Perlite insulation technology. Perlite as insulation. Dry building mixtures based on Perlite

Implementation advanced technologies for thermal insulation of residential and industrial premises is a very urgent task.

For example, unlike European countries, in countries former USSR They spend 1.5...2 times more on heating buildings, which is 20% of the country’s total energy resources. It is possible to significantly reduce energy costs for heating buildings through the use of thermal insulation materials for the repair and construction of buildings. In particular, it has a great thermal insulation effect perlite.

Currently, perlite-based materials are increasingly gaining popularity in construction. The prerequisites for the use of perlite in Ukraine are its own huge reserves of raw materials, so perlite deposits " Fogosh", village Muzhievo, Transcarpathian region (reserves are about 13.4 million tons).

What is perlite? Types and characteristics of perlite

Perlite (French perlite - pearl) is a rock, acidic volcanic glass, which contains more than 1% water ( cm. photo 1). The texture of perlite is similar to pearls, which is where its name comes from.

Visually, perlite looks like sand or crushed stone (depending on the size of the fractions) white or slightly gray, has no smell.

Perlite is used in agriculture, metallurgy, medicine, energy, construction, etc.

Depending on the area of application and the size of its particles, perlite is produced in the following most common varieties:

construction perlite (fraction 0.16...1.25 mm);
agroperlite (granules size 1...5 mm);
filterperlite (granule size 0...0.16 mm).

In the construction industry, perlite is mainly used as thermal insulation material(60% of total usage). Perlite is used as a filler for the production of lightweight concrete and mortars. Based on it, perlite blocks and bricks for laying walls, and slabs for finishing residential premises are made. In Ukraine, perlite is produced with a density of 75, 100, 150, 200 kg/m3.

Obtaining perlite

In construction, perlite, as a rock itself, is practically not used, because such perlite has properties like ordinary stone or crushed stone ( cm.photo 2 ).

Photo 2. Extraction of perlite: a) perlite is a rock; b) extraction of perlite in a quarry

Perlite acquires its unique properties as a result of its processing. Perlite, like all rocks, has free and bound water. Bound water is found in the micropores of the rock and, when heated, can expand and turn into gas. The expansion of water occurs due to sudden heating of the rock (thermal shock) at a temperature of 900...1100 o C, which leads to the explosion of pores, swelling (5...20 times) and disintegration of the rock into spherical particles with a porosity of 70...90%. During heat treatment, due to the evaporation of water and its partial release, many small bubbles and voids are created.

Depending on the amount of water content in perlite, the heat treatment process can occur in one or two stages. If the water content in the rock is more than 3.5%, this excess is first removed from the perlite by keeping it at a temperature of 300...400°C.

Technical characteristics of expanded perlite

Bulk density:

perlite sand: 45...200 kg/m3 (depending on particle size);
perlite crushed stone: up to 500 kg/m3.

Particle size: 1…10 mm.
Non-flammable, fire-resistant (heat-insulating and fire-resistant plasters are made based on perlite).
Porosity 70...90%.
Withstands temperatures in the range: - 200 o C...900 o C.
Low thermal conductivity: 0.043…0.053 W/mK.
Hygroscopic material (capable of absorbing moisture and releasing it outside without deteriorating its properties).
Relatively low cost: 300...400 UAH/m 3 .

Application of perlite in construction

The most widely used perlite products are:

bulk perlite insulation;
dry building mixtures containing perlite;
perlite slabs;
perlite roofing material;
perlite wall products.

Bulk perlite thermal insulation

Bulk perlite insulation is manufactured by processing with organic silicon compounds and high temperature, which ensure non-flammability and hydrophobization of perlite granules.

Thanks to perlite insulation, building material is saved and heat loss is reduced significantly (up to 50% or more). When erecting walls, a void gap is left in the middle (its width is determined by calculation), which is filled with perlite ( photo 3). Filling with perlite is done by pouring it out of bags and then compacting it. Compaction must be 10% of the backfill, and is done to prevent settlement of the material.

For your information! The thickness of the perlite layer of 2.5...3 cm is equivalent in thermal conductivity to the thickness of a brick wall of 1 brick (25 cm).

Perlite can be used to insulate old houses that have air gaps in the walls. To do this, several bricks are pulled out, through which the material is poured. This process can be carried out more efficiently using special installations (for example, Krendl 450A installation (USA), photo 4. A hole with a diameter of 30 mm or higher is drilled in the wall, and perlite is injected through it.

Photo 4. Installation Krendl 450A (USA) for pumping perlite

Attic floors are also insulated by laying bags filled with perlite sand on top.

Advantages of using backfill perlite thermal insulation:

Biologically stable - since the material is inorganic, it is not subject to rotting and is “not interesting” for rodents and insects.
The optimal fraction is convenient for installation, easily fills all cracks and voids.
Non-flammable – high combustion temperature (combustion temperature 1260 o C).
Hydrophobic – possesses after treatment organic compounds increased water resistance and water-repellent effect.
Good sound insulation performance - perlite has high porosity, and in most cases the pores are closed, which prevents the passage of sound waves.
Cost-effective – allows you to save on reducing the thickness of the walls, at a relatively low cost.
Durability: perlite does not lose its properties over time and does not collapse.
Ecologically pure material; non-toxic.

Perlite wall products

Artificial perlite wall products are produced in the form of stones, bricks and blocks, which are lightweight due to their porous structure ( photo 5).

Perlite in such products is presented as a filler, the proportion of which in relation to the binder is 1:4...1:10 (by volume). Gypsum, Portland cement, organic binders, clay, and lime are used as binders.

Perlite bricks and blocks are used for the construction of external and interior walls, partitions. The operating temperature range for perlite structures is: – 80 o C…600 o C.

Thermal insulation boards made of perlite

Perlite is also used to make slabs for finishing the walls of premises, with a density of 100...600 kg/m 3 and a compressive strength of 0.3...0.55 MPa. There are many options for the thickness and size of these slabs.

Since perlite is hygroscopic, slabs made from it are durable, not susceptible to fungus and mold, and have good thermal insulation properties (thermal conductivity 0.06...0.117 W/m o C). Perlite boards have good vapor permeability, which allows the wall to “breathe”, condensation does not appear on the walls, photo 6. These slabs can be painted any color and come in a variety of patterns.

Perlite flooring

Floors using perlite are made up to 30 cm thick. The use of perlite as a filler for concrete in the manufacture of floors significantly reduces heat loss and increases sound insulation between floors. The material is durable, does not rot, does not corrode, and has slight shrinkage. The density of perlite for floors is 70...100 kg/m 3 with granule fractions:

10...20% - particles larger than 1.18 mm;
80...90% - particles up to 0.15...1.18 mm in size.

To make floors using perlite, a specially selected fraction is used, which has hydrophobic and dust-suppressing properties. Perlite is effectively used for “warm” floors, since its temperature coefficient of expansion is very small, which prevents the formation of cracks during repeated heating.

For your information! It has been measured that when producing heated floors using perlite, savings amount to up to 15...30% of thermal energy for room heights of up to 3 m, and for heights above 3 m – up to 50%.

Dry mixes

It is used as a filler for construction dry mixtures mixed with gypsum and cement (gypsum-perlite, cement-perlite mixtures). Perlite improves the performance of these mixtures. Dry building mixtures with perlite are used as putty and adhesive compositions, grouting joints and cracks. Also used as self-leveling mixtures for floors.

Perlite plaster has good thermal insulation, sound insulation, fire resistance, 5...15 times more effective according to these parameters than ordinary plaster. This plaster is frost-resistant, does not rot, and has a high percentage of vapor permeability. Dry construction perlite-containing mixtures for plastering walls are produced for both interior and exterior work ( photo 7).

Perlite-cement mortars are very often used for plastering metal load-bearing structures civil buildings for the purpose increasing their fire resistance.

Perlite roof insulation

Roofing perlite-containing materials are produced in the form of bitumen perlite, which is used for thermal insulation of floors and roofs of industrial and civil buildings. The grade of expanded perlite sand used is grades 150 and 200 according to GOST 10832-91. This material has high strength (compression 0.35 MPa) and high temperature resistance of 500 o C, low thermal conductivity - 0.067 W/m o C.

I also use expanded perlite sand as backfill to insulate sloping roofs. The advantages of perlite backfill are that it is a fire-resistant material, relatively inexpensive, and easy to use.

The publication was prepared by experts

Konev Alexander Anatolievich

Ismagilov Andrey Olegovich

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 a heat-insulating material for floors, floor ceilings and for insulating brick-lined walls. The insulation process is carried out by pouring perlite into the opening between the wall and facing bricks. The insulation process comes down to the fact that between the wall of the building and facing wall space is left for filling 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 the floors of a flat roof, floor or floor slab. 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.

Molded perlite insulation.

Recently, the prospects have increased using perlite insulation in its different forms. In addition to perlite sand, a large amount of molding perlite is produced in the form of perlite thermal insulation boards. To create molded perlite, binders such as cement, bitumen, gypsum or liquid glass are used. Perlite slabs have high strength, moisture resistance, sound and thermal insulation. Also, all products made from perlite are classified as non-flammable materials. The number of types of molded perlite already exceeds a dozen. For example, bitumen perlite is not only a thermal insulation material, but is also of high quality waterproofing material with a high vapor transmission coefficient.

Bituminous perlite

Used for insulation and insulation of combined, flat roofs and other waterproofing and 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.

To insulate the roof and the building as a whole, thermal insulation boards that are easy to install are widely used. To ensure that everyone, regardless of budget, can afford to insulate their home, manufacturers have provided a wide selection of products. But it’s easy to get lost in such diversity. While every builder is familiar with insulation made from mineral wool or expanded polystyrene, less popular products made from organic raw materials or based on the mineral perlite raise a lot of questions.

When choosing insulation, you need to consider several key qualities, which one or another type of material has. With such a huge variety, it is impossible to classify all types of thermal insulation according to one criterion. Just as it is impossible to create a universal algorithm for choosing the appropriate option.

Several types of slabs can be used to insulate a roof.

What general properties are important when choosing

The main properties that matter when choosing a suitable insulation:

thermal conductivity;
rigidity;
application temperature;
water and vapor permeability;
flammability;
environmental safety.

When assessing thermal conductivity, materials of different classes are distinguished. They start from the reference value of air thermal conductivity - 0.025 W/(m/0С). It is ideal if the thermal insulation board has the most approximate value. Average indicators for materials used in civil construction are 0.029-0.021 W/(m/0C).

Insulation materials are classified according to their hardness:

soft;
semi-rigid;
hard;
increased rigidity;
solid.

Insulation of walls and partitions can be carried out even at the stage of capital construction

The temperature range at which thermal insulation in the form of a slab retains its properties also changes. If you plan to use the material in extremely hot or cold conditions, be sure to make sure it is suitable for this purpose.

Water has a high thermal conductivity coefficient. If the insulation gets wet, all its thermal insulation properties are lost. It is important to understand how susceptible the material is to water in order to arrange proper waterproofing. The vapor permeability indicator is very important, because in residential premises there are constantly vapors that can cause condensation.

The weight of the insulation must be taken into account at the stage of calculating load-bearing structures. If you are insulating an already constructed building, try not to overload the frame. The flammability of the material is taken into account for the safety of the house and its inhabitants. If the flammability index is high, you need to pay more attention fire safety.

External insulation of a private house

What types of thermal insulation are there?

Thermal insulation boards are classified according to different characteristics. The main difficulty lies in choosing insulation based on the type of raw material. Raw materials used:

organic origin (wood, peat, polystyrene foam and others);
inorganic origin (mineral wool, basalt wool, perlite cement slabs);
mixed type (based on asbestos, with the addition of cement, and others).

Organic materials are environmentally friendly, do not emit harmful fumes during decomposition, but when heated, they actively interact with oxygen and burn. Inorganic raw materials will not be damaged by fire; mineral fibers can withstand very high temperatures. The worst thing that can happen to them is that they will begin to melt and sinter.

According to their intended purpose, thermal insulation in the form of slabs is divided into the following categories:

for insulating foundations;
walls;
ceilings;
floors;
roofs.

Based on these parameters, the choice becomes obvious. Many manufacturers produce lines of their materials indicating their purpose to make it easier for the buyer to navigate.

Types of thermal insulation by type of raw material

home distinguishing feature insulating boards - the raw materials from which they are made. This issue should be considered in more detail to understand which materials are suitable for insulating a house, and which are better not to use in your situation.

Often, calculations require several layers of insulation

Popular and easy to install mineral wool

Thermal insulation boards that are used everywhere in construction are mineral wool and expanded polystyrene. These materials have earned such popularity due to their high thermal insulation qualities, low price and ease of installation.

Mineral wool boards have their advantages over other insulation materials:

they don't burn;
allow steam to pass through well;
fibrous structure provides good sound insulation;
light mats;
the material is environmentally friendly.

But those who are faced with insulating houses with mineral wool in the form of slabs also note some inconveniences associated with this. Basalt wool requires very good waterproofing. The ingress of water threatens to cause failure of the entire layer. Mold may appear, moisture stains appear inside the room and affect the condition interior decoration.

Insulation attic floor mineral wool

Mineral wool often used to insulate attic floors, walls and attic roofs. The main thing is to take care of reliable waterproofing.

Lightweight and practical foam

Polystyrene foam or extruded polystyrene foam is not inferior to basalt wool as thermal insulation, but has a number of distinctive properties:

not afraid of moisture;
It has a light weight;
easy to install and suitable for all types of surfaces;
vapor permeable.

Branded polystyrene foam sheet with embossed surface

Expanded polystyrene is often used to insulate attics and roofs, but it is not recommended for use in internal insulation. This is due to the fact that when ignited, foam plastic boards emit a large amount of toxic gas, which is very dangerous for people. Expanded polystyrene burns well to provide people with an escape route in case of a possible fire; other types of insulation are used around openings - windows and doors.

Using wood raw materials as insulation

The thermal insulation properties of wood, or rather sawdust, have been used in construction for a long time. When resins and additives in the form of antiseptics, fire retardants and others are added to wood shavings, a thermal insulating material is obtained - chipboard.

Chipboard is used not only for the manufacture of cabinet furniture

If you use other fibrous plant materials together with wood shavings - reeds, straw, dry stalks of cereals - you get another material - wood fiber insulating board - DVIP.

To add moisture resistance to these materials, cement mortar is used. A mixture of wood chip components with a cement binder forms fiberboard or wood concrete (depending on the fraction of the chips). Used for external wall insulation. It is better not to use materials in basements and other damp rooms. They easily absorb moisture and are prone to mold.

For best warmth and sound insulation using three types of insulation at once

Balsa wood has incredible thermal insulation properties. In this case, you can remove the bark from the tree without damaging the plant itself. Light and elastic slabs are made from the bark of the cork tree. However, their price is so high that in practice this material is rarely used.

Cork insulation is practically not found on sale

The solution to the problem is perlite cement slabs

Among all this variety of slabs for insulating buildings, perlite cement slab stands apart. This insulation is made from raw materials that are fundamentally different from expanded polystyrene, basalt wool or natural wood. The basis of the material is expanded perlite.

Perlite insulation in the form of granules has been used for quite a long time, however, due to the high probability of subsidence and wetting, until recently builders preferred other thermal insulation materials. Perlite gained popularity when it began to be produced in the form of slabs based on a cement binder.

This material is obtained from a mixture of cement and perlite

The main advantage of thermal insulation based on perlite cement is its fire resistance. This is what explains the high cost. Other advantages of perlite cement boards:

low thermal conductivity – 0.07-0.12 W/(m/0С);
high strength;
vapor permeability prevents the appearance of condensation;
resists weathering well;
environmentally friendly;
durable;
provides sound insulation.

Despite their high strength during operation, perlite pitas are easily damaged during transportation - they crack from impact loads. Therefore, the material should be transported carefully. It is advisable to additionally secure it with transport straps.

Packaging will protect perlite cement products from damage

The area of application of heat-insulating perlite cement boards is industrial construction. Their properties are ideal for thermal insulation of objects with elevated temperature, equipment, boilers, furnaces, pipelines, since the plates can withstand heating up to 600 degrees.

Fireproof protection for a building

For the construction of civil buildings, this material is indispensable for insulating baths, saunas, boiler rooms, and also as a thermal insulation layer in a multilayer structure outer wall.

Manufacturers and features of the production of insulation boards

Production of thermal insulation boards from different materials the creature differs in technology. Each type of raw material requires different equipment and different techniques are used. The cost of the finished product directly depends on this. Each manufacturer has its own proprietary “recipe for making” insulating materials, but there are general technological nuances that are the same for all.

There is a very large selection in construction stores.

Production technology of slab insulation

Foam boards are made as follows: polystyrene foam is doused with hot steam in closed rectangular shapes. As a result of foaming of raw materials, high pressure Inside, the molds and granules form a rigid slab.

Thermal insulation from basalt wool is made from rocks under the influence of high temperatures - up to 1500 degrees. Basalt melts, turning into a hot fiery mass. After this, the raw material is subjected to centrifugal force in a centrifuge. As a result, the finest basalt fibers are formed. The resulting stone strands are mixed with a binder to form slabs.

Insulation based on wood chips is made from waste from the wood processing industry. The shavings or sawdust are sorted by size. The binder is resin and adhesive compositions. The raw materials are pressed into molds and then cut into slabs the right size.

Perlite – fireproof protection and insulation

To understand the process of producing perlite cement slabs, you first need to understand what it is – perlite. Perlite is a rock of volcanic origin. The mineral is crushed and subjected to sudden heating to extremely high temperatures.

Perlite slabs with different compositions

Perlite contains bound microparticles of water. As water vapor evaporates, it creates high internal pressure and the grains of perlite literally explode from the inside. The mineral processed in this way is called expanded perlite and consists of white granules similar to foam particles.

To obtain a rigid thermal insulation board from bulk material, perlite granules are combined with a binder - Portland cement mortar. The resulting mass is formed into rectangular slabs measuring 50x50 cm.

In addition to these components, other additives can be used in the manufacture of perlite cement boards - clay, limestone, slate, sand, gypsum, resins. Each of these additives affects the properties of insulation, such as weight, fragility, strength, hydrophobicity, as well as the final cost of the product.

Description of different manufacturers and comparison of their products

There are a lot of manufacturers of thermal insulation materials on the market, both foreign and domestic. Some specialize exclusively in one type of insulation, others produce wide range products.

The latter includes the Russian manufacturer TechnoNikol. With a huge range of mineral wool boards and expanded polystyrene boards, you don’t have to worry about insulation. The German company Knauf produces not only thermal insulation, but also other building materials. Knauf has representative offices and production lines all over the world, including in Russia. The KnaufInsulation line of insulation boards is produced on the basis of basalt wool.

Comparison of materials from different brands according to key characteristics

URSA is a European brand that produces expanded polystyrene boards in Russia. URSA has long established itself among professional builders thanks to high quality of its products. The Ukrainian brand SYMMER produces expanded polystyrene boards. The product line is quite wide. You can choose products of different thicknesses, with a flat or L-shaped edge. Their low price makes them competitive in the market.

Products made from perlite cement are extremely fragile and it is almost impossible to transport them over long distances. Therefore, there are mainly local manufacturers on the Russian market - Elan, TeploIzolit Ural, RosMasterStroy. The prices for thermal insulating perlite cement boards are approximately the same for everyone, as is the quality of the products themselves.

Features of installation of slab thermal insulation

Thermal insulation materials in the form of slabs are installed according to the same principle, regardless of the type and manufacturer. But there are some nuances for each of them that will need to be taken into account during construction work. The exception is perlite cement slabs. The process of their installation differs significantly from other types.

Installation of mineral wool and expanded polystyrene slabs

Like all other processes, laying thermal insulation boards begins with surface preparation. Walls, ceilings, floors - everything that will be insulated is freed and cleaned. It is important that all “wet” work: plastering, painting, priming are completed before insulation begins.
Next, a layer of insulation is laid. If we're talking about about the external insulation of the building, first it is laid vapor barrier material. If they are insulated from the inside, it is waterproofing.
The next layer is insulation. The foam is attached to vertical elements buildings using dowels. Mineral wool boards are used, as a rule, for horizontal surfaces. They are placed between structural elements.
Then another insulating layer is laid. At this stage, waterproofing is installed for external insulation, and vapor barrier for internal insulation.
Finishing touch– finishing. The outside of the insulated building is plastered and painted. Siding and any other types of exterior finishing can be used.

On horizontal surfaces, mats are laid directly on the frame

Installation diagram of mineral wool thermal insulation

Laying slabs based on perlite

Fireproof slabs made of expanded perlite are laid as follows:

Preparatory work consist of cleaning the base; if necessary, the surface is treated with sandpaper.
Then the surface is primed for less glue consumption and better adhesion.
Perlite cement are small in size and are laid manually in the same way as ceramic tile For bathroom. Tile adhesive is used.
Using a notched trowel, glue is applied in a layer of 0.5 cm to the surface where the thermal insulation will be. Do not apply glue to large plot immediately, after 20 minutes it will lose some of its properties.
The slab is laid on glue and leveled using a building level. Gaps that are left when laying tiles for beauty are not allowed. The elements are placed closely.
Perlite cement allows steam to pass through well, so the vapor barrier layer is omitted.
The heat-insulating layer is secured with fiberglass mesh.

Products can be of different thicknesses - from 30 to 70 mm

Notched trowel for better grip

When choosing a thermal insulation material, you must first of all focus on the conditions in which it will be used. You can insulate a residential building or part of it without much difficulty with your own hands, but the installation of such fragile and heavy slabs as perlite cement should be carried out by an experienced professional, since in the case of fireproof protection this process is very responsible.

Video: roof insulation with PIR boards

IN modern world There are more and more opportunities in the manufacturing sector. Technological capabilities made it possible to get acquainted with the latest material called perlite. This is a unique product that in a short time has taken a high place in the construction market.

The technology for producing perlite is quite complex. It is made from glass-like hard rock of volcanic origin. The raw material has the ability to increase significantly when heated to a certain extent. This swelling process during heat treatment, together with the addition of other materials, makes it possible to obtain heat and sound insulating raw materials with excellent characteristics.

Perlite

Scope of application

Due to the presence of high physical and technological properties, perlite insulation is widely used in various industries:

energy;
medical;
metallurgical;
food;
oil refining;
construction;
agricultural;

Distribution of this material the faction indicates the place of direct use of each subspecies.

Here are examples of the more common ones:

filter perlite has a size from 0 to 0.16 mm;
construction perlite varies from 0.16 to 1.25 mm;
agroperlite has a fraction of 1.25-5mm.

Main advantages

Perlite, like other materials, has its pros and cons. But despite the shortcomings, it is an integral part of any construction.

The following advantages of perlite as insulation can be highlighted:

Lightweight, which allows you to place it inside any frame structure without increasing its strength.
Resistance to fairly sudden temperature changes allows it to be used for external use in various weather conditions. Can withstand -220 to +900℃.
Environmental Safety, lack of toxicity in any operating conditions.
It is not an allergen for the animal world or people.
Resistant to most acid and alkaline compounds.
Not subject to corrosive processes.
Thanks to the density formed between the particles of the material during the laying of layers, it is achieved high level soundproofing the entire structure. Therefore, there is no need to use an additional layer of insulation of a different origin.
Absolutely not subject to deformation from exposure to high temperatures at household levels. Ideal for installing indoor floor heating systems.
Average price range in comparison with materials used for similar work.
It is highly efficient, rational and ergonomic in its use.

It would be appropriate to note the inappropriateness of using perlite in rooms with constant high humidity by more than 10% or in a consistently humid climate. It is not resistant to these influences.

When working with this material, you need to be aware that aluminosilicate dust is released during active handling. Very small particles can cause harm to the human body, getting on the mucous membrane. Therefore, in the process of mechanical sawing of blocks and mixing the solution, it is necessary to use precautions and protect open areas bodies.

Perlite insulation

Types of material

Only four types of this thermal insulation material are produced. All of them differ from each other not only in the installation method and technical characteristics.

Main types of perlite:

The backfill form or sand is lighter than other subtypes. Therefore, it is used for thermal insulation of partitions and at the same time to facilitate the finished structure of any building. Another essence of its use is to eliminate gap-like, interfloor layers, and fill other voids. It is used for adjusting floors, sometimes as plastering surfaces.
Plates. This type is most common in production, as it is the most popular of perlites. Great demand is due to the convenience of the form for rapid construction any size of structure or area. With high hygroscopicity, it is therefore more appropriate to use for interior work. If used outside buildings, it is imperative to add a layer of moisture-proof material. Manufactured using hydraulic pressing. Depending on the needs, various binding materials are used: polymers, liquid glass, lime, cement, bitumen and others combined with it.
A roofing variety, which is more often called bitumen perlite after the name of the binder used in production. This material makes it possible to easily install insulating structures of a wide variety of shapes due to its increased flexibility. Any roof or other non-standard structure will have a decent level of thermal conductivity. This makes it possible to use these roofing forms in construction at low negative thermometer readings. Being non-flammable, it will provide the structure with adequate fire protection.
Dry mixtures for construction purposes, made using fine perlite and a mixture of cement. To such a blank mass you only need to add required quantity water to obtain a ready-to-use mortar. It is effectively used for grouting various kinds of seams, cavities formed during masonry, cracks and similar voids. Using a dry mixture you can get a special plaster. It is applied in a layer to any surface, easily leveling it and paralleling it, increasing the thermal insulation coefficient for the entire structure.

For construction needs, the production of three main grades of perlite has been established:

M100;
M150.

The above numbers in the marking determine the density coefficient of the material. This indicator is extremely important for the type of future installation work, operating conditions of raw materials.

But any of these density characteristics allows perlite in the solution state to be so fluid as to be able to fill the smallest voids in the structure. This is one of the main advantages of this material over analogues that are applicable in similar construction processes.

Wall insulation with perlite

Perlite is suitable for insulating a house whose walls are made of blocks or bricks.

A solution in the form of plaster with perlite is used for facing the foundation belt type with a semi-basement or basement.

The process of insulating walls with backfill perlite is carried out with the following features:

Preparatory and primary work begins at the moment of erection of the walls of the building.
The sand fraction of perlite is more used for this type of work. Its application volume is calculated in the range from 60 to 100 kg per cubic meter. m.
The material is poured into the space between the walls at intervals after laying each part of the wall.
To avoid subsequent shrinkage of the insulating material, it is compacted using the tapping method.

Insulation of walls with bulk perlite

The technological characteristics of perlite plaster, after its application and drying, allow for the possibility of finishing works on top of it with a variety of materials. Which is undoubtedly very convenient and gives additional features in choice for the developer.

The unique insulating properties of perlite, wear resistance and ease of use allow it to perform its functions for a long time after installation.

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, fill-in insulation materials are also actively used. 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 initial volume increases more than ten times. 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 construction 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 is 0.043-0.053 W/(m*C), 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 its minimal thermal conductivity, but also due to its relatively low bulk density, 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, at first we poured it into masonry mortar, then in plaster, now we are insulating the ceilings and floor. 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 Member FORUMHOUSE

I pour perlite M 100 into the floor of the first floor, its use simplifies the “pie” of the floor, with only geotextiles underneath. 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 the attic floor, a vapor barrier is also used.

KitovAV Member of FORUMHOUSE

My pie from bottom to top is as follows: vapor barrier (foil foamed polyethylene), then an overlap of load-bearing beams and boards on bars, after 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.