An innovative contribution to preventive fire protection and more
Knauf Insulation ProtectFill is a loose mineral wool insulation material specially developed for preventive fire protection and insulation in installation shafts. This product consists mainly of rock wool, a material known for its excellent fire protection and insulation properties. Knauf Insulation ProtectFill not only provides reliable protection against the spread of fire and smoke, but also contributes significantly to sound and thermal insulation, noticeably increasing living comfort in new builds and refurbishment projects. With a wide range of applications, from retrofitting in existing buildings to integration in new build projects, Knauf Insulation ProtectFill has established itself as a reliable and versatile insulation material. Especially in areas where shafts are used for installations, such as in multi-storey residential and commercial buildings, the product proves to be indispensable in creating a fire-safe, energy-efficient and sound-insulating environment. The following text details the properties, applications, benefits and technical data of Knauf Insulation ProtectFill to provide a comprehensive overview of this high performance product. Knauf Insulation ProtectFill is a loose mineral wool based blow-in insulation specifically designed for use in installation shafts. These shafts are often a potential weak point in a building’s fire protection, as fire and smoke can spread through them to other areas of the building. Knauf Insulation ProtectFill effectively closes this gap by completely filling the shafts, preventing the spread of smoke and flames. The main components of Knauf Insulation ProtectFill are rock wool flakes, which have a high melting point of over 1000°C, providing an excellent barrier against fire. At the same time, the material provides high thermal and acoustic insulation and contributes to improving the energy efficiency of a building. Thanks to the diffusion-open structure of the rock wool, moisture can escape unhindered without impairing the insulating effect. In addition, Knauf Insulation ProtectFill is resistant to mold, does not rot and is highly resistant to settlement.
Technical data
Knauf Insulation ProtectFill meets all the requirements placed on a modern insulation material for preventive fire protection. The most important technical properties of the product are
- Fire behavior: Building material class A1 (non-combustible) in accordance with DIN EN 13501-1.
- Thermal conductivity: Rated value of thermal conductivity λ = 0.040 W/mK.
- Melting point: ≥ 1000 °C, which ensures a high level of protection against fire transmission.
- Water vapor diffusion resistance number: μ = 1 (diffusion-open).
- Bulk density: 60 – 140 kg/m³.
- Settlement dimension class: S1 (no measurable settlement dimension, ≤ 1%).
- Water absorption: WS (water-repellent), ≤ 1.0.
Fields of application for Knauf Insulation ProtectFill blow-in insulation
Knauf Insulation ProtectFill is suitable for a wide range of applications, both in new buildings and in the refurbishment of existing buildings. The focus is on the following five areas of application:
- Installation shafts: The primary application of Knauf Insulation ProtectFill is in the fire protection upgrading of installation shafts that connect floors one above the other.
- Multi-storey residential buildings: Knauf Insulation ProtectFill can significantly reduce sound transmission between floors, especially in buildings with several residential units.
- Commercial buildings: In office buildings and hotels, Knauf Insulation ProtectFill provides improved sound insulation and fire safety in high traffic areas.
- Renovation of old buildings: Knauf Insulation ProtectFill is ideal for improving the fire protection and insulation of existing shafts in renovation projects.
- Subsequent insulation: Knauf Insulation ProtectFill can simply be blown into existing shafts without the need for extensive construction work.
Advantages of Knauf Insulation ProtectFill blow-in insulation
The outstanding properties of Knauf Insulation ProtectFill offer numerous advantages that affect both the protection of the building and the living comfort of the users. Five of the most important advantages are listed below:
- Excellent fire protection: As a non-combustible material of building material class A1, Knauf Insulation ProtectFill prevents the spread of fire and smoke.
- High thermal insulation: Knauf Insulation ProtectFill helps to improve the energy efficiency of a building by minimizing heat loss.
- Effective sound insulation: The material reduces sound transmission between floors and thus increases living comfort.
- Simple processing: Knauf Insulation ProtectFill is blown directly into the shafts via hoses and nozzles and can be processed without leaving any traces.
- Environmentally friendly and sustainable: Knauf Insulation ProtectFill is manufactured using 95% mineral raw materials such as quartz sand, lime, soda and iron ore as well as recycled materials such as waste glass.
Processing and application in installation shafts
Knauf Insulation ProtectFill is processed by specialized contractors who blow the material directly into the installation shafts to be insulated using hoses and nozzles. Thanks to this blowing process, the material can be inserted quickly and without great effort, which is particularly advantageous for renovation projects, as existing structures hardly need to be affected. Only small openings in the shaft walls are required to allow the material to be blown in. These can be easily closed after backfilling. The diffusion-open structure of the rock wool ensures that moisture can escape, minimizing the risk of mould growth. In addition, the material remains dimensionally stable and shows no signs of settlement even after a long time, which ensures the long-term effectiveness of Knauf Insulation ProtectFill.
Cost-effectiveness and environmental aspects of mineral wool
Knauf Insulation ProtectFill is characterized not only by its technical properties, but also by its cost-effectiveness and sustainability. As the material consists mainly of rock of volcanic origin, it contributes to the reduction of raw material consumption and protects the environment. In addition, Knauf Insulation ProtectFill can be applied in a relatively simple and quick process, which minimizes labour costs. Due to its excellent insulation and fire protection properties, Knauf Insulation ProtectFill also helps to reduce energy costs and improve building protection in the long term. Knauf Insulation ProtectFill is a state-of-the-art insulation material that has been specially developed for use in installation shafts and meets the highest requirements for fire protection, sound insulation and thermal insulation. Its ease of application, high resistance to settlement and environmental friendliness make Knauf Insulation ProtectFill an ideal solution for new build and refurbishment projects. With its diffusion-open, non-combustible and sound-insulating structure, Knauf Insulation ProtectFill not only provides protection against fire and smoke, but also significantly improves living comfort. It is the ideal material for architects, builders and refurbishment professionals looking for a durable, effective and environmentally friendly solution for the insulation and fire protection of installation shafts.
