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Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec

Post Number: 1479
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 01, 2015 - 12:03 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Has anyone ever heard of using the term "Perlite" as an exterior finish? Perhaps as a slang or local vernacular? Another case of an architect copying terms from one job to the next, looking for a way out for my client.
Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: michael_chusid

Post Number: 74
Registered: 10-2003


Posted on Thursday, October 01, 2015 - 09:07 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Plaster or concrete with perlite to make it light weight?

Paint with perlite texturing?

Just guessing.

Try https://www.perlite.org/
Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS
www.chusid.com www.buildingproduct.guru
Greta Eckhardt
Senior Member
Username: gretaeckhardt

Post Number: 28
Registered: 08-2013


Posted on Thursday, October 01, 2015 - 09:32 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I have never specified a perlite exterior finish, but I can offer the following:
Perlite is a lightweight, insulating aggregate that can be added to plaster, and it also helps to give it texture and fireproofing properties. My one concern about perlite is that I believe it can absorb a lot of moisture, so if it is used as an ingredient in an exterior finish, some sort of topcoat sealer may be advisable. It would be best to consult the manufacturer. One company that offers exterior plaster with perlite is Schundler in New Jersey.
David G. Axt, CCS, CSI ,SCIP
Senior Member
Username: david_axt

Post Number: 1422
Registered: 03-2002


Posted on Thursday, October 01, 2015 - 12:44 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Are you sure that he is not confusing the term "Perlite" with "Swiss Pearl"? www.swisspearl.com

Perlite is used in interior "popcorn" rough plaster ceilings. Maybe he means a stucco with a rough texture.

I would ask for clarification.
David G. Axt, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Specifications Consultant/Web Publisher
www.localproductreps.com
Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec

Post Number: 1480
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 01, 2015 - 02:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

David, the detail is labeled: "Exterior Corridor Stucco Soffit", the words "Perlite Finish on Ext Grade GWB" with an arrow pointed to the outside line of the "finish". The thickness of the finish is distinct as is the thickness of the Ext GWB. The wall finish on the intersecting wall is labeled "5/8 in. stucco fin.".
The PM asked: "Do I have a spec for Perlite?"
Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec

Post Number: 1481
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 01, 2015 - 02:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

David, I went to the TSIB website which has a great pictorial listing of stucco finishes in their Plaster Manual, none of the finishes were labeled "perlite".
http://www.tsib.org/pdf/plaster-assemblies-chapter-05-textures.pdf
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg

Post Number: 949
Registered: 12-2006


Posted on Thursday, October 01, 2015 - 02:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Just a guess but is it possible that they took a note off an interior ceiling/soffit and put it on an exterior application, changing the GWB to "Ext Grade" whatever that is?

Just as an aside, I've used some waterproof coatings like Texcote and Miracote, shot through a hopper gun with sand (silica, not perlite) to achieve a similar look. Size and quantity of aggregate will affect the final appearance; go with mockups as this will not be done right the first go-round. I would apply it to cement board, not Ext Grade GWB.
Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec

Post Number: 1482
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 01, 2015 - 03:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Ken - 'YA THINK"...this Architect is notorious for copying notes/details from one job to the other w/o reading their notes. This is a multi-family apartment project, cheap, cheap, cheap, no special coatings desired.

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