Insulation is essential for maintaining both the warmth and energy efficiency of your home. One place that is frequently disregarded is the chimney. Although we tend to concentrate on insulating roofs and walls, poorly insulated chimneys can be a major source of heat loss. This post will examine the various kinds of rock wool insulation for chimneys that are available and go over the benefits and drawbacks of using cardboard, mats, and cylinders (shells) made of rock wool.
Because basalt wool has superior heat resistance and insulation qualities, it is often used as chimney insulation. Basalt wool is derived from volcanic rock. Because of its ability to withstand high temperatures, it can be used in chimneys where there can be significant temperature fluctuations. There are several ways to use basalt wool insulation, such as cylinders (shells), cardboard, and mats, each with special advantages.
Sheaths of basalt wool or cylinders are practical choices for chimney insulation. They are simple to install around the chimney flue because they are pre-formed into cylindrical shapes. These cylinders fit snugly, reducing heat loss and enhancing your chimney’s overall performance. They also have mold and moisture resistance, which guarantees long-lasting insulation effectiveness.
Another adaptable option for chimney insulation is basalt wool mats. These mats offer superior thermal insulation because they are made of compressed layers of basalt fibers. They are simple to shape and cut to precisely match the dimensions of your chimney, which simplifies installation. In addition to their extreme durability and fire resistance, basalt wool mats are a dependable option for chimney insulation.
Basalt wool cardboard can offer a more eco-friendly choice for individuals seeking a more sustainable option. This kind of insulation has a low environmental impact and provides good thermal performance because it is made from recycled basalt fibers. Because it is lightweight and manageable, basalt wool cardboard is a good choice for do-it-yourself installation tasks. To keep its form and function well in chimney applications, it might need more support.
In conclusion, the energy efficiency and functionality of your home heating system can be greatly enhanced by selecting the proper type of basalt wool insulation for your chimney. Basalt wool provides exceptional thermal insulation qualities and durability, ensuring a warm and comfortable living environment while lowering energy costs, whether you choose cylinders (shells), mats, or cardboard.
Type of Basalt Wool | Use |
Cylinders (Shells) | Convenient for insulating the chimney where space is limited or irregular shapes need coverage. |
Mats | Suitable for wrapping around the chimney, providing uniform insulation and easy installation. |
Cardboard | Ideal for filling gaps and providing additional insulation in specific areas of the chimney. |
- Is it possible to use basalt insulation for a chimney?
- Characteristics of basalt fiber for the chimney
- Where basalt is used in chimney systems
- Types of basalt insulation for thermal insulation of chimneys
- Basalt insulation shells (cylinders)
- Insulating mats made of basalt (ordinary and extra dense)
- Basalt fiberboard
- Brands of basalt insulation for chimney insulation
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Is it possible to use basalt insulation for a chimney?
One kind of mineral insulator is basalt, which is used to make chimneys. The substance is also known as rock wool. Basalt and gabbro rock waste is used to make thermal insulation. The rock is crushed, melted, and then stretched into thin glass fibers during the production process. The furnace’s melting point is 1500°C. The pulled fibers are 5 cm in length and no thicker than 7 microns. The resulting yarns are twice run through a press that has been preheated to 300°C. The resulting thermal insulation has several qualities, including durability, environmental friendliness, and resistance to fire. It should come as no surprise that the biggest producers line their chimneys with fireproof basalt insulation.
Characteristics of basalt fiber for the chimney
Considering the properties of the material, insulating the chimney with basalt wool makes perfect sense. During the manufacturing process, the material gains the following benefits:
- Low thermal conductivity – depending on the brand, the thermal insulation value of the material ranges from 0.032 to 0.048 watts per meter per Kelvin. The same characteristics have foam rubber, polystyrene foam, cork.
- Hydrophobic – moisture settles on the surface and cannot get in. Even in humid areas or under the influence of precipitation, rock wool retains its operational and thermal insulation characteristics. Therefore, choosing basalt wool to insulate a chimney installed outside is a really good decision.
- Resistance to fire – basalt wool, without loss of strength, heats up to a temperature of 1114 ° C. At higher temperatures, the material begins to melt. This ability allows you to withstand even direct exposure to open fire. Chimney temperature, even when burning soot, does not exceed 1000 ° C, so basalt is suitable for insulation of any chimney systems, regardless of the principle of operation and type of fuel used.
- Strength and resistance to subsidence – stone wool fibers are located both vertically and horizontally, which leads to the ability to withstand compression loads from 5 to 80 kilopascals. During the entire life cycle, the material does not change its shape. Deformation of no more than 10% is allowed.
It is advised to use basalt wool for chimney pipe insulation when creating fire-resistant partitions, installing them in damp locations, and finishing the outside.
Where basalt is used in chimney systems
Compared to traditional mineral insulators, the properties of basalt fiber allowed for a significant expansion in application. The following uses of rock wool in chimney systems are as follows:
Basalt is used to create fire breaks and chimney nodes of passage through buildings by insulating chimney pipes both inside and outside.
Types of basalt insulation for thermal insulation of chimneys
The intended thermal properties determine which grade of basalt wool to use. The type of chimney construction and its peculiarities are taken into consideration when choosing the material. Additionally, it must decide on the proper insulation for floor slabs, wall nodes, and roofing manufacturing.
Basalt insulation shells (cylinders)
Both residential and commercial chimney systems use basalt thermal insulation shells. There are various grades based on wall thickness, which include 55, 75, 90, 110, 150, and 200. The shells come in one-meter-long sections.
When installing pressed basalt cylindrical insulation, adhere to the guidelines below in particular, as well as the requirements outlined in SNiP 2.04.14-88:
The use of heat-insulating cylinders made of basalt insulation in sandwich system chimneys is restricted to pipes where the flue gas temperature does not exceed 300°Ρ.
Insulating mats made of basalt (ordinary and extra dense)
Basalt matting is utilized to insulate hot surfaces between 450 and 700 degrees Celsius. Operational procedures are governed by GOST-16381. The following criteria are used to choose the insulation:
- Density.
- Type of cladding.
- One or two-sided stitching of the material.
- Operating temperature limit.
The stated density of basalt wool must be taken into consideration first. Connecting solid fuel units to stone wool with a coefficient of 30-125 kg/m³ is appropriate. The material can sustain a constant operating temperature of 700°C and does not have a lining layer.
High density, non-combustible basalt insulation used in the construction of passage units and chimneys of all shapes.
Single-wall pipes are insulated both internally and externally using foil-covered basalt mat. If installed inside a building, there is no need for protective cladding. Stitching is used to join the foil layer to the insulation.
Using stitched matting in the chimney wall passage is not advised. In order to create fireproof partitions, you can install matting to insulate ceilings where chimney pipes would normally pass.
Basalt fiberboard
One of the newest products on the insulation market is basalt fiberboard. Fundamental attributes of basalt fiberboard:
It’s easy to insulate a metal chimney by wrapping it in cardboard and basalt foil. The substance stretches nicely around the edge. Clamps are used to secure the insulation after the pipe has been wrapped.
For any kind of chimney system, insulating the chimney with foil-backed basalt cardboard is permissible. Additional protective construction is not required after installation.
In order to prevent fires, a basalt protective screen is placed between the heated chimney and the wooden walls.
When it comes to insulating your chimney, choosing the right type of basalt wool is crucial for efficiency and safety. Basalt wool, available in cylinders (shells), mats, and cardboard forms, offers excellent heat resistance and insulation properties, making it ideal for chimney insulation. Cylinders or shells of basalt wool are convenient for wrapping around the chimney, providing a snug fit and effective heat retention. Mats offer flexibility, allowing for easy installation in various chimney shapes and sizes, while cardboard provides added structural support and durability. By selecting the appropriate form of basalt wool for your chimney insulation needs, you can enhance energy efficiency, prevent heat loss, and ensure the safety of your home heating system.
Brands of basalt insulation for chimney insulation
Customers can choose from over a dozen different basalt insulation products offered by different manufacturers. While some are produced domestically, others are produced overseas.
Based on customer feedback, the following companies’ products are well-liked:
The primary considerations for selecting basalt for pipe insulation are the thermal properties that the manufacturer specifies. Major concerns have led to the development of modifications created especially for smoke exhaust systems.
Selecting the appropriate insulation for your chimney is essential to preserving energy efficiency and guaranteeing your home’s safety. Excellent insulating qualities are provided by basalt wool, and knowing the various varieties it comes in will help you make an informed choice.
For chimney insulation, the most common sources of basalt wool are cardboard, cylinders, mats, and shells. Every form has benefits of its own and is appropriate for particular uses. Easy to install and offering consistent insulation, cylinders and shells are practical choices for encircling the chimney pipe.
Mats, on the other hand, are flexible and can be cut to fit any area, which makes them ideal for spaces that need specialized insulation or chimneys with irregular shapes. Though less common, cardboard offers a rigid insulation that is simple to install in sections.
Take into account aspects like the size and shape of your chimney, the amount of insulation needed, and your budget when selecting the best kind of basalt wool for your system. Finding the best choice for your unique needs can be facilitated by speaking with an expert.
In the end, it makes sense to invest in high-quality basalt wool insulation for your chimney, regardless of whether you choose to use cardboard, cylinders, shells, or mats. It will enhance energy efficiency and lessen heat loss in addition to enhancing your home’s general safety and comfort.