Perlite and vermiculite are not only used for industrial applications; they serve multiple purposes in construction as well – such as thermal and acoustic insulation (floors and walls). In addition, these mineral insulants have all the noise-cancelling properties needed to reduce impact sound from upstairs and downstairs floors.
Perlite And Vermiculite
Many mineral insulation materials are made from perlite and vermiculite. The latter is a hydrated magnesium-iron-aluminium silicate mineral, while the former is a kind of volcanic glass. Both minerals expand when heated, becoming porous and acquiring the low-density cellular structure that is responsible for their insulating properties. Perlite and vermiculite are mined from nature and processed in our own production plant in Andenne, Belgium. The resulting mineral insulants are non-combustible, eco-friendly, solvent-free and, thanks to their light weight, suitable for a wide range of applications.
Mineral Insulation: Usages
You can use our products in pure form, or you can add water, cement, sand or hot bitumen to further enhance their thermal and mechanical performance. Mixed with cement, water or sand, EFIPERL is the perfect base for lightweight concrete floors. Please note, however, that if you add water or cement to the vermiculite and perlite grains, you cannot lay tiles directly on top. Yet when combined with sand, the insulation layer can be tiled immediately.
Insulating A Suspended Timber Floor
Pure perlite grains (P40) and VERMEX M can be spread between timber floor joists as bulk thermal insulation. Fixate the grains by attaching wooden or plaster boards to the joists, with another layer of acoustic insulation between the frame and the boards for optimal soundproofing.
Mineral Floor Insulation
VERMASPHA, in turn, can be used as thermo-acoustic insulation in a concrete floor mix. Because this is a dry solution, there is no need to wait for the concrete to cure: you can walk on the floor immediately after it has been poured. In addition, these perlite grains will level any unevenness in the floor.
Mineral Insulation For Flat Roofs
Our perlite and vermiculite-based products are not only suitable for floor applications, though. VERMASPHA and VERMEX M can also be utilised to cover or level flat roofs. Mixed with warm bitumen, VERMEX M makes it possible to level large roof areas. VERMASPHA requires no on-site mixing: the vermiculate grains are already coated with bitumen and ready to use.
Insulation Values of vermiculite and Perlite
Vermiculite and perlite have a lambda value of about 0,068. As insulants, they are suitable for internal but not for external wall insulation. Due to their moisture-absorbing properties, the grains can only be utilised in dry and watertight spaces. Good to know: mice and other rodents dislike the taste of mineral insulation products. Moreover, the grains can be reused by the agricultural industry as soil supplements. Perlite and vermiculite keep soil ventilated and improve its drainage capabilities.
Looking For Mineral Insulation Or Other Products?
SOPREMA has an extensive offer of synthetic, natural and acoustic insulation materials. Our experts can advise you on the best choice for your project, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with them.