CLASSIFICATION OF INSULATION MATERIALS
Insulation materials are classified according to their:
- nature (animal, vegetable, mineral or synthetic origin)
- structure (dust, fibers, foams)
- destination (walls, roof, ground, construction)
Depending on these classifications there are different characteristics of the materials.
VEGETAL MATERIALS
- Cork is one of the most common insulation materials, frequently used in sheets obtained from the grinding of cork in granules. When the granules are heated, they release a resin that agglomerates the granulate. These materials are used to make floors, partitions and ceilings but in the wine sector, their use is reduced because cork is permeable to water with consequent development of mold.
- Wood fibers: These products are agglomerated in panels and are often used in situations where the risk of humidity or mold is low, so they are useful for example in the construction of a barrique room.
MINERAL MATERIALS
- Glass foam and cellular glass. The foamed glass is obtained by blowing gas into fused glass and this type of material is resistant to corrosion, heat and humidity and this type of characteristics, combined with good mechanical resistance, makes it popular in the insulation of floorings, walls and roofs of the cellar.
- Powdered glass marbles (Perlite) is a glass material obtained with high temperature. It has a volcanic origin. It is often used in coatings and concretes of bioclimatic buildings.
- Fiberglass or a glass brought to high temperature and transformed into fibers impregnated with synthetic resins. Fiberglasses are classified into five families, depending on their volume and conductivity coefficients.
- Rock wool. This material is manufactured by ridging the melted stones of natural or artificial origin. Rock wool is a convenient material, with high resistance but little reliability in a humid environment.
