Anyone have information on "Pearlite" combined with mortar? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Aladdin Builders · 01-17-2009, 12:00 PM

I'm having a hard time believing that this product called "pearlite" is safe to use as an additive in thinset or mortar, does anyone have some information on this product or has anyone used this method??

They say it expands the mortar or thinset but to me this would weaken the bond and strength.

rbsremodeling · 01-17-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aladdin Builders

I'm having a hard time believing that this product called "pearlite" is safe to use as an additive in thinset or mortar, does anyone have some information on this product or has anyone used this method??

They say it expands the mortar or thinset but to me this would weaken the bond and strength.

What are you using it for as an additive in mortar for Plastering?

Aladdin Builders · 01-17-2009, 12:50 PM

The installers are using it for a rectified edge flooring tile project.....mixed with thinset??

jarvis design · 01-17-2009, 12:57 PM

The only reason I could see to add something like that would be to try to retain moisture or to make thinset into a medium bed mortar.

I don't think I would do it before talking to the manufacturer. Its quite possible adding that to the mix will void any warranty offered.

I have been using some self hydrating thinsets (Ardex XG3 plus), with no problems.

rbsremodeling · 01-17-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aladdin Builders

The installers are using it for a rectified edge flooring tile project.....mixed with thinset??

It was spec on a plastering job in the carribean for a few buildings. I have been back a few times and the plaster still looks good its about 6-7 years old.

Not sure about the use in thinset.

any idea why it is been used in the thinset? "why is it being spec?

I think in this application it was being used as a heat insulator, drywall was not popular or used much in this area??

It has been awhile and the conditions an use is vague to me now

Aladdin Builders · 01-17-2009, 01:28 PM

This is not spec, but rather a brazillian installer trying to persuad the designer into a alternative low tight setting of the tile.

The reason is the doors are metal and they must keep the tile low to the floor. When you install a rectified butt joint tile you should use a mud bed otherwise you end up with trip hazzards everywhere, the installer wants to set it in thinset butt together....a disaster waiting to happen!!!

What do I know, I only been doing this crap since I was 12 years old.

Bud Cline · 01-17-2009, 05:41 PM

Pear-lite is sometimes used to make light weight concrete. It is also used in the nursery business to expand soil and retain moisture.

Here's my take on it.

Pear-lite will draw moisture from the thinset prematurely thereby causing the thinset to dry faster and thereby weaken the mix. This is opposite of what they want to happen. Pear-lite will also violate the integrity of the mass and further weaken the installation. They might as well use Styrofoam - same difference for expansion and it wouldn't draw the moisture prematurely.

(OK now that's a joke, I am not suggesting anyone use Styrofoam in their thinset.)

rbsremodeling · 01-17-2009, 05:49 PM

Pearlite thin set

Portland Cement
Pearlite
Hydrated Lime
Reinforcing Fibers

low shrinkage, soundproofing,fire insulation properties, light weight