In modern construction, the need for safety, comfort, and energy efficiency drives the demand for multifunctional building materials. One of the most versatile options available is Cryotherm’s Spiralite mineral rock wool board—a high-performance material, designed for structural steel, passive fire protection but it can be used in a variety of environments for a range of benefits: acoustic insulation, waterproofing, and heating insulation.
What is Mineral Rock Wool Board?
Mineral wool board is manufactured from natural minerals, such as basalt, diabase, or recycled slag. These materials are heated and spun into thin fibres, which are then compressed into semi-rigid boards. The high density and fibre structure of these boards give them exceptional properties for a range of applications in the construction industry.
Cryotherm’s Spiralite mineral rock wool board is manufactured from natural materials to Cryotherm’s unique specifications, which were developed to produce a superior mineral rock wool board.
So how does mineral wool board perform in key areas such as passive fire protection, acoustic insulation, waterproofing, and heating insulation.
1. Fire Protection: Spiralite and Passive Fire Safety
One of the key applications of mineral wool board is in passive fire protection, and Spiralite excels in this domain. Designed for protecting structural steel beams and columns, mezzanine floors and used in fascia fabrication, Spiralite is a superior stone wool board system that provides fire resistance ratings of up to two hours. Structural steel is a vital component in buildings, but in the event of a fire, it can lose its load-bearing capacity as temperatures rise. By insulating steel beams and columns with Spiralite boards, the material slows down the spread of fire and preserves the integrity of the structure.
With a density of 200 kg/m³, Spiralite boards are both durable and easy to handle. They are secured using a dry-fix spiral screw system, which ensures stability without the need for adhesives or additional support. The boards can be easily cut to size on-site with a hand saw or knife, but for more efficient operations, at Cryotherm, we also provide an off-site cutting service, so installers only need to fix the board in place and complete jobs without wasting materials or time.
One of the defining features of Spiralite is that it has been independently tested by BRE to meet British Standards according to the 5th edition of the ASFP Yellow Book, ensuring its reliability in fire protection.
Key Benefits of Spiralite mineral wool board in Fire Protection:
- Proven fire ratings up to 2 hours.
- Simple, efficient installation with a dry-fix screw method.
- Tested to British fire safety standards for assured performance.
- Available technical support for design, board thickness, and screw length, tailored to specific project needs.
2. Acoustic Soundproofing
In addition to its fire-resistant properties, mineral wool board is highly valued for its acoustic insulation capabilities. The dense, fibrous composition of mineral wool makes it particularly effective at absorbing sound waves, reducing noise transmission between rooms and floors. This property is especially important in commercial buildings, student accommodations, and warehouses where noise control is critical for comfort and productivity.
Spiralite’s thermal and acoustic qualities make it an excellent choice for projects that need to balance fire safety with noise reduction. Whether used in walls, ceilings, or partitions, it provides a significant reduction in sound transmission, enhancing the overall environment.
3. Waterproofing and Moisture Resistance
Although mineral wool board is not fully waterproof, it is water-resistant, which helps it maintain its performance in damp conditions. Its hydrophobic nature ensures that the material repels water, which minimizes the risk of mould or mildew growth—a common concern in areas exposed to moisture such as basements, exterior walls, and roofing systems.
Spiralite is often installed in areas where water resistance is essential, ensuring that the boards maintain their thermal and fireproofing properties over time, even in potentially humid environments.
4. Heating Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Another major advantage of mineral wool board is its thermal insulation properties. Buildings equipped with mineral wool insulation can see significant reductions in energy costs due to its ability to prevent heat transfer. In the colder months, mineral wool helps retain indoor heat, reducing the need for excessive heating, while in warmer months, it minimizes the ingress of outdoor heat, reducing cooling demands. Perfect for temporary modular buildings.
Spiralite offers both thermal and acoustic insulation, providing dual benefits. When used in passive fire protection systems, it also contributes to maintaining energy efficiency by insulating steel structures, further supporting sustainable building practices.
Spiralite: A Complete Solution for Modern Construction
Spiralite is a comprehensive mineral rock wool board system, extensively installed in a wide range of building types including commercial buildings, factories, warehouses, airport terminals, student accommodations, in the construction of mezzanines and temporary modular buildings across the UK and abroad. Its proven track record of performance, especially in structural passive fire protection, makes it a preferred choice among contractors and engineers.
Key features of Spiralite:
- Up to 2 hours fire rating for structural steel protection.
- Easy to handle with a dry-fix spiral screw system for installation.
- On-site and off-site cutting services for convenience.
- Provides thermal and acoustic insulation, contributing to comfort and energy savings.
- Backed by technical support to ensure proper installation and compliance with fire safety regulations.
- Tested to British BRE standards, assuring it’s quality and reliability.
By choosing Spiralite for your construction projects, you are investing in a material that delivers on all fronts—safety, comfort, and sustainability. Contact us today to talk to us about your project.
