When talking about green building, one immediately thinks of reducing ecological impact and how to achieve this. We are already familiar with the basic principles of this approach. We have often discussed them here on our blog. To ensure that buildings are as independent as possible from energy sources derived from fossil fuels, they are not in stark contrast to their surroundings, but rather, they are an integral part of the landscape without creating so-called eco monsters.
Then, in green buildings, there is a certain focus on the materials to be used. Sustainable building materials make it possible to create buildings that respect the environment and promote lasting well-being for their owners. Among the materials most commonly used in green buildings are bamboo, recycled plastic, cork, pumice, FSC-certified wood, and others derived from renewable sources. And then there is a natural product that we at Diasen use a lot in our building products.
Expanded perlite is a lightweight, porous material derived from a volcanic rock that is heated to very high temperatures, causing it to expand up to 20 times its original volume.
Let’s find out more about this incredible material.
What is expanded perlite, and why it can be considered a bio-building material
Perlite is mainly composed of silica, along with several other minerals. The distinctive characteristics of this mineral include its low thermal conductivity, non-combustibility, and excellent thermal and acoustic insulation capacity. Thanks to its porous structure, expanded perlite also offers excellent drainage and water retention capacity, making it useful as a substrate for hydroponic cultivation and as a component of soil mixtures for plants.
Its production does not require the extraction of non-renewable resources, as it is derived from a natural volcanic rock. Moreover, the expansion process takes place using heat generated mainly from renewable sources, such as natural gas or electricity, reducing the overall environmental impact.
In addition, expanded perlite is recyclable and biodegradable, which means it can be safely reused or disposed of without harming the environment. Its versatility and ecological properties make it a preferred choice in sectors such as construction, agriculture and the food industry, helping to promote sustainable practices and reduce the environmental impact of human activities.
Perlite from a physical point of view
Expanded perlite is white in colour, contrasting with the light grey or black colour of raw rock. It can be produced with a minimum weight of only 2 lbs per cubic foot (32 kg/m3), giving it unparalleled versatility. In addition, it is classified as chemically inert and has a neutral pH of about 7, making it safe and free of unwanted chemical reactions.
Physically, expanded perlite has a luminosity of 70-80% and a refractive index of 1.47. It has a specific gravity between 2.2 and 2.4 and a bulk density ranging from 2.5 to 10.5 pounds per cubic foot or 40 to 170 kg/m3. It is characterised by low thermal conductivity, high water absorption (200-600% by weight) and high mechanical strength, with a softening point of 1800 °F or 980 °C.
Expanded perlite is widely used in construction as thermal insulation, improving fire resistance, reducing noise transmission and contributing to the durability and stability of buildings. It is also used in industrial applications, such as in plastic fillers and oil well cements, as well as being widely used in horticulture to improve plant growth and overall health.
Perlite as housing insulation
Perlite is a natural siliceous mineral that expands when heated, becoming porous and lightweight, ideal for thermal and acoustic insulation in a variety of building applications. Its low-density, open-cell structure gives it exceptional insulation properties, providing an effective barrier against temperature variations and sound transmission.
Expanded perlite is fire retardant, environmentally friendly and solvent-free, helping to ensure safe and healthy environments. Its light weight makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from floors to roofs, allowing for easy handling and installation. Mixed with cement, water or sand, it becomes the perfect base for lightweight concrete floors, while it can be spread between wooden floor joists for effective thermal insulation.
Therefore, at Diasen, we use perlite in numerous building products. Read on and find out more.
One of the distinctive features of this bio-building material is its ability to absorb and release excess moisture, helping to maintain a comfortable, mould-free indoor environment. In addition, perlite is repellent to mice and rodents, ensuring the durability of the insulation.
Our expanded perlite products
Many Diasen products for building insulation are based on environmentally sustainable materials such as cork, pumice, silica and even expanded perlite, which can offer excellent results in terms of living comfort and also aesthetics.
For example, Diathonite Evolution represents a revolution in thermal and acoustic insulation, combining high performance with a reduced ecological footprint. Based on a blend of carefully selected natural materials, including expanded perlite, this product offers an advanced solution to guarantee living comfort and energy saving.
Thanks to its high porosity, expanded perlite allows air to fill the alveoli, creating an effective insulating layer against temperature variations. With a thermal conductivity of only 0.045 W/mK, this material ensures excellent energy efficiency, contributing to savings in heating and cooling costs.
In addition to its exceptional insulation properties, Diathonite Evolution offers numerous benefits, including class A1 fire resistance and high breathability, which prevents the formation of mould and condensation, ensuring a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. Certified to European construction standards and CE marked, this product is a safe and reliable choice for a variety of applications, from wall and floor insulation to roofing. With its ability to contribute to healthier spaces and improved indoor air quality, Diathonite Evolution stands out as an innovative and sustainable solution for living comfort.
At Diasen, we are dedicated to promoting building that embraces modern, sustainable principles, aiming to minimise its environmental impact. If you want maximum thermal and acoustic comfort in your home, explore our complete range of products for superior quality.
