What is Perlite?
Perlite is a naturally occurring acidic volcanic glass. When exposed to heat, it exhibits the property of expansion, increasing its volume and acquiring an extremely lightweight, porous structure. Thanks to this feature, it is widely used in the construction sector, especially as an insulation material.
Perlite, which has a high density in its raw state, transforms into a much lighter and high-performance material when expanded through special processes.
How is Perlite Formed and Expanded?
When ground and classified raw perlite is exposed to high temperatures (approximately 700–1200°C), the water within it evaporates, causing it to expand.
In this process:
- Its volume increases by 4 to 30 times
- A very lightweight and porous structure is formed
- It gains thermal and acoustic insulation properties
Thanks to this structure, perlite provides superior performance in building materials.
Where is Perlite Used?
Perlite is used particularly in the construction sector in the following areas:
- Perlite plaster applications
- Perlite screed (floor screed)
- Insulation materials
- Roof and wall systems
- Lightweight construction solutions
Advantages of Perlite Plaster and Screed
Perlite-additive products offer many advantages over traditional materials:
- ✔ Provides high thermal insulation
- ✔ Increases living comfort with sound insulation
- ✔ Has water-repellent properties
- ✔ Offers a breathable structure
- ✔ Reduces building load with its lightweight structure
- ✔ Easy to apply
