RedcoLite Perlite Concrete Exposed

Perlite is often used as a lightweight aggregate in concrete. In the picture at right, a perlite concrete is shown in an unusual roof deck design. In a house designed by architect Gar, a noted student of the late Frank Lloyd Wright, the perlite concrete is left exposed to weathering with the waterproofing layer underneath the concrete. This unique structure is located in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles, CA. The roof deck was recently replaced, using the original design specs. The house was built in the 1950's, using Redco perlite, and, some 40+ years later, Redco perlite was used again.

Another use of Perlite concrete is shown at left, in the garden sculpture "Gaia" by Earthborn Designs. The advantages of a perlite aggregate in either concrete or plaster mixes is its inherent lightweight, and the resulting lightweight of the finished product. Perlite is used in such diverse applications as fireplace gas logs, fireplace mantles, garden statuary, and decorative columns. Perlite is even often used as an aggregate in the ACSE/MBT annual concrete canoe competition where engineering students compete to make concrete canoes.