On Radio

August 7, 2010 Topics: Fixing rotten wood with epoxy; Can I remove an ...

July 31, 2010 Topics: Cleaning dryer exhaust duct; Toilet stack pipe ...

July 24, 2010 Topics: Replacement furnace in PEI; Styrofoam on the ho...

Last Updated: Friday, October 15th, 1999, Created: Friday, October 15th, 1999

LOOSE FILL POURED: VERMICULITE

For the health controversy on Zonolite, click here.

Colour: Light brown

Thermal Resistance: RSI - .016/mm R - 2.3/in. Low.

Cost: Medium

Capacity to dry out if wet: Poor

Fire Resistance: Excellent

Fungus/Vermin Resistance: Good

Limitations:
-- Absorbs moisture and dries slowly. (Great for mixing with soil for plants.)
-- Settles.
-- Not a good air barrier.

Advantages:
-- Fills irregular spaces well.
-- Easy to work with.
-- Specially coated (water resistant) type now available.

Notes:
-- Ensure that it does not plug eave vents at the time of installation and that it does not blow over the vents later with normal attic air currents.

Applications:
-- Attics and accessible enclosed cavities above ground level, such as walls, roofs and floors.
-- Can be used right up against chimneys in the space normally left open for fire protection.

Keywords: Insulation, R-Value, Types, Vermiculite

Article 803