Energy efficiency for pitched roof insulation system

Introduction. Energy efficiency is a comprehensive criterion that accounts for both manufacturing and installation costs of products, as well as resource savings during structure operation. Optimizing energy costs in product manufacturing and material selection becomes essential, considering the specific operational characteristics of individual construction systems. Methods and Materials. Soft stone wool slabs, glass mesh, and modified epoxy resin-based adhesive served as starting materials. The structure was examined using a FEI Quanta 200 scanning electron microscope. Product properties were determined following standard methods. Operational durability assessment employed an accelerated hydrothermal treatment method applied to mineral wool cylinder fragments using a setup developed by Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (MGSU)–GASIS(HSE)–MAXMIR, evaluating changes in product compressibility. Results. Thermo-humid exposure had minimal impact on changes in average product density, with variations within experimental error. The binder type showed no significant influence on product characteristics across all stages of temperature-humidity exposure. However, sample mass loss due to thermo-humid exposure and airflow was substantial, necessitating slab reinforcement on surfaces contacting the ventilated space of pitched roofs to resist airflow. Discussion. Properties of mineral wool products with reinforced outer layers fully satisfy the operating conditions of thermal insulation materials in pitched roof systems, which experience temperature and humidity fluctuations, as well as dynamic loads from airflow in ventilated spaces. Conclusion. The research resulted in the development and testing of a novel product: soft and semi-rigid mineral wool slabs reinforced with glass mesh. These slabs maintain equivalent thermal characteristics and manufacturing costs to conventional analogs while exhibiting significantly enhanced operational stability, thereby ensuring greater overall system durability. Product energy efficiency was comprehensively evaluated.