Insulation of walls with cellulose insulation. What is ecowool? Description, features, types and price of ecowool

Ecowool, Isofloc, Isofiber, Steico, etc. competes with domestically produced products - Unisol and Ecowool.

What this material is, what its characteristics, pros and cons are, will be discussed in today’s article.

What kind of material is this?

Ecowool is a loose thermal insulating material, gray in color and made on the basis of cellulose. The material includes:

  • recycled paper (about 81 percent);
  • fire inhibitors (about 7 percent), which form a self-extinguishing effect and increase the fire resistance of ecowool to 232 degrees;
  • fungicides and antiseptic substances (about 12 percent), protecting the material from the effects of fungi, mold, mice, etc.

It is also worth noting that the manufacturing procedure for this insulating material takes only five minutes. First, waste paper is delivered to the production site. It is poured onto a special conveyor, through which the paper enters the so-called primary mixer. There, the material is divided and cleared of metal elements (such as paper clips) using a built-in magnet. Next, the raw materials are crushed using the same mixer into small shreds (width - about 50 millimeters), fire retardants and antiseptics are added.

Then the raw material is fed into another device - a fiber manufacturer, which crushes it into thinner pieces (dimensions are about 0.4 centimeters). A small amount of borax is added at the end. That's it, the cellulose insulation material is ready for use!

Main features of ecowool

The first ecowool was produced in Russia about eight years ago. In those days, loose insulation with low weight (it consisted of 4/5 recycled waste paper and 1/5 additives) became a real sensation.

Note! This thermal insulator is so warm and light thanks to its special cellulose structure. It perfectly retains warm air, does not rot, does not become moldy. In addition, it is resistant to rodents and insects.

Table No. 1. Main characteristics of cellulose insulation

Now let's talk about the properties of ecowool. The material has some key advantages that distinguish it favorably from similar thermal insulators and are the main reasons that many consumers choose it. Let's take a look at these advantages.


It is also worth noting that ecowool can protect a room not only from low, but also from high temperatures, which is achieved due to the natural structure of cellulose fibers. Ecowool “breathes”, that is, it is vapor permeable, but at the same time it does not retain moisture inside itself. There are other equally important advantages - for example, the fact that the material is quite easy to apply, and after application there are no seams left.

Yes, it’s really easy to apply: as practice has shown, two workers can easily apply from 70 to 80 in 24 hours square meters surfaces.

Note! The pH level in ecowool does not exceed 8.3, therefore, it does not provoke the rusting process when in contact with iron elements.

It is also worth noting another very interesting point: ecowool has the best noise insulation parameters among all insulation materials. If we talk about durability, the service life of cellulose insulation in the Russian climate is about 70 years.

Technical and operational characteristics

So, all we have to do is talk briefly about the operational parameters, because of which, in fact, many people prefer this material. We should start with primitive mathematics: for example, we use a slab or roll type heat insulator, after installation of which there remain joint gaps of 4 percent.

And this is obviously no longer effective work, since thermal conductivity is reduced by at least half. But if you look from the other side, ecowool fills the voids under the finishing material as evenly as possible, and all joints and voids are closed.

The application technology in most cases involves spraying, as demonstrated in the image. But, in principle, you can simply lay it down.

It is also necessary to take into account noise insulation parameters, which are enhanced due to the penetration of thin cellulose fibers into almost all crevices. For example, if you install 5 centimeters thick insulation on 12.5 mm drywall, the noise level will drop to at least 63 decibels. If you increase the thickness further, then with each centimeter the sound insulation will increase by another 4 decibels.

Now let's get to know the others technical parameters which cellulose insulation has.

The density of ecowool averages 30-65 kilograms per cubic meter, although more exact numbers depend on the specific manufacturer and scope of application of the insulation.

Thanks to its frost resistance class, the material can last up to 80 years.

We talked about thermal conductivity, it is quite high. However, it may change in one direction or another depending on the application technology used.

As for vapor permeability, it is 0.3 mg/(m*h*Pa) for ecowool.

Finally, the flammability class of most insulation is B1 (hard-to-flammable material) or G2 (that is, moderately flammable). Sometimes D2 is also found, which, according to GOST, denotes materials characterized by low smoke-generating ability.

GOST 30244-94

Video - Checking cellulose insulation

Disadvantages of the material

Yes, ecowool has disadvantages and you should definitely familiarize yourself with them.

  1. First of all, if spraying is carried out using a wet method, then all iron elements of the structure must be protected with special paint or varnish, otherwise they will begin to rust. The fact is that such insulation dries completely only after two months.
  2. Price. For example, walls need a density of at least 60 kilograms per cubic meter. A cubic meter of ecowool consists of four packages of 15 kilograms each. It turns out that the cost of insulation starts from 1,600 rubles. If you compare it with mineral wool (it costs from 1,300 rubles), then it is actually quite expensive. For manual installation on flat surfaces, the cost is slightly lower - about 900 rubles. per cubic meter, provided that the density of the material is 35 kilograms per cubic meter.
  3. There are no specific requirements regarding cellulose insulation in either GOST or SNiP, so the quality of the material depends only on the honesty of the manufacturer. And numerous reviews from dissatisfied customers are clear confirmation of this.
  4. Ecowool is not used for cement screed. This material is soft, therefore, it needs free space.
  5. Finally, the last minus is significant shrinkage. Some time after installation, it weathers through cracks and gaps, so careful sealing of all defects in the finished coating is a prerequisite.

As you can see, all the shortcomings are very important, but their number and presence, in principle, depend on which specific company was engaged in production. Some people use ammonium sulfates instead of boric acid, which is why biological stability is noticeably reduced. Before purchasing material, be sure to ask the seller for all necessary certificates. In addition, check how much the package weighs, compare the resulting weight with the weight of other similar products.

Note! If there are no certificates and markings on the packaging, and if the insulation is sold at too low a price, then it’s time to be wary: maybe, under the guise of ecowool, they are trying to “smuggle” ordinary shredded cellulose into you, which does not contain any useful additives.

In short, it’s better to overpay a little, but buy really high-quality cellulose insulation that can serve you for decades.

Price

Now let’s briefly talk about cost using specific brands as an example. Thus, a 15-kilogram bag of Ecowool Extra insulation costs 510 rubles. The cost of Belgorod “Ekovata” is at least 33.5 rubles per kilogram. Further - in the same spirit, the price varies between 25 and 40 rubles. Foreign insulation is, of course, somewhat more expensive.

Video - The whole truth about ecowool

How to apply cellulose insulation yourself

So, we found out that, based on numerous parameters, the insulation described in the article is the best option for thermal insulation. And if you know how to correctly determine the material consumption and calculate the area of ​​the treated surface (with some margin), then the only thing left to do is to choose a specific application technology. There are two options.

  1. Spraying.
  2. Laying.

Note! The main advantage of spraying is that the seams after installation work does not remain, and the insulation layer turns out uniform and even. Moreover, the work is easy to do on your own. Ecowool adheres to the surface quickly and reliably, it hides (like a cocoon) all communications and electrical wiring.

If we consider dry installation, then it is recommended to use it when insulating horizontal surfaces. The advantage in this case will be the absence of waste and the fact that the adhesion of the heat insulator will be universal for all types of surfaces - wood, metal, cement, stone, brick or even glass.

Let's take a closer look at each of the technologies.

Option #1. Dry laying of ecowool

This technique is a fairly simple process to perform, for which you do not need to rent expensive blow molding equipment. Moreover, in this case, only one or two people will be required to work.

First, a special container is prepared. Ecowool is placed in it, which is then fluffed using electric drill or a mounting mixer. The working surface is cleaned and properly prepared, after which the finished fluffy composition is poured onto it. As noted above, this technology is ideal for floor thermal insulation.

If we talk about walls, then they will require the construction of a special frame (or, as an option, you can purchase a ready-made factory frame structure), where the cellulose insulation will be laid and carefully compacted in layers (the thickness of the layer should be 50 centimeters).

Option #2. Dry laying using special equipment

Blowing devices (in most cases a so-called blowing gun is used) are used when carrying out professional construction work with cellulose insulation. It is worth knowing that this technique is associated not only with additional expenses. The fact is that it completely pays for itself when we are talking about large objects or surfaces of a significant area.

This is especially true in the construction of residential multi-storey buildings, when it is necessary to fill the ceiling in the basement or between floors, in an inclined roof or in wall cavities.

During the actual installation, ecowool is injected into the equipment used, after which it is sprayed under high pressure throughout the treated space. Subsequently, the fibers, thanks to their physical characteristics expand, getting into all the depressions and crevices, even into those places that would be impossible to reach if laying was done manually.

Option #3. Wet styling

This technology is suitable for thermal insulation of vertical surfaces, where, as is known, it is impossible to do without an adhesive composition. For such purposes, ecowool is used in the form of rolls or slabs and can be laid not only in two or three layers, but also with an overlap in order to prevent the formation of seams that allow cold air to pass through.

Lignin, which is released when cellulose fibers are moistened, already has high adhesion, so the insulation reliably adheres to the working surface. As a result, the insulation adheres well and forms a dense protective layer. As a rule, the manufacturer's instructions tell you which installation option is best to choose for certain application conditions.

Subtleties of insulation

Let's consider the main nuances when thermally insulating a particular part of a building.

When insulating load-bearing structures, ecowool can be applied not only outside, but also inside the house. Be that as it may, first the profiles for further installation of the panels are fixed, then - according to the previously chosen method - the insulating material is applied. By the way, when using the dry application method, ecowool can be applied with already installed finishing panels, using previously left holes for this.

During the work, do not forget about the thermal insulation properties of the material from which the walls are made. Thus, the cost of construction work can be reduced by approximately 30 percent.

Heated attics and attics are perfectly insulated using cellulose insulation. Indeed, this material is environmentally friendly, and it eliminates heat loss almost completely. The thickness of the insulating layer in this case should be 75-100 millimeters.

Ecowool is great option For interfloor ceilings. It not only insulates, but also increases the sound insulation of each room. If you plan to install a “warm floor”, then the cellulose should be laid on top of a rough screed laid on a crushed stone “cushion”.

Video – Ecowool “Unizol”

As a result, we note that cellulose insulation is an ideal option for residential buildings. Its advantages are obvious, and the few disadvantages are insignificant or easily eliminated. That's all, good luck and have a warm winter!

Cellulose wool is one of the most popular insulation materials in the world, as it has good thermal and sound insulation properties and is at the same time environmentally friendly. The production of cellulose wool is increasing every year.

Composition and characteristics of ecowool

Cellulose wool has several names: ecowool, cellulose insulation, construction wool. But it’s all the same loose, fibrous and crumbly gray material.

Production is carried out from waste paper - 81%; fire retardants (boric acid) - 12%, and antiseptics (borax) - 7% are also added to the composition. These components are absolutely non-toxic. The presence of lignin in the fibers when moistened ensures the binding of the structure due to the bonding of the fibers.

Since cellulose wool is a recycled product, this makes it very popular in countries where they are fighting for environmental friendliness. Thanks to fire retardants and antiseptics, the material does not burn or rot. Thermal insulation and sound insulation properties are among the best among insulation materials. At the same time, without changing the thermal insulation parameter, up to 20% humidity is retained in the upper layers of ecowool. The capillary structure allows not only to easily absorb, but also to easily release moisture.

Cellulose wool parameters:

  • thermal conductivity - 0.037-0.042 W/m*K;
  • vapor permeability - 0.3 mg/m*h*Pa;
  • application density - 28-65 kg/m3;
  • sorption humidification for 72 hours - 16% (corresponds to GOST 17177.5);
  • pH = 7.8-8.3;
  • low air permeability - (80-120)x10-6 m3/m*s*Pa.

An important advantage of ecowool is that it is chemically passive and therefore does not cause corrosion of metals.

The history of cellulose wool

The ability of cellulose to retain heat has been known for a very long time, but it was only in the 19th century that full-scale research was carried out on paper materials. At the beginning of the twentieth century, technology for the production of cellulose insulation appeared. But the first full-fledged production line opened only in 1928 in Germany.


The construction boom at the end of World War II led to an increase in ecowool production and its improvement. The material was most actively produced and used in Germany and Canada. In the 1950s, the technology for installing and applying cellulose wool was improved: blow molding machines appeared, significantly speeding up the process and improving the quality of installation.

Over time, in Europe, the CIS countries, Finland, Japan and other Asian countries, own production ecowool. In Finland, this insulation occupies 70% of the market.

Although developments appeared in the USSR in the 30s of the twentieth century, mass production began only in 1993. The experience was adopted from the Finns. Today in the Russian Federation there are about ten large productions, creating high-quality insulation using Finnish technology.

Areas and methods of application of ecowool

Cellulose wool is mainly used in construction and is excellent insulation and soundproofing material.
Cellulose insulation used on the following structures:

  • houses: block, brick, wooden, frame;
  • cottages, warehouses, garages, hangars, baths;
  • metal and wooden frames;
  • basements;
  • attics, roofs, interfloor ceilings;
  • sandwich panels;
  • facades;
  • air spaces in well and other masonry.

Since the material is crumbly, its installation has its own characteristics. There are 3 types of styling:

  • manual;
  • dry mechanized;
  • wet spraying.


Manual laying is suitable for insulating any horizontal surfaces, cavities and ceilings. You just need to pour the material in the appropriate layer or fill the cavities with it. But this is a rather long and painstaking process, so the manual method is used for small volumes of work.

Dry mechanized laying is carried out by blowing machines. They loosen the material and deliver a powerful air stream to the point of use at a distance of up to 40 m vertically and up to 200 m horizontally. In this case, a uniform, seamless layer is formed, and insulation particles get into even the smallest cracks and recesses.

When wet spraying, ecowool is mixed with water or glue. The resulting mixture is then sprayed into a blowing machine using a nozzle. To carry out such insulation, professional complexes and trained specialists are required.

Benefits of cellulose wool

    • High thermal insulation properties due to the insulating ability of the air located between the insulation fibers; Very little air flow passes through the material.
    • High sound insulation: the tight fit of the fibrous material to the surfaces ensures good sound absorption - up to 63 dB.
    • Seamless insulation: since the material is poured or sprayed, there are no joints or seams, and cold bridges do not form.
    • Protection against condensation: the capillary structure of the fibers absorbs moisture well and also releases it well, which provides excellent microclimate regulation on hot summer days and during winter frosts; insulated walls only 20 cm thick do not have time to completely cool down or overheat in 12 hours.

Ecowool, Isofloc, Isofiber, Steico, etc. competes with domestically produced products - Unisol and Ecowool.

What this material is, what its characteristics, pros and cons are, will be discussed in today’s article.

What kind of material is this?

Ecowool is a loose thermal insulating material, gray in color and made on the basis of cellulose. The material includes:

  • recycled paper (about 81 percent);
  • fire inhibitors (about 7 percent), which form a self-extinguishing effect and increase the fire resistance of ecowool to 232 degrees;
  • fungicides and antiseptic substances (about 12 percent), protecting the material from the effects of fungi, mold, mice, etc.

It is also worth noting that the manufacturing procedure for this insulating material takes only five minutes. First, waste paper is delivered to the production site. It is poured onto a special conveyor, through which the paper enters the so-called primary mixer. There, the material is divided and cleared of metal elements (such as paper clips) using a built-in magnet. Next, the raw materials are crushed using the same mixer into small shreds (width - about 50 millimeters), fire retardants and antiseptics are added.

Then the raw material is fed into another device - a fiber manufacturer, which crushes it into thinner pieces (dimensions are about 0.4 centimeters). A small amount of borax is added at the end. That's it, the cellulose insulation material is ready for use!

Main features of ecowool

The first ecowool was produced in Russia about eight years ago. In those days, loose insulation with low weight (it consisted of 4/5 recycled waste paper and 1/5 additives) became a real sensation.

Note! This thermal insulator is so warm and light thanks to its special cellulose structure. It perfectly retains warm air, does not rot, does not become moldy. In addition, it is resistant to rodents and insects.

Table No. 1. Main characteristics of cellulose insulation

Now let's talk about the properties of ecowool. The material has some key advantages that distinguish it favorably from similar thermal insulators and are the main reasons that many consumers choose it. Let's take a look at these advantages.

  1. The material is environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic. Apart from wood fibers and antiseptic additives, there is nothing else in its composition.
  2. It creates a minimum load on the base, therefore, no additional supports are required.
  3. Ecowool has an excellent thermal conductivity coefficient - on average, it is about 0.3-0.4 Watt/mK.
  4. During operation, cellulose insulation does not deform or shrink.
  5. It is resistant to various kinds aggressive influences.
  6. Ecowool is also characterized by resistance to low temperatures (down to minus 50 degrees).

  • Finally, the insulation is fireproof. Fire retardants are added to it, as noted above, so that the material does not burn even at a temperature of 1,300 degrees.

It is also worth noting that ecowool can protect a room not only from low, but also from high temperatures, which is achieved due to the natural structure of cellulose fibers. Ecowool “breathes”, that is, it is vapor permeable, but at the same time it does not retain moisture inside itself. There are other equally important advantages - for example, the fact that the material is quite easy to apply, and after application there are no seams left.

Yes, it’s really easy to apply: as practice has shown, two workers can easily cover 70 to 80 square meters of surface in 24 hours.

Note! The pH level in ecowool does not exceed 8.3, therefore, it does not provoke the rusting process when in contact with iron elements.

It is also worth noting another very interesting point: ecowool has the best noise insulation parameters among all insulation materials. If we talk about durability, the service life of cellulose insulation in the Russian climate is about 70 years.

Technical and operational characteristics

So, all we have to do is talk briefly about the operational parameters, because of which, in fact, many people prefer this material. We should start with primitive mathematics: for example, we use a slab or roll type heat insulator, after installation of which there remain joint gaps of 4 percent.

And this, obviously, is no longer effective work, since thermal conductivity is reduced by at least half. But if you look from the other side, ecowool fills the voids under the finishing material as evenly as possible, and all joints and voids are closed.

The application technology in most cases involves spraying, as demonstrated in the image. But, in principle, you can simply lay it down.

It is also necessary to take into account noise insulation parameters, which are enhanced due to the penetration of thin cellulose fibers into almost all crevices. For example, if you install 5 centimeters thick insulation on 12.5 mm drywall, the noise level will drop to at least 63 decibels. If you increase the thickness further, then with each centimeter the sound insulation will increase by another 4 decibels.

Now let's get acquainted with other technical parameters that cellulose insulation has.

The density of ecowool averages 30-65 kilograms per cubic meter, although more precise figures depend on the specific manufacturer and scope of application of the insulation.

Thanks to its frost resistance class, the material can last up to 80 years.

We talked about thermal conductivity, it is quite high. However, it may change in one direction or another depending on the application technology used.

As for vapor permeability, it is 0.3 mg/(m*h*Pa) for ecowool.

Finally, the flammability class of most insulation is B1 (hard-to-flammable material) or G2 (that is, moderately flammable). Sometimes D2 is also found, which, according to GOST, denotes materials characterized by low smoke-generating ability.

GOST 30244-94

Disadvantages of the material

Yes, ecowool has disadvantages and you should definitely familiarize yourself with them.

  1. First of all, if spraying is carried out using a wet method, then all iron elements of the structure must be protected with special paint or varnish, otherwise they will begin to rust. The fact is that such insulation dries completely only after two months.
  2. Price. For example, walls need a density of at least 60 kilograms per cubic meter. A cubic meter of ecowool consists of four packages of 15 kilograms each. It turns out that the cost of insulation starts from 1,600 rubles. If you compare it with mineral wool (it costs from 1,300 rubles), then it is actually quite expensive. For manual installation on flat surfaces, the cost is slightly lower - about 900 rubles. per cubic meter, provided that the density of the material is 35 kilograms per cubic meter.
  3. There are no specific requirements regarding cellulose insulation in either GOST or SNiP, so the quality of the material depends only on the honesty of the manufacturer. And numerous reviews from dissatisfied customers are clear confirmation of this.
  4. Ecowool is not used under cement screed. This material is soft, therefore, it needs free space.
  5. Finally, the last minus is significant shrinkage. Some time after installation, it weathers through cracks and gaps, so careful sealing of all defects in the finished coating is a prerequisite.

As you can see, all the shortcomings are very important, but their number and presence, in principle, depend on which specific company was engaged in production. Some people use ammonium sulfates instead of boric acid, which is why biological stability is noticeably reduced. Before purchasing material, be sure to ask the seller for all necessary certificates. In addition, check how much the package weighs, compare the resulting weight with the weight of other similar products.

Note! If there are no certificates and markings on the packaging, and if the insulation is sold at too low a price, then it’s time to be wary: maybe, under the guise of ecowool, they are trying to “smuggle” ordinary shredded cellulose into you, which does not contain any useful additives.

In short, it’s better to overpay a little, but buy really high-quality cellulose insulation that can serve you for decades.

Now let’s briefly talk about cost using specific brands as an example. Thus, a 15-kilogram bag of Ecowool Extra insulation costs 510 rubles. The cost of Belgorod “Ekovata” is at least 33.5 rubles per kilogram. Further - in the same spirit, the price varies between 25 and 40 rubles. Foreign insulation is, of course, somewhat more expensive.

How to apply cellulose insulation yourself

So, we found out that, based on numerous parameters, the insulation described in the article is the best option for thermal insulation. And if you know how to correctly determine the material consumption and calculate the area of ​​the treated surface (with some margin), then the only thing left to do is to choose a specific application technology. There are two options.

Note! The main advantage of spraying is that there are no seams left after installation work, and the insulation layer is uniform and even. Moreover, the work is easy to do on your own. Ecowool adheres to the surface quickly and reliably, it hides (like a cocoon) all communications and electrical wiring.

If we consider dry installation, then it is recommended to use it when insulating horizontal surfaces. The advantage in this case will be the absence of waste and the fact that the adhesion of the heat insulator will be universal for all types of surfaces - wood, metal, cement, stone, brick or even glass.

Let's take a closer look at each of the technologies.

Option #1. Dry laying of ecowool

This technique is a fairly simple process to perform, for which you do not need to rent expensive blow molding equipment. Moreover, in this case, only one or two people will be required to work.

First, a special container is prepared. Ecowool is placed in it, which is then fluffed using an electric drill or a mounting mixer. The working surface is cleaned and properly prepared, after which the finished fluffy composition is poured onto it. As noted above, this technology is ideal for floor thermal insulation.

If we talk about the walls, then they will require the construction of a special frame (or, as an option, you can purchase a ready-made factory frame structure), where the cellulose insulation will be laid and carefully compacted layer by layer (the thickness of the layer should be 50 centimeters).

Option #2. Dry laying using special equipment

Blowing devices (in most cases a so-called blowing gun is used) are used when carrying out professional construction work with cellulose insulation. It is worth knowing that this technique is associated not only with additional costs. The fact is that it completely pays for itself when we are talking about large objects or surfaces of a significant area.

This is especially true in the construction of multi-storey residential buildings, when it is necessary to fill the ceiling in the basement or between floors, in an inclined roof or in wall cavities.

During the actual installation, ecowool is injected into the equipment used, after which it is sprayed under high pressure throughout the treated space. Subsequently, the fibers, due to their physical characteristics, expand and fall into all cavities and crevices, even into places that would be impossible to reach if laying was done manually.

Option #3. Wet styling

This technology is suitable for thermal insulation of vertical surfaces, where, as is known, it is impossible to do without an adhesive composition. For such purposes, ecowool is used in the form of rolls or slabs and can be laid not only in two or three layers, but also with an overlap in order to prevent the formation of seams that allow cold air to pass through.

Lignin, which is released when cellulose fibers are moistened, already has high adhesion, so the insulation reliably adheres to the working surface. As a result, the insulation adheres well and forms a dense protective layer. As a rule, the manufacturer's instructions tell you which installation option is best to choose for certain application conditions.

Let's consider the main nuances when thermally insulating a particular part of a building.

When insulating load-bearing structures, ecowool can be applied not only outside, but also inside the house. Be that as it may, first the profiles for further installation of the panels are fixed, then - according to the previously chosen method - the insulating material is applied. By the way, when using the dry application method, ecowool can be applied with already installed finishing panels, using previously left holes.

During the work, do not forget about the thermal insulation properties of the material from which the walls are made. Thus, the cost of construction work can be reduced by approximately 30 percent.

Heated attics and attics are perfectly insulated using cellulose insulation. Indeed, this material is environmentally friendly, and it eliminates heat loss almost completely. The thickness of the insulating layer in this case should be 75-100 millimeters.

Ecowool is an excellent option for interfloor ceilings. It not only insulates, but also increases the sound insulation of each room. If you plan to install a “warm floor”, then the cellulose should be laid on top of a rough screed laid on a crushed stone “cushion”.

As a result, we note that cellulose insulation is an ideal option for residential buildings. Its advantages are obvious, and the few disadvantages are insignificant or easily eliminated. That's all, good luck and have a warm winter!

Insulation made of cardboard, paper, cellulose

With everything people use to insulate their homes, sometimes it comes to such radical methods as insulating with cardboard. This approach cannot be called capital, since it is difficult to imagine high-quality repairs, where used cardboard is used as thermal insulation. Naturally, no one will buy a new one, since they go to such extraordinary measures only because this material is a dime a dozen and for nothing. Although paper insulation is practiced quite widely. So, for example, there is this material like ecowool– cellulose with the addition of fire retardants and antiseptics.

Insulation with cardboard and kraft paper

Insulating walls with cardboard looks something like this - not a very pleasant sight.

The idea of ​​cardboard insulation is not new. Dacha owners often think about this, since the material is practically free and the temptation is quite great. Wherever they put it:

And everything would be fine, but paper insulation has serious disadvantages. It's not that good at insulating. If we consider it, then only corrugated cardboard, since it contains air gaps. It is the air in this case that plays the role of thermal insulation, and the paper itself is just a wind barrier. Paper is made from wood, so it must have all the characteristics of the original material.

Wooden houses are famous for being warm, but this is achieved through thick walls. For example, for Moscow, 150 mm timber will not be enough and the walls need to be additionally insulated. How insulate wooden house we already wrote in one of our previous articles. Naturally, no one will lay ordinary paper insulation without air pores in a very large layer, so only corrugated cardboard.

It should preferably be laid in several layers, and the joints should be glued. It is necessary to ensure that there is no connection between the layers, or at least reduce their number to a minimum. After all, cardboard itself practically does not work as insulation; its main task is to be a barrier to warm air. Without being able to leave the room, the air will not give up its heat to the street, and accordingly, heat loss will decrease, which is what is ultimately required.

Why cardboard is practically useless as insulation:

  • absorbs moisture;
  • when wet, it begins to smell unpleasant;
  • high thermal conductivity.

Without additional processing, cardboard is ineffective; it can only be used to insulate a doghouse or a barn, but not a house.

So, we conclude that it can only be a windbreak. But another material called kraft paper is better suited for this purpose. This is a thin but strong material that is sold in sheets or rolls with a density of 35 to 80 g/m. sq. It is quite easy to work with, it is laid with an overlap, with a margin of 10 cm. It is used to protect the main insulation. Often used in tandem with mineral or basalt wool.

Despite the fact that there are already many space heating devices that operate on various types energy source, heating a private home with a stove not only remains relevant, but is also in demand.

Eco paper insulation

Kraft paper in rolls is light and very strong. Density from 35 to 80 g/m. kv

Cellulose is just the insulation for paper based, which really works. The modern name for cellulose is ecowool, which Lately is gaining popularity in Russia as well. It is made from newspapers and magazines. Recyclable materials are crushed and added to it additional components. Then the finished substance is compressed and packed into bags. Percentage of components:

These additives are fire retardants and antiseptics. This means that the material after processing does not support combustion and no life forms (bacteria, fungi, insects) are possible in it. Despite this, cellulose insulation does not harm people, unless, of course, you eat ecowool and do not breathe its dust. The material has sufficient characteristics that it can be used even in northern regions with cold climates:

  • heat transfer resistance 0.036–0.04;
  • vapor permeability 0.3 mg/m*h*Pa;
  • treat non-combustible materials (G1);
  • does not emit toxic smoke (D2).

Paper insulation is similar in its characteristics to natural wood, since it is its derivative. The ability to transmit steam allows this insulation to be used in the construction of wooden houses.

One of the most controversial methods of home heating is heating the house with air. Discussions revolve around both effectiveness and feasibility of use. During operation, many inconveniences arise, one of which is noise.

Cellulose insulation methods

You can make such cellulose mats with your own hands.

Eco-friendly paper insulation is suitable for insulating vertical and horizontal structures:

Unlike insulating a house with cardboard, this method has been put into production and an installation technology has been developed, and moreover, more than one. You can work with ecowool using either special equipment or without any tools. There are two methods for applying cellulose to insulated surfaces:

  • dry;
  • wet - using a water-adhesive solution.

The dry method of insulating a house with cellulose is that ecowool is simply poured into niches prepared for it.

This is either a subfloor or inter-wall space in frame houses. It should be remembered that the material is fine-grained and dusty, and it also contains chemicals that cause redness and itching of the skin. Accordingly, you need to protect yourself from these negative factors. It is necessary to work with gloves and a respirator, and protect the ecowool with kraft paper.

You can fill the insulation manually or using special equipment. The water-adhesive installation method is only possible if you have a blow molding machine. It consists of a tank in which the cotton wool is loosened, a compressor and a system of tubes of different diameters. At the exit from the supply pipe, the material is abundantly moistened. Thanks to this, it sticks better to the wall, and after hardening it becomes more dense. This is thanks to PVA glue, which, when hardened, forms an elastic film.

Is it possible to insulate walls with cardboard together with cellulose? Theoretically, of course, it is possible, only the cardboard in this case will only act as a fence. This is necessary when working with dry ecowool. But as we said earlier, kraft paper is better suited for these purposes. It is lighter and thinner, and the degree to which the voids are filled with cellulose can be seen through it. It is more convenient and faster to work with such material.

Consequences of cardboard insulation

Wet method of applying ecowool to the wall.

If you decide to insulate the ceiling with cardboard, then you probably have a lot of free material. It’s certainly good when you get something for free, but you shouldn’t lose your head, you need to think about the consequences. We will consider the issue only from the point of view of cheapness and try to find some sane alternative. If the cardboard is corrugated, then at least it will serve as thermal insulation, but if not, then, alas, the result will be very meager. Alternatively, you can make cellulose mats from cardboard with your own hands. For this:

  • chop paper very finely;
  • an oil solution is made from machine oil;
  • mix chopped cardboard with oil emulsion;
  • mix thoroughly and infuse;
  • pour the resulting mixture into molds to dry.

After the mixture dries, you will receive cellulose mats that can be used to insulate both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Unlike cardboard, oil-impregnated boards repel water and therefore do not get wet and do not emit stench. Mice are also not happy with machine oil. But, unfortunately, in this case the risk of a fire in the room increases significantly. Therefore, it is better to avoid insulating walls with cardboard in any form. There won’t be any particular result from this, it will only add headaches. The only paper-based insulation that can be used for thermal insulation of residential premises is factory-produced cellulose, also known as ecowool.

Regarding alternatives that are also practically free:

Both methods have been successfully used for hundreds of years. Such insulation is fireproof, clay is beneficial for humans, it creates a good microclimate in the room. It will be cool in summer and warm in winter. Even houses are built from a mixture of clay and straw (adobe). In addition, in frame houses, straw bales are used as insulation, which are then rubbed down with clay.

Is it possible to insulate the walls and floor of a house with cardboard or cellulose?


Is it possible to insulate walls in a house with cardboard? What types of eco-friendly paper insulation are there and methods of application. Paper-based cellulose thermal insulation is ecowool

Ecowool - modern cellulose home insulation

Ecowool is a modern natural insulation that has gained significant popularity in the market in the last few years - ecowool is actively used for insulation apartment buildings, various buildings, country houses, vegetable storage, office buildings are those objects that are directly related to the daily activities of people. What is the key to the success of this insulation?

Increasing volumes of housing construction require the use of new thermal insulation methods. Moreover, insulation technologies must be economical, installation of the material must be as simple and fast as possible, and the insulation itself must be durable. Meets all these requirements Ecowool - modern thermal insulation based natural materials. Among professional builders, this material is also known under another name “cellulose wool”, which may more accurately reflect the essence of this insulation consisting of cellulose fibers.

Ecowool is a thermal insulation material that consists of 81% recycled wood products and 19% fire retardants and antiseptics. Thanks to its versatility, this cellulose insulation can be used both for thermal insulation of new objects and for repairing old ones. Since ecowool is not toxic, carcinogenic and does not contain dangerous volatile substances, its use is permitted even in such areas as thermal insulation of healthcare facilities (sanatoriums, hospitals, laboratories, clinics). Using ecowool, you can insulate residential, administrative, entertainment and sports, commercial and industrial buildings.

Due to the fact that cellulose insulation is lightweight, it can be used in the construction of lightweight structures and foundations, reducing the thickness of walls. This way you can reduce construction costs by up to 25-30%. In addition, during the operation of buildings insulated with ecowool, heating costs are reduced by a third.

Thermal insulation abilities of ecowool

This natural ecowool insulation shows maximum insulating ability primarily due to the formation seamless coating, compared to other old-generation insulation materials, this is a completely different level of manufacturability for insulating the walls, floors, and roofs of your home. Low coefficient of thermal conductivity (0.036-0.041 W/mK), the ability to fill all pockets and voids, adhesion to any surface (metal, wood, brick, foam concrete, reinforced concrete, etc.) - all this speaks in favor of ecowool as a thermal insulation material ideally suitable for insulating any home.

Due to low air permeability compared to other sprayed materials (see table), air movement slows down and, consequently, heat transfer deteriorates.

The table uses data from the chemistry laboratory of the State Technical Research Institute VTT. Research KEM322068/01/06/1983

If you use a 10 cm thick cellulose wool coating, you will get the same thermal insulation coefficient as 55 cm of foam concrete or expanded clay, 45 cm of timber and 145 cm of brickwork.

The service life of ecowool is 50 years or more. Researchers in Germany dismantled houses that were insulated 80 years ago with cellulose insulation. During this time, ecowool practically did not change its properties. Moreover, due to the fact that when moisture penetrated into the outer layer, it was slightly compressed with outside, additional protection of the walls from heat loss was formed.

Condensation moisture in insulation made of mineral and basalt fibers flows onto the walls, causing their damage. This does not happen with cellulose wadding because the wood fibers are hollow inside and are able to trap moisture inside, gradually releasing it as the humidity in the atmosphere decreases.

Other advantages of ecowool

The advantages of ecowool also include the following properties:

  • protection of structures from corrosion;
  • resistance to damage by microorganisms;
  • no shrinkage;
  • an easy way to install and dismantle the thermal insulation layer..

It is also worth saying a few words about the fire resistance of ecowool. Since the fire resistance of thermal insulation material is a contribution to the safety of your home and those close to you. Manufacturers often demonstrate the fire resistance of insulation by directing a burner flame onto a handful of ecowool held in the hand. Ecowool does not flare up, despite the fact that it is made of paper. The fact is that the flame retardants included in its composition are capable of releasing moisture bound in molecules under influence. This moisture prevents the spread of fire. Also, cellulose insulation produces much less smoke during combustion compared to polystyrene foam and expanded polystyrene, and the smoke emitted contains carbon dioxide, which also inhibits the spread of flame.

But all the descriptions of the practicality of ecowool are nothing compared to the mass of positive reviews about the material among people who have “tested” it in their homes, shops, hangars and dachas.

Cellulose insulation: technical properties, application methods. Insulation of walls, roofs, floors

Research into the use of such material as cellulose insulation has 100% confirmed its practicality and excellent soundproofing properties, as a pleasant bonus to thermal insulation. Therefore, today manufacturers have adopted this technology, which has led to the emergence of many brands in the market.

Thermal insulation from Isofloc, Steico, EkoVilla, Termex, Isofiber, Ecowool competes with cheap, but no less practical domestic brands Ecowool and Unisol.

Features of cellulose insulation

Cellulose insulation first became known in our country about 8 years ago. Then loose, lightweight material(composed of 4/5 recycled waste paper fiber and the rest from antiseptics and fire retardants) created a sensation.

Thanks to the cellulose texture, it turned out to be light and warm, retaining heated air and not succumbing to the processes of rotting and the spread of mold (insects, rodents, etc.).

Insulation properties

There are several competitive advantages, which distinguish this material and allow you to make a choice in its favor:

  • Ecological cleanliness and hypoallergenic properties of the insulation - the composition, in addition to wood fibers and antiseptic additives, does not include anything;
  • Excellent thermal conductivity efficiency - the coefficient reaches 0.3-0.4 W/mK;
  • Full resistance to aggressive environments and microbiofactors;

Thermal conductivity indicators of ecowool and mineral wool when moistened

  • Fireproof properties - thanks to the addition of borax as a fire retardant, ecowool or other cellulose insulation practically does not ignite even at temperatures up to 1300 degrees Celsius;
  • Resistance to low temperatures down to -50 degrees;
  • Does not shrink or deform;
  • The minimum load on the foundation leads to savings due to the unnecessary construction of additional support.

Thanks to the natural structure of cellulose fibers, this substance reliably protects walls not only from cold, but also from heat, and is “breathable,” i.e. vapor permeable, but does not retain moisture inside. Other advantages include ease of application and the complete absence of seams in the insulation.

It is quite easy to apply: with two people in a day, as practice shows, it can cover 60-80 cubic meters of walls.

The pH level of cellulose is from 7.8 to 8.3, which means it does not cause corrosive processes when in contact with insulation and metal profiles.

And here is another interesting fact in favor of the material: cellulose insulation has the highest sound insulation properties among all analogues. As for durability, the service life of recycled cellulose is 60-70 years on average under our climatic conditions.

Technical properties of the material

It remains to add a few words about the performance characteristics that will determine the choice in favor of this insulation. Let's start with simple arithmetic: let's say you use roll or slab insulation, which, when laid, can create up to 4% of joint voids.

And this is already considered ineffective work, since the thermal conductivity drops by 2 times. On the other hand, cellulose evenly fills the space under the siding, insulating voids and sealing joints. The application method often involves spraying, as shown in the picture. Although styling is also possible.

It is also necessary to take into account the sound insulation properties, which are enhanced due to the fact that thin wood fiber penetrates into all voids. So, for example, if you add 12.5 mm of 50 mm thick thermal insulation to plasterboard, we get a noise reduction of 63 dB.

And a further increase in thickness for every 10 mm will increase sound insulation by 4 dB on average.

And here are some others specifications, which cellulose insulation can boast of:

Noise indicators of various objects

  • The density of the material ranges from 35 to 65 kg per cubic meter and depends on the area of ​​application of the thermal insulation, as well as the manufacturer;
  • The thermal conductivity coefficient, we recall, is 0.036-0.040 W/mK and varies depending on the application method;
  • According to the flammability class, most insulation materials are classified as G2 - moderately flammable substances and B1 - highly flammable substances. There are also D2, which according to GOST stands for substances with low smoke-forming ability;
  • The vapor permeability of the material is 0.3 mg/(m h Pa);
  • The frost resistance class allows you to last 80 years on average.

Applying insulation yourself

So, we came to the conclusion that the material in question may be the best option for thermal insulation of a house in many respects. If you know how to calculate the consumption and calculate the area for insulation, taking into account the reserve, all that remains is to choose the application technology - laying or spraying.

Based on the chosen method, you should purchase cellulose for wet application, or dry for installation.

The advantages of the first option - spraying, eliminate the appearance of seams in the structure and provide an even, uniform layer that is easy to apply with your own hands. The material grasps the surface very quickly and firmly and encloses, as if in a cocoon, electrical wiring and communications.

As for dry installation, it is advisable when installing horizontal floors. In any case, the undeniable advantage is the waste-free work and the versatility of thermal insulation in adhesion to any type of surface - from wood and metal, to glass, stone, brick and concrete.

Laying cellulose material

Let's take a closer look at some application technologies.

Dry styling by hand

This technique involves easy technological process, which allows you to do without renting special blow molding equipment and perform repairs with the help of one or two pairs of working hands.

It is necessary to prepare a container into which the insulation is laid out and fluffed using a drill or a construction mixer. Then the resulting composition is poured onto the cleaned and prepared surface. This approach is ideal for installing floor thermal insulation.

As for the walls, here you will have to prepare a frame or use a ready-made frame structure, within which ecowool insulation will be poured and compacted in layers of 0.5 m.

Dry installation of insulation by hand

Dry styling using technology

A blowing gun or equipment is used in professional construction to work with cellulose wool. Although this approach implies extra costs, pays for itself when working with large structures and surfaces.

This is especially important in residential multi-storey construction for filling the floors between floors and in the basement, sloping roof and cavities in walls.

During operation, ecowool or another type of insulation is pumped into a gun and sprayed under pressure into the space that needs to be filled with it. Thanks to physical properties expansion of the fibers, they penetrate into all crevices, even those that are physically impossible to reach during manual laying.

Wet application method

It involves working with vertical surfaces where it is simply impossible to do without adhesive adhesion. To do this, use cellulose in slabs or rolls, which can be applied in several layers and overlapping, in order to avoid the appearance of cold-permeable seams.

Lignin released in wood fiber during wetting with moisture is itself a good adhesive substance and provides adhesion to the surface. As a result, ecowool holds up well and forms a layer of sufficient density. Usually, the instructions for the batch tell the builder which installation method to choose in his case.

Nuances of insulating various parts of the house

Wall insulation

Thermal insulation of the main load-bearing structures can be achieved by using cellulose both outside, under ventilated facades, and inside interior decoration, under sheathing made of sheet materials.

In any case, first you should attach profiles to the walls for subsequent Wall panels, and then apply the insulation using the selected dry or wet method. By the way, unlike laying, dry spraying allows you to apply thermal insulation under already ready-made panels through the holes left for these purposes.

External façade insulation

When working with facade finishing, one should take into account the thermal insulation properties wall material. The savings come in two directions. Firstly, the cost of the foundation is reduced, and secondly, the cost of the vapor barrier film is reduced, since the insulation itself is breathable. Construction costs can be saved by almost 30%!

Roof insulation

In terms of thermal insulation, ecowool is ideal for heated attics and attic spaces, as it is considered environmentally friendly and does not allow heat leakage. For these purposes, the thickness of the material should reach a minimum of 75 mm, optimally 100 mm.

Again, a hydrobarrier needs to be installed from above, whereas a vapor barrier from inside the room can be abandoned. Thermal insulation deserves special attention attic floors, as well as insulation of the loggia.

Floor insulation

A good choice would be a lightweight cellulose material for interfloor ceilings and, accordingly, floors of the upper floors. In addition, the sound insulation in the room will also increase. The heated floor system involves laying cellulose on a primary “rough” screed, under which, in turn, a sand-crushed stone cushion is laid.

Manual laying of cellulose fiber under flooring

This procedure can be done in two ways:

The first is manual laying of fluff fiber under the floor covering;

The second is spraying using a blowing gun through holes left in advance in the floor.

So, in brief, we got acquainted with such a material as cellulose insulation for thermal insulation of a residential building. Its advantages are obvious; no particular disadvantages have been found. In the video presented in this article you will find Additional information on this topic, in particular, regarding the most popular brand of insulation Unisol produced in the CIS.

Cellulose insulation: video instructions for DIY installation, price, photo


Cellulose insulation: video instructions for DIY installation, price, photo

, C08G ; paints, inks, varnishes, dyes, polishing compounds, adhesives C09; lubricants C10M; detergents C11D ; chemical fibers or threads D01F; processing agents textile products D06) (11976)

C08L1/02 Cellulose or modified cellulose (61)

The invention relates to a method for the production of microfibrillated cellulose, which includes the stages of: (a) preparing a suspension containing a cellulose derivative selected from carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), TEMPO-oxidized cellulose or microcrystalline cellulose, in a liquid phase, which includes an organic solvent, while the organic solvent is an alcohol, (b) mechanically treating the cellulose derivative suspension by homogenization or fluidization to produce microfibrillated cellulose, and (c) separating at least a portion of the liquid phase from the microfibrillated cellulose to produce microfibrillated cellulose with a solids content of >30% by weight.

The invention relates to methods for obtaining polymer materials based on cellulose by grafting monomers under the influence of ionizing radiation and can be used in the manufacture of packaging materials, dyed synthetic and semi-synthetic textile materials.

The invention relates to methods for producing compositions in the form of gels containing nano-sized cellulose, and can be used in the pulp and paper, textile, chemical, and food industries.

The invention relates to surface sizing of cellulose products such as paper, and in particular to a core-shell polymer particle for surface sizing of cellulose products, in which the core polymer and shell polymer of the core-shell polymer particle are polymerized from monomers selected of tert-butyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate and acrylonitrile, the core-shell polymer particle contains at least 40 wt.

An oral product is described that includes a body that can be completely placed in the oral cavity. The body includes an extruded and oral stable polymer matrix, cellulose fibers included in the oral stable polymer matrix, an additive, in particular containing nicotine or a derivative thereof, dispersed in the oral stable polymer matrix.

The invention relates to the field of composite polymer materials based on cellulose and polyesters and can be used for the production of biodegradable composites used in medicine, for the production of packaging products, containers, as well as in space, aviation and many other industries.

The invention can be used in the pulp and paper industry. The aggregated filler composition contains filler particles of ground calcium carbonate, a pre-treatment agent selected from polyvinylamine and cationic polyacrylamide or a mixture thereof, and nanofibrillar cellulose.

The invention relates to the field of permanently processed molded products made from cellulose, in particular molded lyocell products - fibers, threads, directly molded nonwovens, films or foams that have fire retardant properties.

The invention relates to a method for producing dehydrated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), in which i) an aqueous suspension of MFC is obtained, ii) if necessary, said MFC suspension is dewatered by mechanical means to obtain a partially dehydrated MFC suspension, and iii) the MFC suspension is subjected to or partially dehydrated the MFC slurry and one or more drying steps by contacting the MFC slurry or the partially dehydrated MFC slurry with one or more absorbent materials containing a superabsorbent polymer to produce dehydrated MFC.

The invention discloses an emulsion coagulant and a kit for repairing a tire puncture. The coagulant contains magnesium oxide, a silane coupling agent and at least one component selected from the group consisting of cellulose and magnesium hydroxide.

The invention relates to the rubber industry and can be used to obtain elastomeric compositions in the production of rubber seals for sealing structures operating in conditions of periodic or constant humidity, as well as to pulp and paper production for the disposal of cellulose waste.

A material is proposed for the cultivation or delivery of eukaryotic cells. The material contains plant-derived mechanically disintegrated cellulose nanofibers and/or their derivatives in the form of a hydrogel or membrane in a wet state.

New adhesive mixtures are described and claimed to achieve improved sizing along with other advantages.

The invention relates to a method for producing a dispersion consisting of microfibrillated cellulose and nanoparticles, which includes obtaining a suspension consisting of pre-treated cellulose fibers, where the cellulose fibers have been pre-treated by mechanical treatment, enzymatic treatment, carboxymethylation, TEMPO oxidation, CMC grafting, chemical swelling or hydrolysis by acids, introducing nanoparticles into a suspension and treating the suspension by mechanical destruction in such a way that a dispersion containing microfibrillated cellulose is formed, in which the nanoparticles are absorbed on the surface of the microfibrillated cellulose and/or absorbed within the microfibrillated cellulose.

The present invention relates to durable nanopaper. Described is a nanopaper comprising clay and MFC microfibrillated cellulose, wherein the clay is a silicate with a layered or lamellar structure, and wherein the MFC nanofibers and layered clay are oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the paper, wherein the nanopaper further includes a water-soluble crosslinking agent that is positively charged when placed in an aqueous solution, and which is chitosan, and the clay includes particles in the nanometer size range, with the length of MFC nanofibers being 5-20 μm, and the transverse size of MFC nanofibers being 10-30 nm.

The invention relates to the field of biotechnology. A composition is proposed for obtaining a product selected from the group consisting of alcohols, organic acids, sugars, hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof.

The invention relates to the field of production of sorption-active materials used in the separation and purification of gas and steam mixtures of different nature, for cleaning the water surface from oil and oil products, as well as for cleaning Wastewater from protein toxicants.

The invention relates to an epoxy composition for producing high-strength, heat-resistant materials that can be used in various industries industry. The hot-curing epoxy composition includes epoxy diane oligomer grade ED-20 (100 parts by weight), an anhydride type hardener (80 parts by weight), and as a modifying additive it additionally contains polysaccharide derivatives (1.0-10.0 parts by weight).

The invention relates to compositions for increasing viscosity aquatic environments. The composition contains a mixture of at least one cationic or cationizable polymer and at least one anionic or anionizable polymer.


What is ecowool? This is a collective name thermal insulation materials, which are made using special technology, often from recycled materials. The material cannot be called new: it has been used since about the middle of the last century and competes with modern types thermal insulation.

Manufacturers position ecowool as an environmentally friendly material with high performance, which is located in the affordable segment of the construction market. Let's look at how relevant these statements are together.

Composition and properties of insulation

The following components are usually used in the manufacture of ecowool:

This composition is responsible for the low price of thermal insulation and its environmental safety. In essence, there is no toxic component, however, relatively good technical characteristics are preserved.

Now let's talk about properties. Performance characteristics ecowools look like this:

    Flammability class - G2. Under the influence of high temperatures, crystallized liquid is released from the fibers of the material; accordingly, the insulation is poorly flammable and does not support combustion processes.

    Biostability – high. The composition contains boric acid and borax, which neutralize almost any external factors and aggressive environment, make the material unsuitable for consumption by rodents and other pests.

    Thermal conductivity indicators: 0.032–0.041. The material reliably protects interiors from drafts and cold winds, reduces heat loss, and helps save on heating costs in the winter.

    Density – up to 75 kg/m3. This ensures reliable sound insulation of the building and forms a reliable moisture-proofing layer.

In addition, ecowool is not produced in sheets or rolls, so during installation a monolithic thermal insulation is formed, completely eliminating cold bridges, seams and joints.

Advantages and disadvantages of insulating material

Despite the assurances of manufacturers that ecowool is the standard among thermal insulation materials, these statements should not be completely trusted. This is normal marketing ploy designed to increase sales.

The material has a lot of undeniable advantages, but, like its analogues, it is not without serious drawbacks. Let's start with the advantages.

The advantages of ecowool are the following characteristics:

    Low moisture permeability. The capillary structure of the material allows it to absorb water without losing its beneficial qualities. For example, if mineral insulation moisturize everything by 1%, heat losses will increase almost 10 times. If ecowool is moistened by 25%, decreased thermal conductivity will not exceed 5%. This is a very good indicator.

    Seamless insulation. The loose mass of filler fills all voids, completely eliminating cold bridges. To achieve a similar result with roll or sheet insulation, the material must be laid in 2-3 layers, which increases the final cost of the work.

    High level sound absorption. Ecowool is great way insulation of buildings located on busy streets, near federal highways, railway lines and airports.

In addition, an undeniable advantage is the affordable price, which elevates ecowool to the rank of the most popular insulation for private construction.

Let's move on to the problems. Serious disadvantages of thermal insulation include the following:

    Gradual decline thermal insulation properties , increased heat loss. This is due to the fact that the material decreases in volume or becomes oversaturated with moisture. You can avoid problems by laying insulation with reserve in 20-30% from the calculated volume and making the layer ventilated so that moisture can evaporate into the atmosphere.

    Difficulties during installation. In order for the insulation to fully meet the technical specifications, special installation equipment will be required. This means that you will have to hire a team of professionals, and this is an additional expense.

    Waste of time. Ecowool can be laid in two ways: dry and wet installation. The first option creates a lot of dust during the work and does not guarantee high-quality compaction. The second one creates a high-quality layer of thermal insulation, but the material will dry out about 3 days, which is not always possible at the pace of modern construction.

    Relatively low stiffness. If we compare ecowool with other types of insulation, for example, foam boards, its rigidity will be noticeably lower, which prevents the material from being used for frameless insulation.

    Shrinkage of the material. It occurs with vertical insulation already in the second year. There is no way to avoid this problem.

    Burning speed up to 30 seconds. This means that the material does not burn, but smolders slowly. The result is a risk of ignition of adjacent materials and high smoke levels.

As you can see, ecowool is not perfect thermal insulation. This is a rather specific material with a limited scope of application and a unique installation technology. In addition, assurances of environmental safety also raise doubts: boric acid and borax can hardly be called fillers that are safe for humans.

Comparative characteristics table

Material Composition Density
kg/m3 Heat conductor-
power W/m*K Vapor permeability
fire resistance
safety filling
voidsEcowool cellulose, mineral antipyreant and antiseptic 35-75 0.032-0.041 walls “breathe”, flame retardant
replaceable, no smoke formation, combustion products are harmless, fills all cracksCork cork bark 104-120 0.037-0.040 walls “breathe” flammability, gaps remainExpanded clay clay 250-600 0.180 walls “breathe” non-flammable does not fill gapsMineral wool glass fiber, phenol-containing binder 30-70 0.048 forms condensation, binder burns, combustion products are toxic, cracks may formURSA glass fiber, phenol-containing binder 10-20 0.045 forms condensation, binder burns, combustion products are toxic, cracks may formROCKWOOL basalt, phenol-containing binder 30-40 0.045 forms condensation, binder burns, combustion products are toxic, cracks may formStyrene foam 15-40 0.045 forms condensation, highly flammable, combustion products are toxic, voids remainStyrodur styrene 25-45 0.025-0.035 forms condensation, highly flammable, combustion products are toxic, voids remainPolyurethane foam diisocyanate, polyester 20-30 0.039 forms condensation, highly flammable, combustion products are toxic, fills all cracks
Processed natural materials
Artificial insulation containing adhesives
Synthetic polymers

What is the difference between ecowool and basalt insulation?

To answer this question, a little clarification is required. The following components are used in the production of basalt insulation:

Considering that the main component is basalt, all insulation of the stone-basalt group is usually combined under the term “basalt wool”.

In fact, basalt insulation is insulation that is made entirely from this rock. This material is not used in residential construction. Its intended use: insulation of equipment and pipelines.

If you compare ecowool and insulation materials of the stone-basalt group, you will notice a lot in common. In particular, both materials have similar thermal insulation properties. However, basalt wool has a higher density, which requires a reliable frame.

Ecowool has a light structure and therefore does not increase the load on supporting structures. In addition, basalt insulation is produced in the form of slabs, which leads to the formation of voids at the joints.

Life time basalt wool does not exceed 40 years– the material is gradually destroyed under the influence of pathogenic microflora. Ecowool lasts up to 70 years, without loss of original properties.

Real consumer reviews we found on the Internet

To better understand the feasibility of ecowool insulation, you can refer to the reviews of people who have already used this material in construction.

Sergey. forumhouse.ru

I bought ecowool for insulation country house. The workers who were involved in the construction recommended this particular material. The insulation does not require additional layers of vapor and waterproofing, which was the decisive factor. The house is worth 3 years already, I have no complaints about the insulation, only positive emotions.

Kirill. vk.com

I don't recommend ecowool. 5 years I lived in a house insulated with this insulation and was constantly being treated for allergies. When I changed my place of residence, the problems disappeared. The doctor said that the body’s reaction was provoked by cellulose (an allergy to paper and library dust).

Note that there may be a case of individual intolerance to the components, so before choosing thermal insulation it makes sense to consult a doctor to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Yuri. otzovik.com

Very pleased with the ecowool. The material fully complies with the declared characteristics, provides reliable insulation, is convenient to use and attracts attention. affordable price. I found only one drawback: compliance with storage conditions. When exposed to a humid environment, the material becomes covered with a hard crust, which complicates further use.

Also, many users express concerns about the content of borax and boric acid as part of the insulation. In addition, dissatisfaction is caused by the use of special equipment, but this is a prerequisite for high-quality installation, which cannot be excluded.

TOP 3 trusted manufacturers

    ISOFLOC. A German brand offering high-quality ecowool for multi-purpose use. Isolation has earned positive reviews professional builders worldwide.

    TERMEX. Finnish company supplying insulating materials on Russian market since 1988. The manufacturer carefully controls product quality and adheres to a reasonable pricing policy.

    "Equator". Russian company engaged in the production of insulation since 2007. The production line is fully automated and uses high-tech equipment. Currently, it is one of the largest domestic producers ecowool.

In addition, the company’s insulation products enjoy the trust of consumers "Nanovata" And EKOVILLA.