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Rock wool is widely used in building exterior wall, roof, and industrial equipment insulation due to its excellent fire resistance, thermal insulation, and sound absorption properties. However, in actual construction, improper material selection or construction methods can easily affect the final insulation effect and service life. This article, based on engineering practice, systematically analyzes common problems in rock wool construction for reference by designers, contractors, and owners.
First, there is the problem of mismatched rock wool selection. Different applications have significantly different requirements for the density, water repellency, and compressive strength of rock wool. For example, exterior wall insulation systems typically require rock wool boards with higher density and better dimensional stability, while roof or equipment insulation focuses more on temperature resistance. If price is the sole criterion for selection, problems such as sinking, cracking, or reduced insulation performance can easily occur. Therefore, before construction, rock wool products of appropriate specifications should be selected strictly according to design requirements and national standards.
The second common problem is inadequate substrate preparation. Rock wool construction requires a high degree of flatness and cleanliness of the substrate. If the wall surface has loose dust, oil stains, or is noticeably uneven, it will lead to poor adhesion, resulting in hollow areas or even detachment later. The standard practice is to clean and level the substrate before construction, and apply a bonding agent if necessary to improve the adhesion strength between the rock wool and the substrate.
Thirdly, improper bonding and anchoring methods are a problem. Some construction sites have issues with uneven application of bonding mortar, insufficient number of anchors, or improper placement. This directly affects the overall safety of the system, especially in high-rise buildings where the risks are more pronounced. During construction, the construction plan should be strictly followed, using the point-and-frame method or full-bonding method, and ensuring that the number, depth, and installation sequence of anchors meet the specifications.
Fourthly, improper treatment of rock wool board joints is a problem. Excessively large joints, unreasonable staggered joints, or failure to perform necessary joint filling will all create cold bridges, reducing the overall insulation effect. The correct approach is to control the width of the joints, use staggered joints, and fill them with rock wool strips of the same material when necessary to avoid continuous joints.
Fifthly, moisture-proofing and waterproofing measures are neglected. Although rock wool is an inorganic material, its thermal conductivity can still increase under prolonged damp conditions, affecting its insulation performance. In exterior wall and roof systems, appropriate waterproof and breathable layers should be installed, water-repellent rock wool products should be selected, and rainwater immersion during construction should be avoided.
Finally, there are issues of construction safety and finished product protection. Rock wool fibers are relatively fine; necessary protective equipment should be worn during cutting and installation to avoid irritation to construction workers. At the same time, completed rock wool layers should be promptly plastered or covered to prevent wind, rain, or human damage.
In conclusion, the quality of rock wool construction depends not only on the material itself but also on design, construction details, and on-site management. Only through reasonable material selection, standardized construction, and strict quality control can the performance advantages of rock wool in building insulation systems be fully utilized, improving the safety and durability of buildings. This is also a key area that building insulation material companies should continuously focus on and optimize in project services.
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