Rock wool, a commonly used inorganic fiber insulation material in building insulation projects, is widely used for exterior walls, roofs, pipes, and equipment insulation due to its excellent fire resistance, good thermal and sound insulation effects, and high temperature resistance. However, improper construction and use of rock wool can easily lead to a series of problems, affecting its insulation performance and service life. The following are several issues that require special attention when using rock wool for building insulation:

I. Material Selection and Specification Confirmation

1. Matching Density and Thickness

The density of rock wool directly affects the insulation effect and construction difficulty. When selecting rock wool, an appropriate density should be chosen based on design requirements, insulation layer thickness, and the usage environment. While excessively high density provides better insulation performance, it may increase construction difficulty and material costs. Insufficient density may affect the insulation effect and even cause construction inconvenience.

2. Confirming Fire Resistance Rating

Rock wool has good fire resistance, but its fire resistance rating varies depending on the production process and additives used. The selected rock wool should meet building fire protection standards, especially for high-rise buildings and areas with high fire protection requirements. Non-combustible or Class A fire-resistant rock wool materials should be selected.

II. Moisture-proofing during construction

1. Design of the moisture-proof layer

As a moisture-absorbing material, rock wool allows moisture to penetrate the insulation layer through its fiber structure in humid environments, affecting its insulation performance. Therefore, effective moisture-proofing measures should be taken when constructing in humid environments or on exposed areas such as exterior walls and roofs. A moisture-proof layer or waterproof membrane should be installed to ensure that moisture cannot penetrate the rock wool insulation layer.

2. Sealing treatment

At the joints between the rock wool and the wall, roof, or other substrates, proper sealing should be ensured during construction to prevent moisture penetration. In addition, the joints between rock wool boards also need to be sealed with sealant to avoid air and water leaks caused by gaps.

III. Avoiding compression during construction

1. Avoiding excessive compression

During construction, the insulation effect of rock wool depends on the integrity of its fiber structure. Excessive compression of rock wool reduces its internal air layer, thus decreasing its insulation performance. When installing rock wool, ensure the material is within the specified thickness and density range; arbitrarily compressing it is prohibited.

2. Material Flatness

During installation, keep the rock wool boards flat to avoid wrinkles, bulges, or deformation, ensuring stable insulation performance. For complex-shaped pipes or irregularly shaped parts, cutting can be used to ensure a proper fit.

IV. Post-Construction Inspection and Maintenance

1. Surface Protection

After the rock wool insulation layer is completed, especially on exposed areas such as exterior walls and roofs, an external protective layer, such as aluminum foil or steel plates, is required to prevent external factors such as ultraviolet rays and rain from affecting the rock wool. The external protective layer should be intact to ensure the insulation effect of the rock wool is not compromised.

2. Regular Inspection and Maintenance

During the use of rock wool, especially on roofs and exterior walls, regularly inspecting the integrity of the insulation layer is crucial. If damage, cracks, or detachment of the rock wool insulation layer is found, it should be repaired promptly. V. Avoid Contact with Hazardous Substances

1. Avoid Contact with Oil, Acids, and Alkalis

Contamination of the rock wool surface will affect its adhesion and waterproofing performance. During construction, avoid contact between rock wool and oil, acids, alkalis, or other contaminants. If accidental contamination occurs, clean the surface immediately and ensure it is clean before proceeding.

2. Health and Safety

During construction, because the fibers of rock wool may irritate the skin and respiratory tract, construction personnel should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety glasses, and masks, to avoid direct contact with and inhalation of dust.

VI. The Impact of Ambient Temperature on Construction

1. Temperature and Humidity Control

Construction should be carried out in an environment with moderate temperature and humidity. Excessively low temperatures and excessively high humidity may affect the performance of rock wool and the construction effect. In humid environments, it is especially important to ensure that the rock wool is not damp, otherwise its insulation effect will be affected.

2. Construction at Low Temperatures is Strictly Prohibited

At low temperatures, the fibers of rock wool may become brittle, making it difficult to handle or prone to breakage during construction. It is best to avoid construction at extremely low temperatures, or take appropriate measures to maintain a warm and dry construction environment.

VII. Transportation and Storage of Rock Wool

1. Avoid Storage in Humid Environments

During transportation and storage, rock wool should be kept dry and protected from prolonged exposure to humid environments. The packaging of the rock wool should be intact to prevent rainwater or moisture from entering the material.

2. Stacking Method

When stacking rock wool materials, avoid excessive stacking to prevent compression deformation or damage to its internal fiber structure. The material should be stacked in a well-ventilated and dry area, avoiding direct contact with the ground.

When rock wool is used for building insulation, standardized construction, material selection, and control of the construction environment are all crucial. By ensuring the effectiveness of the moisture barrier, preventing material compression deformation, conducting regular inspections, and ensuring good storage and transportation conditions, the long-term stable performance of rock wool's excellent insulation properties can be ensured. Reasonable construction management and maintenance strategies will allow rock wool materials to fully realize their advantages in building insulation projects.