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Vermiculite vs. Perlite vs. blend

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  • Vermiculite vs. Perlite vs. blend

    Is there any difference between vermiculite and perlite?

    I have seen several ovens with a vermicrete hearth insulation layer but perlite+concrete dome insulation. Is this for a reason?

    Some ovens even use a blend (mostly 2:1) of vermiculite : perlite in their insulation layers.

    I'm confused! All information / recommendations appreciate for an ingloo-style pompei brick oven.

  • #2
    Re: Vermiculite vs. Perlite vs. blend

    They both work fine. They are different colors and textures (vermiculite is brown cubes, perlite is white spheres) I used the perlite, and it's a little easier to see when it's fully mixed in, because the white turns grey, but it's mostly a factor of what's available and affordable.
    My geodesic oven project: part 1, part 2

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    • #3
      Re: Vermiculite vs. Perlite vs. blend

      I used it under my hearth just fine 5.5 inches and over the dome as well. By blending the portland in the water I was able to mix in a lot of perlite.
      Last edited by Xabia Jim; 01-16-2009, 12:08 AM.
      sigpicTiempo para guzarlos..... ...enjoy every sandwich!

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      • #4
        Re: Vermiculite vs. Perlite vs. blend

        Perlite is a slightly better insulator than vermiculite, but is also slightly more expensive (at least it is where I live) I prefer the vermiculite to work with because perlite seems to have some really fine particles that are irritating if you breathe them, the vermiculite doesn't seem to have this problem. I guess these materials vary a bit from place to place.
        Kindled with zeal and fired with passion.

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        • #5
          Re: Vermiculite vs. Perlite vs. blend

          I used perlite (couldn't find vermiculite).

          I believe I used 5 parts perlite to 1 part portland. Tip - mix the portland and perlite (or vermiculite) first THEN add the water.

          My 2 cents.

          Dick

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          • #6
            Re: Vermiculite vs. Perlite vs. blend

            Bit of a noob question probably, but searching hasn't revealed the answer.
            When measuring the ratios, is it by volume?
            ie, 5 buckets of Verm + 1 bucket of Cement, and add water?
            This seems like a lot of cement, as 1 bucket will be ~25kg or an entire bag of cement?

            I'm nearly finished my dome, and will be thinking about the outer insulation soon.

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            • #7
              Re: Vermiculite vs. Perlite vs. blend

              By volume

              Les...
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              • #8
                Re: Vermiculite vs. Perlite vs. blend

                Originally posted by david s View Post
                I prefer the vermiculite to work with because perlite seems to have some really fine particles that are irritating if you breathe them, the vermiculite doesn't seem to have this problem.
                I completely agree.

                Stick with Verm if there is a choice.


                Perlite also flies into the eyes.
                My thread:
                http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f8/d...ress-2476.html
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