MINERAL WOOL INSULATION BOARD SYSTEM WITH MECHANICAL FASTENERS AND REINFORCING MESH

A method of constructing an exterior insulated wall， the method comprising: erecting a wall structure of vertical studs and sheathing mounted to the studs defining a vertical substrate surface; applying a moisture barrier layer and an adhesive layer; mounting a rear surface of a mineral wool insulation board to the adhesive layer， the rear surface having vertically extending drainage grooves defining a plurality of bosses whereby the bosses engage the adhesive layer and the drainage grooves define moisture flow channels between the mineral wool insulation board and the adhesive layer， a front surface of the mineral wool insulation board having a reinforcing mesh adhered thereto; securing the mineral wool insulation board to the studs with corrosion resistant screws and washers， the screws extending through the reinforcing mesh and the bosses of the mineral wool insulation board， through the adhesive and moisture barriers， and through the sheathing into the studs; and applying a weather resistant coating on the reinforcing mesh and washers; wherein the mineral wool insulation board comprises mechanically entangled non-woven hydrophobic fibers spaced apart by air voids to define a compressible fibrous mass; and wherein the washers and screws exert pressure on a compressed zone of the compressible fibrous mass adjacent to the screws and beneath the washers， the compressed zone having a reduced moisture permeability with a higher volume percentage of fibers and a lower volume percentage of air voids relative to a non-compressed remainder of the compressible fibrous mass.