How To Cut Mineral Wool In Slabs

18th March 2021

How to cut mineral wool properly

However, before you start cutting rock wool, you need to create the right conditions. As we already said, this insulation has a fibrous structure. In the process of cutting, various small particles of these fibers fall into the air and onto the hands, and in order to prevent this, it is worth:

ensure good ventilation in the room where the process itself will take place;
use overalls and protective equipment. This can be overalls, glasses, gloves, and, if necessary, a respirator and mask;
after finishing work, it is important to thoroughly rinse your hands and face with water.

These measures are so important, since there is a danger of injuring yourself, injecting an infection into the eyes, and earning an allergy.

Regarding the rules for cutting mineral wool, it is important to cut the insulation across the fibers. And to mineralize the amount of dust in the air during the cutting process, it is worth using tools with a well-sharpened, sharp working edge.

If, for example, you have purchased insulation in rolls, then for convenience it is better to cut it right away in the roll, and therefore do not rush to unfold it. But the plates are cut each separately.

At the same time, no matter how carefully you cut, no matter how accurate the measurements are, be prepared for the fact that you will have scraps that can be used for rough work. For example, insulation of the walls of a garage or barn. Some people even buy mineral wool trimmings at a low price, as a budget option for insulation: the quality, properties are the same, only cheaper.

Thus, you should not throw cotton wool scraps from a roll or plate, as they will definitely come in handy on the farm.

Longitudinal cut of material

Mineral wool in rolls is cut unpacked. The roll is placed on a hard, flat surface. The required length is measured with a tape measure. Labels are placed in three places around the packaging circle. The place of the cut, for accuracy, is wrapped with molar tape.

Then they take a saw and cut a roll of mineral wool in a circle. After the cut piece has been separated, remove the packaging film.

Important. Masking tape is wound on the roll from the opposite side of the workpiece so that after cutting the remaining part of the roll does not unwind.

How to cut

When cutting mineral wool, it is important to preserve the shape and density of the material, not to get injured and to do not too expensive purchases. Therefore, it is important to follow these tips:

in case of independent construction, when the workers do not have sufficient experience, it is advisable to consult with specialists before starting cutting, especially if the presence of pieces of complex shape is expected. This will help prevent unnecessary consumption of insulation;
the cutting tool must be well sharpened so that the mineral wool does not break into fibers and less dust;
when cutting insulation, it should be borne in mind that to ensure a tight overlap of the insulated space with mineral wool, it is necessary to leave allowances of about 2 cm;
it is better to cut rolled mineral wool before unfolding it;
mineral wool boards must be removed from the package and cut one by one;
it is not recommended to cut the mineral wool “for future use”. at once for the entire volume of work. This increases the risk of accidental damage to its shape during additional shifting from place to place or folding the pieces on top of each other.

Insulation knife 280 mm

The better to cut mineral wool?

Professionals use a special machine to separate canvases and rolls. But many ask the question: “What is the best way to cut mineral wool in slabs at home to save money?”

Important! To cut mineral wool, use a hacksaw for metal or wood.

In everyday life, an assembly knife is used to cut the canvas. This tool has one drawback, because of the small blade, it is difficult for them to cut thick slabs. Therefore, I recommend using a clerical knife only for thin sheets. If this condition is not observed, then the canvases may become unusable.

Cutting mineral wool with a knife

Best Tools for Cutting Mineral Insulation:

A knife with a blade made of carbon steel. It is very easy to cut with such a product, in addition, its blade sharpens well and quickly. This knife needs a lot of care to avoid rusting. The basic rule of care is to wipe off the blade after washing.
A knife whose blade is made of stainless steel. There are teeth of different lengths on each side, so it is very easy to cut the mineral insulation of different sizes and thicknesses. The blade quickly plunges into the slab and cuts it efficiently. Sharp tip can even make indirect cuts.
Special machines. Such tools are able to cut the canvases along a flat mowing line and along a bend. This feature is very much appreciated in the industry. If you need to cut the cotton wool once, then there is no point in purchasing expensive equipment. the tool that is in the house will do.

Cutting mineral wool with a special saw

Note! Cotton wool scissors cannot be used.

For cutting cotton wool, it is advisable to use a special hacksaw for heaters or for metal. It is used to cut material that is less than 5 cm thick.

The blades of the tool you use to cut the cotton should always be well sharpened. In this case, the fibers from the cotton wool will be pulled out minimally. Manufacturers advise cutting the cotton wool before unrolling the roll.

What are the remnants of mineral wool useful for?

The remains of the insulation do not need to be thrown away: they will also be useful for the pantry or utility room. Many people strive for budgetary insulation, therefore, they use scraps and leftovers of material.

Waste rock wool can be recycled for later use. In this case, special machines are used.

In order for the process of warming the room to go properly, you should know what to cut the mineral wool and how to do it. If you follow the simple rules for working with this insulation, then you can achieve a good result.

Mineral wool is an artificial building material that is made for heat and sound insulation of residential buildings and industrial premises. The material is not afraid of fire, resistant to various weather conditions. For convenience, they are produced in rolls and mats. It is not enough to purchase insulation, it is also important to know how to work with it, this will be discussed below.

Insulation of the attic space is an effective way to reduce body losses as a result, the house needs to be heated less, which means that you can save on electricity.

Mineral wool insulation is a versatile option with high technical performance for thermal, acoustic and fire resistance.

Insulation consists of fibers.

When working with material, a large number of harmful particles are emitted into the air. Fine dust is harmful to human breathing and skin. Therefore, when working with it, take precautions.

What rules need to be followed:

work in a well-ventilated area.
use personal protective equipment for work: mask, glasses, respirator.
work in overalls: well-buttoned overalls, headwear, construction gloves.
after work, hands and face are thoroughly washed under cold water. Overalls are shaken out of dust.

Knife with stainless steel blade

A long-blade insulation cutting knife made of durable stainless steel is suitable for working with mineral wool of any thickness. To cut the insulation of different stiffness, larger and smaller teeth are located on each side. Such a blade easily enters the thickness of the slab, allowing even curly cuts to be made thanks to the sharp tip.

How to cut mineral wool?

The material has a fibrous structure, therefore, during cutting, small particles of glass wool fly in space. Therefore, the contact of hazardous elements on the skin and in the respiratory tract should be prevented.

Before cutting the insulation, the following conditions must be observed:

The room must be well ventilated.
In the process of work, it is mandatory to use protective equipment and special clothing. We are talking about gloves, respirator, mask, overalls and goggles.
When the material is cut, it is recommended to wash your face and hands under cold water.

In order to form as few glass wool particles as possible in the air, a well-sharpened tool should be used.

The insulation should be cut without unrolling the roll.

Advice! It is best to cut the material across.

To get strips of cotton of the same width, cut the material right in the roll. If the cotton wool is in the form of slabs, then you need to cut them one by one.

In order for the strips of cotton wool, cut independently at home, to turn out to be even and identical, they should be clearly divided according to the marks. You can also use the ruler as a cut line.

When cutting, leave allowances at the edges. If it is a roll, then the indicator should be 0.5 cm, and if the plate is 2 cm.This cutting feature is needed so that the mineral wool element completely fills the required space.

Recall that the slabs of mineral wool are cut one at a time, and we cut the material in rolls without expanding.

Cutting mineral wool, how and how to cut mineral wool in rolls and slabs

A distinctive feature of mineral insulation is the structure consisting of fibers, which must be solid to ensure thermal insulation. In this regard, special attention should be paid to the cutting process. Do not use cardboard or fabric scissors or ordinary table knives to cut the material. These tools are not intended for such a material, since they can spoil its appearance and impair its useful properties. It is very useful for novice repairmen and builders to find out what tools are suitable for this business.

Material characteristics and properties

Before starting construction or repair work, the owner of the premises thinks about what criteria should be used to choose materials. Currently, the assortment of sale is replete with a variety of canvases that differ from each other in raw materials, price, scope, operation characteristics.

The term “mineral wool” means three types of materials, namely:

basalt (stone);
slag;
glass wool.

Glass wool (fiberglass) has a low density and high hygroscopicity. The material does not have moisture resistance properties, and one should not expect heat resistance from it: when a high heating temperature (about 300 degrees) is reached, the cotton fibers melt, and the material no longer performs the function of insulation. Glass wool on sale in rolls.

Glass wool is produced by blowing: an industrial centrifuge creates streams of air that go directly into the raw material. Due to the flow of air, fibers appear from the threads, moreover, they can have different lengths, directions and thicknesses.

Mineral wool has low thermal conductivity, allows steam to pass through due to the cells in the structure, and almost does not absorb water. In addition to the base, there are few binding elements in the composition, which allows it to withstand high temperatures. The material is widely used as sound insulation and insulation for various substrates and surfaces. Produced with canvases that vary in strength.

Slag wool for room insulation

Slag wool is the cheapest option for insulation. The material consists of fibers that are waste from blast furnaces, it is not dense and does not have good heat resistance. If slag wool is overheated, it will sinter. Therefore, the material is not suitable for insulating premises adjacent to heat sources, and is also not recommended for building houses.

The structure of the horizontal layer of any kind of mineral wool is created in the direction of the grain. The formation of vertical sections occurs due to the elements that are located chaotically. Each type of material has its own characteristics and external differences.

The better to cut mineral wool?

Professionals use a special machine to separate canvases and rolls. But many ask the question: “What is the best way to cut mineral wool in slabs at home to save money?”

Important! To cut mineral wool, use a hacksaw for metal or wood.

Cutting mineral wool with a knife

Working with Mineral Wool

Best Tools for Cutting Mineral Insulation:

A knife with a blade made of carbon steel. It is very easy to cut with such a product, in addition, its blade sharpens well and quickly. This knife needs a lot of care to avoid rusting. The basic rule of care is to wipe off the blade after washing.
A knife whose blade is made of stainless steel. There are teeth of different lengths on each side, so it is very easy to cut the mineral insulation of different sizes and thicknesses. The blade quickly plunges into the slab and cuts it efficiently. Sharp tip can even make indirect cuts.
Special machines. Such tools are able to cut the canvases along a flat mowing line and along a bend. This feature is very much appreciated in the industry. If you need to cut the cotton wool once, then there is no point in purchasing expensive equipment. the tool that is in the house will do.

Cutting mineral wool with a special saw

Note! Cotton wool scissors cannot be used.

For cutting cotton wool, it is advisable to use a special hacksaw for heaters or for metal. It is used to cut material that is less than 5 cm thick.

Are there any nuances in transportation and storage?

Manufacturers recommend storing mineral wool in an intact package, and it is better if the pack is on a flat surface. Each stack of packages should not be higher than 2 meters. The optimal storage conditions are closed spaces that are resistant to moisture ingress. It is not recommended to store the insulation on the street, but if this happens, then you need to cover it with a tarpaulin or film.

You need to store cotton wool only in a horizontal position.

When transporting, you should follow the same rules: transport cotton wool horizontally and in a dry truck body. You also need to provide the material with protection from mechanical stress and from atmospheric precipitation. When loading and unloading material, it must not be strongly squeezed.

Unpacking mineral insulation also requires certain nuances. The material should be removed from the packaging only before starting work, which will minimize the various risks associated with damage to the insulation. When laying out material for cutting, use its packaging as a bedding. Thus, the product will not get dirty. Also, the packaging can be used to collect other waste at the construction site.

What are the remnants of mineral wool useful for?

Waste rock wool can be recycled for later use. In this case, special machines are used.

How to cut?

in case of independent construction, when the workers do not have sufficient experience, it is advisable to consult with specialists before starting cutting, especially if the presence of pieces of complex shape is expected. This will help prevent unnecessary consumption of insulation;
the cutting tool must be well sharpened so that the mineral wool does not break into fibers and less dust;
when cutting insulation, it should be borne in mind that to ensure a tight overlap of the insulated space with mineral wool, it is necessary to leave allowances of about 2 cm;
it is better to cut rolled mineral wool before unfolding it;
mineral wool boards must be removed from the package and cut one by one;
it is not recommended to cut the mineral wool “for future use”. at once for the entire volume of work. This increases the risk of accidental damage to its shape during additional shifting from place to place or folding the pieces on top of each other.

How to properly transport insulation?

Science is simple, but very important. So:

plates and mats are transported in a horizontal position;
the truck must be equipped with a protective awning;
transportation is carried out only in packaged form;
during transportation, loading and unloading operations, it is important not to squeeze the insulation too much;
unpack the mineral wool immediately before starting work on insulation.

What will we cut?

This can be done with different devices, depending on the thickness of the mineral wool.

How To Cut Insulation Easy with Simple Tools

Thin materials (no more than 50 mm):

kitchen loaf knife with a serrated edge;
assembly construction knife;
stationery knife.

Denser and thicker materials:

special knives with a length of about 300 mm. Often they are offered by manufacturers of insulation materials. This tool has teeth of different sizes for cutting mineral wool of different thicknesses and densities;
saws with undivided teeth;
hacksaw for metal;
cutting machines. Used when cutting complex shapes. However, for self-construction of your own house, that is, for one-time use, it is impractical to purchase such expensive equipment. you will have to adapt to the capabilities of other tools.

How to cut mineral wool in slabs?

There are always a lot of questions about what and how to cut mineral wool. Especially for those who are going to build housing on their own (for example, frame, which involves assembly on their own). Indeed, in its structure, this material is fibrous, moreover, having a certain thickness. Ordinary table knives or scissors designed for cutting cardboard or thick fabrics will not work at all.

However, before you start cutting the mineral wool, it is important to deliver it correctly to the construction site. Indeed, otherwise, the material, brought to a state of marriage, will not have to be cut, but simply changed to a new one. And this is additional costs.

It is important to create a safe working environment

This is really important. As in any business, adherence to simple safety procedures will help maintain health, carry out work at the optimal time and at a high quality level. What you need to pay attention to:

it is better to cut the insulation in cold weather, since for work it is necessary to wear a protective suit made of dense fabric, which will prevent skin contact with mineral wool fibers and its irritation;
to protect hands, wear special gloves. with silicone or rubber dusting on the palms;
special glasses will be needed to protect the eyes;
respiratory organs will be protected by a respirator.

Such measures must be observed, since when the insulation is cut from under the knives, material particles rise into the air. Which can come in contact with the eyes, the respiratory tract and cause skin irritation.

In addition, it is important to remember:

when working with this type of insulation, you need to periodically take a break, during which to ventilate the room;
the cut pieces must be shifted carefully, without throwing, in order to reduce the amount of fibrous suspension in the air;
there should be no children on the construction site at this time, even in protective equipment.

As you can see from the above, there is nothing super complicated in cutting mineral wool. Subject to the indicated rules, it will not be difficult to perform work efficiently and safely.

Sources:

http://znatoktepla.ru/utepliteli/rezka-mineralnoj-vaty.html
http://chudoogorod.ru/prochee-dacha/chem-rezat-minvatu-v-plitax.html

Articles mineral, slabs, wool