• Thermal Insulation – INPRO perlite has been shown to be the superior concrete block insulation when compared to expanded polystyrene (EPS) inserts, expanded EPS beads and vermiculite.
• Containing countless tiny air cells that account for its excellent thermal insulation and light-weight, the efficiency and economy of loose fill perlite has been proven after many years use in the insulation of storage tanks for liquid gases such as oxygen, liquid natural gas and nitrogen at temperatures as low as –240°c.
• Inorganic - INPRO perlite is inorganic and therefore rot, vermin and termite resistant as well as being non-combustible with a fusion point of approximately 1260°c.
• Non-settling – INPRO perlite loose fill supports its own weight in the wall without settling as verified by actual field measurements. – (Perlite Institute, Inc. 1989).
• Flow ability – INPRO perlite consists of granules that are free flowing to seek out and completely fill the smallest crevices and mortar areas without bridging.
• Price Competitive – INPRO perlite loose fill is cost competitive with other masonry block insulation. When you consider a potential 50% heat loss reduction it may be the best investment one can make. (US Federal Specification HHI-574b – Thermal Insulation Perlite). .

• Perlite loose fill insulation is not combustible while expanded polystyrene is.
• Perlite loose fill insulation improves the fire rating of an 8’’ concrete block from 2 hours to 4 hours – a 100% improvement.
• May be easily installed without special training equipment or training.

Application

• When filling empty cores with loose-fill Perlite, the choice of block types used as well as cross-webbing the mortar during block-laying are critical to prevent the block fill from running into the empty cores.
• When the walls reach the bottom of the bond beam, block laying stops and the block fill is poured to this level.
• Any service opening gaps are well plugged and then the Perlite is funneled into the empty cores from the top of the wall.
• The top of the block fill should be roughened prior to laying and pouring the bond beam to complete the wall.
• Good design, detailing and workmanship are important.

Estimating perlite qualities

LINKS TO ARTICLES

• Thermal Performance
• Perlite: Description, Properties, Benefits
• Perlite Loose Fill Insulation
• Thermal Performance of Masonry Walls insulated with Perlite
• Underfloor Insulation