The natural mineral vermiculite is used in many types of applications. Construction and gardening uses is what most people are familiar with. But, did you know that vermiculite is used in a light weight, insulated cement? Vermiculite was mined in Montana until around 1990 and is still mined in other areas of the U.S. and many other countries as well.
Vermiculite when used as insulation is tan to gold in color and looks like small pebbles. These pebbles come in sizes ranging from miniscule pebbles to large chunks. The reason vermiculite is favored as an insulator is because of the properties that are naturally found in vermiculite. It is fireproof, lightweight, absorbent and odorless. This makes vermiculite the perfect material for insulating attics.
Design professionals enjoy the versatility of the concrete roof deck systems that contain vermiculite. Architectural engineers appreciate the high performance value that comes at a reasonable cost. The system uses light weight concrete which consists of a mixture of the following ingredients:
Portland cement water vermiculite concrete aggregate
Experienced technicians should be considered for applying the materials.
Vermiculite insulation has some obvious advantages, especially when compared to structural grade concrete. This insulation is 85% lighter than conventional concrete. When you consider the savings this involves, from the footings through to the structural steel erection, they are considerable. The fireproof properties of this light weight material have spurred the recognition of insurance companies, state rating boards and local building officials all across the nation. Systems that employ the use of vermiculite in their construction are given a four-hour safety rating by the Underwriters? Laboratories.
This insulation can be applied to an assortment of foundations. This allows the architects and engineers plenty of flexibility of design options. The thickness of the concrete can be adjusted to accommodate necessary sloping for drainage. This material brings with it wonderful insulating properties. One inch of vermiculite insulation has the same insulation value as twenty inches of regular concrete. Three inches is equal to 1?? of rigid board insulation that is typically used in steel deck applications.
The fibers in vermiculite have the unique behavior of expanding into a light weight, absorbent, odorless, fire resistant material when heated. This type of insulation is used in the manufacturing of many products that include garden products, fire proofing materials and cement products. Vermiculite insulation has applications in insulation, sound deadening materials, fire protection, concrete, paints, potting mixes, pesticides, sealants and automotive brake pads.
This light and versatile material is used in construction as insulation, agriculture, horticulture and even nuclear waste disposal. It is easy to see how this remarkable material has revolutionized many industries as well as common house-hold items. The goods and products that are provided by this type of insulation touch us in every aspect of our lives. When we are playing at the park and do not notice the extreme noise of the nearby freeway we are benefiting from vermiculite. At the local high school where basket ball is played in a building with twenty foot ceilings, you enjoy the benefits of vermiculite. Certainly, vermiculite insulation will continue to inspire many more products in the future.
