What is warm perlite plaster, its secrets and features

Many people associate wall insulation with conventional techniques like applying additional layers of insulation or specialty paints. Warm perlite plaster is a less well-known but incredibly useful remedy, though.

This special kind of plaster offers superior thermal insulation in addition to giving your walls a smooth finish. Because of its unique qualities, it can be used indoors or outdoors. Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass.

Gaining knowledge about the advantages and methods of applying warm perlite plaster can help you achieve a high-quality finish while improving your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

Properties of plaster

The filler, natural perlite sand, is responsible for the material’s name. When lava touches the ground during a volcanic eruption, it forms obsidian, which cools quickly and solidifies into rock. Groundwater causes obsidian to hydrate, forming a perlite structure that breaks down into round granules that have a sheen similar to pearls. Thus, the term "perlite."

The color can be white, reddish-brown, black, brown, or green, depending on the mineralogical composition. The primary characteristic is an abundance of pores that are only 1% to 2% filled with water. Porosity ranges from 8% to 40%. Although the material can be used in its natural state in construction, fired, expanded, crushed perlite (1–2 mm) is more frequently utilized. The water in the pores creates steam when the rock is fired, softening it and expanding the voids.

Expanded perlite has a rounded or crushed stone shape and a white-gray or snow-white color. It is a long-lasting, non-degradable, fireproof, chemically inert, eco-friendly material that doesn’t attract rodents.

The following are some traits of expanded perlite sand:

  • thermal conductivity (thermal conductivity coefficient at room temperature – less 0.043);
  • grain composition (from flour< 0.16 and powder 0.16 – 1.25 mm up to 5 mm large fraction);
  • bulk density – the most common grade is 75 kg/m3.

Characteristics of plaster made with perlite filler

  • thermal insulation;
  • noise absorption;
  • lightness (does not weigh down the walls);
  • environmental friendliness;
  • durability to biophy;
  • vapor permeability;
  • strength.

The composition of the plaster

The connecting basis is the primary basis in plastering solutions. She is the one who, when solid, shapes herself into a stone, liquid steel, or—in the case of contemporary coatings—a robust film. Given that these road materials are fillers, they are low-trip materials in their purest form. These are a variety of man-made and natural materials that add volume, lower the coating’s overall composition, and provide extra qualities. Perlit serves merely as a filler. The modeling additives comprise the third group of components. The solution also contains water and any pigments or dyes.

Advantages and disadvantages of perlite plaster

The low thermal conductivity of the final coating is one of the primary benefits of perlite coatings. The granules’ numerous air pores work as an efficient heat-transfer barrier. The plaster containing perlite holds the top spot in this parameter, thus it is appropriately named "warm."

  • the composition reduces noise in the room due to sound absorption;
  • plasticity of the solution – the small size of the granules allows you to fill voids and narrow places of any configuration with the solution;
  • having a mineral non-combustible base and fillers, perlite finishing is fireproof, fireproof;
  • the coating is breathable, it regulates the level of humidity in the room;
  • the absence of organic matter makes the material unattractive to rodents, insects and microorganisms;
  • ease of use (no special skills are required for plastering);
  • easy to repair;
  • low dead weight;
  • frost resistance;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • versatility;
  • durability.

The benefits of using perlite plaster quickly offset its high cost during the application process.

Scope of application

The plaster is universal due to the characteristics of sand and mortar made of minerals. The mixture is applied decoratively and is used for wall leveling and repairs. It can be used for interior decoration or as facade insulation. Additionally, it works well for insulating utility buildings like garages and summer kitchens. Damp rooms (basements) are finished with cement compositions.

Furthermore, perlite solutions are employed:

  • for brickwork;
  • insulation of water and sewer pipes;
  • installation of heated floors.

Types of perlite plaster

Perlite solutions are based on minerals, which can be simple (cement, gypsum, lime) or composite (lime and cement, etc.). Filler made of perlite sticks nicely to any kind of binder. When it comes to finishing porous walls, like those composed of sand-lime, aerated concrete, expanded clay, or slag concrete, this method works better than others.

Cement-based

For finishing items used in high humidity environments, perlite-based plaster works well because cement forms a waterproof layer. able to be plastered manually or mechanically using premade mixtures. Strengthening effects last for one month, and after the perlite coating dries, which takes two months, thermal insulation qualities start to show.

  • 3 parts perlite;
  • 1 h. — cement (M500);
  • fiber (per cube of mortar) 1.5 kg.

Shukhov’s plaster composition at BelSTU:

  • cement – 375 kg (M500);
  • water – 300 l;
  • perlite – 1 m3.

Lime dough (half the volume of cement) is added to the solution to make it better.

Formula for do-it-yourself preparation:

  • cement – 1 part (M450-500);
  • lime – 0.5 parts;
  • perlite sand – 4 – 8 parts.

Using polypropylene fiber to reinforce the plaster is a good idea. Because fiberglass fiber is harmed by an alkaline environment, it is not appropriate for use in cement compositions.

As a plasticizer, you can use PVA (50 milliliters per bucket of cement) or Fairy detergent (0.1% of the weight of the cement powder).

The material’s capacity to absorb water should be considered when making a perlite solution.

Based on gypsum

Because gypsum is a water-averse material, perlite plaster is typically used for interior plastering.

Handcrafters at home encounter numerous challenges when producing things by hand. They succeed in obtaining a composition that has a minimum specific gravity of 800 kg/m3. And plaster with a specific gravity of roughly 500 offers good thermal insulation properties.

The following steps were taken to create the designated compositions: take a dry gypsum mixture (Volma) and mix it with perlite (6 hours), water (1.3 hours), and water. It turns out that the solution is hard to apply and dry. The volume of the mixture reduces as a result of the partial destruction of the perlite grains during mixing, increasing the density of the mixture.

Purchasing a gypsum-perlite composition is simpler because these mixtures are created and examined by experts. They contain modifying additives that increase workability and prolong the life of the solution in addition to the binder and filler. For example, you can use the pre-made CC GlimsVelur to finish the room.

Based on lime mortar

You’ll need premium slaked lime for a hand-prepared remedy. Lime compositions are widely used, safe for the environment, and bactericidal. Cement is incorporated into the mixture to strengthen the coating.

Ingredients: 1 hour cement, 2 hours slaked lime, and 8 hours perlite. Their recommendation is to use a C3 plasticizer for a homemade mixture.

DIY

Perlite solution has a property that sets it apart from compositions containing all other fillers: after absorbing water into its pores initially, it starts to return it while partially destroying the grains during mixing.This is why perlite solution liquefies with prolonged mixing. As a result, choosing the right amount of water for the solution is initially challenging.

Because perlite sand is so light, it does not combine well with other ingredients until it has accumulated water. Perlite sand is pre-moistened to ease solution preparation and minimize dust formation.

The mixture is combined manually with a drill or mixer attachment, or it can be done so in a revolving mortar mixer:

  • pour in water (not the entire volume), modifying additives;
  • add lime dough;
  • fill in sand;
  • pour in moistened perlite;
  • add cement powder;
  • add the required amount of water when the perlite begins to give off moisture.

To protect yourself from the large amounts of cement and perlite dust that rise, put on masks and goggles.

To mix the final mixture, fill the mortar mixer with room temperature water first, then add roughly two thirds of the SS bag. Mix, then add the remaining mixture and mix once more. Allow the solution to stand for two to three minutes after that, then stir it one last time.

Tool

The same set of instruments and plastering devices are used for other kinds of compositions:

  • trowel;
  • grater;
  • spatula;
  • mixer;
  • rule;
  • containers;
  • masking tape;
  • stepladder or scaffolding;
  • beacons.

Preparing the walls before application

Here, everything is completed in the same manner as it was before other plasters, like cement:

  • the walls are cleaned of previous coatings that have become unusable, or peeling areas are removed;
  • where brick is used in the masonry of the walls, the masonry joints are expanded and deepened to increase adhesion;
  • repair large chips, “treat” cracks;
  • disinfect mold and fungal lesions using a biocidal composition;
  • eliminate efflorescence;
  • degrease oil stains;
  • get rid of rust;
  • concrete, as well as other bases, are primed twice to improve adhesion and prevent dehydration of the solution by absorbing moisture from it by the wall material;
  • the base is dried;
  • beacons are installed to apply a thick layer.

Laths are used to cover wooden walls before plastering. For improved adhesion, consider using a reinforcing mesh.

Plaster application

The same methods as for other plaster mixes are used to apply perlite compounds, either manually or mechanically. Plastering by hand involves applying the mixture in layers up to 3 cm (some SS allow 6 cm) thick per pass. If the perlite plaster coating is thicker, it is applied in multiple applications and troweled to a slightly even layer. A rule is used to level the final layer. Allow the applied layer to dry in between applications (at least 4 hours, ideally a day).

The mixture is not compressed while leveling; the tool is not pressed. The coating gets heavier, slides, or falls off as a result of the drastic reduction in air pores.

The following requirements must be met for proper application:

  • air temperature no higher than 35°C, no lower than +5°C;
  • humidity less than 80%;
  • the base must be shaded, protected from precipitation;
  • at air temperature above 30°C, the base is moistened before plastering.

Warm perlite plaster is a special kind of building material that can be used for both finishing and insulation. It is created by combining conventional plaster with perlite, a lightweight volcanic glass, to create a plaster that improves thermal insulation and smoothes walls while also increasing interior temperature and energy efficiency. The advantages of warm perlite plaster will be discussed in this article, along with how simple it is to apply, how energy-efficient it is, and why it’s a wise option for both new construction and renovation projects.

Best brands

Because perlite is a cheap material, the following mixes (Unis GK) are commonly utilized:

  1. Gypsum SS Teplon Unis (white) of domestic production is no worse than imported analogues. The dried coating has a snow-white color. After sanding the surface of the coating, wallpaper is glued to it or painted over. This mixture can be applied in a layer of up to 5 cm per pass. Used for indoors. The setting time of the solution is 50 minutes. The gypsum composition is applied mechanically or manually.
  2. Extra Gips Izo (Turkey) contains gypsum as a base. Manual application in a layer up to 70 mm without a grid. Sets quickly. Life span – 30 minutes. 50 minutes after application and leveling with a rule, the coating is polished with a steel trowel to a shine.
  3. SS Glims Velur is resistant to cracking, elastic. Applied in a layer up to 35 mm. Can be smoothed to a gloss. Suitable for manual and mechanical application. Universal use.
  4. Knauf Grunband, Umka and Mishka are also popular.

Material consumption

The amount of basic materials required for plastering is determined beforehand. If the walls are level, the computation is limited to the total area of the walls, the thickness of the coating chosen for insulation, and the consumption rate per layer, which is 10 mm high for a 1 sq. m area. The consumption varies for different ready-made SS (dry mixes). Approximately – 9 kg/m2 on average. When the volume of unaccounted expenses (in reserve) is added to the total volume of the prepared mixtures, the result is increased.

In the event that the walls need to be adjusted due to unevenness, the average layer thickness is used to calculate the coating volume for each wall. In order to accomplish this, two to three beacons are positioned in a single vertical plane (the coating’s surface). For every beacon, two or three points are used to measure the layer’s minimum and maximum thickness. One takes the total of the measured values and divides it by the total number of measurements. The volume of the coating is obtained by multiplying the resulting thickness by the wall’s area.

Aspect Details
Composition Perlite, cement, sand, and additives for enhanced insulation and workability.
Thermal Insulation Perlite"s structure provides excellent thermal insulation, keeping interiors warm.
Application Suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces, applied with a trowel or sprayer.
Moisture Resistance Resistant to moisture, reducing the risk of mold and dampness.
Lightweight Perlite makes the plaster lightweight, reducing stress on walls.

Warm perlite plaster is a great option for both new construction and renovations because it provides a special blend of breathability and insulation. Over time, its thermal qualities and lightweight design help keep interior temperatures comfortable while lowering energy expenses.

Apart from its functional advantages, this kind of plaster is simple to use and offers a long-lasting finish. Warm perlite plaster is a viable choice if you want to increase energy efficiency or just want a dependable plaster solution.

Video on the topic

Warm perlite plaster.

How perlite plaster will help us

Perlite plaster. Perlite plaster. How to save on plaster #shorts #short#plaster

What type of plaster do you prefer to use in your projects?
Share to friends
Elena Sokolova

Architect and interior designer with a deep interest in traditional and modern methods of wall finishing. On the site I share tips on choosing materials and techniques that help create a cozy and stylish space.

Rate author
Kaskad-M.com
Add a comment