Reusing Thermal Insulation Materials: Reuse Potential and Durability Assessment of Stone Wool Insulation in Flat Roofs
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
The work is largely of an applied nature. The results of very interesting material tests of mineral wool from the demolition of flat roofs, related to European standards, were presented in a reliable manner. The test results indicate good reusability of demolition mineral wool. The research program covers the basic technical parameters that are considered in the design of flat roof insulation. Very interesting work, convincing about the good technical suitability of mineral wool from the demolition of a flat roof for re-installation.
(1) The study answers the question about the durability of thermal insulation obtained from the demolition of a flat roof and reused in another, new roof. The study proves in a methodologically correct way that insulation obtained during demolition can properly fulfil its role, meeting the normative requirements.
(2) The scope of tests carried out on mineral wool elements from roof demolition, made in accordance with current standards used in Europe, is original.
(3) Compared to other publications on a similar topic, the work stands out for its detailed description of various defects in the tested mineral wool samples and taking into account the influence of the density of the tested samples on the test results.
(4) It is worth including reaction to fire testing in further research. As is known, mineral wool is highly classified in terms of reaction to fire and the results of examining changes in this classification in relation to wool from demolition would be interesting.
(5) Although the conclusions are presented in two quite extensive paragraphs, they fully correspond to the previously presented research results and I assess them as consistent. The presented research authorizes the authors to formulate the presented conclusions.
(6) Not counting the subject standards, over 40 references concern the subject matter and are accurately selected to document the research environment in the considered field.
(7) Basically, I have no comments on the tables and figures, I would only suggest replacing the yellow colour with another darker one, because it is difficult to read yellow numbers on a white background.
Author Response
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Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
I have examined the article in detail, I think it was written carefully and meticulously.
In the conclusion section, it is possible to talk about the limitations and future studies in more detail.
It was observed that in some graphs it was not indicated which samples were tested.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
This study provides a comprehensive overview of the potential challenges associated with repurposing stone wool insulation from existing flat roofs.
However, I have several concerns that need to be addressed before considering publication.
1, In the introduction part, the background information about insulation materials was given. Please add the information about the development of theoretical researches in this field.
2. In figure 8, it shows the value of Interior side at 25 is higher than other years. Please give the explanation about it.
3.In figure 13, please add the correlation coefficient r value of equation y=0.30x+0.25
4. To make the conclusions consistent with the background and results presented before, please revision the conclusions and add the more information in thermal performance.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 4 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
Dear Authors, I would like to recomend a few comments that I feel will enhance the quality of the manuscript.
First, please enhance the quality of the figures, the red and yellow line are difficult to perceive. Also, In figure 7 adn 14, I believe the X-axis lables of the type of SW is missing.
Second, it would be helpful to study the type of SW that were used for the various type of SW,s that are consided in this study. As depending on the type of SW and what type of other componenets were used during manufacturing might bring better insight to the observed data.
Third, the authors should discuss the benefit of 'r'euse over the other 'r's towards sustainability.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 5 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
Some minor English mishaps (in title line 2 "insulation", not "insultation"; abstract line 22: "repurpose used" instead of "repurpose reused", etc...)
Please review and rephrase the paragraph 3.2.8, especially from line 490 onward, since thermal conductivity is worded "lambda", but denoted as "l" and the phrase starting at line 494 is really difficult to comprehend. Thermal conductivity decreases, but your assessment describe it as acceptable (indeed, from percentages) and then "significant" when compared to standardized value.
Comments on the Quality of English Language
please check the text again for minor mistakes, as suggested above - some minor English mishaps (in title line 2 "insulation", not "insultation"; abstract line 22: "repurpose used" instead of "repurpose reused", etc...)
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
