Many insulated wall panels with a mineral wool core have a declared reaction-to-fire class of A2-s1,d0. However, this should not be equated with the class of the core alone or with the fire resistance of the entire wall. The designations A1, A2, EI and REI answer different questions. Before purchase, the documents for the specific product and the installation conditions must be checked. The term “non-combustible panel” is too imprecise to design a partition on that basis. The panel consists of a core, facings, bonding layers and joint elements. The properties of one component do not automatically describe the whole. Mineral wool alone may have a different classification from the composite product. The purchase documents should therefore be checked for the data of the panel intended for the specific end use.

A thin panel with mineral wool may be suitable for the chosen wall, but its suitability must be verified in the project. A thickness of 60 mm does not provide the same thermal and fire performance as 100 or 200 mm. Nor can it be assumed that this is the smallest thickness available in every system. First establish the function of the partition and the requirements. Only then assess whether saving on thickness will not force changes to the entire solution. The term “thin” depends on the application. A 60 mm panel may be available in a given series, but not necessarily in every joint and finish. Dimensions and the thickness range must be checked in the current data sheet.

The thickness of an insulated wall panel with a mineral wool core is selected simultaneously for thermal performance, fire requirements and the method of support. It is not enough to take 100 mm because that variant is readily available. First, the wall's task and the conditions in the building must be defined. Then the specific panel data sheets and the cost of the whole solution are compared. The right choice reduces the risk of later additional insulation or structural reconstruction. Note whether it is a façade, an internal partition or an element with a specific fire function. State the temperatures on both sides and how the rooms are used. Take into account moisture, frequent washing and the possibility of changing the hall's function. This is the information that allows the requirements to be determined.

A 100 mm wall panel with a mineral wool core can be used for cladding halls and selected internal partitions. However, it is not a universal solution for every heated building. Its U-value, mass, acoustics and fire resistance depend on the specific system. Before purchase, the support, coating and locks must also be checked. The same thickness in two offers does not mean the same properties. In one of the wall panels with 100 kg/m³ stone wool, the 100 mm variant has a Uc of 0.39 W/(m²·K). With 0.5/0.5 mm facings, the mass is 18.1 kg/m². The datasheet states Rw 33 dB and a reaction to fire of A2-s1,d0.

An insulated wall panel with mineral wool is best chosen starting from the building's requirements. First, fire protection, thermal insulation and wind load are determined. Then the fixing arrangement, coating and dimensions are checked. A panel with a higher core density is not automatically better in every respect. A good specification allows offers for the same solution to be compared and avoids surcharges during installation. Describe the function of the facility and the temperature that will be maintained in it. State whether the wall is external, a partition or is to separate a fire zone. The enclosure of an unheated warehouse has a different task from the wall of a hall with employees and a humid process. The building's location and planned openings are also important.