Perlite plaster: characteristics and features of use

Gusevsky Andrey Anatolyevich

Perlite plaster

Plaster with perlite appeared on the retail market not so long ago. It has two functions, this is the finishing material and at the same time serves as a heater. Therefore, the interest in this product is understandable. Perlite stucco tip is mostly positive.

Therefore, today we will talk about this material. You will find out where it can be applied and instructions will be given on the rules for applying this material.

The use of perlite plaster

Plaster, which is based on perlite, is an excellent heat insulator.

Due to this, it is widely used in many construction processes:

• In the organisation facade decorationrequiring additional thermal insulation;
• Sound and thermal insulation of wallsinternal or external;
• Perlite plaster is used to insulate wall surfacesslopes for windows or door openings where other vertical areas join them;
• It is used as a heater for sewer and water pipes;
• It is a good insulation for ceiling and floor ceilings;
• To reduce noise during internal repair and construction work.

Due to the ease of installation and natural origin, perlite plaster has the following advantages:

• Applying it during decoration, you can refuse to use reinforcing mesh;
• The solution can be applied to treated and untreated walls;
• Due to the increased adhesion (adhesion), a large amount of work is performed in a short time;
• There are no cold bridges on the treated surface;
• Perlite “Warm” plaster prevents rats and mice.

Making the “warm” stucco mortar yourself is quite simple.

Attention: This is done by replacing one of the components of the leveling solution with those that have enhanced thermal insulation properties.

For example, loose perlite can be used instead of quartz sand, gypsum or cement mortar will act as a binder. Perlite plaster, which will include cement, is universal, as it is suitable for decoration indoors and outdoors. Gypsum, as part of the finishing mixture, due to the increased hygroscopic properties, does not allow the use of this mixture for external decoration.

Advantages of “warm” perlite plaster

Since perlite is a type of sand of volcanic origin that has been oxidized, it has excellent thermal insulation properties. Being a part of plaster mixes, it gives them its properties.

Therefore, perlite plaster has several advantages:

Compositions of perlite plasters

• Allows to improve the heat preservation in the house;
• Enhances sound insulation;
• Used on almost all surfaces: brick walls, foam blocks (see How to plaster foam blocks according to technology), wooden surfaces, stone foundations;
• It has good refractory properties. This increases fire safety, as it does not support the combustion process;
• Allows you to maintain the right microclimate and the desired humidity level in the room. This is achieved due to the vapor permeability of the material;
• Perlite plaster is resistant to the formation of microorganisms, molds and fungi;
• It has an environmentally friendly and safe composition.

Distinctive characteristics in the operation of perlite plaster can be noted its elasticity and ductility during application, resistance to moisture and frost. The treated surface is distinguished by its smoothness, lack of bumps and remains in its original form for a long time.

Removing uneven surface areas

Before starting work, the presence of bumps and depressions, as well as the level of verticality of the wall, is checked. To level the base, eliminate the depressions, it is necessary to use a thicker layer of the mixture in this area.

It may be necessary to apply several layers of the solution, so this increases the time of the work. Leveling the surface increases the consumption of plaster by 1m2, this must be taken into account during the work.

The repair standards specify the permissible deviations of the resulting surface, which differ for different types of stucco:

• For a normal plaster mix, the norm is considered to be a displacement from the vertical of not more than 1.5 cm with respect to the height of the wall or not more than 3 mm to 1 meter, the thickness of the applied mortar is not more than 12 mm;
• Improved plaster may have a deviation of not more than 10 mm per final wall height or ≤ 2 mm per 1 m of surface. The layer should not be thicker than 15 mm;
• The highest quality plaster has, according to the rules, a deviation that does not exceed 5 mm per building height or 0.1 cm per square meter. In this case, the applied layer should not be thicker than 2 cm.
• Often, to remove large irregularities in the wall, a wire mesh is used, the mesh size of which is 10x10 mm. To attach the wire mesh to the brick wall, nails are used, driven in at the place of the seams between the bricks.
• If the wall is concrete, then such a grid is fixed at the outlet of the reinforcement. So that the wire does not rust, it is treated with so-called cement milk.
• Small cavities and cracks are covered with mortar. Such preparatory work must be carried out at least three days before the start of using the plaster.

Removing dirt from the wall surface

Before applying the plaster layer, you need to clean the surface of the walls. The presence of spots, dust, dirt at times reduces the adhesive force of the liquid plaster.

• To clean the bases of brick, concrete, stone, use a solution of hydrochloric acid with a concentration of 3%, then wash the surface with plain water.
• Greasy clay removes oil stains. It must be smeared with a solid layer on top of the grease stains, then a dried-up wall or ceiling is cleaned. Dry clay absorbs fat.
• If the pollution is strong and has not cleared immediately, the procedure will have to be repeated. The disadvantage of this method is that sometimes it is necessary to apply clay several times to absorb the stain to the end, repeating this process several times.
• Also, removed stains of fat may come out again after some time. Therefore, the best method of combating fat stains is to remove the affected areas by cutting. The resulting irregularities need to be coated with a solution.
• Dust, dirt and dried mortar are cleaned from walls and ceilings with an iron brush. It is necessary to strongly press the steel brush to the work surface and make movements in different directions.

Increase adhesion

In order to improve the adhesion on the brickwork, it is necessary to expand the seams between the bricks, making them deeper by about 1 cm.

• The resulting recesses at the seams will make the grip much higher. This method only works if the base is made of brick with a porous base. The surface of the brick without gaps, a smooth surface is made to improve adhesion to the rough solution. This is done by applying notches using a chisel, which hit with a hammer.
• A smooth concrete wall is worked out with a puncher or a carpentry ax. Notches are cut down, which are buried deep into about 5 mm and a length of 5-10 cm.
• You can apply the treatment method with a wet brush dipped in clean water.
• Stains of oil paint, just like other grease contaminants are removed by cutting.

Mesh or wire reinforcement

Plastering with a thick layer, from 4 cm, implies that the surface of the tree must be reinforced. For this, a metal mesh is used, which can be replaced by wire.

Reinforcement is easy to do on your own using the following rules in order:

• A stainless steel mesh is used (see Metal plaster mesh: features of use), the cell size can be different: at least 10x10 mm, maximum 40x40 mm. The fabric of the required size is cut off and fixed with the help of nails. The nailed mesh should be tightened well, except for sagging. Nails should be no less than 8 cm, no more than 10 cm. Nails are nailed, fixing the net, staggering 10 cm between the nails. The nail does not need to be driven in completely. Bend the uninhabited part of the nail with the head, thereby pressing the net.
• The best result for providing roughness can be achieved by braiding hammered nails with wire. This method is more optimal than using a finished metal mesh, but less fast. The nails are arranged in the wall in the order of chess at a distance of 1 m. The hats of the nails after applying the plaster layer will be recessed 2 cm deep.
• A wire of copper, stainless steel, having a diameter of 1-2 mm, is wrapped around a nail, pulling strongly, weave the net.

The specifics of applying perlite plaster

It is best to apply perlite-based plaster on surfaces that have been pretreated - dirt stains, rust, dust, paint residues or previous grout should be removed. To increase the adhesion of the solution to the surface, it is pre-treated with a special primer liquid (see Primer walls and all for that matter).

• After preparing the walls and ceilings for work, it is necessary to dilute the dry mixture with water, according to the instructions. In the process of mixing, a homogeneous solution should be obtained, light and plastic, without lumps and air bubbles. The easiest way to achieve this is to use a mortar mixer or an electric drill with a mixer nozzle.
• If necessary, apply a “warm” perlite plaster using a trowel or using a steel spatula. Application of the solution is done by spraying on the surface. To smooth out flaws of the resulting plaster, you should apply the rules, graters or rulers of metal in the work.
• If several layers are applied, it is enough to level the last finishing layer. If the work involves applying the plaster in one layer, the surface must be leveled immediately after applying the mixture. Often, the solution is applied not manually, but mechanically. This method allows you to perfectly mix the loaded components of the solution.

The main rules for plastering

Do-it-yourself pearlitic plaster is applied approximately according to the scheme of a simple cement material. If you follow the basic rules at each stage of finishing, plastering with a solution based on perlite will be easy, fast, with minimal effort:

Application of perlite plaster

• Ideally, for the application of perlite-based plaster, the room temperature should not be lower than + 5 ° C, not higher than + 300 ° C. The humidity level should not exceed 75%.
• The surface must be prepared before plastering. It should be clean and dry, no bumps. Before starting work, the plastered area is primed and dried.
• When working, plaster beacons are used, which are installed according to the classical scheme.
• To mix the dry mixture, follow the instructions indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. Most often, to get the mass of the desired consistency, about 1 liter of water per 1 kg of dry mix.
• Application of the solution can be done either manually or mechanically. But in any case, the thickness of the layer should vary up to 5 cm on vertical surfaces and up to 3 cm on ceilings.
• After mixing the solution, after a short period of time, excess plaster is removed. With the help of the rule, the iron ruler, they are trimmed, while you need to navigate the spaced beacons. This will remove surface irregularities: recesses, protrusions, waves, tubercles.
• The last stage of work with “warm” plaster will help to remove roughness - this is glossing of the surface. The applied plaster is moistened with water using a brush / sponge, after which it is rubbed with a porous grater and smoothed with a wide spatula.

What to give preference to: the finished product or the independent production of perlite mixture

When making a choice, you need to take into account not only the quality of the resulting solution, but also the functional points:

• To make the right solution and mixture for your own hands, you need to not only take into account the correct proportions of the various components, but also carry out preparatory work. They include quite a lot of physical efforts to acquire, transport, load and unload bulk materials for making the mixture. Therefore, a simpler and more reliable option is to purchase a ready-made mixture based on perlite.
• But the price of the finished material will be much higher. So it will be necessary to look at the volume of work performed. If this is a large quantity, then it is better and cheaper to do everything yourself. Then the final price will not be significant.
• If this is not a large plane, then for speed you can buy a packaged pack. And it is worth saying that the higher the mass of the package, the cheaper its price will be.

Attention: If plaster perlite is made independently, then pay attention to the dosage and uniformity of the mass. For kneading, it is worth using a construction mixer or drill with a nozzle.

Perlite plaster will help you keep the heat of the room and, accordingly, the heating costs. But never rush to work. First, watch the video in this article and the photo. Make a plan of work and only then systematically implement it.