has found its application in the construction of frame walls, attic floors, pitched attic roofs, as well as internal partitions. It is used in the construction of floors with different types of coating along load-bearing joists with the installation of insulation between them.

With two-layer insulation, Ecover Light is installed together with the Ecover Ventfacade slab. In the latter case we are talking about curtain wall systems. If you want to equip a three-layer well masonry, then “Ecover Light 45” is perfect, which can be used as a thermal insulation layer.

Facade insulation

The development of technology and the experience of builders when working on insulating walls of building facades raised the question before developers about the need to create a material suitable for thermal insulation of walls. This is how the basalt insulation of the ecover façade became. Traditionally possessing high resistance to external factors, the new product began to be used for insulating external walls and in ventilated facade systems.

Ecover vent facade 80 is also applicable for single-layer insulation of wall surfaces as the main thermal insulation material. It is also used as a surface layer with an air gap in ventilated systems on top of other heat insulators.

For thermal and sound insulation of wall surfaces in façade systems, eco-facade eco-cover is suitable for plastering with a thin layer. It has greater strength compared to other products. Due to its technical characteristics, eco-facade eco-facade is suitable for use in finishing works on buildings of any number of floors. Ecover vent facade has less water absorption than insulation for interior work.

There are several types of insulation for facade use, among which are the following brands:

• Facade decor;
• Façade decor optima;
• Sandwich;
• Sandwich K.

Brand Facade decor

Ecover façade decor is a rigid thermal insulation composition based on basalt minerals with the addition of hydrophobic and synthetic additives. It is applicable in external facade systems for further plastering of walls using reinforcing mesh.

Product Parameters:

• Density is 150 kg per cubic meter.
• Resistance to compression over 50 kPa.
• Water absorption less than 1.5%.
• At temperatures from -10 to + 25 degrees, thermal conductivity changes from 0.039 to 0.037 W/m*K.
• Included in the class of non-combustible materials.

Brand Facade Decor Optima

Ecover façade decor optima is optimally suited for plastering façade walls in a small layer. According to its data, it fully satisfies all the requirements of the regulations for plastering systems. Mineral boards have high adhesion properties to adhesive compositions suitable for their installation.

The surface of the plaster after application to the insulation does not become stained when it dries.

Options:

1. Density 135 kilograms per m3.
2. Compression resistance greater than 45 kPa.
3. Water absorption 0.75 kg per square meter. meter.
4. At temperatures from -10 to + 25 degrees, thermal conductivity changes from 0.037 to 0.035 W/m*K.
5. Non-flammable

Brand Sandwich

Ecover sandwich C is a three-layer “pie” consisting of a central thermal insulation layer and two profile sheets on the outer and inner sides.
The Ecover brand produces this product to order in thicknesses of 100 and 200 mm. Builders use it to construct the walls of buildings from metal structures. Options:

1. Density from 80 to 110 kg per m3.
2. Compressive strength varies from 50 to 75 kPa.
3. Water absorption 0.75 kg per square meter. meter.
4. At temperatures from -10 to + 25 degrees, thermal conductivity changes from 0.042 to 0.039 W/m*K.
5. Non-flammable

It also has all the properties necessary for façade thermal insulation.

Brand Sandwich K

As a product for thermal insulation work, Sandwich K differs from the previous one in its greater density and the possibility of use for the installation of warm roofing floors.
It has found its wide application in the construction of industrial, shopping and entertainment centers. The use of this insulation significantly reduces the installation time. Product Parameters:

1. Density from 120 to 140 kilograms per m3.
2. Compressive strength varies from 85 to 110 kPa.
3. Water absorption 0.75 kg per m2.
4. At temperatures from -10 to + 25 degrees, thermal conductivity changes from 0.044 to 0.041 W/m*K.
5. Non-flammable

Consumer Reviews

The described thermal insulation has found its wide application, this is due to certain technical characteristics and advantages. According to users, they quite often choose this material because it is environmentally friendly. This applies not only to human health, but also to the absence of emissions into the external environment. When there are temperature changes, the canvas retains its technical characteristics and original shape. According to users, the thermal insulation is characterized by excellent resistance to sunlight throughout its entire service life.

The material can be used for 50 years or more. The slabs are easy to cut, and they are quite simple to install using available materials. In this case, the master will not have to purchase additional tools, which could cause costs.

Quite often lately, consumers have been purchasing Ecover brand products. Reviews (the insulation has excellent technical characteristics) are positive in most cases. For example, it is worth highlighting the fact that you will have to pay a little for the material. For canvases made of basalt wool, suppliers ask 530 rubles. per package, this applies to “Light Universal” thermal insulation. If we are talking about products of the “Standard-50” series, then it costs 775 rubles/pack.

Dimensions

When choosing mineral wool, you should definitely take its parameters into account. The standard dimensions of Ecover insulation are as follows:

• length 1000 mm;
• width 600 mm;
• thickness ranges from 40-250 mm.

The level of moisture absorption of products is 1 kg per 1 m2. Good heat resistance is ensured by a structure made of stone-basalt fibers and a special binder, which can withstand maximum heat.

It is worth noting that each series has individual characteristics and dimensional data, making the selection process for a particular purpose easy and correct.

Hydrophobicity of stone wool

ECOVER stone wool fibers are coated with a water-repellent agent, which repels water at the molecular level by reducing surface wettability. As a result, thermal insulation boards do not absorb moisture. Water that gets on the surface of the slabs does not penetrate deeper, due to which they remain dry and retain their high heat-shielding properties. High hydrophobicity is assessed by the water absorption indicator, which for ECOVER products is less than 1.5% by volume, and for light brands it is less than 2.5%. The ability to absorb moisture from the air is measured by the value of sorption humidity, which is also minimal for ECOVER slabs. The hydrophobicity of ECOVER products ensures their high thermal insulation properties under any operating conditions.

Tips and tricks

Numerous reviews indicate that it is quite difficult to determine its quality by the appearance of Ecover insulation, so the choice of these products should be approached with great responsibility.

• The presence of appropriate quality certificates from the seller is an important guarantee that the material is original and manufactured in accordance with GOST.
• Packaging in the form of a special shrink polyethylene film reliably protects mineral wool from external factors. It should be stored on pallets in order to maintain integrity, as well as convenient loading and unloading. During transportation, this insulation should not be exposed to moisture.
• recommends paying attention to the presence of brand markings printed in the form of a dark stripe. During installation, this surface must be attached to the wall, thus forming a good basis for plastering work.
• It is worth noting that the insulation of this brand can retain its original qualities for 50 years of operation. In addition, to carry out the installation process, it is enough to have the most basic means at hand.

• Strict adherence to the instructions on the packaging will help prevent various types of errors and alterations during the installation process. The edges of Ecover products must be neat so that the joints are as smooth as possible and suitable for further processing.
• It is recommended to tightly fix mineral insulation to a particular surface to create a truly high-quality effect. To reliably insulate a flat roof, thermal insulation boards should be laid in 2 layers. If the installation is carried out in an attic that is in use, then in this case it is necessary to use a special two-layer mineral wool.
• When starting to cut Ecover slabs, it is recommended to strictly adhere to the required dimensions in order to prevent the appearance of cracks that can become sources of cold penetration. This stage of work should be carried out in special protective clothing, as well as gloves, goggles and a mask. The room where installation is carried out must be fully ventilated. It is strictly forbidden to move on the surface of the slabs, so as not to violate their protective properties.

• Immediately before purchasing Ecover products, it is recommended to study in detail the general characteristics and purpose of a particular item. You should definitely take into account the density of the material.
• It is believed that the higher the degree of density of products, the lower their thermal insulation properties. It must be remembered that only a professional approach to the process of choosing mineral insulation can provide the desired result in the form of high-quality installation and a long service life of the products themselves.

Brand Roofing

Ecover roofing is a thermal insulation product used as a single-layer roof insulation. Ecover has the necessary characteristics for installing roof insulation both without cement and with cement screed. Ecover roofing is suitable for insulating attic and interfloor ceilings, as a thermal insulation layer between the first floor and an unheated basement.

Thermal insulation parameters:

1. Density 135 or 150 kg per m3 (indicated in the name).
2. Compression resistance 45 kPa.
3. Water absorption 0.75 kg per square meter. meter.
4. At temperatures from -10 to + 25 degrees, thermal conductivity changes from 0.036 to 0.038 W/m*K.
5. Incombustible.

Roof top

Ecover roofing top is a type of rigid mineral insulation for installing two-layer thermal insulation of a flat roof.
It is used as a top layer on top of roofing bottom insulation. Roof insulation parameters:

1. Density from 160 to 190 kg per m3.
2. Compression resistance from 65 to 120 kPa.
3. Water absorption 0.75 kg per square meter. meter.
4. At temperatures from -10 to + 25 degrees, thermal conductivity changes from 0.037 to 0.04 W/m*K.
5. Included in the non-flammable class.

Roof bottom

Ecover roofing bottom belongs to the class of rigid insulation materials used for roofing thermal insulation work. It is suitable for installing single-layer thermal insulation of a roof, as the first layer in combination with the Roof Top subtype or extruded polystyrene foam, as a fire insulation layer.

Roof insulation parameters:

1. Density from 100 to 120 kilograms per m3.
2. Compression resistance from 25 to 40 kPa.
3. Water absorption 0.75 kg per square meter. meter.
4. At temperatures from -10 to + 25 degrees, thermal conductivity changes from 0.035 to 0.038 W/m*K.
5. Non-flammable