Description
Perlite loose fill masonry insulation is an inert volcanic rock expanded by a special heat process and treated with a water repellant material. The resulting granular product is lightweight with countless tiny, sealed air cells, which account for its excellent thermal performance and fire resistance.
Perlite insulation has been proven over a period of many years in the insulation of storage tanks for liquid gases at temperatures as low as -400ºF (-240ºC).
Properties and Benefits
Insulating
- Reductions in heat transmission of masonry walls of 50% or more may be obtained with perlite loose fill insulation. Thermal performance tests using ASTM C236, Test Method for Steady State Thermal Performance of Building Assemblies by Means of a Guarded Hot Box have shown perlite to be a superior concrete block insulation when compared to vermiculite, EPS inserts, EPS beads, and foamed-in-place insulations.Recent testing of an 8 inch medium weight concrete block wall filled with perlite loose fill insulation using dynamic temperature conditions simulated by a National Bureau of Standards 24 hour (diurnal) test cycle indicates that the measured total energy (total heat flow through a wall for a 24 hour period) was only 72 percent of the total energy predicted by steady-state analysis.
Non-Combustible
- The fusion point of perlite is 2,300ºF (1,260ºC)ASTM E84
- Flame Spread 0, Fuel Contribution 0, Smoke Density 0.Fed. Spec. HH-1-515D
- Critical Radiant Flux greater than 1.07 Watts/cm2. Smoldering Combustion, Flaming Combustion - None, Weight Loss - Nil.4 Hour Fire Ratings
- Underwriters' Laboratories Design No. U905 shows that a 2 hour rated 8, 10, or 12 inch (20, 25, or 30 cm) concrete block wall is improved to four hours when cores are filled with water repellent treated perlite . U.L. Designs U901, U904, and U907 also achieve 4 hour fire ratings.Permanent
- Perlite is an inorganic, naturally occurring mineral and it is as permanent as the walls which contain it. It supports its own weight and will not settle or bridge.Water Repellent
- The non-flammable water repellent treatment significantly improves low water retention of perlite. Laboratory tests on water transmission by the Structural Clay Products Research Foundation show that a cavity wall filled with treated perlite resists transmission of water to the interior wythe. Performance of overall wall was rated "excellent" in accordance with procedures established by the National Bureau of Standards in BMS 82. However, it should be noted that treated perlite insulation will not waterproof a poorly constructed masonry wall. Good construction practice should also incorporate the use of weep holes covered with copper, galvanized steel, or fiberglass screening.Sound Reduction
- Perlite loose fill insulation has the ability to fill all voids, mortar lines, and ear holes thus enabling it to reduce airborne sound transmission through walls. Lightweight 8 in. (20 cm) masonry block filled with perlite achieves an STC of 51 which exceeds HUD sound transmission standards.Economical
- Perlite loose fill masonry insulation offers excellent thermal and fire resistant properties at an economical cost. It is lightweight and pours easily and quickly without requiring special equipment or skills.