Metal garage owners are well aware of the effect of the “thermos” in winter and the “hot stove” in summer. Thin steel walls are not able to retain heat, and sharp temperature changes in the room lead to the formation of condensation. This phenomenon is known as dewpointIt is harmful to the car, provoking corrosion of the body and damage to tools.
The use of mineral wool as a heater is one of the most effective solutions due to its non-combustible and high insulating properties. However, unlike foam, this material requires strict adherence to installation technology, especially in terms of waterproofing. The wrong approach can lead to wetting of the insulation and complete loss of its functionality.
In this article, we will discuss the entire process of preparation and installation, paying special attention to creating the right “cake” wall. You will learn how to avoid typical mistakes and ensure a comfortable temperature in the garage all year round. Well done heat-insulation This will save you a lot on heating during the cold season.
Benefits of mineral wool for steel structures
Mineral wool is a fibrous material obtained from melts of rocks or slags. The main advantage of this insulation for metal garages is its absolute fire-safety. Unlike polystyrene foam, minewat does not burn and does not emit toxic substances when heated, which is critical for the storage of fuel and welding.
In addition, the material has excellent vapor-permeability. Metal garage is prone to fogging from the inside, and if you use a “deaf” insulation, moisture will accumulate at the border of metal and insulation. Minwata allows the walls to “breathe”, but only under the condition of proper organization of ventilation gap and vapor insulation.
⚠️ Warning: Mineral wool is hygroscopic. When wet by only 2-3%, its thermal insulation properties are reduced by 50%. Without high-quality waterproofing, the material will turn into a heavy lump that contributes to the rusting of the frame.
Among other advantages, it is worth highlighting the high soundproofing and durability. The material is not subject to rotting, rodents and insects, which often happens with organic insulation. The service life of high-quality stone wool with proper installation is more than 50 years.
Selection of mineral wool type and calculation of materials
There are several types of mineral wool on the construction materials market, and it is important for a garage to choose the right option. Most often used woolIt is made from gabbro-basalt rocks. It has the best indicators of rigidity and heat resistance.
Also found glass wool, made from waste glass production. It is cheaper, but requires extremely careful handling due to fine glass dust irritating the skin and airways. For the garage, the best choice will be medium stiffness plates, which are easily mounted between the elements of the frame.
When calculating the amount of material, it is necessary to take into account the area of all insulated surfaces: walls, gates and ceiling. The thickness of the layer depends on the climatic zone, but it rarely makes sense for a metal garage to use a layer thinner than 50 mm. The optimal solution is to lay two layers of 50 mm in the cross direction to block the bridges of cold.
To fix the plates and create a crate, you will need additional materials. Below is a table with an approximate calculation for a garage of a standard size of 3x6 meters.
| Materials | Appointment | Food. measurement | Approximate expense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral wool (stoves) | Main insulation | sq. ? | 70-80 sq. ? |
| Wooden beam 50x50 | Crate frame | Pooh. ? | 150-200 m |
| Steamproofing film | Protection from moisture from the inside | sq. ? | 80 square. ? |
| Hydroinsulating membrane | Condensation protection | sq. ? | 80 square. ? |
Surface preparation and ventilation device
Before the start of installation work, it is necessary to carefully prepare metal surfaces. The walls of the garage should be cleaned of rust, old paint and fat spots. For this, you can use a metal brush or a grinder with an abrasive circle.
After mechanical cleaning, the metal must be treated with anticorrosive soil. This is a critical stage, since under the layer of the insulation, corrosion processes can go at an accelerated pace due to the possible microcondensation. Pay special attention to the welded seams and corners.
☑️ Preparation of the garage for insulation
The most important element of the system is ventilation. A metal garage should be ventilated to remove moisture released by the car after the trip. Air must be supplied through the openings at the bottom of the gate and the hood at the top of the rear wall or through the roof deflector.
If the garage has already installed electrical wiring, it must be transferred to non-combustible cable channels or corrugated. Laying wires directly through or inside mineral wool is strictly prohibited by fire safety regulations.
Installation of the crate and laying of the insulation
Insulation begins with the creation of a bearing frame that will hold the slabs of minewats. For this purpose, a wooden timber or metal profile is used. Step of the racks of the crate should be 1-2 cm less than the width of the insulation plate so that the material enters tightly, without gaps.
The beam is attached to the metal walls of the garage with the help of screws on metal with a press puck. If the walls of the garage are uneven, use U-shaped suspensions, allowing you to put the frame in one plane. The verticality of the installation is checked by the construction level.
The mineral wool is produced from the bottom up. The slabs are a dispute between guides. If the material is used in rolls, it is cut with a tolerance of 2-3 cm to ensure a tight fit. It is important to avoid the formation of voids, especially in corners and around the gate.
How to work with the mint safely?
When cutting and laying mineral wool, fine dust is formed, which can cause irritation. Be sure to use a respirator, safety glasses and gloves. Clothing should cover all areas of the skin, it is better to use a special overalls. After work, clothes should be washed separately from other things.
When laid in two layers, the second row of plates is mounted with a displacement of the joints relative to the first. This allows you to block the bridges of cold and increase the efficiency of thermal insulation. For fixing plates in vertical structures, you can use a special glue foam or dowel-fungi with a wide hat.
Special attention should be paid to the insulation of the gate, since this is the most thermally conductive part of the structure. It is recommended to use stiffer plates so that they do not deform when opening and closing the flaps.
Waterproofing and Vapourproofing: Creating the Right Pie
The most important step is to protect the insulation from moisture. On the outside (between the metal and the minowat) there should be a waterproofing membrane, which releases steam outside, but does not let water inside. However, in the case of a metal garage, condensation is often formed on the metal itself.
Therefore, the classic “cake” of the wall of a metal garage looks like this: a metal wall, a ventilation gap (3-5 cm), waterproofing, insulation, vapor insulation, internal lining. The ventilation gap between the metal and the insulation is mandatory for weathering moisture.
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse the sides of the vapor insulation film. The rough side should look towards the insulation (inside), and the smooth side should look towards the room. If confused, moisture will linger inside the cotton.
Steam insulation is mounted on the inside of the insulation, closing it completely. The film is laid overlaid with 10-15 cm, and all joints are necessarily glued with special construction tape. This creates a sealed circuit that prevents moist air from entering the insulation structure from the room.
Finishing and interior cladding
After completion of the insulation work, it is necessary to close the insulation with the finishing coating. Mineral wool cannot remain open, as its fibers can enter the air. For finishing the garage, fire-resistant drywall (GKLO), OSB boards or flooring are most often used.
The sheets of cladding are attached on top of the vapor insulation to the racks of the crate. Small gaps are left between the sheets to compensate for the temperature expansion. The seams are sealed and the surface is prepared for painting or pasting.
If you plan to hang a shelf or tool on the walls, the places of fastenings should be provided in advance. At the places of expected load between the racks of the crate, horizontal jumpers or plywood mortgages are installed.
For the gate, they often use trimming with a trim or sheet metal fixed to the inside of the flaps. This gives the design a rigidity and aesthetic appearance. Do not forget to install seals around the perimeter of the gate to exclude drafts.
The quality of the finish directly affects the service life of the insulation: any damage to the vapor insulation will lead to wetting of the minewats and heat loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get a metal garage in the winter?
You can mount mineral wool at any temperature, since the material is frost resistant. However, work on waterproofing and the use of certain types of adhesive foam is better carried out at temperatures above +5 ° C, otherwise the materials may lose their properties or not catch.
Do I need to make an air gap between metal and cotton?
Yes, it's a requirement. The metal is strongly cooled in winter, and condensation falls on its inner surface. Without a gap, moisture will directly enter the heater. A gap of 3-5 cm ensures air circulation and drying of moisture.
What thickness should be a minwat for the central region?
For the central region of Russia, the thickness of the insulation is considered optimal 100 mm. This can be implemented in one 100 mm layer or, more effectively, in two 50 mm layers with overlapping joints.
What happens if you don't do the vapor isolation?
Warm moist air from the garage (especially if there is a warm car) will penetrate into the cold insulation. There it will turn into water, the minewat will get wet, become heavy and stop warming. In addition, constant moisture will accelerate the corrosion of the metal frame.