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Re: alternative cheap insulation?
Great find, interesting reading. It is the addition of cement that reduces the insulating value of the resulting mix. For example vermicrete and perlcrete are the same in insulating value although perlite has a lower thermal conductivity than vermiculite. If you want a stronger mix add more cement and some sand, but you reduce the insulating value. Less cement gives you lower strength and better insulation. I use 5:1 vermiculite, cement for a layer that needs to support weight and a 10:1 for dome insulation. I think a 3:1 is too much cement and won't insulate well.
Great find, interesting reading. It is the addition of cement that reduces the insulating value of the resulting mix. For example vermicrete and perlcrete are the same in insulating value although perlite has a lower thermal conductivity than vermiculite. If you want a stronger mix add more cement and some sand, but you reduce the insulating value. Less cement gives you lower strength and better insulation. I use 5:1 vermiculite, cement for a layer that needs to support weight and a 10:1 for dome insulation. I think a 3:1 is too much cement and won't insulate well.
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