Vermiculite Masonry Insulation pours easily filling all voids

Vermiculite loose fill masonry insulation is an inert, inorganic, lightweight granular material that has been treated for water repellency. It is non-flammable, non-combustible, economical, and does not emit odors, toxic fumes, or attract vermin. It will not deteriorate or decompose.

Since it is simply poured into the cavities of block cores or in cavity wall areas, it is one of the easiest means of providing a barrier against the transmission of heat, sound, and moisture. As a loose-fill product, it fills the cavities completely, not leaving gaps or openings or bridging.

Thermal Insulation--Vermiculite has been used for over 50 years for insulation in attics, walls, and high temperature industrial applications. In recent testing, vermiculite masonry insulation used in a standard 8" lightweight block performed better than urea formaldehyde foam polystyrene beads, and polystyrene inserts. Generally vermiculite will increase the total insulating value of a block wall by 35% to 60% depending upon the properties of the concrete block.

Water Repellencey--Specially treated vermiculite masonry insulation reduces water migration through both block and cavity walls.

Permanency--Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral and has a sintering point of 2300^o or (1260^o C). Once in place, this product has very minimal settling properties. Vermiculite is free flowing and will fill and insulate all voids.

Economical--Vermiculite is cost competitive and easy to install (virtually foolproof). It significantly reduces heat loss in block wall construction, and can be used in conjunction with other forms of wall insulation to provide a total super-insulated form of construction.

Non-Combustible--In testing following the ASTM E-84 tunnel test, vermiculite has no flame spread, no fuel contributed, or smoke developed.

Improved Fire Rating--Underwriters Laboratory has assigned a four hour rating (U.L. Design nos. U 901, 904 and 905) to concrete block walls constructed of standard 8" x 8" x 16" blocks with all the cores filled with vermiculite. Required fire ratings for elevator shafts and fire walls can now be easily attained with this economical type construction. This eliminates the use of heavy and expensive masonry units used to obtain these ratings in the past.

Heat transmission is reduced approximately 50% in masonry wall systems when vermiculite masonry insulation is installed. Annual savings in heating and cooling frequently exceed the initial cost of the masonry insulation thus providing a constant reduction in utility bills for the life of the building. Savings are even more significant in buildings heated with electricity.

Specification

The block or cavity wall insulation shall be vermiculite masonry insulation, as produced by a member of the Vermiculite Association, Inc. It is a specially treated, water repellent, free flowing insulation.

Scope
The walls to be insulated shall be designated on drawings and schedules.

Materials
All insulation materials shall conform to ASTM C-516-80, Standard Specification for Vermiculite Loose Fill Thermal Insulation or Federal Specification HH-I-585C and shall be treated for water repellency.

Installation
The vermiculite masonry insulation shall be poured into the concrete block cavities directly or through the use of a hopper device placed immediately on top of the wall section. The insulation shall be poured at any convenient interval so as to insure that all areas are filled. All holes and openings in the wall through which the insulation can escape shall be permanently sealed or caulked prior to installation of the vermiculite; and glass fiber, rope, galvanized steel, or copper screens shall be used at seep holes to prevent leakage.

• ASTM C-516-80 (Vermiculite Loose Fill Thermal Insulation).
  
  
• Federal Specifications for Insulation, Thermal (Vermiculite), HH-I-585C and A-A-902 General Services Administration, April 21, 1980.
  
  
• National Concrete Masonry Association guidelines for insulation in concrete masonry walls.