What is better to use penoplex or mineral wool for insulation?

Penoplex and mineral wool

“The wise power of a builder is hidden in every person, and one must give free rein to its development.” (Maksim Gorky).

A huge hello to all blog readers! I hope you have already “come to your senses” from the holidays and are ready for the next portion of construction information. If yes, then read on, if your health still leaves much to be desired, close the site, turn off the computer and go to visit friends for “treatment.” Well, we will continue...

Today I decided to choose the topic of choosing two main “ideological competitors”, well, like a car with front or rear wheel drive. Or something similar, which has approximately an equal percentage of supporters on both sides. I’ll try to make a neutral comparison, and the choice is clearly yours. So, penoplex or mineral wool, which is better?

The right question is - what are we going to insulate? Well, let's take a little look at the main structures: walls, foundation, floor.

Variety of mineral wool

Subtle point. If penoplex* is, in fact, the name of the final product, then mineral wool is a broad concept, including glass wool, slag and stone wool. Therefore, as the Germans say, “apples must be compared with apples,” which means we’ll focus on one thing. I choose stone mineral wool, which is more often called basalt. It has better thermal insulation properties in comparison with its “slightly backward brothers”.

*There is another subtype of penoplex - technoplex. This is a bird of a feather. True, there is not a big difference in the name and minor parameters, but we will not go into these details. That's it, let's begin. In the red corner of the ring there is penoplex, in the blue corner there is mineral wool. Gong!

Comparing two materials

Penoplex and mineral wool differ in structure, appearance and parameters, since they contain different components.
Penoplex and mineral wool differ in structure, appearance and parameters, since they contain different components. In addition, both materials are produced using different technologies. Before determining whether it is penoplex or mineral wool, it is worth studying the situation in detail, the properties of insulation and choosing the one suitable for thermal insulation in terms of effect and cost.

Description of materials and appearance

Penoplex is an advanced polystyrene foam that has been processed under the influence of temperature and pressure. This technology made it possible to create a dense, durable material with low weight and high thermal insulation qualities. In appearance, it resembles frozen polyurethane foam.

Mineral wool has a fibrous structure, which is due to the use of silicate rock solution as the main raw material.

The raw materials are fused, which gives the material the qualities necessary for insulation.

Types of materials

Mineral wool is presented on the market in several types: glass wool, slag wool and stone wool. Insulation is carried out with the latter type, since it surpasses the previous ones in technical characteristics. Penoplex is produced in different types, suitable for thermal insulation of roofs, foundations, walls and more. The parameters of extruded polystyrene foam or mineral wool depend on the type chosen.

Pricing policy, weight, packaging

The cost of high-quality basalt insulation is comparable to penoplex. Therefore, insulation with both materials will cost almost the same. The cost of insulation from different manufacturers varies. Basalt wool weighs more than extruded polystyrene foam, which makes its installation a little more complicated. Stone and polystyrene insulation is packaged in shrink film, which provides reliable protection during transportation and storage.

Thermal insulation properties

Insulation is best done with materials with low thermal conductivity. In this aspect, penoplex wins. But the difference is insignificant, since it will be possible to replace 50 mm extruded polystyrene foam with 60 mm thick mineral wool. In this case, the thermal conductivity indicator may deteriorate if there is inadequate protection or violation of installation rules. What is warmer depends on the specific situation, so other properties should be taken into account.

Vapor permeability of materials

The vapor permeability indicator is an ambiguous criterion. Warmer penoplex has a vapor permeability coefficient almost equal to zero, which makes it airtight. Mineral wool is breathable, which is important to prevent condensation. It allows air to pass through, unlike penoplex. At the same time, the installation of mineral wool requires the installation of waterproofing, which reduces the coefficient of vapor permeability.

Flammability and fire resistance

Mineral wool has the best fire resistance characteristics: it does not ignite, since the mass fraction of the adhesive mass capable of burning in the composition is small, and for melting it will be necessary to reach more than 1000 ° C. Extruded polystyrene foam belongs to highly and moderately flammable materials (class G3-G4). In certain lines of penoplex, the manufacturer managed to reduce flammability by introducing additives into the composition.

4 Vapor barrier floor screed

The situation with floors is ambiguous and depends on environmental conditions. So, a screed on a balcony or loggia should be protected with a vapor barrier, but special conditions arise there.

Interfloor ceilings do not need to be protected from the floor side. Several factors have an influence here.

Firstly, the technology of installing foam plastic on the floor itself makes it possible to fit and insulate it well. Secondly, the screed must be waterproofed, and the waterproofing layer also helps protect against steam.

And you should understand that the load on the floors is very small, since according to the laws of physics, warm air and steam always tends upward. Below, it does not linger, being replaced by colder air.

Ceiling insulated with polystyrene foam boards

Again, all exceptions are the finishing of floors above a bathtub, bathhouse, etc. Here the amount of steam can reach critical levels and even pass through concrete interfloor ceilings.

Application

In various situations, penoplex or mineral wool is used for thermal insulation.

What is better is determined taking into account the nuances of each specific case, climatic conditions, the material from which the structure is constructed, and financial capabilities.

What material to insulate what with?

The best way to carry out thermal insulation is determined by each owner himself, but there are a number of recommendations from professionals that will help make the right choice:

1. You can insulate walls from the inside with both materials. But it is better to insulate wooden buildings with mineral wool. Because it has higher vapor permeability.
2. It is better to insulate the foundation of a house, blind area, basement, and basement with penoplex foam, since it has higher strength and can withstand significant loads.
3. The roof is insulated with both mineral wool and extruded polystyrene foam. Here the choice should be given, taking into account the material of construction. Most often, house floors, attics and attics are insulated with stone wool.
4. For rooms with high humidity: car washes, baths, saunas, the use of polystyrene foam insulation is strictly not recommended.

It is impossible to say unequivocally which insulation is better. There are many factors to consider to make the right choice.

What is better to insulate with penoplex?

There will be no categorical answer, but based on the opinion of experts, penoplex is very good for private houses. But there is an important point. “Non-breathable” penoplex clogs the walls, and moisture in the form of steam will accumulate in the enclosing structures without leaving the premises. Excess moisture inside the house can be removed using mechanical ventilation or regular ventilation. Unless, of course, you have dilapidated wooden frames. Then there is always ventilation.

We insulate the foundation with penoplex

But with regard to the insulation of foundations, blind areas, basements and floors (which is not always), everything is in order. Penoplex is often used for multi-layer foundations, installed as a middle layer. A very rational decision. By the way, you can read about how to insulate a foundation with this polymer in this article.

Floors and interfloor ceilings are also perfectly insulated (under cement screed, of course).

Let me remind you that for buildings with a certain fire category, as well as with high internal humidity (for a bathhouse, gym, car wash, etc.), this material is undesirable.

Ease of installation

Thermal insulation with both insulation materials has nuances. For installation to be effective and safe, you should strictly adhere to the technology:

1. Penoplex weighs little, which makes installation simple. But when insulating with extruded polystyrene foam, reliable adhesion must be ensured. For this purpose, some manufacturers produce slabs with a special tongue-and-groove fastening. If it is absent, then it is rational to carry out insulation in two layers with overlapping seams. These are additional costs. At the same time, working with penoplex is comfortable, since it is easily cut and eliminates the formation of cold bridges.
2. Mineral wool is heavier, but it is also convenient to work with, since it perfectly covers any unevenness. But thermal insulation should be carried out using personal protective equipment.

Penoplex and mineral wool effectively retain heat and are easy to install. Even an inexperienced person can carry out insulation with these materials.

Pros and cons of insulation

The main advantage of extruded polystyrene foam is its thermal conductivity and strength. The insulation is not attractive to rodents; it will retain its integrity and performance characteristics longer. Among the disadvantages, users highlight a high degree of flammability, as well as low vapor permeability, which leads to the appearance of condensation.

Mineral wool also has excellent thermal insulation properties. The main feature is the ability to combine with all types of bases, including breathable ones. Disadvantages include a high degree of moisture absorption and low strength, which can lead to deterioration in thermal insulation qualities and deformation of the insulation. Rodents can also spoil mineral wool. If the material accumulates moisture, mold appears.

Chimney insulation with mineral wool or basalt

You can read about the comparative characteristics of chimney insulation with mineral wool or basalt wool in the article, which is entirely devoted to the options for using basalt wool in the household.

However, here we can say that the furnace gases heat the chimney to temperatures that exceed the melting point of both glass wool and slag wool. Therefore, their use for thermal insulation of chimneys is categorically unacceptable .

As for the basalt wool on the chimney... Well, over time the binder in it burns out. This can be seen by the way it brightens. Without a binder, the fibers fall apart. Oh, and condensation, of course - it reduces the thermal insulation properties of cotton wool.

In this situation, we recommend ceramic fiber - this is a new material, it is more expensive, but you don’t need much of it to insulate a chimney! Its characteristics are an order of magnitude better than those of old insulation materials.

Service life

Manufacturers of expanded polystyrene and mineral wool indicate a service life of at least 50 years. To achieve this and extend the period of use, the insulation should be reliably protected from the influence of external factors:

1. Penoplex - from ultraviolet radiation, which impairs performance characteristics.
2. Mineral wool - from mechanical stress and moisture. Which can lead to deformation and shrinkage.

Users note the average service life of mineral wool is 25-35 years.

As for penoplex, there is no specific data, since insulation has appeared recently.

Comparison by main parameters

Penoplex - produced on the basis of polystyrene, with the addition of special chemicals. They turn into a kind of foam under the influence of high temperature. Ready-made porous insulation is entering the market.

Penoplex

Often it contains substances that prevent thermal oxidation and flame retardants that resist combustion. The main characteristics of penoplex almost do not change under the influence of moisture. Therefore, it is permissible to use it to protect a building from cold outside and inside. There is no need to protect it from moisture.

A room insulated with penoplex

It is necessary to prevent the possibility of contact with ethers, tar, oil paints, fuels, lubricants and formaldehyde. These substances will lead to the decomposition of penoplex.

Mineral wool is produced by melting rocks, and after heating, thin fibers are formed.

Important! A huge advantage of mineral wool is that it contains exclusively natural substances that can withstand open fire and reliably protect against street noise.

Mineral wool is sold in the form of rolls or slabs, allowing you to protect surfaces of any configuration from the cold. It is not able to withstand moisture; even dampness significantly impairs the thermal insulation qualities.

There are several varieties of mineral wool, differing in characteristics:

1. Glass wool. They are used for thermal insulation of non-residential premises, the reason is that it contains formaldehyde, but its cost is the lowest;
2. Slag-like. Well suited for protecting heating pipes and external surfaces of buildings;
3. Stone wool. The material is very durable. But it absorbs a lot of moisture;
4. Basalt wool. It does not burn at all, successfully protects against street noise, but absorbs a lot of moisture.

Laying mineral wool
It is difficult to say which is better for protection from the cold than penoplex or mineral wool; the choice mainly depends on the surfaces that need protection. Penoplex is a little lighter and is convenient to use for flat surfaces. When using mineral wool, remember to wear protective clothing.

You can insulate rooms inside the house with any material. Penoplex is convenient to use on flat surfaces. It sticks securely and is easy to cut and sand. But in areas of the building where many turns and curves can be found on the surface, it is advisable to fix mineral wool; it easily fits on surfaces of any curvature.

comparison table

The characteristics of penoplex and mineral wool are described in detail in the table.

The indicators are averaged, since the indicators differ from one manufacturer to another.

Mineral wool and extruded polystyrene foam provide reliable insulation, subject to the purchase of high-quality material and compliance with operating conditions. Which insulation is better is a user decision, since it depends on the specifics of the situation.

Facade thermal insulation in polystyrene foam version

Extruded polystyrene foam differs from standard polystyrene foam in its more advanced installation and operational properties.

• Versatility.
  The characteristics, unique in many respects, meet the requirements for roofing, wall and foundation insulation. Compact extruded polystyrene foam 30 mm guarantees a reduction in heat losses by 40-50%.
• Low thermal conductivity
  . The insulation has a high heat retention coefficient, so internal insulation has little effect on reducing the area and volume of the room. The density of Penoplex 45 is fully sufficient for the implementation of thermal insulation projects of varying complexity.
• Moisture and frost resistance
  . The perfect fine-cell structure of expanded polystyrene tolerates the destructive effects of moisture and temperature changes without consequences, which determines the use of the material for insulating underground structures, cable and pipeline communications.

This list can be supplemented by the availability of self-installation, the absence of loads on the insulated structures, and resistance to high compressive loads. In particular, Penoplex 100 insulation is successfully used for thermal insulation of flat roofing systems. The price of the material is identical to mineral wool, but the installation itself is cheaper due to the lack of additional waterproofing.