The technology of wall insulation with penofol and perlite from the inside. Types of thermal insulation boards - what to choose for warming the roof and the whole house What general properties are important when choosing

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

The production technology of perlite is rather complicated. It is made from glassy hard rock of volcanic origin. Raw material has the ability to increase many times with a certain heating. Such a 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 finds its wide application in various industries:

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

The distribution of this material into fractions indicates the place of direct use of each of the subspecies.

Here are examples of the more common ones:

• filter perlite has a size of 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 any other material, has its pros and cons. But despite the shortcomings, it is an integral part of any construction.

The following advantages of perlite as a heater can be distinguished:

1. Lightness that allows you to place it inside any frame structure without increasing its strength.
2. Resistance to fairly sharp temperature changes allows it to be used for outdoor use under various weather conditions. Can withstand -220 to +900℃.
3. Environmental safety, no toxicity in any operating conditions.
4. It is not an allergen for the animal world, people.
5. Resistant to most acidic and alkaline compounds.
6. Not subject to corrosive processes.
7. Due to the density formed between the particles of the material during the laying of the layers, a high level of sound insulation of the entire structure is achieved. Therefore, there is no need to use an additional layer of insulation of a different origin.
8. Absolutely not subject to deformation from exposure to high temperatures of the household level. Ideal for installation of underfloor heating systems in rooms.
9. Medium price range compared to materials used for similar work.
10. It has high efficiency, rational and ergonomic in its application.

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

When working with this material, one must be aware that aluminosilicate dust is released during active operations with it. Its very small particles can harm the human body, hitting the mucous membrane. Therefore, in the process of mechanical sawing of blocks, mixing the solution, precautions must be taken and exposed areas of the body should be protected.

Varieties of material

Only four types of this heat-insulating material are produced. All of them differ from each other not only in the way of laying and technical characteristics.

The main types of perlite:

1. The backfill form or sand has a greater lightness than other subspecies. Therefore, it is used for thermal insulation of partitions and at the same time to facilitate the finished structure of any structure. Another essence of its use is the elimination of slit-like, interfloor layers, filling other voids. It is used for fitting floors, sometimes as plastering surfaces.
2. Plates. This type is the most common in production, as it is the most demanded of the perlites. Great demand is due to the convenience of the form for the rapid construction of any size of structure or area. With high rates of hygroscopicity, therefore it is more expedient to use for interior work. If used outside buildings, it is imperative to add a layer of waterproof material. Manufactured by hydraulic pressing. Depending on the needs, various binding materials are used: polymers, liquid glass, lime, cement, bitumen and others combined with it.
3. Roofing variety, which is more often called bitumen perlite by the name of the binder used in production. This material makes it possible to easily mount insulating structures of various shapes due to its increased flexibility. Any roof or other custom design 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-combustible, it will provide the structure with adequate protection against fire.
4. Dry mixtures for construction purposes, made using fine fraction perlite and a mixture of cement. Only the right amount of water needs to be added to such a blank mass in order 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. With the help of a dry mixture, you can get a special plaster. It is applied in a layer on any surface, easily leveling it and in parallel, 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 figures in the marking determine the density coefficient of the material. This indicator is extremely important for the type of future installation work, the operating conditions of raw materials.

But any of these density characteristics allows perlite in solution 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 applicable for warming a house, the walls of which are made of blocks or bricks.

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

The process of wall insulation with bulk perlite is carried out with the following features:

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

Technological characteristics of perlite plaster, after its application and drying, allow for the possibility of finishing work on top of it with a variety of materials. Which, no doubt, is very convenient and gives additional options for the choice of the developer.

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

To insulate the roof and the building as a whole, heat-insulating boards that are easy to install are widely used. To insulate the house everyone could afford, regardless of the budget, manufacturers provided a wide selection of products. But in such a variety it is easy to get lost. If every builder is familiar with mineral wool or polystyrene foam insulation, then less popular products made from organic raw materials or based on the mineral perlite raise a lot of questions.

When choosing a heater, you need to take into account several key qualities that this or that type of material possesses at once. With such a huge variety, it is impossible to classify all types of thermal insulation according to one criterion. As well as it is impossible to make a universal algorithm for choosing the appropriate option.

To insulate the roof, you can use several types of plates at once

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;
• combustibility;
• environmental safety.

Assessing the thermal conductivity, materials of different classes are distinguished. They are repelled from the reference value of the thermal conductivity of air - 0.025W / (m / 0С). Ideally, if the heat-insulating plate has the closest possible value. Average indicators for materials used in civil engineering are 0.029-0.021 W / (m / 0С).

Insulators are distinguished by rigidity:

• 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 plate retains its properties also changes. If you plan to use the material in extreme high or low temperature conditions, be sure to check that it is suitable for this.

Water has a high thermal conductivity. If the insulation gets wet, all its heat-insulating 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 evaporation is constantly present in residential premises, which can cause condensation.

The weight of the insulation must be taken into account even at the stage of calculating the load-bearing structures. If you are insulating an already built 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, more attention should be paid to fire safety.

External insulation of a private house

What types of thermal insulation exist

Heat-insulating plates are classified according to different characteristics. The main difficulty lies in the choice of insulation according to 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, etc.).

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 affected by fire, mineral fibers can withstand very high temperatures. The worst thing that can happen to them is that they will start to melt and sinter.

By appointment, thermal insulation in the form of plates is divided into the following categories:

• for insulation of foundations;
• walls;
• ceilings;
• floors;
• roofs.

With these parameters, the choice becomes obvious. Many manufacturers produce lines of their materials with an indication of the purpose, so that it is easier for the buyer to navigate.

Types of thermal insulation by type of raw material

The main distinguishing feature of insulation boards is the raw material from which they are made. This issue should be considered in more detail in order to understand which materials are suitable for home insulation and which are better not to use in your situation.

Often, according to the calculation, several layers of insulation are required.

Popular and easy to install mineral wool

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

Mineral wool boards have their advantages over other heaters:

• they do not burn;
• pass steam well;
• fibrous structure provides good sound insulation;
• mats are light;
• the material is environmentally friendly.

But those who are faced with the insulation of 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 the failure of the entire layer. Mold may appear, stains from moisture protrude inside the room and affect the state of the interior finish.

Attic floor insulation with mineral wool

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

Lightweight and practical foam

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

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

Signature Embossed Styrofoam Sheet

Expanded polystyrene is often insulated with attics and roofs, but it is not recommended for use in internal insulation. This is due to the fact that when ignited, foam 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.

The use of 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 an antiseptic, flame retardant and others are added to wood shavings, a heat-insulating material is obtained - chipboard.

Chipboard is used not only for the manufacture of cabinet furniture

If, together with wood shavings, other fibrous plant materials are used - reeds, straw, dry cereal stalks - another material is obtained - wood-fiber insulating board - DVIP.

To add moisture resistance to these materials, cement mortar is used. A mixture of the wood chip component with a cement binder forms a fibrolite 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 absorb moisture easily and are prone to mold.

For better heat and sound insulation, three types of insulation are used at once

Cork wood has incredible thermal insulation properties. At the same time, you can remove the bark from the tree without harming the plant itself. From the bark of the cork tree, light and elastic plates are made. 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 - perlite-cement slabs

Apart from all this variety of slabs for building insulation, there is a perlite-cement slab. This insulation is made from raw materials that are fundamentally different from polystyrene foam, basalt wool or natural wood. The basis of the material is expanded perlite.

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

From a mixture of cement and perlite, such a material is obtained

The main advantage of thermal insulation based on perlite cement is its fire resistance. This is the reason for such a 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 condensate;
• good weather resistance;
• environmentally friendly;
• durable;
• provides sound insulation.

Despite the high strength during operation, perlite pits 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 scope of heat-insulating perlite-cement slabs is industrial construction. Their properties are ideal for thermal insulation of objects with elevated temperatures, equipment, boilers, furnaces, pipelines, since the plates can withstand heating up to 600 degrees.

Fire protection for building

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

Manufacturers and features of the production of insulation boards

The production of thermal insulation boards from different materials is different in terms of technology. Each type of raw material requires different equipment, different methods are used. This directly affects the cost of the finished product. Each manufacturer has its own proprietary "manufacturing recipe" for insulating materials, but there are general technological nuances that are the same for everyone.

There is a wide choice in building stores.

Production technology of plate heaters

Styrofoam plates are made as follows: expanded polystyrene is doused with hot steam in closed rectangular shapes. As a result of the foaming of the raw material, a high pressure is formed inside the mold and the granules form a rigid plate.

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

Wood chip insulation is made from waste products from the woodworking industry. Chips or sawdust are sorted by size. The binder is resin and adhesive compositions. The raw material is pressed into molds and then cut into slabs of the desired size.

Perlite - fireproof protection and insulation

To understand the production process of 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 sharp heating to extremely high temperatures.

Perlite slabs with different composition

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

In order to obtain a rigid heat-insulating plate from bulk material, perlite granules are combined with a binder - Portland cement mortar. The resulting mass is molded into rectangular plates measuring 50 × 50 cm.

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

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 a wide range of products.

The latter include the Russian manufacturer TechnoNikol. With a huge range of mineral wool boards and expanded polystyrene boards, you can not worry about insulation. The German company Knauf produces not only thermal insulation, but also other building materials. Knauf has representative offices and production lines around the world, including in Russia. The line of KnaufInsulation insulation boards is made on the basis of basalt wool.

Comparison of materials of different brands by key characteristics

URSA is a European brand that produces expanded polystyrene boards in Russia as well. URSA has long established itself among professional builders due to the 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. The low price makes them competitive in the market.

Perlite cement products are extremely fragile, 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 heat-insulating perlite-cement boards are approximately the same for everyone, as well as the quality of the products themselves.

Features of the installation of slab thermal insulation

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

Installation of mineral wool and polystyrene boards

1. Like all other processes, laying thermal insulation boards begins with surface preparation. Walls, ceilings, floors - everything that will be insulated is released and cleaned. It is important that all "wet" work: plastering, painting, priming - be completed before the start of insulation.
2. Next, a layer of insulation is laid. If we are talking about the external insulation of the building, the vapor barrier material is first laid. If they insulate from the inside - waterproofing.
3. The next layer is insulation. Styrofoam is attached to the vertical elements of the building with dowels. Mineral wool boards are used, as a rule, for horizontal surfaces. They fit between structural elements.
4. Then another insulating layer is laid. At this stage, with external insulation, waterproofing is laid, with internal - vapor barrier.
5. The final touch is the finish. Outside, the insulated building is plastered and painted. Can be used for siding and any other types of exterior finishes.

On horizontal surfaces, mats are laid directly on the frame

Scheme of installation of mineral wool insulation

Laying of perlite-based slabs

Expanded perlite refractory boards are laid as follows:

1. Preparatory work consists in cleaning the base, if necessary, the surface is treated with sandpaper.
2. Then the surface is primed for less adhesive consumption and better adhesion.
3. Perlite cement tiles are small in size and are laid by hand in the same way as ceramic bathroom tiles. Used tile adhesive.
4. With a notched trowel, the adhesive is applied in a layer of 0.5 cm to the surface where the thermal insulation will be. Do not apply glue to a large area immediately, after 20 minutes it will lose some of its properties.
5. The slab is laid on glue and leveled with a building level. The gaps that are left when laying tiles for beauty are not allowed. Elements are stacked closely.
6. Perlite cement passes steam well, so the vapor barrier layer is missed.
7. Fasten the heat-insulating layer with fiberglass.

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

Notched trowel for better grip

Choosing a heat-insulating material, you must first focus on the conditions in which it will be operated. It is possible to insulate a residential building or part of it without much difficulty with your own hands, but an experienced professional should deal with the installation of such fragile and heavy slabs as perlite-cement, since in the case of refractory protection, this process is very responsible.

Video: roof insulation with PIR plates

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

Due to the unique physical and technical properties, including the possibility of using perlite at temperature fluctuations from -200 to +900 ° C, the material has found wide application in various fields.

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

It is used as a thermal insulation material for the production of backfill insulation, floor bases, for insulating roofs, 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.

Features and Benefits

The material begins to melt only at a temperature of 1260 0C. The indicators of flame propagation and the presence of combustible elements in the composition are equal to zero. If you fill the voids formed during the installation of blocks of concrete 20 cm thick with perlite, then the fire resistance of the object increases from two to four hours.

If the material is processed with a water repellent, then the water absorption of perlite will decrease by several times. 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 backfill insulation made of perlite fills all the voids and mortar joints, the transmission of sound waves through the walls becomes less. A wall block of 20 cm, filled with such insulation, even exceeds existing standards in terms of sound insulation.

Perlite is economical. It has excellent heat and fire resistant qualities at an affordable cost. To fill existing voids in the masonry with it, special skills or equipment are not needed.

In addition, such insulation will not lose its heat-shielding properties even after years and will not “settle” in 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 expanded polystyrene inserts.

Perlite is also 12% more efficient than Styrofoam pellets, which are too light, difficult to backfill and can form unfilled voids. The "fluidity" of perlite insulation completely excludes such a development of events.

When choosing 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

Isolation should be arranged as follows:

• The insulation is poured directly from the package (bag) into the wall from above at a convenient interval (but not more than 6 m).
• Before installing the window sills, it is necessary to fill in the cavities under the doorway and windows (if necessary, tamp).
• Holes in the wall through which insulation may leak must be sealed before work begins.
• For the installation of drainage systems, copper, fiberglass or galvanized steel can be used.
• During operation, the heater must be dry.
• Insulation must be used in the voids of the wall masonry (exterior and interior), as well as between the exterior masonry and the interior finish.

The raw material for the production of perlite is volcanic rock, which, when heated, is able to increase in volume (swell). As a result of heat treatment of perlite aluminosilicate water-containing rocks of volcanic origin, a non-toxic, non-combustible, light and highly effective insulation is obtained - 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 a heater is able to withstand temperatures ranging from -200°C to +900°C. The material has a high moisture absorption capacity - 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 it to be used in the insulation of 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 a favorable microclimate in the house. In addition, this material is quite simple and easy to work with.

The low bulk density of the material (100 kg/m 3) explains the high acoustic properties of the insulation produced from it. Plaster mixtures with expanded perlite sand also play the role of a heater.

A plaster layer 3 cm thick in terms of its thermal insulation characteristics is equivalent to a 15 cm brickwork. High heat and sound insulation qualities of the insulation are well manifested in the installation of "floating" plank and concrete floors, asphalt floors, for leveling and improving the sound insulation characteristics of floors between floors, between walls and floors, in the insulation of the piping system.

The neutral pH of perlite prevents corrosion of piping and electrical wiring located in the floor area. Perlite is especially popular as a heater in the implementation of "warm" floor systems, since it is not prone to expansion when heated, does not shrink, and is absolutely non-combustible. In addition, it does not die and is not of interest to insects and rodents. To improve the sound and heat insulation properties of the concrete solution, perlite is also added to it. Such a wide area of ​​​​use of this material perfectly confirms its high physical and technical properties.

Options for using expanded perlite as a heater

• Perlite sand (backfill insulation)
• Roof insulation

Backfill perlite insulation

One of the effective solutions to lighten the structure of the house, along with increasing its heat-conducting characteristics, is the use of backfill insulation based on perlite sand. This step reduces heat loss by almost 50%. The backfill can be used in the layers between the outer and inner wall cladding, interior finishing and wall cladding, in all voids in the wall masonry.

The largest amount of perlite in world practice is used in the manufacture of molded heat-insulating products (more than 60%). Bitumen, cement, gypsum, liquid glass, clay, lime, polymers act as a binder. Given the high hygroscopicity of perlite, it is better to use materials based on it for internal insulation, however, there are methods that allow the use of heat-insulating materials based on foamed perlite in external insulation.

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

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

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

Roof insulation

In the thermal insulation of roofs and ceilings, bitumen-perlite is especially popular. With his participation, high-strength insulating layers of the required shape are created. In addition, the material can be combined with bituminous 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 a heater, you choose a safe, economical, durable, non-combustible material with high physical and technical characteristics.

In many countries of 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 has high wind and fire resistance, and in tandem with perlite-magnesium thermal insulation boards, it acquires high thermal resistance.

Perlite insulation is made from a volcanic rock of the same name (perlite). In appearance, the material resembles sand or gravel, it all depends on the size of the fractions: the larger they are, the greater the resemblance to gravel, and vice versa.

As a result of a volcanic eruption, lava comes into contact with the soil surface. Glass inclusions are immediately formed at the edge of this flow. Further, under the influence of groundwater, the process of hydration occurs, which leads to the formation of perlite. If you need to find out what it is, you need to consider the technology for the production of insulation.

In its original form, the material is unremarkable. To give the desired properties, it is subjected to processing. It is necessary to achieve swelling of perlite. To do this, the rock is heated to 1100°C. As a result, the pores of the material explode. This process is called swelling. It leads to the disintegration of the rock into many fractions. Specifications:

• a high degree of porosity (70-90%), which is due to the sharp heating of the rock and the transition of the liquid contained in its composition into a gaseous state;
• rounded shape of fractions with brilliance, which gives a resemblance to pearls;
• bulk density varies depending on the size of individual particles: 45-200 kg / m³ (for sand), reaches 500 kg / m³ (if perlite-crushed stone insulation is considered);
• the size of the fractions varies from 1 to 10 mm;
• not exposed to fire, resistant to high temperatures (up to 900 ° C);
• relatively low thermal conductivity: from 0.043 to 0.053 W / (m * K);
• perlite is a hygroscopic material, which is due to the large-pore structure, however, after contact with liquids, the fractions do not lose their properties;
• light weight;
• provides sound insulation;
• long period of service;
• the quality of the material is not affected by aggressive compounds;
• the insulation does not contain harmful impurities;
• does not rot;
• perlite is resistant to mold;
• the material is unattractive to insects, rodents.

Building mixtures are often prepared based on bulk type perlite, slabs, wall products, and blocks are used. A wide range of applications due to the many useful properties of this material. In its composition are found:

• silica;
• oxides of potassium, aluminum, magnesium, iron, sodium, calcium;
• water (1%).

There are several types of this material, the difference between the options lies in the dimensions of the fractions.

The building material is a group of lightweight concrete. It is used as an additive, because it has good sound and heat insulation characteristics. As a result of its use in construction, several problems are solved at once: strength is ensured, the intensity of heat loss and noise is reduced. For the manufacture of concrete mortar, perlite should be used, the size of the fractions of which varies from 0.16 to 2.5 mm.

Composition of perlite concrete: water, Portland cement, sand, expanded perlite. The volume of components may vary. It all depends on the degree of density of the material to be obtained. Perlite concrete properties:

• resistance to fire;
• breathability;
• there are no harmful compounds in the composition;
• light weight, which allows you to build structures on your own.

This material is often opposed to expanded clay concrete, aerated concrete, polystyrene concrete. In order not to waste time making the mixture, you can purchase ready-made blocks. Perlite concrete products are more often used in the construction of low-rise buildings. The lower limit of the density limit is 600 kg/m³.

Material with worse characteristics is not used in the construction of load-bearing structures.

The block made of perlite concrete has large dimensions. For comparison, it can replace 3-4 bricks. Due to the low weight of the product, it is easy to install. This process is accelerated, because instead of several bricks, it is necessary to use 1 block of perlite concrete. The standard dimensions of such products (length, height) are 390x190 mm. The width varies between 70-190 mm.

Heat-insulating perlite plasters

The use of material based on expanded perlite fractions helps to reduce thermal conductivity by up to 50%. Additionally, the weight of the structure is also reduced. Besides, perlite sand plaster makes the surface more attractive. Due to the presence of perlite in the composition of the mixture, properties such as fire resistance and sound absorption are improved.

In terms of the quality of thermal insulation, a material with a thickness of 3 cm can replace 15 cm of brickwork.

Perlite-based plaster is versatile, because. Can be applied to surfaces of various materials- brick, concrete, metal, wood and slag concrete. The advantage is the ability to paint the plaster layer without pre-treatment of the surface. The same goes for wallpapering. Due to the roughness, finishing materials fit well on the plaster.

In addition to perlite, the composition of the mixture includes cement, water, and air-entraining additives. The ratio of components varies significantly, but expanded sand is always taken in the same amount. Possible options for the ratio of cement and perlite: 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:8.

The less expanded sand in the composition of the mixture, the worse its thermal insulation properties. However, at the same time, the highest density indicator is noted.

The lifespan of perlite sand, and is it harmful to health

Given the origin of the material and the process of its processing, it can be argued that it is completely environmentally friendly. Harmful substances are not part of perlite. And even during production, it remains clean. Means, the material can be used for any purpose without risk to human health. The only exceptions are cases when perlite is combined with other materials. Then the quality of the mixture should be assessed.

A significant share in the structure of perlite is glass. Thanks to the swelling technology, the properties of the material are improved. They also note a long period of operation. It is believed that perlite can serve for an unlimited period without loss of properties.

Perlite insulation technology

If backfill thermal insulation is used, then the space between the outer and inner walls, the finishing material and the draft surface in the room is filled with perlite of various fractions. The design includes a drainage system. In the case when it is planned to fill perlite between the walls, waterproofing is provided, since the material absorbs moisture. Fractions fill free space as walls are erected.

If expanded perlite is planned to be used for the purpose of thermal insulation of a roof or ceiling, first lay chipboards or their equivalent from drywall with diffusion-penetrating properties. Perlite is poured on top, the layer should be 1 cm. Then the insulation is covered with kraft paper, fiberglass or corrugated cardboard.

To remove moisture from the thermal insulation layer, drainage tubes are provided in the design. The thickness of the insulation is determined taking into account the needs of the owner of the facility and the climatic conditions of the area. In most cases, a layer within 10-15 cm is sufficient.

Comparison of perlite and vermiculite

First of all, note the similarity in the origin of materials. So, perlite and vermiculite with the desired properties are obtained artificially (blowing technology). Comparisons are made for the size of the fractions. If you need to choose a material with the smallest particles, it is recommended to pay attention to perlite. Vermiculite is darker, it provokes soil oxidation. This material is somewhat less hygroscopic than perlite. Expanded sand releases liquid more easily, which means it dries faster. When insulating with perlite, the effect is better, because the thermal conductivity of vermiculite is higher.