Underslab Insulation Using Perlite Bags
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Underslab Insulation Easy-to-instally light-weight bags are laid unopened below concrete floors Using Perlite in Bags Concrete slab floors with direct thermal contact to the ground can present challenges to the maintenance of personal comfort in homes and add to heating hills. A solution to break that direct thermal contact is to use a natural insulative material such as perlite. Top: placing unopened perlite bags on grade. Above: perUte bags packed tightly in place. Below: compacted gravel and hydronic heating tubing in perlite bag insulation; ready to pour the concrete floor. Perlite conforming to ASTM C549, and provided in easy-to-install, light-weight bags (either plastic or paper) may be used as insulation below concrete floors as demonstrated in the accompanying photographs Perlite underslab insulation is a natural, inorganic product that does not rot, support combustion nor provide a habitat for rodents. Because of its neutral pH, the product does not foster corrosion in piping and electrical wiring that may be in the underfloor area. Benefits from installation of such a system can accrue in both summer and winter. During winter, heat loss through the floor of a building can be decreased, while in summer, differences (continues) EFFECTIVE R-VALUE OF PERLITE THERMAL CONDUCTANCE/RESISTANCE Section Thickness of Perlite Loose Fill Insulation

Underslab Insulation Using between floor and air temperatures are minimized and condensation on cool floors is avoided— providing a more comfortable and energy-efficient environment. This system is particularly useful when radiant under-floor heating is employed since the thermal resistance of the perlite will reduce heat loss from the heated slab to the ground below. In addition, perlite is dimensionally stable under varying temperatures and it is not combustible. PERLITE BAGS BELOW HEATED SLAB-ON-GRADE FLOOR Section detail for below-slab insulation. Consult local codes prior to...