Uses of Perlite in Construction Industry – Kenworks Ventures Company Limited

Expanded perlite’s high insulating qualities, light weight, and versatility make it an essential part of the construction industry for loose fill insulation and lightweight insulating concrete. It is the ideal construction aggregate filler for masonry fill insulation, roof decks, floor systems and other significant areas that need insulation.

Construction Aggregates

Perlite and Gypsum Products

Perlite plaster aggregate mixed with gypsum provides an ideal base coat for plaster for interior walls, membrane fireproofing to the underside of the floor and roof assemblies, and for structural steel members.

Perlite and Joint Compounds

Joint compounds produced with perlite are lightweight and easy to work with. Perlite also improves the bonding properties and provides greater uniformity.

Cavity and Block-fill Perlite

There are countless reasons why nearly 50% of manufactured expanded perlite is used as a construction filler. Some of the reasons include high insulating qualities, light weight and its adaptability. But what it really comes down to is economics and the monetary savings of using perlite. The return on investment when using expanded perlite for loose-fill cavity and construction block-fill can be reached rather quickly as reductions in energy consumption are quickly achieved. In addition, businesses are saving money every day because expanded perlite is light weight, pours easily and efficiently into place without a general investment in equipment and experience. Expanded perlite for loose-fill cavity and construction block-fill insulation can be poured straight into the cavity walls or a self-dumping hopper. This allows for easy guidance and smooth operation along the wall to direct the moving perlite into the cores of the cavity, mitigating any voids and air pockets.

For more information on R and U-Values for Concrete Block assembles with and without perlite Download our Perlite Loose-fill Masonry Insulation Guide.

Dicaperl’s perlite masonry fill insulation is surface treated to produce water repellency from both liquid and vapor phase. Dicaperl’s masonry fill insulation may be used to advantage in insulating masonry block, cavity, and veneer walls. For more information on the advantages of perlite masonry fill shown below, visit Dicaperl Insulation:

• Energy Saving Insulation
• Fills All Voids and Cavities
• Noncombustible
• Inorganic
• Easy installation
• Economical

Perlite Uses and Applications as a Construction Filler

Nearly 50% of expanded perlite worldwide is used by the construction industry, largely in part because of its versatility. Some construction applications include:

• Aggregate in lightweight insulating concrete
• Insulating and lightweight plaster
• Loose fill insulation material for concrete masonry blocks, cavity walls, in residential homes
• Fireproofing sprays
• Chimney fills
• Interstitial floors
• Acoustical sprays
• Green roof soils
• Fireproof insulating door cores
• Plaster Aggregate
• Textured paint
• Decorative stone
• Tape joint compound
• Cultured marble
• Ceiling tiles
• Under-slab insulation
• Cement stucco

Ceiling Tiles, Pipe Insulation, Roofing Board, & Fire-rated Door Cores

Expanded perlite makes a lightweight concrete for roof decks and an insulative base for in-ground vinyl pools Perlite is used as an extremely lightweight aggregate for insulating concrete in roof decking, floors, decorative stone products, bricks and tiles, tilt-up panels, pottery, cast sculpture, and more. By following specific procedures, typical ready-mix batching equipment and trucks can be used for perlite concrete.

The largest use of perlite ore in North America is its expansion and use in ceiling tile manufacturing.

Benefits of Expanded Perlite for Ceiling Tiles

Some Ceiling Tiles Contain up to 70% by Weight of Expanded Perlite because of its Numerous Benefits

• Lightweight
• Fire resistant
• Improved acoustical properties
• Reduced water absorption
• Energy savings

Wet-Felted Acoustical Ceiling Tile and Panels

Expanded perlite (40-50%) is also present in a unique wet-felted acoustical tile and ceiling panel composition. It has been presented that expanded perlite is favorable in the production of ceiling tiles and panels to reduce the tendency to retain water in a composition containing expanded perlite, mineral wool, and a secondary binder such as starch or clay. It has been found that an acoustical tile composition containing wet-felted, mineral fiber and lightweight expanded perlite help to promote an efficient installation, anti-sag performance and prevent mold and mildew.