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Bulk insulation is perlite. Perlite sand is a universal building material. Water supply heating installation services

Perlite insulation is one of the the best ways ensuring reliable and high-quality thermal insulation of the house. On modern market so loose natural material presented in several forms. Each type of perlite intended for insulation building structures has its own technical characteristics and installation methods.

Perlite is a rock of volcanic origin. Natural material itself has no particular value for construction. In appearance it resembles ordinary crushed stone. What makes perlite unique is its special heat treatment.

In order for the rock to have the necessary technical characteristics, it is heated to a temperature of 1100 degrees. Under the influence of high conditions, the pores of the material explode - swelling. As a result, perlite breaks down into many particles of different fractions.

Treated perlite has the following technical characteristics:

fire resistance;
bulk density (depending on the size of the material fractions) – from 45 to 500 kg/m3;
thermal conductivity level – from 0.043 to 0.053 Watt/mK;
ability to withstand temperatures from – 200 to 900 degrees;
the porosity rate is 70 - 90 percent.

Expanded perlite is a lightweight material with good sound and heat insulation qualities. The finished construction product may have different size fractions - from 1 to 10 millimeters. Despite its high hygroscopicity, perlite is able to absorb and release moisture without changing its original characteristics.

Advantages and disadvantages

Perlite has a round shape and a characteristic shine, which makes it quite similar to pearls. Using such material as insulation has many advantages:

environmental friendliness of the material;
fire safety;
resistance to sudden temperature changes, which is very important for external insulation;
lightness of the material;
lack of odor and toxicity;
relatively low cost;
durability.

The material is resistant to aggressive compounds and is not subject to corrosion or rotting. Bulk insulation does not attract insects and rodents and is able to tightly fill voids, which allows you to achieve sufficient high level soundproofing.

The disadvantage of using perlite as insulation is often considered to be the formation of dust during installation, which can be harmful to health. But this problem can be solved with the help of protective equipment.

Types and form of release

There are four main types of perlite for thermal insulation. The material differs in the shape of the inlet and the method of application. Each type of insulation has its own advantages and technical characteristics.

Backfill insulation

The material is perlite sand, which is used to fill voids between the wall and the finish or interlayers in brickwork. This insulation allows you to completely fill all the cracks and openings, providing reliable thermal insulation.

Perlite sand is often used to level floors. It is quite light and does not create any additional load on the structures. Therefore, it can be used for any buildings. Insulation with fine-grained bulk perlite can reduce the level of heat loss by more than 40 percent.

Plates

Perlite thermal insulation material in the form of plates is one of the most popular construction products. This type of insulation is convenient for the construction of various large structures.

To give the material the necessary qualities in the manufacture of slabs, different types of binders are used - cement, clay, liquid glass, lime bitumen or polymers. Formed perlite is mainly used for internal insulation. This is due to the high hygroscopicity of the material. At external insulation reliable waterproofing is required.

Perlite concrete slabs are especially popular. In addition to expanded perlite, their composition includes sand, water and Portland cement. The strength of the material depends on the ratio of the components. Ready-made perlite concrete blocks differ large size and light weight. One product can replace three bricks. The use of such material allows not only to ensure structural strength, but also to reduce heat losses.

Roofing models

Bitumen-perlite is widely used for insulation and waterproofing of roofs. Such roofing material allows you to create a reliable and sufficiently durable protective covering. Its thermal conductivity is only 0.067 Watt/m°C.

Bitumen perlite has high technical characteristics. Due to its flexibility, the material can be easily applied in layers to any roof structure. Perlite insulation based on bitumen is a non-flammable and safe to use thermal insulation product with high wear resistance.

Dry materials

Perlite is widely used in dry construction mixtures. It is added to improve the characteristics of gypsum, lime or cement compositions. This material is widely used in the preparation of grout for joints, putty and adhesive solutions. Quite often, dry self-leveling perlite mixtures are used when arranging floors.

Perlite plaster is in particular demand. Its technical characteristics far exceed conventional surface finishing compounds. Regardless of the degree of grain, perlite plaster is lightweight, which is especially appreciated when arranging facades.

The material is fire-resistant, does not rot and tolerates the lowest air temperatures well. Perlite plaster has high adhesion and is suitable for all types of surfaces. With the help of such finishing, you can create high-quality sound insulation and retain heat inside the room for a long time.

Criterias of choice

To select a thermal insulation material with high technical characteristics, you should determine the product labeling. Three main classes of perlite are used in construction - M75, M100 and M150.

The numbers indicated in the markings indicate the bulk density of the material. Which corresponds to thermal conductivity - 0.043, 0.052 and 0.058 Watt/m °C. The lighter the perlite, the higher its heat and sound insulation properties.

The expanded rock is divided into different fractions. For construction, perlite with granules ranging in size from 0.16 to 1.25 millimeters is used. The larger the constituent particles of the material, the lower the level of its fluidity, which worsens the quality of the insulation backfill.

When purchasing perlite for thermal insulation, you should pay attention to the integrity of the packaging and storage conditions. If the material was in a humid environment for a long time, its quality decreased significantly. Another important aspect of the choice is the manufacturer. Some unscrupulous sellers may pass off an artificial construction product as natural foamed perlite.

Scope of application

The unique properties of perlite have found their application not only in construction, but also in many industrial sectors, such as oil refining, metallurgy, energy or agriculture. The rock is also successfully used in medicine and food production.

In the construction industry, foamed perlite is mainly used as an effective heat insulator. In its original form bulk material practiced for insulation of internal and external walls, floors, attics and ceilings between floors.

As a component, porous lightweight perlite is widely used in the insulation of roofs, walls, ceilings, chimneys and pipelines.

Perlite insulation technology

Provide with perlite good thermal insulation you can do it yourself. The technology for insulation with such bulk material is quite simple.

Wall insulation

Perlite is backfilled for brick and block structures. Preparation for insulation is carried out at the stage of wall construction.

Backfilling process thermal insulation material happens like this:

all openings and holes through which perlite sand can spill out are sealed;
the material is poured into the space between the wall masonry parts;
The insulation is lightly compacted by tapping.

Bulk material can also be used for backfilling between masonry and interior decoration. For this method of insulation, only dry perlite is suitable.

Floor insulation

For thermal insulation of floors with monolithic hard surface Perlite sand with a grain size of no more than 6 millimeters is used. The process of laying the material is quite simple:

pour perlite sand from bags onto the base of the floor;
with the help of special slats, bulk material is evenly distributed over the surface;
all pipelines are immersed in a uniformly laid composition;
The floor surface is covered with slabs.

A monolithic covering is mounted on top. When installing such floors, experts recommend laying drainage outlets which will ensure the removal of moisture.

To insulate floors covered with wood, compaction of the material is not required. Perlite sand is simply poured into the openings between wooden elements sexual base. Thermal insulation is reinforced with fiberboard or fiberglass. Sometimes cement is used for these purposes. Dry solution is sprinkled all over isolated surface, and water splashes from above.

Perlite is a modern thermal insulation material with unique properties. With its help you can provide good sound insulation and reliably insulate the structure of the house.

Perlite is a rock of volcanic origin, which, when heated to 900-1100 ° C, expands according to the “popcorn” principle. This is due to the fact that perlite sand contains bound water, which, when heated to high temperatures, expands the base rock - due to which “expanded perlite” is formed, which is already used in various industries. The size of expanded perlite granules ranges from 1 mm to 5 mm, bulk density from 50 kg/m3 to 150 kg/m3. It is these small numerous pores that provide the lightness and unique heat and sound insulation properties of perlite, its fire resistance, chemical inertness, lack of influence from pests, etc.

Perlite is widely used in construction, metallurgy, cryogenic technology, agriculture, Food Industry.

PERLITE IN CONSTRUCTION

Dry building mixtures based on perlite.

The main area of application of perlite now is the production of dry building mixtures, where perlite acts as a thermal insulation filler. Perlite plasters based on perlite have won their strong place in the thermal insulation of houses, thermal insulation of ceilings and heated floors. A layer of external perlite plaster of 5-10 cm allows you to solve the problem of insulation of both new and old buildings and structures. Moreover, unlike foam plastic and mineral wool, perlite plaster does not highlight harmful substances and retains its structure and performance characteristics.

Thermal insulation of floors

Filled perlite floor

To make this type of floor, you need to mix M-100 grade perlite, M-400 grade cement and water. When the mixture is ready, it must be poured onto the floor with a thickness of 5 cm to 30 cm. If you are pouring the floor in the basement, we first recommend laying a waterproofing pad (hydrozol).

Three-layer concrete floor with perlite insulation

This type of floor is made of 2 layers of concrete, laying a perlite heat insulator between them. By the way, the latter was not chosen as insulation by chance. After all, perlite is ultra-light, environmentally friendly clean material with very low thermal conductivity.

So, to prepare a perlite heat insulator, it is necessary to combine perlite, cement and water, mix thoroughly, while achieving “plasticity” of the mixture. This mixture must be laid in a several-centimeter layer on the concrete floor. The heat insulator should dry out within a week, after which concrete or ceramic tile. Accordingly, perlite with hydrophobic and dust-absorbing properties is best suited for floor insulation.
This type of floor can be used not only at home, but also during the installation of baths.

Floating floor

If to insulate the room you have chosen a floor with electrically heated, then you can’t do without a “floating floor”. This type of floor compensates for the thermal deformation of the concrete floor due to its heating and cooling, and is therefore optimal.

As you know, objects have the ability to expand when heated. So, when in concrete field Heating and cooling modes constantly alternate, pressure is formed, as a result of which such a floor can crack. To avoid this, it is necessary to use the “compensator” principle. Namely: perlite is poured onto an old concrete floor, floor slabs or other so-called “subfloor” that no longer needs to be leveled. If the concrete layer is higher than 10 cm, then the perlite backfill must be compacted. After this, chipboard is laid around the perimeter of the room where the heated floor is laid. Please note that the height of the chipboard must match the height of the concrete floor that is being poured. After this, a heating element cord is laid on the perlite and the entire surface is filled with concrete mortar. After 3-7 days, when the concrete has dried, the chipboard must be removed from the cracks between the wall and the floor.

Monolithic floor using perlite

Perlite is also used to insulate a monolithic floor with a hard surface. To do this, perlite is poured onto the base and distributed with leveling slats so that the thickness of perlite sand exceeds the desired thickness by 20% ( minimum thickness laying - 1 cm). If pipes or other uneven components need to be placed in the floor, they can easily be placed in this bulk insulation material. After this, the entire surface is covered with slabs, on top of which a monolithic floor is made.

If this type of floor is not installed in basement, then it is recommended to use drainage tubes to collect and eliminate moisture, and an absorbent protective pad, such as kraft paper (not film), under the layer.

If you are dealing with a wooden floor, then expanded perlite is laid without compaction. Since perlite is a non-flammable material, this significantly increases the fire safety of the room.

If during work there is a need to reduce dust and insulate upper layer perlite, it can be sprinkled with cement and then moistened a little with water. Another way to insulate the perlite layer can be to cover it diffusely open materials such as corrugated cardboard, kraft paper, chipboard, etc. To increase the load-bearing properties of bulk, heat-insulating material, perlite granules can be treated with wax. This compacted perlite forms a durable insulating layer for a dry screed floor.

Thermal insulation of walls

Perlite sand is used as backfill thermal insulation in layered enclosing structures:

in the layers between internal and external wall masonry;

between wall masonry and interior decoration;

in wall structures made of hollow small-piece products;

in all voids of wall masonry;

as a substitute quartz sand V cement screeds roofs and floors

In this case, it is possible to reduce heat loss by 50% or more.

To maintain heat inside the house, as well as to protect the room from the penetration of cold, it is best to use perlite. To do this, it needs to be poured into the cavity between the walls. In this case, perlite insulation is poured directly from the bag (or through a hopper) into the wall from above at any convenient interval (no more than 6 m). By the time the window sill is installed, the cavities under the door and window openings should already be filled. If necessary, you can pour perlite, wait until it “settles down” and add more. All openings that may be in the wall and through which perlite insulation can spill out must be closed by the time the insulation is poured. Copper, galvanized steel or fiberglass can be used to construct drainage systems. At the same time, the perlite insulation must remain dry.

Perlite filling of the cavity between the load-bearing and facing masonry is poured in layers after laying 3-4 rows of bricks. In order to avoid shrinkage, the backfill layer is filled to approximately 10%. Waterproofing gaskets are placed at working breaks in the insulation. If necessary, the insulating layer can be made of any kind required thickness. Since construction is a long-term process, when working with perlite insulation, the cavities between the walls should be protected from rain.

Having high heat-protective properties, expanded perlite does not age and is not destroyed by pests of animal and plant origin. It is worth noting that perlite backfills are used to insulate walls made of wood and frame structures. Such insulating gaskets do not burn, and therefore increase the fire safety of houses.

Perlite roof insulation

In world practice, perlite backfills are often used in the construction of warm sloping roofs.

1 .Perlite roof backfill

First, diffusely penetrating, bottom covering boards (such as gypsum boards) are laid on the rafters. Perlite is poured into the cavity between the “cladding” and the “grid” and compacted by 10%.

During the installation of the lower roofing layer from the “lining”, a waterproof seal made of glassine or film is laid over it. The connection points with the gutter, as well as the points of passage through the roof, are hermetically sealed with thick and adhesive tape.

In addition, bitumen perlite and perlite concrete can be used for thermal insulation of the roof.

2. Perlite concrete roof insulation

Compared to other insulating materials, perlite concrete thermal insulation has high wind and fire resistance. Moreover, in combination with heat-insulating perlite-magnesium slabs or slabs covered with perlite concrete, it has a high thermal resistance.

Properties of perlite concrete

Mode of application
The following materials can be used for perlite concrete roof insulation: expanded perlite, Portland cement, water, air duct admixtures, etc. If fire protection characteristics require reinforcement, the roof can be reinforced with reinforcing mesh.

If it is fairly dry and the perlite concrete insulation can withstand the load of workers on it without damaging the surface, layers of perlite concrete insulation can be installed every 48-72 hours.
The minimum recommended roof slope for normal water drainage is 1/8. The most economical way to tilt perlite concrete insulation is through the stepped arrangement of heat-insulating slabs (see Fig. %%).

3. Bitumen-perlite roof insulation

Bitumen perlite is a dry granular material that consists of perlite particles coated with bitumen. This is a ready-to-use material (filled from bags) and does not require additional mixing or any other impurities.
A bitumen-perlite mixture can be prepared by mechanically mixing expanded perlite sand and hot bitumen.
Properties of bitumen perlite

Scope of application
New construction. Bitumen perlite can be used directly on hard surfaces (e.g. concrete) to which it adheres well cold bitumen. If bitumen perlite is used over wooden base, you must first use roofing felt attached to the tree.

Roof repair.

Bitumen perlite is the most optimal material for repairing an existing roof, since it can be used on structurally sound surfaces, cleaned of dirt and peeling, covered with a layer of cold bitumen. Moreover, by arranging slopes to the funnels/watering cans of the internal drainage system or along the perimeter of the roof, it is possible to provide not only additional insulation of the existing base, but also to avoid stagnation of water on the roof.

Method of use
Before laying the bitumen-perlite base, the roof must first be prepared. The dry granular bitumen perlite is then poured out of the bags, spread and leveled to a thickness 40% higher than the final desired thickness with the desired slope. For compaction, sheets of plywood placed on the material and a roller weighing 180 kg are used. Final compaction is achieved by laying bitumen perlite with a roller directly over the material, without plywood.

Using bitumen perlite, you can form monolithic bases for different types roofs. Since there is no need to waste time drying and hardening bitumen perlite, immediately after laying and compacting it, you can lay a roll roof using hot bitumen.

The raw material for the production of perlite is volcanic rock, which, when heated, can increase in volume (swell). As a result heat treatment Perlite aluminosilicate water-containing rock of volcanic origin produces non-toxic, non-flammable, lightweight and highly effective insulation - expanded perlite.

Application area

Due to its high physical and technical properties, this material has found wide application in various industries:

metallurgy,
energy,
construction,
agriculture,
medicine,
food industry,
oil refining,
production of cryogenic equipment.

Perlite as an insulation material can withstand temperatures varying in the range from -200°C to +900°C. The material has a high moisture-absorbing ability - it can absorb liquid up to 400% of its weight. Perlite is chemically neutral to the action of weak acids and alkalis, does not contain heavy metals. The environmental friendliness of the insulation allows its use in insulating residential buildings without risk to human health. This material is not only completely safe for humans, it does not cause allergies and contributes to the creation of favorable microclimate. In addition, this material is quite simple and easy to work with.

The low bulk density of the material (100 kg/m3) explains the high acoustic properties of the insulation produced from it. Plaster mixtures containing expanded perlite sand also play the role of insulation.

A plaster layer 3 cm thick in its thermal insulation characteristics is equivalent to 15 cm of brickwork. The high heat and sound insulation qualities of insulation are well manifested in the installation of “floating” plank and concrete floors, asphalt floors, for leveling and increasing the sound insulation characteristics of floors between floors, between walls and floors, and in insulating pipeline systems.

The neutral pH of perlite eliminates the formation of corrosion of pipelines and wiring electrical networks located in the floor area. Perlite is especially popular as insulation when implementing “warm” floor systems, since it is not prone to expansion when heated, does not shrink, and is absolutely non-flammable. In addition, it does not die and does not cause interest among insects and rodents. To enhance sound and thermal insulation properties concrete mortar Perlite is also added to it. wide area the use of this material perfectly confirms its high physical and technical properties.

Options for using expanded perlite as insulation

Perlite sand (backfill insulation)
Thermal insulation boards
Roof thermal insulation
Dry mixes

Backfill perlite insulation

One of the effective solutions to lighten the structure of a house, along with increasing its thermal conductivity characteristics, is the use of backfill insulation based on perlite sand. This step allows you to reduce heat loss by almost 50%. Backfill can be used in layers between external and internal wall plaster, interior finishing and wall plaster, in all voids of wall masonry.

Thermal insulation boards

The largest amount of perlite in world practice is used in the manufacture of molded thermal insulation products(more than 60%). The binder is bitumen, cement, gypsum, liquid glass, clay, lime, polymers. Considering the high hygroscopicity of perlite, materials based on it are best used for internal insulation, however, there are techniques that allow the use of thermal insulation materials based on foamed perlite in external insulation.

Thermal insulation boards are widely used for insulation of residential and outbuildings. The thermal conductivity of the material reaches 0.118 W/(m-°C).

The main advantages of using perlite slabs are their low weight and high sound and heat insulation characteristics. In addition, structures insulated with this material are reliably protected from rotting, are not damaged by rodents, and are not affected by mold and fungi.

Dry mixes

Perlite sand, mixed dry with cement or gypsum, is dissolved with water directly on the construction site. The resulting composition is used to fill cavities in bricks, concrete, walls, and to grout cracks and seams. Expanded perlite is used in the preparation of adhesive and putty mixtures, self-leveling floors, solutions for repair work, in the installation of “warm” floors, etc. The thermal conductivity of mixtures averages 0.2 W/(m-°C). Based on the type of binder, perlite compositions are classified into cement-perlite, gypsum-perlite, and lime-perlite.

Roof thermal insulation

Bitumen-perlite is especially popular in thermal insulation of roofs and ceilings. With its participation, high-strength insulating layers of the required shape are created. In addition, the material can be combined with bituminized cover layers and insulating boards. Bitumen-perlite does not need to be heated before application. The thermal conductivity of bitumen perlite is 0.067 W/(m-°C). Using perlite as insulation, you choose safe, economical, durable, non-flammable material, which has high physical and technical characteristics.

In many countries around the world, perlite backfills are used to create warm sloping roofs. In addition, such an effective heat insulator as perlite concrete is used in roof insulation. It is highly wind and fire resistant, and when combined with perlite magnesia insulating boards it acquires high thermal resistance.

Perlite as insulation: types and applications

The raw material for the production of perlite is volcanic rock, which, when heated, can increase in volume (swell). As a result of heat treatment of perlite aluminosilicate water-containing rock of volcanic origin, a non-toxic, non-flammable, lightweight and highly effective insulation material is obtained - expanded perlite.

Using perlite as thermal insulation

Insulating the house with perlite. Types and properties.

If sand from volcanic rocks is passed through a high-temperature oven, the result is expanded sand, or perlite. In addition to the production of perlite solutions, perlite is used as heat insulation material for floors, floor slabs and for insulation of brick-lined walls. The insulation process is carried out by pouring perlite into the opening between the wall and facing bricks. The insulation process boils down to leaving space between the building wall and the facing wall for filling in insulation. The width of the space for perlite backfill depends on the need for insulating effect. The width of the filling gap of 10-15 cm is enough for the insulation effect to be the highest.

The technology for filling perlite heat insulator is not difficult. Along with the construction load-bearing wall And facing masonry after every 3-4 rows, perlite is filled and compacted. Perlite is highly water resistant, so when insulating with perlite, additional waterproofing over the entire surface is not required. Perlite insulation is also used to insulate flat roofs, floors or floor slabs. To backfill the perlite insulation, it is covered with diffusion-permeable plasterboard slabs or particle boards. A layer of perlite sand is covered with a layer of at least 1 cm. To cover the perlite layer, not films are used, but kraft paper, corrugated cardboard or fiberglass. If a floor with a high humidity coefficient is insulated, drainage pipes are laid under a layer of perlite backfill, through which the collected moisture will be removed.

Used for insulation and insulation of combined, flat roofs and other waterproofing, insulation works. For thermal insulation technological equipment associated with electricity or high temperature places, carbo perlite is used. This material has high bending strength. In home construction, it can be used to insulate electrical wiring, fireplaces and chimneys.

In addition to these types of perlite materials, other types of perlite slabs are produced, in which lime, clay, gypsum, liquid glass, basalt fiber and others are used as binders. In addition to slab perlite, fibrous heat-insulating material based on perlite and basalt fiber, and even perlite, high-temperature brick, are also produced.

Insulating a house with perlite

If sand from volcanic rocks is passed through a high-temperature oven, the result is expanded sand, or perlite. In addition to the production of perlite solutions, perlite and

Perlite is a new word in the insulation market

Today, perlite is recognized as one of the most effective insulating materials in the world. It is produced by firing at high temperatures hydrous volcanic glass. The result is a biologically pure, non-flammable, lightweight, bulk insulation.

Thanks to its unique physical and technical properties, including the ability to use perlite at temperature fluctuations from -200 to +900 °C, the material has found wide application in various fields.

Nowadays, the USA is one of the largest producers of perlite, as well as its consumers.

It is used as a thermal insulation material for the production of backfill insulation, floor bases, for roof insulation, pipelines, chimneys and other structures (for example, swimming pools).

Besides construction industry, the use of perlite is considered promising in areas such as metallurgy and cryogenic technology.

Features and Benefits

The material begins to melt only at a temperature of 1260 0C. Indicators of flame spread and the presence of flammable elements in the composition are zero. If you fill the voids created when installing 20 cm thick concrete blocks with perlite, the fire resistance of the object increases from two to four hours.

If you treat the material with a water repellent, the water absorption rates of perlite will decrease significantly. The voids in the walls filled with prepared perlite create an obstacle to the penetration of moisture into the internal partitions.

However, such insulation will show excellent results only if there is high-quality masonry walls.

Since perlite backfill insulation fills all voids and mortar joints, the transmission of sound waves through the walls becomes less. Wall block 20 cm, filled with such insulation, the sound insulation even exceeds existing standards.

Perlite is economical. It has excellent heat and fire resistant qualities at an affordable cost. To fill existing voids in the masonry with it, no special skills or equipment are needed.

In addition, such insulation will not lose its heat-shielding properties even after years and will not “settle” in the wall blocks.

Comparison with other materials

Tests have officially proven the advantage of perlite insulation over other materials. Thus, masonry with perlite insulation is more than 20% more efficient than masonry insulated with polystyrene foam liners.

Perlite is also 12% more effective than polystyrene foam granules, which are too light, create difficulties when backfilling and can form unfilled voids. The “fluidity” of perlite insulation completely eliminates such a development of events.

If you choose between vermiculite and perlite, it is better to give preference to the latter. It has a closed pore structure and lower thermal conductivity, despite the fact that the characteristics of both materials are similar.

Insulation Features

Insulation should be arranged as follows:

The insulation is poured directly from the packaging (bag) into the wall from above at a convenient interval (but not more than 6 m).
Before installing the window sills, you need to fill the cavities under the doorway and windows (compact them if necessary).
Holes in the wall through which insulation may leak must be sealed before work begins.
Copper, fiberglass or galvanized steel can be used to install drainage systems.
During operation, the insulation must be dry.
Insulation must be used in wall masonry voids (external and internal), as well as between the external masonry and the interior trim.

Perlite heat insulator: insulation features and material properties, advantages over others

Perlite heat insulator: comparison of characteristics with other insulators, unique features, aspects of use.

Modern insulation: expanded clay, vermiculite, perlite and expanded polystyrene

Which one is better to choose to increase the level of thermal insulation of the floor in private building without overpaying? This question is asked by many buyers who do not have proper knowledge in the field of construction and reducing the level of heat loss in a building. Expanded clay as a floor insulation has long lost its relevance. It was replaced by vermiculite, perlite, and expanded polystyrene. The choice depends on technical characteristics the building itself, the climatic region where it is located and the personal preferences of the property owner.

Characteristics of expanded clay

Expanded clay is made from low-melting clay, which undergoes a number of treatments, including repeated heating at different temperature conditions With at different speeds. If the production technology is maintained correctly, then the output is a product of different fractional composition. Each particle of expanded clay is a closed capsule, the body of which consists of baked clay. Inside, expanded clay has a porous structure, thanks to which it is able to reduce the level of heat loss in a building.

Fractional composition of expanded clay:

0.05-0.1 cm – fine fraction, used for leveling floors and for making building blocks;
0.1-0.2 cm – middle fraction– relevant as insulation for house floors, in particular floors;
0.2-0.4 cm – large fraction, excellent insulation for heating mains, garage floors and other technical buildings.

For thermal insulation of the floor, it is recommended to use expanded clay of various fractional compositions. This is due to the bulk compaction of the material and eliminates convection air flows in the thickness of the layer. Foamed clay for insulation wooden floors Suitable only in its pure form. By concrete base Expanded clay is part of the floating floor screed.

Advantages of this type of building material:

low thermal conductivity coefficient - it ranges from 0.10 to 0.18 W/(mK). With a decrease in the fractional composition, the thermal conductivity of foamed clay increases, since the number of pores containing air, the main heat insulator, decreases;
environmental safety - expanded clay is made on the basis natural materials, and therefore does not affect the health of living organisms;
sound insulation characteristics - as the thickness of the layer increases, the level of sound insulation increases;
frost resistance – fill-in insulation can withstand up to 15 freezing/thawing cycles without losing its technical characteristics.

Flaws:

water absorption - it is in the range of 15-20%, plus wet expanded clay takes a long time to dry, which negatively affects its properties;
tendency to form dust.

To ensure a normal level of thermal protection for a house, a layer of expanded clay up to 50 cm thick is required, which significantly reduces usable area Houses. That is why, despite a number of advantages, the popularity of expanded clay as insulation is decreasing every day. It is replaced by vermiculite, polystyrene foam, and perlite.

Vermiculite - an alternative to expanded clay

Vermiculite is a bulk thermal insulation material, which is also made from environmentally friendly raw materials - vermiculite concentrate or hydromica. Raw materials swell under the influence of high temperature and depending on the parameters technological process The output is a material with different fractional composition, bulk density and positive characteristics.

Classification of insulation by fractional composition:

vermiculite M100 – coarse fraction (4-8 mm) – high-quality insulation;
vermiculite M150 – middle fraction (1-3 mm) – structural element of building materials;
vermiculite M250 – fine fraction (up to 1 mm) – wide range of applications.

Depending on size elementary particles, vermiculite changes its bulk density and thermal insulation characteristics.

Advantages of vermiculite over expanded clay:

bulk density - foamed hydromica with the same layer thickness has a bulk density of 65-150 kg/m³, while expanded clay is 150-800 kg/m³. In the first case, the load on the floor is less;
thermal conductivity – vermiculite boasts a low thermal conductivity coefficient (0.048-0.06 W/(mK)), compared to the same indicator for expanded clay (0.10-0.18 W/(mK)). This allows the thermal insulation layer to be reduced significantly when insulating floors, this provides an opportunity to save usable space Houses.

At the same time, vermiculite is inferior to expanded clay in terms of hardness. In the first case, it is 1-1.5 Mn/m² on a scale, in the second - 0.3-6 Mn/m². Expanded hydromica has high water absorption. The cost of vermiculite is 4 times more than expanded clay.

Perlite as insulation

Perlite is a multifunctional material, 70% of which is used in construction to obtain various structural elements. These are slabs, asbestos-perlite cement, silicate-perlite, bitumen-perlite and much more. Perlite is an acidic volcanic glass that swells when suddenly heated to 1100°C. The result is a material of different fractional composition:

fraction 0.16-1.25 mm – construction material;
fraction 1-5 mm – agroperlite;
fraction 0-0.16 mm – perlite filter.

Perlite and its advantages:

This is an environmentally friendly product made from natural ingredients;
low thermal conductivity coefficient - 0.043...0.053 W/mK, which can compete with the above-described thermal insulation materials;
non-flammable;
not prone to saw formation;
low cost.

However, you need to remember that perlite perfectly absorbs moisture (up to 300%). This makes it inferior to vermiculite and expanded clay. At the same time, perlite does not change its technical characteristics in the presence of moisture, which characterizes it only on the positive side.

Expanded polystyrene in the insulation materials market

Expanded polystyrene is a gas-filled material produced from polystyrene and its derivatives by foaming them. The result is a bulk material with a closed cellular structure. Expanded polystyrene can be extruded and in the form of a slab, or it can be sold in the form of individual granules (non-pressed insulation). In this case, it can be compared with other bulk products (perlite, expanded clay, vermiculite).

Slabs are in high demand as an insulation material, the main construction material which is polystyrene foam. They win in all respects if expanded clay, perlite and vermiculite are placed in one row.

Advantages of expanded polystyrene:

high compressive strength - it lies in the range of 0.05...0.1 MPa;
low thermal conductivity – 0.042…0.038 W/(mK);
static;
expanded polystyrene can withstand up to 50 freeze/thaw cycles without losing its technical characteristics;
low coefficient of water absorption - it is only 2-3%, which makes polystyrene foam indispensable for insulating floors in the house and basements.

Expanded polystyrene is easy to install, durable, and does not change its properties under the influence of adverse environmental factors. Disadvantage: high cost compared to other thermal insulation products.

The choice of thermal insulation materials depends entirely on the financial capabilities and taste preferences of the buyer. However, regardless of the type of insulation chosen, it must be certified.

Expanded clay as insulation

Characteristics of bulk and slab insulation: expanded clay, perlite, vermiculite, expanded polystyrene. Their comparison and advantages.

The variety of materials on the market allows each self-builder to choose the best option for himself. Along with such common insulators as polystyrene derivatives, they are also actively used backfill insulation. But if it is used everywhere, then perlite is not so in demand, although it is not inferior to it in terms of heat saving parameters and is characterized by a wide scope of application. But perlite has already been tested in construction by the craftsmen of the FORUMHOUSE portal.

Perlite - origin, characteristics

Perlite is a derivative of volcanic rock obtained by heat treatment of hydrous volcanic glass. As a result of firing at high temperatures (1000-1150⁰C), the rock swells, the particles take on a spherical shape, and the original volume increases more than tenfold. It turns out non-toxic, lightweight, universal material, visually reminiscent of white or grayish sand, odorless. It is widely used in many industries, the scope of application is determined by the fraction (grain size), the three most common are:

Fraction 0-0.16 mm – filter perlite.
Fraction 0.16-1.25 mm – construction perlite.
Fraction 1.25-5 mm – agroperlite.

In the construction industry, perlite is used for the production of dry building mixtures as a filler, building materials (slabs, blocks), and also has independent significance as a backfill sound insulator and insulation. The effectiveness of perlite in the construction industry is explained by its properties:

Low thermal conductivity– 0.043-0.053 W/(m*S), the porosity of perlite reaches 85%, and air is the best insulator.
Environmental friendliness - the original mineral does not contain heavy metals, no reagents or binders are used in the production of the insulator, no toxic substances are released into the air during operation and even with strong heating.
Non-combustibility - perlite is used in enclosing structures as a material that does not support combustion (melting point is 1260⁰C).
Wide range permissible temperatures– the material can withstand from -200 to +900⁰С and for a long time It is used not only as insulation, but also as an insulator in cryogenic installations.
Biostability - perlite and perlite mixtures do not harbor rodents and insects, it is not affected by fungus and mold.
Hygroscopicity - absorbs moisture in large volumes, but quickly releases it without losing its properties.

UKSUS70 Member FORUMHOUSE

I poured perlite M 75 into a 0.5 liter jar and filled it with water, it absorbed a lot and then floated up. I put it in the bathroom and forgot, and my wife put it in the closet. Yesterday I accidentally remembered and looked - the perlite had dried, the water had gone, and it again became fluffy, clean and light. I think it can and should be used as insulation; nothing will be done to it for a hundred years, but the base for it needs to be prepared well.

Perlite has high heat-saving parameters not only due to minimal thermal conductivity, but also due to its relatively low bulk density, and the brand also depends on it. Construction perlite is mainly produced in three grades:

M75 – density up to 75 kg/mᶟ.
M100 – density up to 100 kg/mᶟ.
M150 – density up to 150 kg/mᶟ.

This density is enough for perlite to be “fluid” - when poured, it fills all the voids of the structure, while lighter analogues have certain difficulties with this.

The use of perlite in bulk construction

The best option is to use perlite in bulk, since cold bridges may remain in the bags when laying them. As fill-in insulation in construction, it is used in floors and walls - it is poured between joists and into voids formed either by well masonry or a sealed frame. Due to its volatility, the material generates a lot of dust, so it is better to work with a respirator. But the accusations that it provokes asthma almost from the first day, sometimes appearing on our forum, are more of a “horror story” than a real danger.

GOR777 Member FORUMHOUSE

We have been working with perlite for the third year now, first we poured it into the masonry mortar, then into the plaster, and now we are insulating the ceilings and floors. Yes, he is volatile and nasty, but so far, pah-pah, no one has any asthma, and in total four people worked with him directly, and several more were nearby.

To prevent material from leaking through the ceilings, one of our craftsmen used geotextiles.

Tone FORUMHOUSE Member

I pour perlite M 100 into the floor of the first floor, its use simplifies the “pie” of the floor, below - only geotextiles. Perlite absorbs moisture and releases it without consequences, I isolate it only from the side of the warm room with a vapor barrier. Mice do not live in it, it is free-flowing and fills all cavities. Low thermal conductivity, non-flammable.

However, it is worth considering that the underground is dry and insulated with expanded clay according to plastic film, so there is no threat of moisture suction from below.

When insulating attic floor A vapor barrier is also used.

KitovAV Member of FORUMHOUSE

My pie from bottom to top is as follows: vapor barrier (foiled polyethylene foam), then a ceiling of load-bearing beams and boards on bars, then geotextile 120 microns, perlite 25 cm. I didn’t sprinkle any mixtures of perlite, I didn’t water it with anything, I think there’s no point in it, and the same geotextile is on top.

Today, perlite is recognized as one of the most effective insulating materials in the world. It is produced by firing water-containing volcanic glass at high temperatures. The result is a biologically pure, non-flammable, lightweight, bulk insulation.

Nowadays, the USA is one of the largest producers of perlite, as well as its consumers.

It is used as a thermal insulation material for the production of backfill insulation, floor bases, for roof insulation, pipelines, chimneys and other structures (for example, swimming pools).

In addition to the construction industry, the use of perlite is considered promising in areas such as metallurgy and cryogenic technology.