Although glass wool insulation material has good thermal insulation performance, it is prone to generating dust that irritates the skin and respiratory tract. After absorbing moisture, the insulation effect decreases, and long-term use may affect health.
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Glass wool is a common building insulation material made of glass fibers, which has excellent thermal insulation, sound absorption, and fire resistance properties. It is widely used for wall, roof, and pipeline insulation. However, despite its significant advantages, glass wool also has some undeniable drawbacks, including health hazards, inconvenient construction, and durability issues. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the drawbacks of glass wool insulation materials to help users evaluate their applicability more comprehensively.
1. Health risks: Dust irritation and respiratory problems
The main component of glass wool is fine glass fibers, which can easily generate dust during cutting, handling, or installation. If these fiber dust particles are inhaled, they may irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing, throat discomfort, and even triggering asthma or bronchitis. Workers who have long-term exposure to glass wool may face higher health risks if adequate protective measures are not taken.
In addition, glass wool fibers may cause itching, redness, swelling, or allergic reactions when in contact with the skin. Construction personnel must wear gloves, masks, and protective clothing to reduce direct contact.
2. Strong moisture absorption, decreased insulation performance
The fiber structure of glass wool gives it a certain degree of moisture absorption. In humid environments, moisture can seep into the interior of materials, causing an increase in their thermal conductivity and a significant decrease in insulation effectiveness. Once damp, glass wool may also breed mold, further affecting indoor air quality.
In contrast, some new thermal insulation materials (such as extruded polystyrene board XPS or polyurethane foam) have better moisture resistance and are suitable for use in high humidity environments.
3. Poor durability, prone to settlement and deformation
Glass wool is a soft material that may settle or compress after long-term use, resulting in a decrease in the thickness of the insulation layer and affecting the insulation effect. Especially when installed on vertical walls or ceilings, if not firmly fixed, the glass wool may gradually sag, forming a cold bridge and reducing the overall insulation performance.
4. Inconvenient construction and high installation requirements
Glass wool has a soft texture, so special attention should be paid to avoiding fiber flying during construction. Special glue or fasteners should be used during installation to prevent detachment. In addition, glass wool is not suitable for direct exposure and usually requires an additional moisture-proof layer or decorative layer, which increases the complexity and cost of construction.
5. Environmental protection and recycling issues
Although glass wool is made from mineral raw materials and is non flammable and non-toxic, its production process consumes a high amount of energy. In addition, discarded glass wool is difficult to naturally degrade and has a low recycling rate, which may cause a certain burden on the environment.
conclusion
Although glass wool insulation material has a low price and good thermal insulation performance, its health hazards, moisture absorption, insufficient durability, and construction complexity cannot be ignored. When choosing insulation materials, users should weigh the pros and cons based on their specific usage environment, budget, and health and safety needs. For projects in humid areas or with high environmental requirements, alternative materials such as rock wool, aerogel or polyurethane foam can be considered to obtain better long-term performance.