ᐅ Polystyrene Insulation or Mineral Wool in Winter

Created on: 17 Nov 2016 14:47
D
deichwacht
We are currently building a KfW40 new construction using solid construction methods. For the exterior walls, the plan is as follows: on the inside, aerated concrete blocks, then 160mm (6.3 inches) of insulation (thermal conductivity class 032), an air gap, and finally facing brick. Our contractor usually installs mineral wool insulation. Since our house will be built over the winter, the contractor suggested using polystyrene insulation with the same properties (160mm, WLG 032) instead, to avoid moisture-related issues during the construction phase. Of course, mineral wool would not be installed in the rain and would always be covered with tarps, but here in the north the wind can sometimes tear off the tarp over a weekend, which could cause the mineral wool to get wet. In principle, the reasoning seems plausible to me, but the final decision should be ours. In terms of cost and quality, both options are comparable. I would appreciate your assessment.

Pros of mineral wool:
- Non-combustible
- Easier to dispose of
- Better heat protection in summer due to greater thermal mass (is this relevant with our wall build-up?)
- Better sound insulation (also relevant with our wall structure? It’s a rather quiet area...)

Pros of polystyrene:
- Resistant to moisture, resulting in fewer issues and potentially faster construction

Have I overlooked anything? How would you decide?
L
Legurit
17 Nov 2016 15:52
I believe so.
It definitely feels fluffier 😀
K
Knallkörper
17 Nov 2016 15:53
Hello Andreas,

usually yes. Then these spacer discs must (!) be slid on as well, which is not a big effort either. That will hold.
A
Alex85
17 Nov 2016 15:54
BeHaElJa schrieb:
I believe so.
It definitely feels fluffier 😀

That definitely belongs at the top of the pros list :-)
G
garfunkel
17 Nov 2016 16:46
Definitely mineral wool.
If the construction takes two weeks longer because of the weather, that hardly matters over the next 30 years.

Polystyrene has its advantages, but I would only use it if no other option makes sense.
B
Bauexperte
18 Nov 2016 12:58
Knallkörper schrieb:
Mineral wool must withstand water. It can always get damp, even later on...

That is not entirely correct. Especially with mineral wool, moisture tends to spread out over a large area due to capillary action. Problems with mold are not uncommon in cases of severe water penetration.

So, a little rain while the shell is being built is not a problem as long as the last course of blocks is covered; leaving a cavity wall exposed during heavy rain for an extended period is not a good idea.

Best regards, Bauexperte
T
Tego12
18 Nov 2016 13:56
My opinion: The material that your construction company is more familiar with. Good workmanship is far more important than the chosen material. Both serve the same purpose; I don’t see any specific advantages or disadvantages that would affect you.