Mineral wool insulation

Abstract

Method of manufacturing mineral wool insulation panel comprising: providing mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, applying mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stif

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a mineral wool insulation panel particularly for flat roofs, and to a method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, particularly for flat roofs.

[0002] A common type of insulated flat roof system comprises, in sequence, a support structure, a layer of insulation and an overlying weatherproof membrane which seals the roofing system against ingress of water. This is sometime referred to as a “warm roof” as the insulation is arranged above the structural deck which is thus kept warm. The weatherproof membrane may be retained by mechanical fixing, by adhesion or by overlying ballast. As used herein, the term “flat roof” means a roof system which is substantially horizontal, that is to say with an inclination of between +5% and -5%; indeed, flat roof systems are generally arranged with an inclination of about 2% to facilitate water run-off.

[0003] Mineral wool flat roof panels can provide an advantageous combination of thermal performance, longevity, good resistance to fire and flames and ease of installation for flat roofs. However, one challenge for flat roof mineral wool insulation panels is to provide insulation panels which are also suitable for supporting overlying loads.

[0004] When requirements for supporting overlying loads are modest, flat roof mineral wool insulation panels are often provided with a woven or non-woven fleece on their upper major surface. Such a fleece provides a limited amount of force distribution and can facilitate adhesive connection with an overlying weatherproof membrane. For example, Rockwool’s WO 98 / 31895 teaches a system comprising, in sequence, a mineral wool blanket having a glass fibre fleece impregnated with a filler adhered to its upper major surface and an overlying water impermeable sheet. The Bondrock® MV product marketed by Rockwool which incorporates such a fleece is certified as having a point load resistance >800 N (EN12430). Similarly, Knauf Insulation’s WO 2018 / 033558 discloses a roof system which comprises, in sequence: a support structure; a mineral wool insulation panel comprising a mineral wool blanket and a non-woven veil comprising a filler secured to its upper surface by a binder; and an overlying weatherproof membrane secured to the mineral wool insulation panel by an adhesive and discloses that the side of the mineral wool insulation panel provided with the non-woven veil may have a point load resistance (measured in accordance with EN 12430) which is >650 N, >750 N, >800 N or >900 N. In practice, however, the associated product sold by Knauf Insulation under the brand “Dachdammplatte Allfix Top” is certified as having, a point load resistance >800 N (EN12430). The mineral wool blanket of each of the aforementioned products is a “mono-density” blanket.

[0005] Unless otherwise specified or required by the context, reference to point load resistance herein is point load resistance as measured and expressed in accordance with EN12430 (as in force on 1 May 2024). For example, a measurement of point load resistance of 725 N in accordance with EN 12430 would be expressed as >700 N (in accordance with the expression in 50 N “bands” specified in EN12430).

[0006] As used herein, the term “mono-density” in relation to a mineral wool blanket or mineral wool panel means that the mineral wool has a substantially homogeneous density throughout its thickness, notably in which there are no step changes in density between layers of the mineral wool in the sense that when considering adjacent 10mm thick planar layers of mineral wool parallel to the major surfaces, any change in average density between such adjacent layers is <10% of the density of the higher density layer. Due notably to manufacturing variations, there may nevertheless be some difference in density of the mineral wool over the thickness of the mineral wool blanket but the difference between the core layer density of the mineral wool and each surface layer density is preferably <10%, more preferably <5%, where the core density layer is the density of a 10mm thick layer positioned at a core of the mineral wool which is equidistant from each major surface, and the surface layer density, for each of the major surfaces, is the density of a 10 mm thick layer positioned immediately below each of the major surfaces.

[0007] When requirements for supporting overlying loads are greater, dual density flat roof mineral wool insulation panels may be used (as opposed to mono-density mineral wool panels). The mineral wool blanket of such dual density products comprises a thin, high density surface layer of mineral wool fibres and a lower density underlying layer of mineral wool fibres. For example, the Hardrock® flat roof panel marketed by Rockwool is a dual density mineral wool insulation panel which is certified as having a point load resistance >1000 N (EN12430).

[0008] When requirements for supporting overlying loads are even greater, mineral wool insulation panels are provided with non-mineral wool boards at their upper major surface. For example, the Solarrock® insulation panel marketed by Rockwool is a mineral wool panel having a load-distributing cement coating which provides its upper major surface; this product is certified as having a point load resistance >1800 N (EN12430). The “Dachdammplatte DDP MAX” mineral wool panel marketed by Knauf Insulation has a 6 mm thick, load-distributing top layer made of an inorganic, fiber-reinforced cement and is certified as having a point load resistance >1800 N (EN12430).

[0009] One aim of the present invention is to provide a mineral wool panel for a flat roof system which provides an advantageous combination of ease of manufacturing with characteristics which allow the panel to support at least moderate overlying loads whilst also having a modest weight per m2.

[0010] In accordance with one of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel as defined in claim 1. Additional aspects of the invention are defined in independent claims. The dependent claims define preferred and / or alternative embodiments.

[0011] The point load resistance of the mineral wool insulation panel is measured subsequent to i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, and ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece with the cured mineral fibre fleece being the major surface in respect of the point load resistance is measured. The point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket is likewise measured subsequent to i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, and ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece but, in addition, subsequent to removing the cured mineral fibre fleece from the surface of the mineral wool insulation panel prior to measuring the point load resistance of the major surface to which the mineral fibre fleece was previously attached. The cured mineral fibre fleece is removed by peeling away from the surface of the mineral wool insulation panel, or by cutting away whilst removing as little of the mineral wool of the mineral wool blanket as possible. For example, the cured mineral wool fleece may be removed by cutting through a layer of mineral wool 1 mm below the major surface of the mineral wool blanket to which the cured miner fibre fleece is attached. One way of doing this is by using a band saw. Measurements of the point load resistance of the mineral wool insulation panel and the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket are carried out on separate but equivalent samples, for example by cutting a single sample into separate pieces, or by using separate but equivalent samples which have been manufactured or sold together.

[0012] In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention provides a roof system comprising, preferably in sequence from the inside to the outside of a building structure: a support structure; a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with any of the product claims set out herein or manufactured in accordance with any of the method claims set out herein, and a weatherproof membrane overlying the fleece of the mineral wool insulation panel, notably a weatherproof membrane overlying the fleece of the mineral wool insulation panel and secured to the fleece of the mineral wool insulation panel by an adhesive.

[0013] The support structure may comprise a timber deck, a metal deck or a concrete deck. A vapour control layer, for example a polymer sheet, polyethylene sheet, reinforced polyethylene sheet, bitumen layer or bitumen bonded felt, may be provided between the support structure and the mineral wool insulation panel.

[0014] The roof system may be a warm roof, for example, a warm roof with a built-up felt or asphalt roof covering, a warm roof with a single ply membrane or an inverted / protected membrane / green roof.

[0015] The mineral wool of the mineral wool insulation blanket is preferably stone wool; this provides an advantageous combination of compression resistance and thermal performance. Nevertheless, the mineral wool of the mineral wool insulation blanket may be glass wool, notably crimped glass wool.

[0016] The density of the mineral wool insulation blanket of the mineral wool insulation panel may be >80 kg / m3 or >90 kg / m3; this provides suitable compression resistance. The density of the mineral wool insulation blanket of the mineral wool insulation panel may be <220 kg / m3 or <200 kg / m3; higher densities increase weight without significantly improving performance. The density is preferably in the range 80 - 220 kg / m3, more preferably in the range 90-200 kg / m3.

[0017] The mineral wool insulation panel preferably comprises a mono-density mineral wool blanket; it has surprising been found that point load resistances which are suitable for supporting at least moderate overlying loads can be provided using the present invention with a mono-density mineral wool blanket. Alternatively, particularly where it is desired to provide higher point load resistance suitable for supporting more considerable overlying loads, a dual density mineral wool blanket may be used, that is to say a mineral wool blanket comprising a high density surface layer of mineral wool (notably having i) a thickness which is >5mm and / or <40 mm and / or ii) a density which is >130 kg / m3 and / or <250 Kg / m3) and a lower density underlying layer of mineral wool (notably having i) a thickness which is >45mm and / or <400 mm and / or ii) a density which is >100 kg / m3 and / or <185 kg / m3). In a dual density mineral wool blanket there is a step change in density between at least two adjacent layers of the mineral wool in the sense that when considering adjacent 10mm thick planar layers of mineral wool parallel to the major surfaces, there is a step change in average density between at least two such immediately adjacent layers which is >10 % of the density of the layer having the higher density. For example, in a dual density mineral wool blanket having a 15mm thick surface layer having a density of 220 kg / m3 and an underlying 85mm thick layer of mineral wool having a density of 140 kg / m3, there is a step change in density of 80 kg / m3 (i.e. 36% of the density of the higher density) in respect of i) a notional layer of mineral wool which forms a planar layer parallel to the major surfaces and which is positioned to fill the depth between 15mm and 5mm below the major surface of the high density layer and ii) a notional layer of mineral wool which forms a planar layer parallel to the major surfaces and which is positioned to fill the depth between 25mm and 15mm below the major surface of the high density layer.

[0018] The thermal conductivity of the mineral wool insulation panel (measured at 10 °C) may be <41 mW / m.K; it is preferably <40 mW / m.K and more preferably <39 mW / m.K. This provides suitable thermal performance. As used herein, reference to “thermal conductivity”, to “lambda” and to “A” means thermal conductivity measured at 10 °C in accordance with EN 13162. Reference to a “A group” means the declared value according to EN 13162 (rounded up to the next milliwatt).

[0019] The mineral wool insulation blanket comprises a mineral wool binder which serves to hold its mineral wool together, notably an organic, thermoset binder. The mineral wool binder may make up >2 wt%, >2.5 wt% or >3 wt% and / or <7 wt% or <6 wt% or <5 wt% of the mineral wool insulation blanket. The binder content may be determined by LOI (loss on ignition). The mineral wool binder may be a phenol formaldehyde based binder, particularly extended with urea. Alternatively, the mineral wool binder and the mineral wool insulation panel may be formaldehyde free. In the latter case, the mineral wool insulation panel (comprising the mineral wool binder) preferably comprises less than 5 ppm or less than detectable limits of free formaldehyde and / or consist of materials which together comprise less than these amounts of free formaldehyde and / or releases levels of formaldehyde in standardised tests adapted to simulate ordinary use which allows it to be classified as having no or undetectable levels of formaldehyde release. Preferably, such products release less than 10pg / m3, more preferably less than 5 pg / m3 of formaldehyde during the period of 24-48 hours from the start of testing in accordance with ISO 16000. The mineral wool binder may be a sugar-based binder, that is to say a binder which is the reaction product(s) of a binder solution whose solid content comprises at least 50 wt% sugar(s). The mineral wool binder may be the reaction product(s) of a binder solution whose solid content comprises at least 70 wt% reducing sugar(s), preferably in combination with a source of nitrogen to form a Maillard reaction product, notably in combination with preferably at least 10 wt% of i) amine(s) and / or ii) ammonium salt(s) of carboxylic acid(s).

[0020] The fibres of the mineral wool may be orientated substantially perpendicular to the panel’s major surfaces; alternatively, they may be crimped. The mineral wool insulation panel may have a crimp factor which is >1.1, >1.2, >1.3 >1.5 or >2 and / or <4 or <3.5. The crimp factor provides an indication of the degree of crimping and thus of fibre re-orientation; it may be assessed by comparing i) the manufacturing line speed of the mineral wool prior to crimping, notably the line speed of the secondary blanket in the case of stone wool insulation with ii) the manufacturing line speed of the mineral wool panel after crimping, notably the line speed of the mineral wool blanket through the curing oven. A crimp factor of 3 indicates a line speed after curing of 1 / 3 of the line speed prior to crimping. The mineral wool insulation panel preferably has a compressive strength which is >60 kPa, preferably >70 kPa. Unless otherwise stated, compression strength and other properties of the mineral wool insulation panel should be measured in accordance with EN13162 and the specific standards referred to therein.

[0021] The mineral wool insulation panel preferably has a fire classification of at least B; more preferably it has a fire classification of Euroclass A1 or A2 as determined under EN 13501-1.

[0022] The mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent is preferably sufficiently air permeable to allow forced air which passes through the mineral wool blanket during passage of the mineral wool blanket through a curing oven the pass, likewise, through the mineral fibre fleece. This allows for the possibility of assembly of the mineral fibre fleece with the mineral wool blanket prior to passage of the assembly through a curing oven. The mineral fibre fleece is preferably secured to the upper surface of the mineral wool blanket by the same binder as that present in the mineral wool blanket. In a preferred manufacturing method the mineral fibre fleece is applied to one of the major surfaces of a mineral wool blanket as the blanket moves along a manufacturing line, preferably with application of additional binder, notably the same binder present in the mineral wool blanket, notably in a quantity of 5-50 g / m2, preferably 10-20 g / m2 between the mineral fibre fleece and the mineral wool blanket prior to passage through a curing oven to cure the mineral wool binder, for example by applying the additional binder either to a surface of the mineral wool blanket or, preferably, to a surface of the mineral fibre fleece. Alternatively, the mineral fibre fleece may not be passed through a curing oven; it may be secured to the upper surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket after the mineral wool has passed through a curing oven. The binder by which the mineral fibre fleece is secured to the upper surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket may be a hot melt binder, a thermoset binder, an organic binder, an inorganic binder, a poly(vinyl acetate) binder, a polyurethane binder or a water glass binder. It may be a binder as described above in relation to mineral wool binders. The binder by which the mineral fibre fleece is secured to the upper surface of the mineral wool insulation panel may be present in an amount which is >5 g / m2, >10 g / m2 or >15 g / m2 and / or <50 g / m2, <40 g / m2 or <30 g / m2.

[0023] Preferably, the mineral fibre fleece comprises non-woven mineral fibres. Whilst not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the use of a mineral fibre fleece which is a non-woven and which comprises an uncured but curable stiffening agent, particularly where the stiffening agent comprises one or more inorganic fillers and an organic stiffening binder, allows a surprising combination of features to be achieved, notably a combination of i) the ability to provide the mineral fibre fleece comprising the uncured stiffening agent in the form of a roll which can be unrolled when applying the mineral fibre fleece to the mineral wool blanket, ii) the ability to provide a plurality of passages through the mineral fibre fleece, notably having a spread distribution of opening sizes, the larger openings preferably permitting passage of air through the fleece during manufacture and the passage of adhesive through the fleece to secure the membrane whilst the smaller openings preferably block passage of the adhesive whilst still contributing during manufacture to passage of air, iii) the ability to cure the curable stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so that the cured mineral fibre fleece confers a level of point load resistance that has not previously been associated with a fleece of a mineral wool panel. Indeed, it is surprising that such a mineral fibre fleece can confer the levels of point load resistance disclosed herein.

[0024] The fibres of the mineral fibre fleece are preferably held together by a fleece fibre binder, preferably a thermoset binder, for example a PVC binder or a PVC based binder. The fleece fibre binder may be a binder as described above in relation to mineral wool binders. A preferred fleece fibre binder is a thermoset polyvinyl alcohol based binder. The fleece fibre binder may be present in a quantity which is >5 wt% or >8 wt% and / or <30 wt% or <28 wt% with respect to the mineral fibres of the mineral fibre fleece, preferably in the range 10 to 20 wt% with respect to the mineral fibres of the mineral fibre fleece. The mineral fibre fleece may comprise a water repellent or hydrophobic agent, for example a fluorocarbon, which (when present) preferably forms part of the fleece fibre binder, notably being present in an amount >0.5 wt% or >1 wt% and / or <2 wt% or <1.5 wt% with respect to the mineral fibres of the mineral fibre fleece.

[0025] The mineral fibre fleece may comprise a flame retardant, for example comprising a phosphate, borate, hydroxide or aluminium hydroxide.

[0026] The stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece preferably comprises an inorganic filler, for example comprising calcium oxide, calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, aluminium hydroxide, aluminium trihydrate, clay, talc, magnesium silicate, hydrated magnesium silicate, magnesium dihydroxide, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or mixtures thereof. The filler, or the combination of filler and flame retardant (when used), may be present in the mineral fibre fleece in an amount which is >40 wt%, or >45 wt% or >50 wt% or >55 wt% and / or <90 wt%, or <80 wt%, or <70 wt% with respect to the mineral fibres of the mineral fibre fleece. Where the filler comprises talc, this may provide hydrophobic characteristics. Where the filler comprises AI2O3, this may provide fire resistant characteristics.

[0027] The stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece preferably comprises a stiffening binder, notably an organic stiffening binder for example selected from a PVC binder a PVC based binder, a polyvinyl alcohol-based binder, an acrylic co-polymer based binder, a styrene based copolymer binder, a styrene-acrylic co-polymer based binder, a mixture of a polyvinyl alcohol and an acrylic co-polymer, and a mixture of a polyvinyl alcohol and a styrene-containing copolymer. One preferred stiffening binder is a thermoset polyvinyl alcohol-based binder. The stiffening binder may be present in an amount which is >3 wt%, preferably >5 wt%, more preferably >6 wt%, with respect to the amount of filler, or with respect to the combination of filler and flame retardant (when used). This provided for a suitable increase in stiffness of the mineral fibre fleece when it is cured to provide desired levels of point load resistance. The stiffening binder may be present in an amount which is <20 wt%, preferably <15 wt% with respect to the amount of filler, or with respect to the combination of filler and flame retardant (when used). Greater amounts of stiffening binder do not provide commensurate improvements.

[0028] The stiffening agent is preferably arranged so that it least partially fills interstices between the mineral fibres of the mineral fibre fleece. The mineral fibre fleece comprising the stiffening agent may be produced by applying the stiffening agent to on only one of the major surfaces of a mineral fibre veil, or by applying the stiffening agent to each of the two the major surface of a mineral fibre veil.

[0029] The mineral fibre fleece may be formed by applying the uncured stiffening agent to a mineral fibre veil, notably a non-woven veil, having a weight which is >30 g / m2 or >40 g / m2 or >45 g / m2 and / or <110g / m2 or <100g / m2, or <80g / m2. The mineral fibre fleece, including the stiffening agent, may have a weight which is >130 g / m2 or >150 g / m2 or >200 g / m2 or >250 g / m2 or >300 g / m2 and / or <500 g / m2, or <450 g / m2 or <400 g / m2. For example, the mineral fibre fleece (including the stiffening agent) may have a weight which is >200 g / m2 or >250 g / m2 and / or <550 g / m2 or <450 g / m2. Preferably, the stiffening agent is applied to a non-woven mineral fibre veil which comprises a cured fleece fibre binder. The amount of uncured stiffening agent applied to the veil may be >100 g / m2, preferably >120 g / m2; this provides a useful stiffening effect (once cured). The amount of uncured stiffening agent applied to the veil may be <500 g / m2, preferably <400 g / m2; this provides a useful stiffening effect (once cured) combined with a facility for rolling the mineral fibre fleece (prior to curing of the stiffening agent).

[0030] The fibres of the mineral fibre fleece may be selected such that at least 80% of the fibres by weight have a diameter which is: AA 0.8-1-2pm; A 1.2-2.5pm; B 2.5-3.8 pm; C3.8-5.0 pm; D 5.0-6.4 pm; E6.4-7.6 pm; F 7.6-9.0 pm; G 9.0-10.2 pm; H 10.2-11.4 pm or J 11.4-12.7 pm. The mineral fibre fleece may have a width which is >1.5 m or >1.8 m and / or <2.6 m or <2.4 m. The mineral fibre fleece is preferably supplied in the form or a roll; this facilitates application to the mineral wool insulation blanket. Such a roll may have: an external diameter which is >0.5 m or >0.8m and / or <1.6 m or <1.4 m; it may comprise a continuous length of veil which is >400 m or >500 and which is preferably <1000 m or <800 m . This facilitates handling.

[0031] The weatherproof membrane may be a single ply membrane. It may be selected from a bitumen membrane, a fully bonded built-up bitumen membrane, mastic asphalt, a polymer membrane, a PVC membrane; an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) membrane; a membrane applied in liquid form. The adhesive may be a “hot melt” adhesive, for example a bitumen or bitumen-based adhesive. The hot melt adhesive may be applied in liquid form, for example poured on to or spread over the mineral wool insulation panel prior to application of the membrane. Alternatively, the adhesive may be contained within the membrane and released by heating the membrane, for example by torching a bituminous membrane. The adhesive may be a cold adhesive; it may be a polymer adhesive. The adhesive may be a polyurethane adhesive, a polyacrylic adhesive, a rubber adhesive or a rubber contact adhesive. The adhesive may be applied at a viscosity in the range 750 to 6000 cps; the quantity of adhesive may be >50 g / m2, or >100 g / m2 or >150 g / m2 and / or <800g / m2, or <600g / m2, or <500g / m2, or <350 g / m2.

[0032] The side of the mineral wool insulation blanket to which the mineral fibre fleece is secured may have a point load resistance which is in the range >400 N to >1200 N (i.e. point load resistance of the mineral wool insulation blanket without the mineral fibre fleece).

[0033] In addition to adhesion between the weatherproof membrane and the mineral wool insulation panel, the roofing system may comprise anchors, notably mechanical fixations, to secure the weatherproof membrane, for example to secure the weatherproof membrane to the mineral wool insulation panel and / or to the support structure. In preferred embodiments, no such anchors are used, the adhesion between the weatherproof membrane and the mineral wool insulation panel providing sufficient peel strength. In other embodiments, between one and four such anchors are used per mineral wool insulation panel; common know comparable roof systems require a greater number of anchors.

[0034] Mineral wool insulating panel used in accordance with the present invention, particularly in their preferred forms, provide a valuable combination of advantages, notably - particularly good levels of support for overlying loads combined with ease of manufacture and modest weight per m2; - on-site protection of the mineral panel prior to completion of the building structure, the exposed mineral fibre fleece reducing water ingress into the mineral wool insulating panel and / or providing UV protection; - resistance to torching, for example when applying a bituminous weatherproof membrane; - control of the amount of adhesive penetration through the mineral fibre fleece and in to the mineral wool providing high peel strength for an adhered weatherproof membrane without excessive use of adhesive for both hot and cold adhesives; - particularly good adhesion and / or peel strength for cold gluing, notably from the combination of a substantially dust free surface and a pre-determined amount of adhesive penetration.

[0035] One significant advantage of the present method and mineral wool insulating panels is the ability to provide a mineral wool insulation panel which is adapted for general use for a flat roof (as opposed, for example to flat roof mineral wool insulation boards provided with a cement board at their upper major surface, the cement board significantly increasing the weight of the panel without contributing significantly to thermal performance) whilst providing a level of point load resistance which can support appliances or act as a walkway. This allows an entire flat roof surface to be fitted with the present mineral wool insulating panels, and any part of the flat roof to be used as a walkway or for supporting appliances, either when the roof is initially constructed, or if additional appliances are installed during the lifetime of the flat roof.

[0036] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Fig 1 is a schematic side view of a warm roof system; Fig 2 is a schematic, partially cut away perspective view of an insulation panel.

[0037] The warm deck, single ply roof system 10 of Fig 1 comprises (in sequence from the interior to the exterior of a building) a support structure 11 provided by a metal deck, an optional vapour control layer 12, a mineral wool insulation panel 13, and a overlying weatherproof membrane 14, in this case a single ply membrane, secured to the mineral wool panel 13 by an adhesive (not shown).

[0038] As shown in Fig 2, the mineral wool insulation flat roof panel 13 comprises a monodensity mineral wool blanket 22 provided on its upper surface with mineral fibre fleece 23 comprising a cured stiffening agent. The mineral wool panel 13 is manufactured by: - providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured mineral wool binder; - providing a roll of mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent; - unrolling a portion of the mineral fibre fleece onto a major surface of the mineral wool blanket to provide an assembly of i) the mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured mineral wool binder ii) the mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent; and - subsequently passing the aforesaid assembly through a curing oven to i) cure the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) secure the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) cure the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel.

[0039] Examples of such mineral panels 13 are set out in Table 1 and Table 2 below which show for different types of mineral wool blanket: - PLR(banket): Point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket ie without a mineral fibre fleece - PLR(comp): Point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket having a prior art mineral fibre fleece (i.e. comparative example) - PLR(new) Point load resistance of insulation panel in accordance with the invention i.e. including the new mineral fibre fleece (with point load resistance measured and expressed according to DIN EN 125430 and thermal conductivity measured at 10°C). The examples relate to equivalent samples manufactured together on the same manufacturing line using the same manufacturing settings so as to make direct comparison possible. The mineral fibre fleece used for PLR(new) had a weight of 400 g / m2 (including the stiffening agent), and including a non-woven glass fleece having a weight of 60 g / m2. Table 1: Mono-density mineral wool blankets Reference n° 1a 2a 3a 1b 2b 3b 1c 2c 3c Density (kg / m3) 115 135 155 115 135 155 115 135 155 Crimp factor low low low med med med high high high Lambda (mW / m.K) 35 37 39 36 38 40 37 39 41 PLR(banket) (N) >400 >550 >700 >500 >650 >800 >700 >850 >1000 PLR(comp) (N) >550 >700 >850 >650 >800 >950 >850 >900 >1150 PLR(new) (N) >800 >950 >1100 >900 >1050 >1200 >1100 >1250 >1400 Table 2: Dual-density mineral wool blankets Reference n° 4a 5a 6a 4b 5b 6c 4c 5c 6c Average density (kg / m3) 115 135 155 115 135 155 115 135 155 Density of surface layer(kg / m3) 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 Crimp factor low low low med med med high high high Thermal conductivity (mW / m.K) 34 36 38 35 37 39 36 38 40 PLR(banket) (N) >550 >700 >900 >650 >800 >1000 >850 >1000 >1200 PLR(comp) (N) >700 >850 >1050 >800 >950 >1150 >1000 >1150 >1350 PLR(new) (N) >950 >1100 >1300 >1050 >1200 >1400 >1250 >1400 >1600

[0040] Aspects of the invention are defined in the following features: Feature 1 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof mineral wool insulation panel, comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein, subsequent to i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, and ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, the mineral fibre fleece confers an increase in point load resistance to the mineral wool insulation panel with respect to the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket such that the point load resistance of the mineral wool insulation panel (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) is greater than the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) by at least 300 N, preferably at least 400 N, more preferably at least 450 N. Feature 2 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 1, wherein the point load resistance of the mineral wool insulation panel (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) is greater than the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) by a value which is in the range 300 to 700 N, preferably in the range 400 to 600 N. Feature 3 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a method in accordance with feature 1 or feature 2, the method comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: a) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 35, the mineral wool blanket being a monodensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 750 to 1050 N, preferably in the range 800 to 1000 N. Feature 4 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a method in accordance with feature 1 or feature 2, the method comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: b) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 36, the mineral wool blanket being a monodensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 850 to 1150 N, preferably in the range 900 to 1100 N. Feature 5 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a method in accordance with feature 1 or feature 2, the method comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: c) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 37, the mineral wool blanket being a monodensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1050 to 1350 N, preferably in the range 1100 to 1300 N. Feature 6 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a method in accordance with feature 1 or feature 2, the method comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: d) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 38, the mineral wool blanket being a monodensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1000 to 1300 N, preferably in the range 1050 to 1250 N. Feature 7 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a method in accordance with feature 1 or feature 2, the method comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: e) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 39, the mineral wool blanket being a monodensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1050 to 1350 N, preferably in the range 1100 to 1300 N. Feature 8 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a method in accordance with feature 1 or feature 2, the method comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: f) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 40, the mineral wool blanket being a monodensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1150 to 1450 N, preferably in the range 1200 to 1400 N. Feature 9 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a method in accordance with feature 1 or feature 2, the method comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: g) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 41, the mineral wool blanket being a monodensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1350 to 1650 N, preferably in the range 1400 to 1600 N. Feature 10 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a method in accordance with feature 1 or feature 2, the method comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: h) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 34, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 900 to 1200 N, preferably in the range 950 to 1150 N. Feature 11 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a method in accordance with feature 1 or feature 2, the method comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: i) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 35, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1000 to 1300 N, preferably in the range 1050 to 1250 N. Feature 12 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a method in accordance with feature 1 or feature 2, the method comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: j) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 36, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1200 to 1500 N, preferably in the range 1250 to 1450 N. Feature 13 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a method in accordance with feature 1 or feature 2, the method comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: k) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 37, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1150 to 1450 N, preferably in the range 1200 to 1400 N. Feature 14 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a method in accordance with feature 1 or feature 2, the method comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: I) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 38, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1350 to 1650 N, preferably in the range 1400 to 1600 N. Feature 15 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a method in accordance with feature 1 or feature 2, the method comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: m) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 39, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1350 to 1650 N, preferably in the range 1400 to 1600 N. Feature 16 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel, notably a method in accordance with feature 1 or feature 2, the method comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: n) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 40, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1550 to 1850 N, preferably in the range 1600 to 1800 N. Feature 17 A method of manufacturing a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with any of features 1 to 16, in which the method is a method of manufacturing a flat roof mineral wool insulation panel having a compressive strength of at least 60 kPa (EN13162). Feature 18 A method in accordance with any preceding feature, in which the applying of a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, comprises applying the mineral fibre fleece to the mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder to provide an uncured assembly, and in which the method comprises subsequently passing the uncured assembly through a curing oven to i) cure the binder of the mineral wool blanket, and ii) secure the mineral wool fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket. Feature 19 A method in accordance with feature 18, in which passing the uncured assembly through a curing oven comprises passing heated air through the mineral wool blanket and through the mineral fibre fleece of the uncured assembly. Feature 20 A method in accordance with feature 18 or feature 19, in which passing the uncured assembly through a curing oven cures the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece. Feature 21 A method in accordance with and of features 1 to 17, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, notably by passing the mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder through a curing oven ii) subsequently securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, notably subsequent to the mineral wool blanket exiting the curing oven, and iii) subsequently curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece. Feature 22 A method in accordance with any preceding feature, in which the curing of the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece comprises contacting the mineral fibre fleece with a heated roller. Feature 23 A method in accordance with any preceding feature, in which the curing of the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece comprises exposing the mineral fibre fleece to ultraviolet radiation. Feature 24 A method in accordance with any preceding feature, in which the method comprises providing the mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent in the form of a roll of a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent, and in which the applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket comprises unrolling a portion of the mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent from the roll of mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent and applying an unrolled portion of the mineral fibre fleece to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket. Feature 25 A method in accordance with any preceding feature, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a non-woven veil, notably a non-woven glass veil, particularly a non-woven veil having fibres which consist of glass fibres. Feature 26 A method in accordance with any preceding feature, in which the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece comprises an inorganic filler, notably at least one inorganic filler selected from calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, aluminium hydroxide, clay, talc, magnesium silicate, hydrated magnesium silicate and mixtures thereof. Feature 27 A method in accordance with any preceding feature, in which the stiffening agent comprises an organic stiffening binder, notably a PVC binder or a PVC based binder. Feature 28 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel manufactured in accordance with any preceding feature, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, and in which the mineral fibre fleece confers an increase in point load resistance to the mineral wool insulation panel with respect to the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket such that the point load resistance of the mineral wool insulation panel (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) is greater than the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) by at least 300 N, preferably at least 400 N, more preferably at least 450 N. Feature 29 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 28, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: a) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 35, the mineral wool blanket being a monodensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 750 to 1050 N, preferably in the range 800 to 1000 N. Feature 30 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 28, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: b) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 36, the mineral wool blanket being a monodensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 850 to 1150 N, preferably in the range 900 to 1100 N. Feature 31 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 28, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: c) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 37, the mineral wool blanket being a monodensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1050 to 1350 N, preferably in the range 1100 to 1300 N. Feature 32 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 28, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: d) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 38, the mineral wool blanket being a monodensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1000 to 1300 N, preferably in the range 1050 to 1250 N. Feature 33 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 28, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: e) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 39, the mineral wool blanket being a monodensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1050 to 1350 N, preferably in the range 1100 to 1300 N. Feature 34 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 28, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: f) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 40, the mineral wool blanket being a monodensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1150 to 1450 N, preferably in the range 1200 to 1400 N. Feature 35 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 28, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: g) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 41, the mineral wool blanket being a monodensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1350 to 1650 N, preferably in the range 1400 to 1600 N. Feature 36 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 28, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: h) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 34, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 900 to 1200 N, preferably in the range 950 to 1150 N. Feature 37 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 28, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: i) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 35, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1000 to 1300 N, preferably in the range 1050 to 1250 N. Feature 38 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 28, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: j) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 36, the mineral wool blanket being a dual density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1200 to 1500 N, preferably in the range 1250 to 1450 N. Feature 39 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 28, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: k) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 37, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1150 to 1450 N, preferably in the range 1200 to 1400 N. Feature 40 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 28, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: I) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 38, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1350 to 1650 N, preferably in the range 1400 to 1600 N. Feature 41 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 28, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: m) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 39, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1350 to 1650 N, preferably in the range 1400 to 1600 N. Feature 42 A mineral wool insulation panel, notably a flat roof panel, preferably a mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with feature 28, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising - a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and - a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is: n) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 40, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1550 to 1850 N, preferably in the range 1600 to 1800 N. Feature 43 A mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with any of features 28 to 42, wherein the mineral wool panel is a flat roof mineral wool insulation panel, notably wherein the mineral wool panel is a flat roof mineral wool insulation panel installed on a flat roof. Feature 44 A mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with any of features 28 to 42, wherein the mineral wool panel has a compressive strength of at least 60 kPa (EN13162). Feature 45 Use of a mineral wool panel manufactured in accordance with any of features 1 to 27, or of a mineral wool panel in accordance with any of features 28 to 44, as a roof board of a flat roof. Feature 46 Use of a mineral wool panel manufactured in accordance with any of features 1 to 27, or of a mineral wool panel in accordance with any of features 28 to 44, as a roof board of a flat roof to provide a walkway on the flat roof. Feature 47 Use of a mineral wool panel manufactured in accordance with any of features 1 to 27, or of a mineral wool panel in accordance with any of features 28 to 44, as a roof board of a flat roof to support solar panel on the flat roof. Feature 48 Use of a mineral wool panel manufactured in accordance with any of features 1 to 27, or of a mineral wool panel in accordance with any of features 28 to 44, as a roof board of a flat roof to support an air conditioning unit on the flat roof. Feature 49 Use of a mineral wool panel manufactured in accordance with any of features 1 to 27, or of a mineral wool panel in accordance with any of features 28 to 44, as a roof board of a flat roof to support an antenna on the flat roof. Feature 50 Use of a mineral wool panel manufactured in accordance with any of features 1 to 27, or of a mineral wool panel in accordance with any of features 28 to 44, as to provide a walkable insulation board in an attic of a building.

Claims

1 A method of manufacturing a flat roof mineral wool insulation panel, comprising: providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, wherein, subsequent to i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, and ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel, the mineral fibre fleece confers an increase in point load resistance to the mineral wool insulation panel with respect to the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket such that the point load resistance of the mineral wool insulation panel (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) is greater than the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) by at least 300 N.3 A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the mineral fibre fleece confers an increase in point load resistance to the mineral wool insulation panel with respect to the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket such that the point load resistance of the mineral wool insulation panel (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) is greater than the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) by at least 400 N.4 A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the mineral fibre fleece confers an increase in point load resistance to the mineral wool insulation panel with respect to the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket such that the point load resistance of the mineral wool insulation panel (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) is greater than the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) by at least 450 N.5 A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the point load resistance of the mineral wool insulation panel (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) is greater than the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) by a value which is in the range 300 to 700 N.6 A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the point load resistance of the mineral wool insulation panel (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) is greater than the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) by a value which is in the range 400 to 600 N.7 A method a manufacturing a flat roof mineral wool insulation panel, the method comprising:providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket,wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel,wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is:a) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 35, the mineral wool blanket being a mono-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 750 to 1050 N; orb) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 36, the mineral wool blanket being a mono-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 850 to 1150 N; orc) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 37, the mineral wool blanket being a mono-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1050 to 1350 N; ord) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 38, the mineral wool blanket being a mono-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1000 to 1300 N; ore) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 39, the mineral wool blanket being a mono-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1200 to 1500 N; orf) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 40, the mineral wool blanket being a mono-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1150 to 1450 N; org) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 41, the mineral wool blanket being a mono-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1350 to 1650 N; orh) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 34, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 900 to 1200 N; ori) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 35, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1000 to 1300 N; orj) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 36, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1200 to 1500 N; ork) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 37, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1150 to 1450 N; orI) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 38, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1350 to 1650 N; orm) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 39, the mineral wool blanket being a dual-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a pointload resistance in the range 1350 to 1650 N; orn) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 40, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1550 to 1850 N.8 A method a manufacturing a flat roof mineral wool insulation panel, the method comprising:providing a mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder, and applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket,wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket, ii) securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket, and iii) curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece so as to provide the mineral wool insulation panel,wherein the mineral wool insulation panel is:a) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 35, the mineral wool blanket being a mono-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 800 to 1000 N; orb) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 36, the mineral wool blanket being a mono-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 900 to 1100 N; orc) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 37, the mineral wool blanket being a mono-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance n the range 1100 to 1300 N; ord) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 38, the mineral wool blanket being a mono-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance n the range 1050 to 1250 N; ore) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 39, the mineral wool blanket being a mono-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1250 to 1450 N; orf) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 40, the mineral wool blanket being a mono-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance n the range 1200 to 1400 N; org) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 41, the mineral wool blanket being a mono-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1400 to 1600 N; orh) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 34, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 950 to 1150 N; ori) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 35, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1050 to 1250 N; orj) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 36, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1250 to 1450 N; ork) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 37, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1200 to 1400 N; orI) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 38, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1400 to 1600 N; orm) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 39, the mineral wool blanket being a dual-density mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1400 to 1600 N; orn) a mineral wool insulating panel in A group 40, the mineral wool blanket being a dualdensity mineral wool blanket and the mineral wool insulating panel having a point load resistance in the range 1600 to 1800 N.9 A method in accordance with claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the method is a method in accordance with any of claims 1 to 6.10 A method in accordance with any preceding claim, in which the applying of a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket, comprises applying the mineral fibre fleece to the mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder to provide an uncured assembly, and in which the method comprises subsequently passing the uncured assembly through a curing oven to i) cure the binder of the mineral wool blanket, and ii) secure the mineral wool fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket.11 A method in accordance with claim 10, in which passing the uncured assembly through a curing oven comprises passing heated air through the mineral wool blanket and through the mineral fibre fleece of the uncured assembly.12 A method in accordance with claim 10 or claim 11, in which passing the uncured assembly through a curing oven cures the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece.13 A method in accordance with any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the method comprises i) curing the binder of the mineral wool blanket by passing the mineral wool blanket comprising mineral wool and an uncured binder through a curing oven ii) subsequently securing the mineral fibre fleece to the major surface of the mineral wool blanket subsequent to the mineral wool blanket exiting the curing oven, and iii) subsequently curing the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece.14 A method in accordance with any preceding claim, in which the curing of the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece comprises contacting the mineral fibre fleece with a heated roller.15 A method in accordance with any preceding claim, in which the curing of the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece comprises exposing the mineral fibre fleece to ultraviolet radiation.16 A method in accordance with any preceding claim, in which the method comprises providing the mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent in the form of a roll of a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent, andin which the applying a mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket comprises unrolling a portion of the mineralfibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent from the roll of mineral fibre fleece comprising an uncured stiffening agent and applying an unrolled portion of the mineral fibre fleece to a major surface of the mineral wool blanket.17 A method in accordance with any preceding claim, in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a non-woven glass veil.18 A method in accordance with any preceding claim, in which the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece comprises an inorganic filler.19 A method in accordance with any of claims 1 to 17, in which the stiffening agent of the mineral fibre fleece comprises an inorganic filler selected from calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, aluminium hydroxide, clay, talc, magnesium silicate, hydrated magnesium silicate and mixtures thereof.20 A method in accordance with any preceding claim, in which the stiffening agent comprises an organic stiffening binder.21 A method in accordance with any of claims 1 to 19, in which the stiffening agent comprises an organic stiffening binder which is a PVC binder or a PVC based binder.22 A mineral wool insulation panel which is a flat roof panel, the mineral wool insulation panel comprising- a mineral wool insulation blanket having a major surface, and- a mineral fibre fleece secured to the major surface of the mineral wool insulation blanket,in which the mineral fibre fleece comprises a cured stiffening agent, and in which the mineral fibre fleece confers an increase in point load resistance to the mineral wool insulation panel with respect to the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket such that the point load resistance of the mineral wool insulation panel (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) is greater than the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) by at least 300 N.23 A mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with claim 22, in which the mineral fibre fleece confers an increase in point load resistance to the mineral wool insulation panel with respect to the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket such that the point load resistance of the mineral wool insulation panel (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) is greater than the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) by at least 400 N.24 A mineral wool insulation panel in accordance with claim 22, in which the mineral fibre fleece confers an increase in point load resistance to the mineral wool insulation panel with respect to the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket such that the point load resistance of the mineral wool insulation panel (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) is greater than the point load resistance of the mineral wool blanket (measured and expressed according to EN 12430) by at least 450 N.

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