Real service life of ecowool. House insulation with Ecowool: blowing methods, cost, pros and cons

Ecowool is a new insulation material on the Russian market. Depending on the method of application, it can be classified as bulk or sprayed materials. Ecowool was developed in Germany in 1928; in the 50s, the material conquered Europe and America. Ecowool is made from recycled cellulose; the eco-friendly insulation has excellent thermal insulation properties and low flammability. Ecowool does not attract rodents; mold and mildew do not grow in it. A home craftsman can insulate structures with his own hands.

Composition of ecowool and its main properties

High-quality ecowool contains only three components:

• 80% cellulose fiber.
• 12% boric acid, which inhibits the development of microorganisms, mold, and mildew.
• 8% borax, or potassium tetraborate. It repels insects and rodents and at the same time is a strong fire retardant.

Several types of raw materials are used to make ecowool:

• Waste from paper and cardboard production.
• Residues from the production of corrugated cardboard products.
• Printing defect.
• Waste paper unsuitable for processing into high-quality paper, including contaminated paper.

Not so long ago, ecowool appeared on the Russian market and is gradually gaining popularity for thermal insulation of buildings for a wide variety of purposes: from airports and concert halls to warehouses, industrial buildings and private homes.

What is ecowool made from?

The main characteristics of ecowool offered by the market are as follows:

• Thermal water coefficient at the level of mineral wool and expanded polystyrene is 0.036-0.043 W/mK. It must be borne in mind that due to seamless application, the overall thermal insulation ability is significantly higher than that of other materials.
• The density depends on the method of installation (or application) and can range from 25 to 90 kg/m3.
• Heat resistance group – G2, smoke generation – D2.
• The vapor permeability of laid ecowool is 0.3 mg/(mhPa).
• Air permeability(80-120)*10-6 m³/msPa.

The strength of the material is low compared to others. It is not suitable for insulating flat roofs, where the insulation has to withstand heavy loads during operation.

The main positive characteristics of ecowool

The main advantages of ecowool, which make it stand out among its competitors, include:

• Excellent sound insulation. Elastic cellulose fibers repeatedly interlocked with each other perfectly absorb sound waves. One and a half centimeters of ecowool reduces the sound by 9 decibels. This property was appreciated by designers of airport terminal buildings, concert halls and recording studios.
• The low density of ecowool determines its economical consumption. A cubic meter of finished insulation weighs only 25 to 65 kg. For comparison: a cubic meter of mineral wool weighs from 65 to 210 kg.

• Excellent penetrating ability. Ecowool can be blown into the most inaccessible places; the fibers evenly fill cavities and sinuses in building structures. This makes the material an excellent choice for thermal insulation of both already erected buildings and buildings under construction.
• The absence of seams and joints significantly increases the total thermal insulation - up to 10% of heat loss when insulating with mineral wool passes through loose joints, remaining or emerging gaps.
• Almost zero allergenicity and carcinogenicity. The substances that make up the material are harmless to human health both during use and during operation.
• The material repels rodents and insects. When dismantling the renovation of houses insulated with ecowool, no passages gnawed by mice were found in it. The components of the material prevent the development of microorganisms, mold and mildew.
• Combination of high quality and affordable price.

Disadvantages of ecowool

Like any real-life material, ecowool has a number of disadvantages. Unfortunately, some illiterate “specialists” and unfriendly competitors are still trying to create a negative information background around promising material. Let's try to understand the accusations.

The most frequently mentioned disadvantages of insulation are the following.

Large volumetric shrinkage

When dry laying the material, especially in the case of insulation of vertical surfaces, shrinkage of up to 20% can actually occur. In this case, bare areas no longer effectively protect the building from frost, and so-called “cold bridges” arise.

It should be noted that most manufacturers suggest using a wet-glue method for insulating vertical walls, which reduces vertical shrinkage to 1% over the entire service life. For those who nevertheless chose the dry method, it is recommended to increase the laying rates by 20-25%.

High hygroscopicity

The material is capable of absorbing moisture from 10 to 15% of its volume. At the same time, the thermal conductivity of ecowool increases slightly. However, compared to glass wool, the thermal insulation properties of which decrease several times when moistened, the deterioration in thermal insulation is simply insignificant. In addition, it is compensated by the unique property of ecowool: when the temperature rises or air humidity decreases, i.e. when the dew point shifts, the fibers begin to actively evaporate the accumulated moisture and the original value of the thermal conductivity coefficient is restored. This allows the material to be used as a kind of moisture stabilizer. After all, low humidity is no less harmful to humans than high humidity. In addition, with proper vapor and waterproofing and ventilation of air gaps, the effect is minimized, and this drawback does not look so terrible.

Expensive equipment

Professional spraying equipment really costs hundreds of thousands of rubles. However, household-grade models that are quite capable of insulating a private home cost from 20 thousand. If a home craftsman is not embarrassed by a screwdriver that costs 9 thousand rubles, then an entry-level device will also fit into the construction budget. In addition, when laying by machine, the consumption of ecowool per square meter of surface is significantly reduced, the filling of cavities and the uniformity of injection are increased. This leads to minimization of possible shrinkage.

High qualification requirements

When working on a professional unit, both special training and experience are really necessary. Unevenly laid fibers will not provide the calculated level of thermal insulation. You can master a household-grade device much faster. Before you start insulating your home, it would be wise to practice and get your hands on auxiliary buildings - a bathhouse or a garage.

Long drying time when applied wet

There is nothing to argue with here - you will have to wait 2-3 days for complete drying. This period is not always acceptable, especially during repairs. During construction, you can always use this pause to carry out other work.

Low stiffness and strength

Compared to expanded polystyrene and dense basalt wool, ecowool is really fragile. This does not allow it to be used for insulating flat roofs, the insulation on which must withstand high loads, including snow.

Insufficient heat resistance

Ecowool can resist open fire, but with prolonged exposure to high temperatures, the fibers change their structure and begin to crumble and even slowly smolder. This does not allow the material to compete with basalt wool or vermiculite in the thermal insulation of stoves and chimneys.

Consequences and harm to health

This already falls into the category of outright fiction. Ecowool is the most environmentally friendly and least harmful to health insulation; it does not cause allergies or provoke the development of cancer. Ecowool can even be swallowed in small quantities, which cannot be said about, say, glass wool. Of course, during installation, especially in a dry manner, you should protect your respiratory system from dust by wearing a respirator.

To summarize, we can say with confidence: if you use ecowool in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations and strictly follow the technology, the balance of pros and cons will be in favor of the progressive material.

Laying features

There are the following main methods of insulating buildings with ecowool:

• wet;
• wet-adhesive;
• dry.

Spraying cotton wool with a special installation allows you to improve the quality and uniformity of the coating and at the same time reduce material consumption.

Wet

The method is used for walls and other vertical surfaces.

In this case, compositions such as PVA or lignin of natural origin are used as glue. The wetted fibers adhere well to the walls. In this case, a monolithic insulating layer with a density of 50 to 65 kg/m 3 is formed.

Cotton wool moistened with water without glue is also well applied and distributed over the wall, but there is still a risk of it settling during long-term use.

Excess cotton wool can be cut off with a construction knife, crushed and reused.

Dry method

Fluffed cotton wool is poured into the sinuses until it begins to spring back when pressed with your hand. It is better to fluff the cotton wool in a large tank or construction basin. To estimate the mass of the required material, it is enough to calculate the volume of the cavity to be filled and multiply it by the standard filling density.

Industrial method

The method requires the use of a special fan that delivers the fibers to the application site through a sleeve under slight pressure. Ensures uniform fiber distribution. Allows fibers to be wetted with adhesive or water when using a wet or wet-adhesive application method.

Leave technological holes or openings with a width of at least 10 cm. After application, they are sealed.

With your own hands

Household-grade installations cost from 20 thousand rubles. But you can do it yourself by manually pouring the material. In this case, it will be necessary to strictly adhere to the technology, first of all, the quantity and density of application.

The fibers, pre-fluffed in a spacious container, are simply poured onto horizontal surfaces and leveled. To loosen, you can use a construction mixer at minimum speed.

To insulate vertical surfaces, cotton wool is poured into prepared cavities between two walls until the material begins to spring back when pressed by hand.

The method is good for small volumes of insulation or repair work, insulation of a change house or shed. To insulate an entire house, it will be easier to buy or rent an installation.

Area of ​​use

Ecowool is increasingly used for thermal insulation of objects such as:

• frame houses;
• ceilings, floors and ceilings;
• floors;
• walls;
• cavities, sinuses in attics and attics.

In the future, experts predict an expansion in the applicability of this promising material. As the number of successful applications and the qualifications of operators increases, the popularity of environmentally friendly, high-quality and relatively affordable material on the Russian market is sure to increase.

No building material is written about as actively as ecowool. Insulation has both ardent supporters and irreconcilable opponents. They all provide “irrefutable” arguments in their favor, often contradicting each other. The presence of speculation and myths is the result of the struggle for the sales market between manufacturers of “new-old” insulation for Russia and their competitors. Let's try to understand this dispute and find out how effective and safe it is to insulate a house with ecowool.

Wool from cellulose fibers has been known in Europe since the 30s of the last century. In Russia, the first installations for the production of a new type of insulation appeared in 1993. However, only from 2008-2011 did the product begin to gain popularity among consumers. Therefore, even some professional builders classify ecowool as a new product in the construction industry.

Insulation is produced from recycled newspaper waste paper (glossy and coated paper does not split into fibers), resulting in a loose mass of fine-fibered material that is dirty gray, due to printing ink, or light gray, if it is absent, in color. This material retains heat perfectly, but is easily flammable and becomes a base for the growth of mold and mildew, as well as food for mice and rats.

To eliminate emerging problems, additives began to be introduced into ecowool: antiseptics and fire retardants. Now the composition of the insulation is as follows:

• cellulose (about 80%) - has good thermal insulation properties and high mechanical strength;
• boric acid (12%) - antiseptic. Protects cellulose fibers from rot, fungus and other microorganisms;
• sodium tetraborate or borax, which is the same thing, (about 8%) - antipyrine. Reduces the fire safety of wool to G2 (the material does not ignite), which, when insulating building elements (walls, roofing, floors, floors), is considered ideal option. In addition, borax protects the insulating layer from the invasion of mice and the appearance of various insects.

Characteristics

Like any building material, cellulose wool has its own technical specifications. Let's focus on those that are really important and needed by the consumer:

• thermal conductivity– 0.032-0.041 W/(m×°K). The thermal conductivity coefficient is no better and no worse than that of other insulation materials - comparable to polystyrene foam, as well as glass and basalt wool;
• density– 30-75 kg/m3. The ability to vary the specific gravity of the insulation allows you to select for each building structure the optimal weight load with good thermal protection performance. For example, when insulating a ceiling with ecowool, the most effective thermal protection achieved at a density of 30-40 kg/m3, sloping roof - 45-55 kg/m3, walls - 55-65 kg/m3;
• vapor permeability– 0.3 mg/(m h Pa). The numerical expression of the value of vapor permeability is not significant. The main thing is: it exists (the walls breathe) or not (condensation forms on the surface of the wall). In European standards for building materials, this approach is expressed in only two indices: MU1 - yes, MU0 - no;
• sound insulation- absorbed up to 63 dB with a thermal insulation layer thickness of 5 cm. However, it should be remembered that this is protection against the usual type of noise, which is called airborne. The insulation is powerless against shock and structural sound waves at any layer thickness;
• flammability class— G2 (does not ignite when exposed to an open flame).

Advantages

When considering the pros and cons of ecowool, it is difficult for an ordinary buyer to separate reality from the myths propagated by the marketing services of manufacturers.

Reality

Ecowool has the following advantages:

• good level of thermal protection. Not excellent, as many publications claim, but sufficient for insulating various structures of a house or apartment - approximately at the level of mineral wool and polystyrene foam;
• durability. Insulation manufacturers claim a 50-year service life. The given figure cannot be verified on the territory of Russia due to the short period of application. In Finland and Canada, many houses built more than 70 years ago have such insulation;
• the absence of connecting seams is an important advantage over other types of thermal insulation materials. Even under conditions of the most complex surface geometry, cellulose fibers fill all cavities and cracks, eliminating the appearance of cold bridges;
• good sound insulation properties. Slightly lower than basalt wool, but higher than most types of insulation;
• fire safety - does not ignite when exposed to an open flame;

• ability to retain heat when wet. For example, glass wool, which has absorbed only 1% of water, increases the thermal conductivity coefficient by 8-9%, ecowool, when wet by 25%, increases thermal conductivity by 2-5%;
• vapor permeability - walls under such insulation “breathe”;
• good adhesion to all types of building materials, especially when working wet;
• environmentally friendly, despite the presence of borax and boric acid in the composition;
• high resistance against microorganisms and rodents.

Myths

The marketing services of manufacturers and sellers are actively promoting advantages that do not exist at all or cannot be explained logically:

• low moisture permeability - in fact, insulation based on cellulose fiber perfectly absorbs water. Another thing is that it dries well without losing its properties;
• good absorption. This plus is generally difficult to comment on, since the word “absorption” refers to the ability of a substance to absorb moisture. It turns out that with mineral wool getting wet is a significant disadvantage, while with ecowool it is a plus;
• the ability of insulation to soundproof an apartment from the noise of construction, an airplane taking off, or passing cars. This is not entirely true. The insulation protects against airborne noise at a fairly good level, but cannot damp out sound waves of the structural and impact type (these noises are well distributed by the ground and the building structure);
• ease of insulation. It is difficult to agree with such a statement, since the vertical and inclined layer of ecowool does not adhere to the base of the insulated surface. It is necessary to either attach a film to the sheathing and add insulation between it and the wall (roof), or resort to the wet application method, which is not feasible without special equipment;
• quick implementation of thermal insulation - when working manually, it takes several days to insulate, for example, a roof. Using special equipment for applying fibers using the wet method, you have to wait 2-3 days until the thermal insulation layer dries;
• low cost of material. The budget price of insulation is the main mantra of manufacturers. But there are nuances here that are ignored: expensive installation technology (hiring a team of specialists makes the total cost of insulation work equal to that of basalt wool insulation, and in some cases even slightly higher); insulating ecowool with your own hands, instead of saving, leads to excessive consumption of material and a thicker layer of insulation, which, ultimately, again equalizes the cost of work with insulation with basalt fiber wool;
• the possibility of applying it over old insulation is a myth that is difficult to explain. For example, as the experts who proposed this insulation option see, the technology of thermal insulation work on the outside of the building (along the facade) or in the attic space.

Flaws

The disadvantages of cellulose wool include:

• an increase in thermal conductivity during operation, which is caused by two reasons: a decrease in volume due to shrinkage (starts from the second year of operation); increasing the humidity of the insulating layer (when wet, it dries, but not to its previous state);
• significant shrinkage on vertical and inclined structures, and therefore manufacturers recommend increasing the layer thickness by 25% compared to the calculated one, or increasing the insulation density to 65 kg/m3. Both options lead to increased consumption of material, and, consequently, to increased cost of repair work;
• weak rigidity, which requires the installation of gratings on the walls and roof of the attic;
• complex technology for performing work not only in the wet state, but also when blowing dry fibers - without special equipment it is practically impossible;
• long drying time when applied “wet” - up to 3 days;
• strong dependence of the quality of ecowool on the feedstock, which is difficult to control even among leading manufacturers.

Main differences from other insulation materials

The main feature of ecowool is its average performance compared to other insulation materials. It retains heat well, if it is hygroscopic, it does not lose its properties when wet, is durable, and perfectly protects the apartment from noise transmitted through the air. But due to consumers’ poor knowledge of the properties of this material and complex insulation technology, many prefer basalt wool.

To find out which is better, ecowool or basalt insulation, let’s conduct a mini comparison.

• In terms of basic technical characteristics, the insulation materials are approximately equal.
• Both materials do not support open combustion.
• The service life is comparable.
• Due to the absence of seams, cellulose wool retains heat better.
• Ecowool can be used to insulate a surface of any shape and configuration - basalt will have to be cut to fit the protrusions and depressions.
• The insulation technology is much simpler with stone fiber wool.
• The cost of thermal insulation work when insulating a private wooden house is one third more expensive than glass wool insulation, and almost the same when using basalt fiber insulation.

General conclusion: With almost the same costs for insulating a house with cellulose and basalt wool, the owner of the home is freed from work on his own when purchasing cotton wool insulation (performed by professional workers). Ecowool loses to glass wool due to the high cost of work. Otherwise, the choice is up to the consumer.

Scope of application

Ecowool can be used for insulation with the same effect:

• facades - applied to the sheathing using the wet method;
• walls - when laying using the “well” method;
• walls from the inside of the room - dry or wet on a pre-prepared lattice;
• attics and roofs - performed using the dry blowing method;
• floors - insulation is carried out using the dry method, followed by covering the heat-insulating layer with plywood or OSB sheets;
• attics - roof insulation with ecowool is carried out by dry blowing. The floor can be insulated manually.

Attention: cellulose fiber wool cannot be used under floating floors or screeds.

Popular manufacturers and prices

The high quality of ecowool is guaranteed by trusted manufacturers who do not allow the replacement of antiseptics and fire retardants with cheap analogues. Among them are several of the best.

Isofloc. The German company Isofloc with its products has earned numerous positive reviews from builders from all continents. The price for a 15 kg bag is about 660 rubles.

Termex. Finnish brand, known in Russia since 1988. Products are of high quality, which is facilitated by well-established process control.

Equator. Russian manufacturer of insulation made from waste paper. Production is fully automated, which allows us to obtain high quality products. Price for 1 kg - 34 rubles.

Nanovata. Another Russian enterprise with an unclear name, producing ecowool under the Alfagreen brand. Good quality provides equipment from Finland and the USA. A package weighing 15-17 kg can be purchased for 550 rubles.

Insulation technology

When insulating with ecowool, its application to the insulated surface can be done in several ways:

• manual;
• dry mechanized;
• “wet” mechanized;
• wet-adhesive mechanized.

Manual method

When performing insulation work manually, complex equipment is not required, but the process is delayed in time. The method is well suited for horizontal surfaces. To protect them thermally, work is performed in the following sequence:

• the cotton wool from the package is poured into a large container and whipped with a mixer until fluffy;
• the whipped mass is poured between the joists onto the base of the floor or into the lathing on the ceiling;

• the mass is leveled with a mop, while the leveling work is carried out actively so that the fibers fill all the cracks;
• On the floor, the insulation is covered with floorboards, on the ceiling - with OSB boards.

Important: walking on the insulation is strictly prohibited - it loses its properties.

Dry mechanized

The essence of the dry method is to fill closed cavities with fluffy fibers using a compressor. To do this, a hole is made in the wall at the top to suit the size of the hose. The equipment container is filled with pre-fluffed cotton wool.

The hose is inserted into the hole. The compressor is turned on, which blows the insulation fibers into the closed cavity. Work must be stopped regularly to compact the dry mass using a special device. After completion of the work, the hole is sealed.

The technology is not very complicated, but it has significant disadvantages:

• it is impossible to ensure uniform distribution of insulation;
• The density of the thermal insulation is different, which leads to shrinkage of the wool with all the ensuing consequences.

"Wet" mechanized

The wet method is based on the ability of cellulose, when wet, to release the adhesive substance lignin. All operations are performed in the following sequence:

• the cotton wool is poured out of the packaging into a large container and beaten with a mixer;
• the machine hopper is filled with fluffy mass;
• under high pressure, wool fibers are applied to the sheathing of a wall or roof. When leaving the nozzle, the insulation is moistened, which allows the emerging lignin to adhere well to the insulated surface;

• the applied layer of thermal insulation is allowed to dry for 2-3 days, after which the excess is cut off and used again.

Wet-adhesive mechanical

On vertical walls and the ceiling, the lignin does not have enough adhesive strength to hold the insulation. In this case, the cotton wool is moistened not at the outlet of the nozzle, but in the machine’s container, adding glue to the mixture. This “solution” adheres perfectly to any surface.

Nuances of insulation of various building elements

Stan

Walls can be insulated using all available methods. For example, insulation is poured into a frame house manually or blown mechanically into closed wall cavities. Insulation and brickwork"well". The wet method is not suitable here.

When insulating the facade, the wet-adhesive method is used. The insulation application technology includes:

• fastening to the wall a sheathing made of timber with an edge of 10-20 cm and a cell size of 60x100 cm;

• preparing the insulation mass for application;
• applying insulation under pressure;
• drying the applied layer;
• cutting off the excess, after which the outer layer of thermal insulation is covered with OSB boards.

Walls from the inside can be insulated manually, dry or wet.

For manual and mechanized blowing of cotton wool, a frame is made of timber or metal profiles. The pitch between vertical posts is 600-1000 mm. The thickness of the insulating layer is 20 cm (the width of the timber or metal profile is 200 mm). If the room height is more than 3 m, horizontal partitions are attached in the middle of the wall, which should take up half the weight of the insulation.

Otherwise, after a few years, under the weight of the column of cotton wool, the bottom will sag, opening a large bridge of cold at the top of the room. A vapor-permeable film or kraft paper (wrapping paper) is attached to the sheathing to create an enclosed space. A hole is made at the top of each niche to supply cotton wool. After filling each cavity, the hole is sealed, after which the operation is repeated with the next cell of the frame.

Important: in some materials you can find a recommendation to use parchment on the walls, which does not allow them to breathe. Oiled paper can only be used when insulating the roof, but, again, not in the attic.

After insulating the entire wall, the sheathing is covered with sheets of OSB, plywood or plasterboard. The disadvantage of this method is a significant reduction in the volume of the room.

Wet wool is applied using the same technology as on the facade of the building, which can be seen above.

Roofs

At the stage of preparation for insulation, the roofing material is waterproofed. The rafter system is reinforced with metal profiles or well-dried coniferous timber. The attic space is cleared of all unnecessary things.

There is no need to prepare the sheathing, since the rafters serve as a ready-made frame. All that remains is to use parchment or vapor barrier film to create a niche for blowing in the cotton wool fibers. Here, unlike the wall, the roof slope can be closed from the bottom up in stages, one meter in height, if the work is done manually. When using specialized equipment, it is more convenient to attach film or paper over the entire surface of the roof and fill the cavities through the hole at the top of the film.

Note that the wet method is not used for thermal insulation of roofs, although there are no obstacles to this.

Paula

Dry cotton wool is used for the floor. Insulation can be done manually or using equipment. In the first case, cotton wool is manually poured between the joists, leveled, and then covered with a finished wooden floor. If the finishing flooring is laminate, linoleum, parquet or ceramic tiles, OSB or plywood sheets are laid over the joists.

When using the equipment, the finished floor or protective slabs should already lie on the joists, creating a closed niche for the insulation.

Conclusion

Judging by the reviews on the forums, there is no harm from the use of cellulose insulation (one case of an allergy complaint from library dust was recorded). The material holds heat well. On horizontal planes it is laid by oneself. On the outside walls they almost always turn to specialists; on the inside and on the roof they can successfully do it on their own, albeit within a few days. The savings in this case amount to several thousand rubles.

In terms of properties and technical characteristics, ecowool is similar to basalt wool and is slightly superior to glass wool, but at the same time it is 1/3 more expensive than the latter when installed by a specialized team. What to ultimately choose is up to the consumer to decide.

Anyone who intends to build or is building a frame house inevitably faces the question of choosing a suitable thermal insulation material. And this is quite difficult to do, since a wide variety of materials are sold, differing from each other in price, quality, and characteristics. In this article we will dwell in more detail on a relatively “young” type of insulation - ecowool. Let's consider its composition, technical characteristics, properties and disadvantages.

What is it?

Ecowool is a light gray material consisting of cellulose, antiseptics and fire retardant. It is not available in tiles or rolls, like other thermal insulation materials.

Due to its characteristic loose, crumbling consistency, it is blown with air into the cavity, moistened and sprayed onto the surface. Installation is carried out using special equipment. This is done on any wall, regardless of whether it is closed on one side or on both sides.

In terms of thermal conductivity, a layer of sprayed ecowool 15 cm thick is not inferior to a brick wall of 4.5 bricks. The material is widely used for insulating residential buildings, various buildings, insulating attics, and attic coverings.

Compound

80% of the total mass of ecowool is cellulose, to be more precise - a newspaper. Glossy or coated paper is not used for production. The remaining 20% ​​is a mixture of antiseptic and antipyrine. Borax is used as an antipyrine, and boric acid is used as an antiseptic. The first is necessary for fire resistance, the second is to protect the material from rotting, harmful organisms, fungi and rodents. Thanks to the borax content, ecowool has a fire safety rating of G 2. All components of this heat-insulating material are non-toxic and do not pose any harm to humans.

Technical characteristics and properties

Specifications:

1. Density – 30-75 kg/m3.
2. Flammability group - G2. Combustion products are harmless.
3. Thermal conductivity - 0.032-0.041 W/°C.
4. Biostability – high. There are no rodents or pests.
5. Sound insulation is high.
6. Moisture resistance is good.
7. pH value is 7.8-8.3.
8. Smoke generation group - D2.

Properties

1. Low air permeability. Wood fibers are small, which slows down air movement. Moisture coming from the environment settles on the surface of the material and promotes adhesion of the fibers to each other. As a result, heat loss through the insulation layer is minimized.

2.Biostability. Salts of brownic acid and borax contained in the insulation protect against destruction by microorganisms, protect against fungi and rotting. Ecowool is not convenient for moving rodents and insects.

3. Fire safety. Ecowool is a low-flammable material. During the combustion process, crystallized water is released, which ensures long-lasting fire resistance.

Thus, ecowool stops the spread of fire.

4.Moisture resistance. Without losing its insulating properties, ecowool is able to accumulate and release natural moisture. Liquids do not accumulate in the material due to its capillary structure. No special vapor barrier layer is required, since condensation of water vapor does not occur in winter. This significantly saves money and helps maintain a healthy microclimate.

5. No voids or seams. Compared to traditional insulation methods, when using ecowool, it is possible to achieve a continuous layer of insulation. The quality is very high.

6.Sound insulation. The level of sound insulation is very high; therefore, ecowool is recommended for use in internal partitions. At the same time, remarkable results are achieved in soundproofing the house. In this indicator, the described material is significantly superior to polystyrene foam and mineral wool.

7.Hypoallergenic. Ecowool does not cause allergies, this probability is almost zero.

Disadvantages of ecowool

The main disadvantage of the material is that for high-quality installation you need to use special equipment. Installation is carried out using inflatable pneumatic installations. The mechanical application method is essential for ecowool to “work” 100%.

The specialist performing the work requires high qualifications. Illiterate and inept use of ecowool causes a significant reduction in insulation efficiency.

Important! The material is not recommended for use in close proximity to chimneys, fireplace pipes and other sources of open fire. High temperatures They are dangerous because ecowool begins to smolder (not burn) under their influence. In this regard, additional barriers are necessary.

The downside of ecowool is that it takes a long time to dry after installation. Depending on weather conditions, this may take up to 72 hours. This is not very convenient when deadlines are tight.

In some cases, ecowool may shrink. For example, if open free backfilling of floors was carried out or installation density requirements were not met.

Consumers should keep in mind that in Russia there is no GOST for the production of ecowool, so a lot depends on the manufacturer. No one is immune from receiving a low-quality product.

Do mice chew ecowool?

As you know, rodents love cellulose fiber, from which ecowool is produced. But they don’t settle in it, and, moreover, they don’t gnaw at it. The whole secret is in the content of an antiseptic, orthoboric acid, which rodents really don’t like. Once in ecowool, they begin to feel discomfort, feel thirsty and leave it in search of a more comfortable place. Thus, antiseptic helps create an environment that is unfriendly to mice and rats.

Ecowool is a durable and versatile material for thermal insulation. Using technological equipment, you can insulate any premises in the shortest possible time. Reasonable price, excellent properties, environmental friendliness - these are just some of the characteristics that make the material so popular.

Description

Mytishchi ecowool

Cellulose insulation material, gray (light gray) in color, usually consists of 81% recycled cellulose (recycled newspaper waste paper), 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, and has good heat and sound insulation properties, 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 capable of retaining up to 20% moisture in the upper layers of insulation, which has almost no effect on the thermal insulation properties. The material easily releases moisture into environment Due to the capillary structure of cellulose fibers, it 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), B2 (DIN 4102) - moderately flammable (GOST 30402), D2 - moderate 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 total (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. IN late XIX centuries, extensive research was also carried out on the properties of paper material, 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 existing on the market.
• biostability - ecowool eliminates the appearance of fungi, mold, rodents, and insects.
• environmental friendliness - the environmental friendliness of ecowool is questionable, as it contains boric acid and borax.
• has adhesion to metal, glass, wood, brick, concrete
• high degree of fire resistance (the speed of passage of the fire front through ecowool is about 2 mm/min).
• When laid correctly in compliance with the correct densities, it does not shrink over the years. This fact is confirmed by 80 years of observations conducted by German specialists. Here it is worth dispelling the myth about non-shrinking varieties of ecowool. Often, manufacturers go to excessive grinding of cellulose fiber, so as not to make it difficult to comply with density standards when blowing, but 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 insulation index (if any conclusions are available)
• 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 cold air squeezing out warm air from the insulation layer

Flaws

• low density of insulation does not make it possible to organize “floating” floors
• For high-quality insulation of complex surfaces, special equipment is required
• with the dry installation method, it generates dust during installation, and 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 insulation comes in different brands. At the same time, the structural composition of the insulation is not the same everywhere.

Ecowool packaging

Installation methods

There are three ways to install cellulose insulation in construction:

• Manual styling
• Mechanized dry laying (using blow molding machines)
• Spraying wetted material onto a surface (using blow molding units and a wet application kit)

Manual styling

When laying by hand, ecowool is loosened with available tools in any container and laid out on an insulated surface: floors, ceilings, attics - or poured into the cavities of the building: walls, attics, roofs. When installing in structures, the required installation density must be observed, for example, for walls this is min. 65-70 kg/m³. for floors - at least 35-40 kg/m³. Manual laying in wall structures requires a lot of attention and time costs, therefore it is cost-effective to use this method only for small volumes.

Mechanized laying

When mechanized laying, blowing installations are used, which loosen the insulation in the bunker and deliver it in an 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 dismantling of existing structures, even in cases of insulation of already in use structures.

Wet styling

Wet installation differs from mechanized installation only in that ecowool is applied to structures with water or with water and glue as a binding component. In this case, it is necessary to use a special

Ecowool insulation has both supporters and ardent opponents. Many conjectures and myths circulated are the result of advertising by cellulose insulation manufacturers and their competitors. We will try to objectively evaluate the pros and cons of the material, based on its real properties, and also describe the most acceptable technologies for using ecowool.

Composition and form of ecowool release

Among the variety of thermal insulation materials, ecowool has no analogues. Its composition is dominated by cellulose - recycled waste paper occupies about 80% of the volume of raw materials. Additional components:

• boric acid (12%) – an antiseptic that protects insulation from bacteria and fungi;
• borax (8%) – antipyrine additive to increase the fire resistance of the insulator.

The absence of synthetic additives explains the environmental friendliness of ecowool - harm to health and negative impact on the environment are excluded.

Cellulose insulation is supplied in 15 kg bags. The bulk mass is pressed into briquettes with a density of 110 kg/cubic meter. m. Before use, the material must be unpacked and fluffed - the ecowool should increase in volume by 3-4 times.

Technical characteristics of cellulose insulation

The simple composition endowed ecowool with the following working properties and physical indicators:

1. Thermal conductivity. The insulation is filled with air, ensuring heat preservation. The thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.038-0.042 W/mK. The parameter is comparable to the thermal efficiency indicators of other materials: expanded polystyrene, mineral wool.
2. Laying density. Determined by the method of ecowool insulation and the scope of use: thermal insulation of the floors of the lower floors - 35-42 kg/cu.m. m, inclined surfaces - 45-55 kg/cubic. m, walls/partitions – 55-65 kg/cubic. m. Processing with the wet method provides a density of up to 75 kg/cu.m. m.
3. Vapor permeability. The higher the laying density of ecowool, the lower its ability to transmit air vapor. Vapor permeability indicator – 0.3 mg/(mchPa), air permeability at a density of 40 kg/cubic meter. m – 80 cubic meters/msPa.
4. Fire safety parameters. Despite the presence of fire retardant components, ecowool belongs to the 2nd class of flammability and smoke generation - moderate combustion.
5. Noise insulation. The sound absorption index of a 5 cm layer of insulation reaches 0.4. An open window is taken as a unit of sound absorption.

Controversial point: the pros and cons of thermal insulation

Despite the good technical characteristics, insulating houses with ecowool is associated with some nuances. Let's evaluate the positive and negative aspects of using cellulose thermal insulation.

Advantages of eco-insulation

The main advantages of ecowool are:

1. Absorption and evaporation. The material partially absorbs moisture, but at the same time retains its thermal insulation properties. With an increase in humidity by 25%, ecowool will lose up to 3-5% of its thermal efficiency.
2. Seamless insulating layer. Blowing ecowool is possible in the most inaccessible places. A homogeneous mass fills all cracks and cavities without forming cold bridges.
3. Environmentally friendly. The absence of harmful volatile compounds makes the insulation safe.
4. Good sound insulation. Excellent noise absorption ability - a 15 mm layer suppresses 9 dB. Ecowool is often used to insulate recording studios, airports, and buildings near busy highways.

An undeniable advantage is the relatively affordable cost. The approximate price of ecowool insulation is about 10 USD. per bag weighing 15 kg. However, it is worth considering that the total cost of thermal insulation will increase significantly due to the expensive technology of applying cotton wool.

Problems of using ecowool

The disadvantages of cellulose insulation include:

1. Reduced thermal efficiency. Over time, thermal conductivity increases. The deterioration of thermal insulation properties is due to a decrease in the volume of the material and saturation with moisture. To maximize heat retention, it is necessary to ensure ventilation of the insulation and laying a layer of insulation with a reserve.
2. Shrinkage. The problem is typical for vertical structures. To avoid the appearance of voids, it is necessary to apply cotton wool in a dense layer - at least 65 kg / cubic meter. m.
3. Difficulties in installing ecowool. Achieving the required density and uniform distribution is possible only with the use of special machines for blowing ecowool.
4. Low rigidity. Cellulose insulation, unlike slab materials (expanded polystyrene, basalt mats), cannot be installed using the frameless method.

Ecowool It is unacceptable to place near chimneys, chimneys, open fire sources. The insulation requires additional protection - this can be basalt foil mats or asbestos-cement slabs.

It should be noted that the quality of thermal insulation does not always meet the standards. The name of the manufacturer influences how much ecowool costs. Little-known companies, in an effort to save money, replace borax and borax with cheap flame retardant analogues. Insulation with ammonium sulfates and boric acid quickly loses its fire-fighting properties.

Frame insulation technology

Thermal insulation frame house performed dry or wet. For application to walls, it is better to choose a “wet” technology; for floor insulation, a “dry” method is suitable.

Equipment for blowing ecowool

High-quality insulation of vertical surfaces is impossible without the use of specialized blow molding installations for installing ecowool. There are many different models on the market, differing in power, completeness and scope of application. Equipment for ecowool can be designed for both dry and wet methods.

Some craftsmen make the unit with their own hands. To make a blowing installation with your own hands, you need to understand the principle of constructing the equipment. Required working nodes:

1. Platform. A frame for fixing a loading funnel with a motor, a blower, a sluice and a gearbox.
2. Engine. Use a two- or three-stage motor.
3. Gateway. Provides cotton wool capture and air dosage. Inside the chamber, the material is turned over and fed into the hose under pressure.
4. Gearbox. Increases power output by reducing the speed of the ripper and motor.
5. Baking powder. A system of knives like in a blender for fluffing and preparing the mass.
6. Loading funnel for laying insulation.
7. Control Panel.

The described complete set corresponds to the dry spray unit. To implement the wet-glue method, you will need a block for moistening the cellulose briquette.

Thermal insulation of the house: wet method

The technology is great for application to open areas. The method allows you to control the uniformity of laying and ensures a high density of the thermal insulation layer. Cellulose wool is fed under pressure and adheres to the surface. High adhesion is ensured by lignin - it is released when water is added to ecowool.

Work progress:

1. Lath the walls.
2. Fill the hopper with the fluffy mass.
3. Start spraying. At the exit, dry cotton wool from the nozzle is moistened and supplied under pressure.
4. Distribute ecowool evenly over the surface of the walls.
5. Wait until it dries completely and cut off the excess - the waste can be reused.

“Dry” filling of wall space

The waterless method can be implemented on horizontal and inclined surfaces. Spraying is used to insulate closed cavities, non-demountable structures, and interfloor ceilings.

The essence of the method:

1. At the top of the wall, make a hole commensurate with the dimensions of the insulation supply hose.
2. Insert the sleeve and turn on the equipment.
3. Fill the voids, periodically tamping the dry mass.
4. Close and seal the hole.

Blowing into the cavity is carried out regardless of weather conditions and avoids the dismantling of structures. However, the technique has several significant drawbacks - it is difficult to ensure uniform distribution and the required thermal insulation density.

Manual filling of floors

The easiest way is to insulate the ceiling or floor. The technology does not require specialized equipment, but takes more time. The method is only suitable for thermal insulation of horizontal surfaces.

Do-it-yourself backfilling sequence:

1. Level the surface, install the logs - the height of the boards is 8 cm, the approximate size of the cells is 40*80 cm.
2. Fluff the compressed briquette well. Place the mixture in a large container and mix vigorously with a drill and mixer attachment.
3. Fill the space between the joists with insulation. There should be an abundance of ecowool - a small pile of dry material will subsequently cover the floorboards.

Experts advise letting the cellulose wadding “settle.” The lignin included in its composition will react with moist air vapor and a dense crust will form on the surface of the insulation. The layer will improve heat retention.

Review of the best ecowool manufacturers

An important criterion for choosing insulation is the manufacturer. The following brands have received positive user reviews:

1. Isofloc. A German company with a worldwide reputation. Offers universal building materials that are suitable for insulating various objects.
2. Termex. An experienced Finnish manufacturer that adheres to the canons of environmentally friendly products and innovative technologies. High quality ecowool is combined with a loyal pricing policy.
3. Ecovilla. A company from Finland that has gained worldwide popularity due to the environmental friendliness and durability of its products.
4. Ecowool Extra. The domestic manufacturer is the leader in the eco-insulation segment. Ecowool meets European quality standards, products are regularly tested and tested.
5. Greenfiber. An American organization working on advanced technologies for processing raw materials.
6. Equator". The products of the Russian brand are in demand by construction companies and private developers. The company's ecowool has high performance characteristics.

Among domestic manufacturers, we can additionally highlight the products “Kirov Eco Plus” and “Nanovata”. Their products meet all norms and standards.

Video: manual insulation of frame walls

Considering the availability of the material and waste-free use, work using ecowool will be cheaper compared to other insulation materials. However, the quality of thermal insulation is largely determined by adherence to technology - it is better to entrust the work of applying cellulose pulp to professionals.