Why you should not use expanded clay as a heater

Expanded clay - a heater in the form of small porous "pebbles", very light, not sinking in water. The material is obtained by swelling clayey soil.

In the framework of this publication, we will consider the pros and cons of expanded clay, focusing on the shortcomings, and consider cases where the use of expanded clay as a heater is undesirable.

Expanded clay production, advantages of the material as insulation

So, expanded clay is a heater, which is a small porous granules, very light, which are obtained by processing clay. The result is an environmentally friendly insulation with the following characteristics:

1. Thermal insulation - holds heat well.
2. Resistant to low temperatures.
3. Durable
4. Not combustible.

Expanded clay, as a heat insulator, has an advantage in service life over analogues. In addition, it is relatively inexpensive and very lightweight, which is important in work.

The production of this material consists of several stages: First of all, the clay is loaded into a special chamber, where it is softened to the consistency of the dough. After that, the material is very quickly heated to a high temperature - more than 1000 C. As a result, the clay swells, and many small pore voids form inside it. Stiffening clay forms granules. When exposed to such a high temperature, the surface of the granules is melted, a kind of shell is obtained.

The disadvantages of expanded clay

Despite such a number of advantages, expanded clay, like any material used in construction, is not without some disadvantages.

First of all, it is fragility. This disadvantage sometimes greatly complicates the work with it. The integrity of the granules is a prerequisite under which expanded clay performs its functions. If the granule crumbles, it loses its heat-insulating properties. Thus, expanded clay can not be used for insulation of areas with increased load.

The material absorbs moisture well - this is both a disadvantage and an advantage. Plus, the material can be used as a concrete filler to produce a light mixture, which is used, for example, for pouring ceilings. Minus - expanded clay can not be covered under the floor of the first floor without good thermal insulation - it will intensely pull moisture.

And another significant drawback of expanded clay is the thickness of the insulating layer. It can not be used for warming rooms with low ceilings, as it greatly “steals” free space.