It significantly reduces heat loss in block wall construction, and can be used in conjunction with other forms of wall insulation to provide a total super-insulated form of construction. In testing following the ASTM E-84 tunnel test, vermiculite has no flame spread, no fuel contributed, or smoke developed. Required fire ratings for elevator shafts and fire walls can now be easily attained with this economical type construction. This eliminates the use of heavy and expensive masonry units used to obtain these ratings in the past. Annual savings in heating and cooling frequently exceed the initial cost of the masonry insulation thus providing a constant reduction in utility bills for the life of the building.
Savings are even more significant in buildings heated with electricity.
Multiply the number of blocks times 0.89 to calculate the total square footage needed. The block or cavity wall insulation shall be vermiculite masonry insulation, as produced by a qualified manufacturer of vermiculite products. It can be specially treated to reduce water absorption, and should be free flowing insulation. The walls to be insulated shall be designated on drawings and schedules. The vermiculite masonry insulation shall be poured into the concrete block cavities directly or through the use of a hopper device placed immediately on top of the wall section.