DTE
Well-known member
Does anyone have any experience using either Zonalite or Perlite insulation in a block wall.
Pour in wall insulation, 8in block wall
- Thread starter DTE
- Start date
K'ledgeBldr
Well-known member
Not any Vermiculite, Perlite, etc. only "pour-in-place" foam. And it was the easy route- through the top of the wall not the "drill&fill" route.
I went this route on two basement foundation additions. And the main reason I went foam was because of the R-factor and potential moisture absorption with the Vermiculite or Perlite. Although they say its "treated" they couldn't validate a timeline/guarantee it would never absorb. I had my suspicions because the same stuff is used in potting soil. And can you imagine what would happen to a wall if it were holding excess water and there was a fire?
But here's an interesting read for you:
http://www.masonrymagazine.com/1-03/pourpump.html
...and the link for a foam article is noted in this article.
I went this route on two basement foundation additions. And the main reason I went foam was because of the R-factor and potential moisture absorption with the Vermiculite or Perlite. Although they say its "treated" they couldn't validate a timeline/guarantee it would never absorb. I had my suspicions because the same stuff is used in potting soil. And can you imagine what would happen to a wall if it were holding excess water and there was a fire?
But here's an interesting read for you:
http://www.masonrymagazine.com/1-03/pourpump.html
...and the link for a foam article is noted in this article.
Thanks for the article. If the loose fill could cause moisture problems that puts it in a different light. I will have to price the foam. I am undecided if I will insulate the walls or not. The only thing I saw in the article I would question was how they showed a weep hole at the bottom of the wall, I have built 2 block buildings and have not had that issue come up. In the photo they show the footing ending and beveled off at the outside base of the wall and that isn't right. But I see the co. that produces the foam is here in NC.
Up here in snow country we have found the best way to insulate a block building is to use foam sheets on the outside and then siding over that.
That gives the building the thermal mass of the block inside the insulation.
Helps even out the temp.
Warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
That gives the building the thermal mass of the block inside the insulation.
Helps even out the temp.
Warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
DpSyChO
Well-known member
Where in NC are you?
I'm in VA near where I77 crosses the state line. I'm in the process of a building a block shop right now. Footers are done and the guys are supposed to start laying the block tomorrow (weather permitting and it's pouring rain right now
).
I originally was going with the Zonalite but I believe in my situation spray in foam is the winner. I've called this place and got a quote: http://www.core-fill500.com/ . They are in Hickory, if they are close enough that you want a quote, PM me and I'll send you the name of the salesman I spoke with and maybe we can get a group buy going?
I'm in VA near where I77 crosses the state line. I'm in the process of a building a block shop right now. Footers are done and the guys are supposed to start laying the block tomorrow (weather permitting and it's pouring rain right now
).I originally was going with the Zonalite but I believe in my situation spray in foam is the winner. I've called this place and got a quote: http://www.core-fill500.com/ . They are in Hickory, if they are close enough that you want a quote, PM me and I'll send you the name of the salesman I spoke with and maybe we can get a group buy going?