While the type of materials dictate how well an item is made, they play a crucial role in certain industries. When it comes to construction and insulation, the medium used is key to a quality product. Green building initiatives encourage the use of more energy-efficient, eco-friendly substances. Insulation is only effective if the matter can maintain the desired temperature. Therefore, building and insulated materials are held at a higher standard. This is why high-quality perlite is the chosen mineral for many construction and insulation products.

Why Perlite is the Preferred Choice

As a natural-occurring, granular substance made from volcanic glass, perlite is a popular component of many construction and insulation products. Why?

• Produced without harmful chemicals
• Doesn’t give off gas or other volatile compounds
• Inert and pH balanced
• Porous surface is an excellent insulator
• Low thermal conductivity
• Retains strength at high temperatures
• Lightweight structure mitigates denser materials like concrete
• Can be locally sourced
• Durable with long-lasting benefits
• Moisture and fire-resistant
• Non-combustible
• Sustainable with a low environmental impact

Since perlite is so versatile with a wide range of benefits, it’s become the go-to material for some of the most essential industries.

Perlite as an Insulator

Perlite is an excellent insulator that can be used as a filler in walls and below floors and as a lightweight alternative to sand in concrete roofing. This helps keep buildings warm in winter and cool in summer, increasing energy efficiency.

Perlite is also used to make custom molded insulating products—such as ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, roofing boards, and fire-rated door cores—that are easy to install and resistant to fire, moisture, and chemicals. Perlite pipes and blocks are made from expanded perlite, which is formed when raw perlite is heated and expands.

In addition to maintaining strength under high heat and low thermal conductivity, perlite insulated products also resist corrosion which makes them valuable in valves and fittings, tanks and vessels, and vents and ducts.

Perlite in Construction

Construction isn’t only about building on top of a sturdy foundation. Green building initiatives focus on energy use, water flow, and indoor air quality. The type of materials used in construction affects these factors and determines how sustainable the structure will be now and into the future.

We already know how well perlite insulates. But perlite’s lightweight, all-natural makeup also makes it a more sustainable material, whether used in the roof or the walls. Here are some of the benefits of mixing perlite with concrete:

• Reduces the weight of heavy concrete materials, making them easier to work with.
• Durable material decreases the amount of strength needed to support a building.
• High fire rating protects roof and structure from damage
• Creates a smooth, strong roof base surface that easily drains and supports waterproofing solutions.
• Ideal for restoration projects since it doesn’t add significant weight to older structures.

Perlite concrete is a durable, sustainable solution that often outperforms the alternatives. Thermal insulating properties last throughout the life of the building because of the high quality materials used. While synthetic insulators are more likely to degrade over time.

Perlite Products from Dicalite Management Group

When you’re looking for the right materials for vital construction and insulation applications, experience the benefits that perlite provides. Dicalite Management Group produces and sells perlite—among other natural minerals—for use in building, insulation, and fire-resistant products. We source our minerals from one of five mining complexes and process them across 12 facilities in North America and Belgium, so customers are often a short distance from where these versatile minerals are created, treated, and enhanced.

Contact us to learn more about how we can provide as much perlite as you need for your next green construction and fire-proof insulation project.