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  • Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

    Gang,

    I did search the threads first and didn't see answers to my question(s).

    Background
    I'm picking up supplies and my local garden store has both Perlite and Vermiculite (same price $19.99/ 4 cu ft).

    The Perlite says "horticultural" grade and the granuals look like pictures I've seen

    The Vermiculite has a "check box for horitcultural grade and a check box for fine med course - but nothing is "checked" (the worker says it's "med/course not fine") but the vermiculite looks like it is very small flakes - almost like sand but flatter. I picked up 4 bags but can exchange if needed...

    Question(s)
    1. Are the size of Vermiculite flake okay/does it matter?
    2. Should I just go with perlite instead (same price and they have plenty of both)
    3. Is one safer vs the other (I guess a non issue "after" it's installed?)
    4. Can I use a "cheap" drywall mask or should I get a ~$25 respirator?


    Thanks
    Dick

  • #2
    Re: Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

    I used both.
    Perlite and Verm.

    The verm. was so much easier to work with than the perlite.
    Hands down.
    I will NEVER play with perlite again!
    It was dusty, fine, and blew everywhere~!

    My opinion....

    As you were!

    DAve
    My thread:
    http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f8/d...ress-2476.html
    My costs:
    http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?k...Xr0fvgxuh4s7Hw
    My pics:
    http://picasaweb.google.com/dawatsonator

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

      Try a search on this forum for coarse verm. and one for fine verm. There's been several discussions regarding your question. I believe the medium was generally found the easiest to work with, but don't quote me on that.

      I used coarse, without any major issues. The grain size was bb shot size up to twice that size - maybe 4 - 5 mm.
      GJBingham
      -----------------------------------
      Everyone makes mistakes. The trick is to make mistakes when nobody is looking.

      -

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

        I agree ,vermiculite is better to work with, and prefer to use it, but perlite has slightly better insulation value.
        Kindled with zeal and fired with passion.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

          Gang,

          I did do a search and only found one post about fine vs. course vermiculite. The preference was for for course but nothing "bad" was said/or suggested not to use fine. I want to use this to make my 5-6 inch insulating hearth (going a little thicker) but didn't want to use the wrong stuff. I've attached some pics... Maybe this stuff is "okay" - I just started to question when I saw the different grades on the package (none are marked).

          Is this okay to use? I'm assuming the 5 to 1 ration is still okay with this type. Again, the place I bought it from has perlite that looks like the pictures I've seen posted and I can easily exchange it.
          Let me know.

          Thanks
          Dick

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

            I will suggest the use of vermiculite...probably coarse...only because it has a tendency to break up a bit with mixing...perlite is what I used and it blew around horribly and was difficult to get properly mixed...
            Best
            Dutch
            "Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. " Charles Mingus
            "Build at least two brick ovens...one to make all the mistakes on and the other to be just like you dreamed of!" Dutch

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

              I think it will be fine. I like the idea of six inches of floor insulation too.
              GJBingham
              -----------------------------------
              Everyone makes mistakes. The trick is to make mistakes when nobody is looking.

              -

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

                George

                Thanks - I'm doing the 6" insulating hearth for two reasons - extra insulalion and extra height.

                Does everyon agree that the 5 to 1 ration is still okay for this "finer" Vermiculite (I'm assuming this is a finer grade)?

                Given a 5 to 1 are there any guidelines (in parts) for the water i.e., 1/2 part water? I know it says "an oatmeal consistency..." but I've made some pretty soupy oatmeal in my day.

                Thanks for the advice...

                Dick

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

                  Gang,

                  I just called a local pool supply place - he was very familiar with vermiculite as that's what he uses in pool construction.

                  He told me it's usually fine like sand - but that's not what I've seen in the pictures on the forum???? Hence my confusion/concern.

                  I am going to order the FB board but would still like to put a small layer 2-3" of vermiculite/concrete down first.

                  What does everyone think?

                  Thanks
                  Dick

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

                    I believe some of the pool vermiculites are coated with silicon, which can create a problem with blending it with cement and water.

                    Try a local plant nursery and get medium or large course vermiculite.

                    I got 4 cubic foot bags at my local nursery for about $23.00.

                    They did have to order it though.... but they received it with their normal delivery.
                    (Translation - 4 day wait.)

                    Hope this helps!

                    Dave
                    My thread:
                    http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f8/d...ress-2476.html
                    My costs:
                    http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?k...Xr0fvgxuh4s7Hw
                    My pics:
                    http://picasaweb.google.com/dawatsonator

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

                      When I did my vermiculite layer, I got worried because mine was very coarse and everyone was using fine grain stuff... maybe its another of those things where it doesn't really matter much either way so long as you get the hydration and concrete proportion right?
                      "Building a Brick oven is the most fun anyone can have by themselves." (Terry Pratchett... slightly amended)

                      http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f8/p...pics-2610.html
                      http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f9/p...nues-2991.html

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

                        That's kind of my issue.

                        What I have is very fine - almost like sand. To be on the safe side I'll probably get the Isol board but still want to pour a smaller insulated hearth...

                        My main question is should the "fine" stuff be okay? 5 to 1 ratio as well?

                        Thanks
                        Dick

                        PS - George - I did see your response but want to get a consensus. This is something I can't change once my floor is down...

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

                          Otter,
                          You can't hurt my feelings. I would do the same! I thought you said you could take it back and exchange it?
                          GJBingham
                          -----------------------------------
                          Everyone makes mistakes. The trick is to make mistakes when nobody is looking.

                          -

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

                            George,

                            Thanks!

                            I can - and I think I will take it back for the perlite... I'll probably put down a 3 1/2 inch layer (extra height and insulation) and then 2 inches of Iso board on top... That should bring my oven height to ~43".

                            Thanks
                            Dick

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Sorry - another Vermiculite Question

                              I like that! Lots of insulation under the floor. Great idea!
                              GJBingham
                              -----------------------------------
                              Everyone makes mistakes. The trick is to make mistakes when nobody is looking.

                              -

                              Comment

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