One guy recommended that I use vermiculite, and I read the perlite is a masonry insulator also. What should I use? I have a stem wall 3 blocks high that I need to fill with some kind of insulation. Needs to be something I can apply myself.
Where can I get this stuff, or what else can I look for? Lowes does not have it, except for the small gardening bags. (vermiculite is used for growing also)
you can get vermicullite at a garden store other than lowes or home depot. usually farm and garden type places have it.. or you could check with a local greenhouse/nursery operation. it is designed to hold moisture though... and might expand abit... so if any moisture gets in it will be kept there longer by the vermicullite or perlite. if there is any chance of freezing and the stuff gets wet... i don't know about expansion/harm from that angle.... might be worth investigating.
it is a good insulator when dry and used to be used in houses in ceilings between heated/unheated areas.
Didn't you have a bunch of mixing sand left over ? Plus, you're building on a backfilled slab. Since you're in Greenwood, insulate your attic space for our long summers, I don't notice much shade in that field.
So you think sand would help insulate the blocks? I am definitely insulating the attic space. They will be bedrooms soon.