Laterlite Expanded Clay is ideal as insulation for pipework and services within buildings, particularly for:
FLUES AND HIGH-TEMPERATURE PIPEWORK
A well-insulated flue:
– improves the natural draught at ignition and during combustion, or for extracting low-temperature smoke (e.g. from a condensing boiler)
– reduces the formation of soot and condensation in the chimney (for example from stoves and fireplaces that burn pellets or firewood)
– prevents damage to the internal finishes of the building due to overheating walls
Laterlite Expanded Clay or Laterlite Plus are ideal for these purposes since they are loose granular materials that can be easily used to fill the void between the masonry enclosure and the flue pipe by gravity.
They are insulating (?= 0.09), completely incombustible (Euroclass A1), and naturally refractory materials that can withstand continuous exposure to fire up to temperatures of 1100°C or above without alteration. This also makes them suitable for use in refractory products such as concretes, mortars and precast components (for fireplaces and chimneys) or ovens (e.g. for bread or pizza), industrial purposes, etc.
They are also commonly used as insulation in roof spaces to create a safety distance between hot pipes and prevent the ignition of any other combustible insulation that may be present (for further information please refer to the specific section).
They do not become compacted or reduced in volume, remain strong and stable over time, do not emit smoke, gases, or unpleasant odours when hot, and are not affected by freeze/thaw cycles.
They are suitable for sustainable building as confirmed by the certifying body ANAB-ICEA.
Recommended granule sizes: 8-20 and 3-8
AIR AND WATER PIPEWORK
Because of its porosity, Laterlite Expanded Clay can be used to fill the voids between water or air pipes (for supply or exhaust) and to attenuate vibration, noise, and resonating pipes within service ducts.
Because of its low thermal conductivity coefficient it thermally insulates pipework, reduces thermal dispersion (e.g. from hot water) and reduces the risk in cold climates that pipes may freeze during periods when the plant is not in use.
Because Laterlite Expanded Clay is a loose granular material it can easily be used to fill the void between pipework and masonry by gravity.
Recommended granule sizes: 8-20, 3-8, and 2-3 depending on the characteristics of the elements to be insulated.
For insulating to underground pipework, please refer to the dedicated section.