Vermiculite insulation

Traditional and familiar heaters are produced in the form of plates or mats. It is very simple to transport these materials, their installation takes a minimum of time. However, there is also vermiculite - a bulk type insulation. The main thing that distinguishes it, for example, from mineral wool or polystyrene is its structure. It is possible that for a number of construction works it is precisely this texture of the heat insulator that is optimal. So that you can understand for yourself whether this material is suitable in your case, we will consider all its features in this article.

to contents ↑

Specificity, advantages

Vermiculite is a bulk insulation made of a porous material of low density. The essence of the technology is high-temperature firing of foamed raw materials. Simplicity of manufacture contributes to the reduction in cost of insulation, and structural features make it possible to reduce labor costs.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• The material loses its thermal insulation characteristics when wet.
• Strong shrinkage - from the initial volume of 10-15%.

The material is mainly used for horizontal surfaces. The backfill process is not difficult, but involves careful preparation. For example, when warming floors in houses without basements, they compact the soil and cover it with a layer of screed. Next is a layer of waterproofing and only then pour insulation. In the same way, roof insulation is performed (only screed is not needed). When warming the roof, a vapor barrier layer is laid over vermiculite.

Important! To clarify for yourself all the properties and differences of different materials, read also about other types of insulation:

• Polyfoam as a heater - properties, characteristics.
• Mineral wool - specifications.
• Liquid insulation.

to contents ↑

Fill insulation - the main types

The use of backfill insulation has been around for hundreds of years. The first (and quite effective) type of filling insulation is wood sawdust. As for the thermal conductivity, there are no questions for them, but over time they give significant shrinkage and lose properties when wet. Modern bulk heaters are much more perfect in their qualities.

Expanded clay

The basis of this insulation material is clay. It is used as an independent insulation material or in combination with concrete (in this case, we are talking about expanded clay concrete). Expanded clay is obtained by calcining shale.

The area of ​​use of the material can be determined by studying its labeling. For example:

• Expanded clay sand is used as an integral part of concrete cladding or as a heat insulator for the floor.
• For pitched and flat roof types, granules with a diameter of 5-10 mm are used. Insulation of floors and foundations is made with a material with a diameter of granules from 15 mm

Important! Expanded clay shrinks over time, so when laying, you need to carefully ram it. This makes material shrinkage to a minimum. The insulation has a limited scope in temperature. This bulk insulation for walls is recommended for regions with winter temperatures of at least 20 degrees.

Perlite

The raw material for the production of perlite is silicate volcanic rock. The production technology is no different from expanded clay. From heating to 1200 degrees, moisture evaporates from minerals, air penetrates into the pores.

Important! Perlite has a dirty white or gray tint. The diameter of the granules varies between 1 and 10 mm. The density range is 75-150 kg / m3.This material is also known as “glass insulation”.

As in the case of expanded clay, the scope of this material is quite extensive. Granules with a minimum diameter of 1-2 mm, or perlite sand, are used in such areas:

• As a heater of residential buildings.
• Making plaster with a warming effect.
• Release of acoustic materials.
• Fireproof concrete production.

Important! Due to the air filling the pores, perlite weighs less than expanded clay, therefore it is better suited as a wall heat insulator. In addition to thermal insulation properties, the material has a pronounced soundproofing effect.

Vermiculite

The basis of this heat insulator is hydrated mica, the volume of which under the influence of heat treatment increases by 15-20 times. This material is ideal for walls and floors, it is also used for chimneys, thanks to its ideal fire resistance.

Important! A 5-centimeter layer of material helps to preserve about 70% of the heat in the room. This is enough for high-quality thermal insulation of the roof. When insulating walls and floors, the optimal thermal insulation layer is 10 cm.

The advantages of using this bulk heat insulator include:

• A small (0.04-0.06) thermal conductivity index, close in value to mineral wool and polystyrene.
• Lack of seams and voids (this drawback is peculiar to rolled materials).
• Significant (1400 degrees) melting point.
• The absence of harmful and toxic substances in the composition. Vermiculite for wall insulation is completely safe.
• Unattractive to rodents, insects, and pathogens.
• Pronounced soundproofing effect.
• Low labor intensity of insulation work.
• Light weight.

Important! Vermiculite is inferior in density to perlite and expanded clay. The highest density is 100 kg / m3.

Ecowool

This is a relatively new material from recycled paper, impregnated with substances that prevent decay and fire. It is used as thermal insulation for roofs of complex configuration, insulation of attics or walls.

Important! Due to the small mass, this heat insulator is used for almost all sections of houses - horizontal partitions, floors, attics, walls, attics.

to contents ↑

Stock footage

Bulk insulation for walls and other components of buildings has gained well-deserved popularity. The secret to the success of heat-insulating granules is the optimal ratio of quality and cost, low weight and ease of use.