These materials are used for indoor and outdoor protection of buildings from the cold. Penoplex or mineral wool is desirable to use in different operating conditions, their features will allow them to fully manifest their advantages.
The main characteristics of heaters
By its structure, mineral wool consists of small fibers, they are obtained as a result of heating mountain rocks to a high temperature, in terms of characteristics it is noticeably superior to the previously widespread glass wool.
Penoplex is an improved foam, it has more positive qualities, but the cost is also higher. These heaters differ in composition and production technology.
- Thermal insulation properties. Mineral wool has a coefficient of 0.032-0.046 for penoplex 0.03-0.032. Heat loss is lower with a lower rate, so the heat inside the room is better preserved;
- Life time. Penoplex is a material with increased strength, it crumbles poorly, practically does not dry and does not rot. Insulation does not lose its qualities when stored properly - in a cool room, protected from sunlight. Mineral wool also does not dry out, in the absence of physical exertion, it is used for a long time, it is not afraid of heating and low temperature, it is not afraid of sunlight. Bacteria and mold cannot grow in this material. But without proper fastening, the mineral wool settles, crumbles and slides along the wall. Both heat insulators can serve for at least 50 years;
- Environmental properties. Both heaters are produced without using toxic materials that can harm a person. But they need to be mounted, creating a barrier to prevent small particles from entering the air;
- Convenience of styling. When insulating with foam, it is easier to make a very flat surface. It is easy to process and sand, and the L-shaped edge eliminates cold bridges. It is not necessary for him to arrange a vapor barrier, in the absence of a thorn-groove edge, you will have to lay the material in 2 layers with an overlap or seal the seams. Mineral wool weighs a little more, but retains heat much better, and facilitates installation work, it is easier to lay it on disproportionate structures. But the job requires protective clothing;
- Warming. When insulating the facade of the house, you need a layer of foam plastic with a thickness of at least 50 mm, while the layer of mineral wool should be at least 60 mm;
- Moisture absorption. Penoplex absorbs little moisture, and mineral wool can be completely saturated, losing some of its properties. Penoplex is much better, especially in regions where it often rains;
- Fire resistance. Minvata perfectly resists high temperatures, it does not burn. It can only melt at temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees. It contains a small amount of a glue base that can catch fire, but there is very little of it. Penoplex melts and burns;
- Price. The costs of buying both heaters are almost the same. There is a slight difference only when choosing a manufacturer.
Comparison by main parameters
Penoplex - produced on the basis of polystyrene, with the addition of special chemicals. They turn into a kind of foam when exposed to high temperatures. Ready-made porous insulation comes to the market.
Often it contains substances that prevent thermal oxidation and flame retardants that resist combustion. The main characteristics of penoplex hardly change under the influence of moisture. Therefore, it is permissible to use it to protect the building from the cold outside and inside the premises. There is no need to protect it from moisture.
Avoid contact with ethers, tar, oil paints, combustible lubricants and formaldehyde. These substances will lead to the decomposition of the penoplex.
Mineral wool is produced by melting rocks; after heating, thin fibers are formed.
Important! A huge plus 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 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 that differ in characteristics:
- Glass wool. It is used for thermal insulation of non-residential premises, the reason is that it contains formaldehyde, but its cost is also the lowest;
- Slagged. Well suited for protecting pipes of heating mains and external surfaces of buildings;
- Stone wool. The material is very durable. But it absorbs a lot of moisture;
- Basalt wool. Does not burn at all, successfully protects against street noise, but absorbs a lot of moisture.
It is difficult to argue that penoplex or mineral wool is better for protection from the cold, the choice mainly depends on the surfaces that need protection. Penoplex is slightly lighter and is convenient to use on flat surfaces. Remember to wear protective clothing when using mineral wool.
You can insulate rooms inside the house with any material. Penoplex is convenient to use on flat surfaces. It adheres securely and is easy to cut and sand. But in areas of the building, where many turns and curved areas can be found on the surface, it is advisable to fix mineral wool, it easily falls on the surface of any curvature.
Where to use Penoplex
This heat insulator is convenient for protecting from the cold: basements, blind area, building foundations, for insulating floors between floors. It is permissible for them to insulate rooms with humid air, for example, a bathhouse or a swimming pool.
What to insulate with mineral wool
This material is effective in buildings constructed with breathable materials such as wood. If we compare mineral wool with other heaters, then it is successfully combined with any coatings, but it is imperative to provide a layer that protects against moisture.
What's better
The insulation that you will use when building a house must meet the requirements of the climate in your area. The choice of a particular material is directly influenced by the quality of the surface that needs thermal insulation.
Important! Buildings made of wood should not be insulated with penoplex. Its use will cause wood to rot. For buildings erected from a bar, it is advisable to use mineral wool with a reliable waterproofing layer.
It is advisable to make thermal insulation of a loggia or balcony using penoplex. This material is denser in structure, for laying it is not necessary to fill the crate, which will make it possible to save space.
It is better to insulate private houses with mineral wool. Cooled air will not pass through it, it does not burn and it is easy to lay it in the voids of the crate. The characteristics of all heat-insulating materials differ noticeably; it is difficult to say which is warmer; the conditions of its use directly affect the choice of a certain insulation.
