Zonolite Product Description

Basic Use
Zonolite® Masonry Insulation is free flowing vermiculite used to insulate masonry wall cores and cavities. It also increases the fireresistance rating and Sound Transmission Classification (STC) of the wall system. Composition & Materials Zonolite Masonry Insulation, available in 0.11 m³ (4 ft³ ) bags, is lightweight, free flowing, inorganic vermiculite, specially treated for water repellency. It has a dry loose weight density of 72-112 kg/m³ (4.5-7.0 lb/ft³ ), and is capable of supporting its own weight, so it will not settle. It is fire-resistant, with a fusion point of approximately 1,204°C (2,200°F), rotproof and vermin-proof.
Limitations
Where average interior relative humidity exceeds 50%, a vapor barrier is recommended on the exterior side of the interior wythe of the cavity wall or composite masonry wall system. Technical Data Applicable Standards American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM)
  • ASTM E 84-96a — Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
Approvals
Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. (UL) Fire Resistance Directory, approved designs include:
  • Design U-901
  • Design U-904
  • Design U-905
  • Design U-907
Physical/Chemical Properties
Zonolite Masonry Insulation is manufactured to meet or exceed the following standards:
  • ASTM C 516-80 — Vermiculite Loose Fill Thermal Insulation, Type II
  • Federal Housing Authority (FHA) — FHA Bulletin UM-30
  • Federal Specification for Insulation, Thermal (Vermiculite) — Fed Spec HH-585C, superseded by ASTM C 516-80 effective March 31, 1983
  • National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) — General Performance Criteria
Heat Transmission
Tables 1, 2, 4 and 5 provide system thermal design values, and measured values where noted, for thermal transmittance (U-value) and thermal resistance (R-value) for common constructions insulated with Zonolite Masonry Insulation. A manufacturer's insulation fact sheet is available upon request. Fire Resistance Rating Zonolite Masonry Insulation will not burn. When tested in accordance with the ASTM E 84 Tunnel Test, Zonolite Masonry Insulation received the following ratings:
  • Flame spread: 0
  • Fuel contributed: 0
  • Smoke developed: 0
UL Designs U-901, U-904, U-905 and U-907 will improve to a minimum 4 hour rated wall when filled with Zonolite Masonry Insulation. Due to its outstanding performance in the UL Fire Wall Test, 6 hour rated walls can be achieved when filled with Zonolite Masonry Insulation.