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Construction is a complex technological process in which everything should be taken into account, from the layout of the future home to the interior decoration of rooms. It is necessary to draw up an estimate, as well as determine the materials. After pouring the foundation, there are always walls, and here the question arises, which blocks are better for building a house (price, technical indicators and dimensions).
Building walls from blocks
When choosing a material for construction, they first of all look at the technical characteristics of the raw materials, and not at the external attractiveness. Monolithic concrete elements are most often used in the construction of durable buildings. Types, characteristics of building blocks depend on the auxiliary components added to the solution during manufacture.
There are various blocks for building a house. Which is better, because the price, characteristics and dimensions are different for everyone? To understand this issue, we will consider each type in detail.
At the moment, the following varieties are distinguished:
- expanded clay concrete;
- aerated concrete;
- foam concrete;
- cinder blocks.
The specific gravity of all options is less than 1800 kg / m³, which is very convenient when building walls, and the cost is quite acceptable even for budget buildings.
Expanded clay concrete
Such blocks are obtained by adding hollow balls of foamed and fired clay to concrete. They are much lighter than other options, and also have high heat and sound insulation performance. At the same time, you can safely drive nails into such a structure without fear of damaging the integrity of the blocks.
The pros and cons of ceramic blocks also require careful study. The positive aspects in the construction of houses include:
Note! When using such blocks, keep an eye on the material itself and where it was purchased. If the creation technology is violated, the density and geometric parameters become unstable.
When choosing expanded clay concrete structures, consider the negative aspects of the material:
- you can not use a lightweight foundation;
- installation of an external layer of thermal insulation is necessary to avoid the formation of cold bridges;
- if you do not perform external finishing, the service life is reduced to two years;
- can not be used for the foundation;
- Larger sizes increase shipping costs.
You can buy different sizes of blocks. There are options that correspond to ordinary brickwork (a 50x24.8x23.8 block has a mass of 25 kg, and is equal in size to 15 bricks). In width, you can find 23, 24 and 25 cm, and in length from 25 to 51, which is very convenient for building walls at home and planning material costs.
Aerated concrete
Almost 85% of the volume of an aerated concrete block consists of cells, so it is very light. The composition includes quartz sand, cement and lime, and the raw materials are diluted in ordinary water. The dimensions of the bubbles vary from 0.6 to 3 mm, they are evenly distributed.
Such material has positive aspects:
- lightness, the standard unit weighs around 30 kg;
- good thermal conductivity due to the structure, it retains heat for a long time in winter and cool in summer;
- fire resistance, such material is able to resist fire for 3 hours;
- frost resistance (can withstand up to 25 freezing cycles);
- strength (up to 5 floors);
- ease of processing;
- environmental friendliness.
Note! It is necessary to use only a special solution.
To understand which aerated concrete is best for building a house, take into account the following parameters:
- the density differs (350, 400, 450, 500, 600 and 700) and there is a D marking;
- length 60 or 62.5 cm;
- width from 7.5 to 50 cm;
- in height 20 or 25 cm;
- density from 1.0 to 7.5 MPa;
- frost resistance 15 - 50;
- there is shrinkage up to 0.5 mm/m.
At the same time, elements with a thickness of 7.5 cm are used for wall insulation, if you want to build a utility room, 2 and 2.5 cm are enough. If you plan to use such material for load-bearing walls, then buy blocks with a thickness of at least 37.5 cm.
Related article:
. In the material, we will consider what aerated concrete is, its scope, advantages and disadvantages, as well as dimensions and average cost.
Foam concrete
Blocks of foam concrete, like aerated concrete, belong to the group of gas silicate. Foam concrete is divided by strength into 4 groups:
Table 1. Marking of foam concrete
| Name | Density, kg per cubic meter m | Strength | Frost resistance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D150-400 | Thermal insulation | 150 to 400 | Up to 400 does not vary by strength class | Not |
| D500-900 | Structural and heat-insulating | 500 to 900 | From 13 kg per kV. cm up to 35 | Class F (up to 75) |
| 1000 - 1200 | Structural | 1000 to 1200 | From 50 to 90 kg per sq. cm | Class F 15-50 |
| 1300 - 1600 | Structural-drawn | From 1300 to 1600 | Complies with GOST | Complies with GOST |
At the same time, the dimensions of the gas block for building a house are also different depending on the marking. For example, D600 and 8000 have dimensions of 20x30x60 cm, there are D600 models corresponding to 10x30x60. The size is selected based on the purpose of construction.
Related article:
In the article, we will consider in detail the features of the building material, its advantages, scope, size and average cost.
cinder blocks
This kind of material appeared a very long time ago. Having a lot of weight, it is necessary to use special equipment in the process. Standard dimensions are 20x20x40 cm. The composition contains perlite, expanded clay, processed sawdust, gravel, crushed stone and other components, and the presence of slag is not necessary.
The advantages of this material include:
- density (from 500 to 2000 kg/m³);
- resistance to frost (withstand from 15 to 35 freezing);
- thermal conductivity (from 0.3 to 0.65 W/m*⁰С).
Only blocks manufactured at the factory that meet all quality standards have such indicators. Since such material can be made at home, you can get to completely different characteristics.
By design, they are produced monolithic or with slots through and through. At the same time, laying such elements is much more difficult than bricks, since cinder blocks have an irregular shape. And also it makes no sense to cover such material with plaster during finishing.
Thus, answering the question, what are the best blocks for building a house, price and quality - cinder blocks are unlikely to be in the top positions of the ratings.
Blocks for building a house: which are better, price and characteristics
An easy way to compare materials is to create a table with technical parameters.
Table 2. Average cost of blocks for building a house
| Material | Strength (kg/cm²) | Density (kg/m³) | Thermal conductivity (W/m*S) | Frost resistance in cycles | Average cost, rub. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerated concrete | 20-50 | 300-900 | 0,08-0,2 | 25 | 3800 |
| foam concrete | 15-50 | 300-900 | 0,14-0,29 | 30 | 3550 |
| Arbolit | 20-50 | 600-900 | 0,12-0,25 | 35 | 4600 |
| Expanded clay | 50-250 | 500-1800 | 0,16-0,85 | 35 | 3700 |
| Ceramics | 35-50 | 750-800 | 0,14-0,29 | 35 | 4450 |
| cinder block | 35-100 | 500-1000 | 0,25-0,50 | 20 | 2800 |
The choice of material will primarily be based on the purpose of use. For example, aerated concrete or foam blocks are more often used as wall blocks for exterior walls. To make it easier to understand and choose, watch the video on the topic.
A house built of stone looks reliable and prestigious. It easily resists dampness and fire, protects from cold and noise, and has an increased level of durability. One question remains: “What exactly is it to be built from?” Once upon a time, the phrase "stone building" meant a natural sample, very heavy and difficult to process. Later, the list of what materials to build a house from expanded: they created substitutes - brick and concrete, with their undoubted advantages and disadvantages. The latter include the high cost of building materials, the complexity of the work, the overrun of the components for the solution. The construction of a private small cottage from prefabricated reinforced concrete panels is practically impossible due to the high price and complexity of transporting the slabs and assembling them.
Another, the most modern version has appeared, devoid of the shortcomings of its predecessors and suitable for low-rise construction. New materials are produced using the technology of vibrocompression of cement-containing mixtures. These are the so-called concrete blocks, which differ in their physical and mechanical characteristics and appearance, depending on the main filler. Practically, their economic feasibility compared to standard bricks has been proven, namely: increased volume with low weight reduces the cost and timing of installation work, and also significantly reduces the consumption of binder cement.
Block types
Most people at the stage of designing their country dwelling find it difficult to choose the best material. Today, the building materials market has several types of artificial stones for construction. They differ in scope, installation method, production technology.
For the construction of houses, the following blocks are most often used:
- foam concrete;
- gas silicate;
- expanded clay concrete;
- wood concrete blocks;
- polystyrene concrete;
- sawdust concrete;
- cinder blocks.
Let's take a closer look at the most popular types.
gas silicate blocks
Compound: silicate binder, foaming agent.
The main advantage of the resulting product is its thermal performance. Gas silicate itself is a heater. Thermal conductivity of the structure: 0.15–0.3 W/m°C.
Mounting method: the masonry is fixed on a special adhesive composition or cement-sand mortar.
It has the smallest volumetric weight of the presented samples, only 200–600 kg/m3.
Material with low strength, up to 20 kg/cm2. Compared to other types, it has the highest shrinkage rate (1.5% mm / m). Just like foam concrete, it exhibits poor moisture resistance and frost resistance (about 10 cycles).
Approximate cost: 2900 rub./m3.
Foam concrete blocks
Compound: cement with sand, foam concentrates.
Mode of application: masonry is carried out both on mortar and on various synthetic adhesive mixtures. The material is suitable for all types of walls up to and including the 3rd floor.
The foam block has average strength characteristics: from 10 to 50 kg/cm2.
Its main disadvantage is its low water resistance. Water absorption - 95%. Therefore, together with foam blocks, it is necessary to purchase hydro and vapor barrier.
approximate price: 3000 rub./m3.
Expanded clay blocks
Composed of: sand, cement and expanded clay.
Expanded clay is called light porous granules obtained by firing clay.
Mounting method: blocks are installed with voids inside on a pre-applied mortar. The material is provided for all types of walls.
It has the best strength characteristics among the other samples presented: 75–150 kg/cm2
Virtually no shrinkage factor. Possesses good indicators of resistance to moisture and frost resistance. Expanded clay can regulate indoor humidity by absorbing or evaporating it.
The microclimate in such houses is similar to the microclimate in a wooden frame.
Approximate cost: 2000 rub./m3.
What do the parameters mentioned above mean? Read more about this.
Value of characteristics
Strength is the maximum compressive load that a block can withstand without breaking. With standard dimensions, under a force of 50 kg / cm2, it carries 37,000 kg.
Volumetric weight is the density of an element, taking into account its pores and voids. Simply put, this is the weight of one cubic meter of material.
Thermal conductivity - the amount of heat that a wall with an area of \u200b\u200bone square meter transfers through itself, with a difference in external and internal temperatures of one degree.
Frost resistance - the number of cycles of freezing and thawing, as a result of which there will be a decrease in strength by 10%. Shows the service life.
Shrinkage - the value by which the block is compressed during the operation of the building.
Hydroabsorption - the amount of moisture absorbed by the material.
Video
In this video we are talking about the characteristics of expanded clay concrete blocks.
The rapidly developing construction industry constantly requires the emergence of new technologies and materials. Therefore, many are wondering which blocks are better for building a house, since it is they who have recently enjoyed the greatest popularity and compete at a high level with the long-known brick. The emergence of a new type of masonry raw material was mainly due to the desire to speed up the construction process and reduce its labor intensity.
The larger dimensions of building blocks compared to bricks make it possible to produce masonry several times faster, and their relatively low weight greatly facilitates the work. This quality gave a significant impetus to their introduction to the market.
There are several classifications of blocks for construction. Depending on the dimensions of the product, they can be divided into the following groups: small-sized and large-sized. The first group includes products with small dimensions, low strength and heat conductivity. The second group will be represented by products with large dimensions and high strength values, as well as medium insulating characteristics.
Higher quality building blocks are classified according to the type of material used to make them. The main component of all types is invariably concrete. Only secondary materials and production technology vary.
The following groups can be distinguished here:
- concrete;
- expanded clay concrete;
- gas silicate;
- aerated concrete;
- foam concrete;
- polystyrene concrete;
- cinder concrete;
- ceramic.
Defining characteristics and their impact on consumer choice
Considering in more detail all types of blocks for construction, you need to dwell on their main technical characteristics. These are density, compressive strength, frost resistance. They are decisive when choosing the right material. Based on these parameters and dimensions, the correct calculation of the number of blocks for building a house is made.
It is always worthwhile to clearly think over all types of work, since various blocks are suitable for specific goals. You need to focus on a certain course: it will be just insulation, a partition, or a more massive supporting structure. What type of building will this material be applicable to: capital in the form of, for example, a house or a garage, or a simpler version of a summer shower or outbuilding. And of course, one more factor: how much do the blocks for building a house cost.
Concrete blocks: performance characteristics and scope
This type of blocks was the very first on the production line. It is very common in applications, especially where high structural strength is required. Depending on the brand of concrete used, the following groups can be distinguished:, FBV and FBP.
There is a state standard in which the sizes of blocks for construction are clearly regulated. This makes it possible to accurately calculate the costs of building construction. The above brands may have a solid structure or longitudinal cutouts designed for laying communications.
The most significant advantage of these types of blocks is ease of use. In most cases, they are applicable for laying the foundation. Thus, when using this particular technology, the process can be greatly facilitated. You will not need to pour concrete, while attracting a lot of additional equipment, you will not have to wait for it to solidify in order to continue further work.
The price of concrete blocks measuring 390x190x188 mm, which differ only in the number of slots in their structure, ranges from 40 to 55 rubles per piece. Smaller sizes 390x80x188 and 390x90x188 mm cost from 25 to 30 rubles per piece.
Expanded clay concrete blocks: properties, advantages and disadvantages
In the manufacture of expanded clay concrete blocks, expanded clay is used as an impurity. It is a porous material produced in the form of granules by firing clay. Such a mixture gave very unusual properties to new types of blocks, thanks to which they won due recognition from the consumer.
By varying the amount of filler, as a result, a block of different strength is obtained. This leads to an expansion of the range of applications of this material. The most popular density is from 500 to 1800 kg/cm³. The denser the material, the stronger it is and can be used for multi-storey buildings.
Building houses from expanded clay concrete blocks has a number of positive qualities. Buildings are not deformed, do not shrink, do not crack. The low cost of production is also a plus. The presence of a sufficient amount of the source material and the low technological cost of production as a whole provide the maximum benefit from its use.
Note! Precisely because the production of expanded clay concrete blocks does not require large material costs, many people try to make it on their own using the “handicraft method”. Failure to comply with some necessary standards results in poor-quality material and inconsistency in block sizes for construction. Therefore, when purchasing this product, you must make sure that the manufacturer has a good reputation.
This block also needs to be insulated with finishing materials, and from the outside. This will give a positive effect of increasing thermal conductivity, as well as increase the life of the building.
The price of expanded clay concrete blocks depends on their size and purpose. For a hollow wall block, the dimensions of which are 390x190x188 mm, it ranges on average from 33 to 50 rubles per piece. and directly depends on the number of voids-slits in the material.
The solid block has the most popular dimensions of 390x190x188 mm, and its price is slightly higher, about 57 rubles per piece. The partition view of this type is most often presented in the size of 390x90x188 mm and the price range ranges from 25-30 rubles per piece.
Gas silicate blocks and the main criteria for their use
The construction of houses from gas silicate blocks has become very popular recently. The material itself, aerated concrete, is made from cement, quicklime, quartz sand and aluminum powder by the autoclave method under certain temperatures and pressures. In the process of mixing these components, a large amount of hydrogen is released, which, when solidified, gives the finished product a cellular structure.
Advantages and disadvantages of gas silicate blocks
The positive qualities of gas silicate blocks are as follows:
- they have a small mass and therefore the construction will be much easier than, for example, from brick. This property makes it possible to reduce the pressure on the foundation. This means that the skeleton itself can be planned less capital, which significantly saves money;
- low level of thermal conductivity will provide a higher temperature in the interior;
- A variety of shapes and sizes makes this material in demand. Not limited to specific size ranges, manufacturers are expanding the range of consumption. The design with additional recesses and groove joints is also quite popular;
- the large size of the gas silicate block for building a house and their clear, even edges significantly speed up the construction process;
- the use of special adhesive mixtures for masonry, which are simply diluted with water in a certain proportion, also saves time;
- gas silicate, due to its structure, is easy to saw, process, lay all kinds of strobes;
- high fire resistance is in the first place in matters of safety.
Despite a number of the above positive qualities, several negative ones can also be distinguished: the cellular structure of the material gives not only pluses, but also minuses. It clearly reduces the density index, the level of compression and stretching. Therefore, the maximum number of floors of such buildings should not exceed 2. Otherwise, experiencing a heavy load, the lower rows will begin to collapse and shrink. The appearance of cracks is not excluded.
Note! To increase the strength of the walls, experts recommend strengthening the building with steel reinforcement.
Blocks of this type in the size range 60x25x50 and 60x25x40 mm cost an average of 30 to 206 rubles per piece. Increasing the last parameter increases the price. Sizes 60x30x10, 60x30x20 and 60x30x25 have a cost of 30, 58 and 75 rubles per piece. respectively. The most expensive are the largest - 60x37.5x25 mm, which have a price of 210-233 rubles per piece. and 60x40x25 mm - 225-240 rubles / piece.
Construction of houses from aerated concrete blocks: advantages and disadvantages
Just as in the case of the use of gas silicate blocks, the construction of aerated concrete begins with determining what needs to be obtained as a result: main walls, partitions of a two-story array, or insulation of existing buildings. Based on the tasks set, you just need to buy blocks for building a house of the desired density. And also take care of the exterior wall decoration. It should provide not only an acceptable appearance of the structure, but also minimize the moisture absorption coefficient.
Aerated concrete blocks are made by the autoclave method. They consist of cement, lime, gypsum and aluminum powder. As in the case of the gas silicate species, a massive chemical reaction occurs between the constituent components, as a result, hydrogen is released, due to which the cellular structure of the material is obtained.
After complete hardening, aerated concrete is cut into the required size blocks for building a house using a string. Therefore, the result obtained is characterized by ideal geometrically even edges. This is important, since during laying there will be very few gaps at the seams, which will provide an additional percentage of heat.
This type of blocks has another attractive property. Due to its special structure, it can be easily cut with a conventional saw. In this way, you can quickly adjust the parameters and get the desired size of aerated concrete block for building a house.
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We pay attention to the marking: the main selection parameter
Aerated concrete blocks are very popular today. Numerous offers from manufacturers provide the opportunity to use this material not only for walls, but also for ceilings, lintels for windows and doors. A large size range makes it possible to build the entire structure from these blocks.
As well as on other types of blocks, aerated concrete products can have mounting grooves for ease of use. Such a connection will give maximum fit and the desired thermal conductivity.
When choosing the necessary material, pay attention to the marking. It is indicated by the Latin letter D and the numbers after it. These numbers indicate the density of the block. Thus, the most applicable are the grades D500-D900, which, with a size of 600x250x200 mm, weigh 18 kg and thus can replace 20 pcs. bricks.
Foam concrete: the best value for money
Concrete block refers to cellular types of building materials. He has all their qualities. It is made from a mixture of concrete and a foaming agent. The foam is prepared in a special generator and then poured directly into the cement. It envelops and thus closes all the cells in the structure. After the mixture falls into special cassettes and remains to solidify at natural ambient temperature. There is no special thermal effect on this material.
Note! Foam concrete needs to "stand" for an average of 28 days from the date of manufacture in order to finally harden and obtain the necessary strength.
Many developers note the favorable price of blocks for building a house: any private developer can buy foam concrete products. At the same time, they make it possible to easily display, for example, any curly arches or partitions.
When considering which blocks are best for building a house: gas and foam concrete are often compared. There is no definitive answer to this question, but it is worth considering a few points:
- aerated concrete blocks outwardly resemble a sponge. Their pore-cells are not closed, as a result, they actively absorb and retain moisture that has got into them. In this regard, foam blocks with completely closed and concentrated cells exclusively inside are in a more advantageous position;
- if a sub-zero ambient temperature is still applied to the absorbed moisture, then we will get a disappointing result for the gas block: it will crack and shrink;
- foam concrete has a lower density, it contains more cells that are filled with air. Therefore, it retains heat much better;
- for the manufacture of aerated concrete blocks, more professional equipment is used, which makes it possible to have clear dimensions and the correct edges of products.
Foam concrete block, depending on its density in the most popular size 600x300x200 mm, has a cost of 95 to 120 rubles per piece. Naturally, the material with high density has the highest price. If you increase at least one of the dimensional parameters, for example, up to 600x400x200 mm, then the price will be 120-170 rubles per piece.
Which blocks to choose for building a house: advantages and disadvantages of polystyrene concrete
This type of block has recently appeared on the building materials market. He deserves to be popular with developers. The following characteristics are very important:
- low thermal conductivity;
- soundproofing;
- reliability;
- frost resistance;
- ecological purity.
The manufacturing process takes place both in production conditions and at home. A mixture of polystyrene granules, cement, sand and hardening additives is poured into a concrete mixer in a well-defined sequence, mixed. Then they are poured into pre-prepared forms for solidification for about a day in natural conditions. After 24 hours, the blocks can be removed, carefully laid out on a flat surface until completely dry.
All polystyrene concrete blocks can be divided into two types:
- with lining. They do not require additional facade finishing, as one side can be made in the form of stone, marble or granite. An important point is the absence of any additional adhesive compositions. This layer of the facing side is part of the concrete;
- ordinary blocks that are used to build walls. The cost of blocks for building a house from polystyrene concrete is about half the cost of a brick.
A polystyrene concrete block with a size of 600x300x250 mm has a price of 120-160 rubles per piece. A smaller block with a size of 390x190x188 mm costs 40-50 rubles per piece.
Almost all the negative aspects of using this type of material depend on the correctness of its manufacture. If the blocks were made without strict adherence to the rules, then the possibility of microcracks and shrinkage increases significantly.
Plus, it is necessary to add special fibers so that the result is a durable product. If you save on these fibers, you get a block that does not justify itself. All this must be taken into account when buying.
Special qualities of slag and its application in the slag concrete industry
The product obtained after a strong heat treatment of any raw material is called slag. It is an alloy of oxides. When using slag for the production of concrete blocks, the material is taken without any additional chemical compounds.
It is important to properly prepare the slag for use. It should be left out in the open for about six months. This will enable natural precipitation to wash out the remains of sulfur and lime impurities from it. It will be good if it is moved several times from place to place. Such an action will also help to weed out everything unnecessary.
The production of slag concrete blocks takes place using slag sand (it gives additional density) and crushed stone (gives additional lightness). In finished products, about 2/3 of cement and 1/3 of lime, plus the required amount of slag.
Subject to all necessary norms and requirements, the price of blocks for building a house will be very reasonable. It turns out a good price-quality ratio.
The main characteristics of these blocks are considered to be its strength grade, as well as density. The following brands are distinguished:
- M10 - used for insulation;
- M25 and M 35 - suitable for the construction of partitions of low bearing capacity;
- M50 and above are used for the construction of load-bearing walls.
Grades M50 and above are used for the construction of load-bearing walls
Pros and cons of cinder blocks
The advantages of cinder blocks over bricks are relatively light weight. Less pressure is created on the foundation and other supporting structures. This prolongs the life of the buildings. Like other types of blocks, they greatly speed up the construction process due to their size.
Cons can be identified even at the production stage: a long time to prepare the material itself, and a long time to achieve the desired hardening index. Only after a month it reaches only 50% of this value. It will take a year to fully comply.
The cinder blocks used for interior partitions have a size of 390x90x190 mm and cost 17-35 rubles per piece. For buildings for various purposes, products with a size of 390x240x190 mm are used, the material has voids-chambers and costs 50-80 rubles per piece. For objects with increased load, one-piece material is used with a size of 390x190x190 mm and a cost of 35-80 rubles per piece. Cinder blocks with the same size and with a different number of chambers are used to build the outer walls of residential buildings. They cost about 34-55 rubles / piece.
Environmentally friendly wood concrete blocks
Arbolite blocks belong to the group of wall blocks. They are 80% wood. Cement and various chemical additives remain unchanged in the composition of all blocks. For proper manufacture, the wood must be dried well, chemicals must be added to stop the processes in the organic matter and for better bonding between the main components.
Arbolit can be produced in the form of blocks, slabs, panels and solutions for pouring monolithic surfaces. All this can be used to create walls and insulation.
They have a number of advantages: thermal protection of the house, high sound insulation performance, environmentally friendly composition, they are light in weight and do not put a heavy load on the foundation, they are easy to process and can be used without reinforcement when building small formats.
The disadvantages of the blocks under consideration is the need for mandatory cladding, since the material itself does not have a very attractive appearance. You should always pay attention to the manufacturer, since many wood processing plants have taken up this type of work. Since this process is not a profile for them, then the quality is worth thinking about.
There are not many installation features for wood concrete blocks. Masonry is carried out in 1-1.5 blocks, ordinary cement mortar is used, reinforcement can be used at will. Experienced builders advise taking drying breaks every 3 rows, as the blocks are very light.
This environmentally friendly material in the price occupies one of the highest positions. An arbolite block with a size of 150x200x500 mm has a cost of about 60 rubles / piece, 200x200x500 mm - 80 rubles / piece. and 300x200x500 mm - 120 rubles / pc.
Straw concrete blocks: is it worth it to be afraid?
Straw concrete blocks are a separate type of wood concrete blocks. This is a new kind of product that is ideal for followers of environmentally friendly materials. Their production has not yet been widely delivered, many are skeptical about this, but they already have their own consumer.
In the manufacture of straw blocks, it is important to take into account the quality of raw materials. Straw must be, firstly, of a certain type, and, secondly, ideally dry. All further construction technology depends on the quality of drying. If the material contains even the slightest percentage of moisture, then it will not be possible to avoid rotting, flowering, and the reproduction of harmful microorganisms.
Useful advice! This type of block is used only for frame buildings. After all, no matter how much chopped straw is poured with cement, it will still remain a soft building material.
Nevertheless, they have a very long service life, and you can buy straw blocks for construction at very affordable prices.
Construction of houses from ceramic blocks
This type of blocks is interesting in its own way. Depending on the constituent substances, products can be divided into two types: porous and non-porous. The representatives of the first group include clay, foam plastic waste and cellulose. Minor additives burn out under the influence of temperature, after which microscopic pores appear in the structure of the finished block, which provides greater thermal insulation.
Non-porous blocks do not contain any additives. Therefore, they are heavier in weight and have less thermal insulation. Both groups have high rates of physical and technical characteristics. Good thermal efficiency, sound insulation, environmental friendliness, ease of installation are also inherent in ceramic blocks.
They can be used for the construction of multi-storey buildings, the construction of interior partitions, and are suitable for complex architectural tasks. Ceramics by its properties does not need additional cladding, heat and waterproofing. This significantly reduces the cost estimate by eliminating many additional materials from it.
A feature of laying ceramic blocks is the purchase of special glue without fail. The cement mortar has a very liquid consistency, which will fill all the pores of the block and thereby minimize many of its useful qualities. And a special glue with a thickness of only 2 cm is able to ensure the strength of the connection and do no harm.
The second note to keep in mind is the use of ligation of vertical seams with fiberglass mesh. It is laid every 2 rows.
The ceramic block has the following dimensions and cost: 25x120x65 mm - 12 rubles / piece, 250x120x140 and 250x120x140 mm - 17 rubles / piece, 250x250x140 and 80x500x219 mm - 45 rubles / piece, 150x50x219 mm - 60 rubles / piece . and 510x95x219 mm - 67 rubles / pc.
Construction of non-residential premises from blocks
Today, the construction of blocks is very popular not only for residential premises, but also, for example, for street storerooms, a summer shower or a garage.
Consider briefly the main points of the construction of the latter. Most often, construction takes place on its own. Therefore, you need to immediately decide which blocks are best for building a garage? Note that in principle, any kind is suitable. You should evaluate all the pros and cons and choose the most acceptable option for yourself.
A garage made of foam or gas block must be reinforced during construction. This will give the desired density. Do not avoid finishing the walls, and immediately after the completion of construction. Since the porous structure will be filled with moisture and subjected to frost, which will soon cause many problems.
When building from cinder or expanded clay blocks, the actions are slightly different. Armo-belt is not used here, but simply the top row is laid out with holes up. Subsequently, these voids are filled with rubble or concrete. Thus, a reinforced concrete structure is obtained.
In all cases, pay special attention to. The most correct would be to lay out the first few rows of strong red brick. A slightly different option: the already exposed formwork is poured with concrete.
Note! Before starting construction, always evaluate the quality of the soil. After evaluating the soil, choose the right version of the foundation.
Building a bath from blocks: a quick guide
Building a bath from concrete blocks is a good alternative to wooden buildings. Given the individual characteristics of the structure, they select the right type of product.
From blocks: steps 1-6
The most applicable foam and aerated concrete blocks with their cellular structure will strongly absorb moisture. Therefore, it will be necessary to spend not small financial and labor costs on reinforced waterproofing of walls on both sides.
Block walls are finished on both sides. Outside, a wooden crate is used, in the cells of which layers of heat, steam and waterproofing are laid. Since the bath is the place of maximum moisture formation, it is worth considering the options for a slag or expanded clay block.
Construction begins with the foundation. It is advantageous to use in this case tape monolithic concrete blocks, which are laid on a pillow of crushed stone and sand. A layer of roofing material is laid on the foundation itself. It will act as a waterproofing agent.
Having decided which blocks are best for building a bath, their laying is carried out in rows with mandatory linking. Here it is best to use a special adhesive solution. This will allow you to keep warm. The most common laying is half a block wide, which is quite beneficial in terms of savings.
After the construction of the walls, you need to think about the quality strengthening of the roof. To strengthen the fastening systems, a special beam is used, which is attached to the block wall using metal studs or anchors. This will enable the block wall to withstand the increased load.
Which blocks are better for building a house: the correct calculation of the material
When building any room, you need to choose blocks according to several criteria:
- determine the most suitable type according to the characteristics;
- material quality;
- justified and cost-effective price.
Considering which blocks are better for building a house, their price plays an important role. Having picked up the right quality material, any developer strives to make his business the most profitable in material terms. The cost of blocks is directly affected by the size of the blocks for construction.
Here, acquaintance with the price lists of supplier companies and, of course, the correct calculation of the required amount of material, which can be done using an online calculator, will come to the rescue. The calculation of blocks for building a house in this case will be correct and correct. To do this, you must enter the parameters required by the program.
You can make your own calculations using this formula:
V \u003d (P x H x L) - S 1 - S 2,
where P is the perimeter of the base, H is the height of the walls, L is the thickness of the walls, S 1 is the area of doorways, S 2 is the area of window openings.
Using this formula, you can calculate the required volume of blocks. By dividing this volume by the volume of one structural element, you can easily find out the right amount of material.
In the construction of houses made of bricks and blocks, it is simultaneously necessary to take into account the amount of both materials separately. After all the necessary calculations, you can easily buy blocks for building a house.
From all of the above, it follows that in order to obtain a high-quality building, it is necessary to correctly determine the required material, correctly calculate its quantity and not miscalculate the price. It should be noted that each type of block has its pros and cons. There can be no specific answer to the question of which option is better. Everything determines the specifics of construction and its purpose.
The use of blocks in the construction of houses is very popular. Manufacturers produce modern material made of artificial stone, of various shapes, textures, which is practically in no way inferior in terms of performance to brick. Building blocks have high thermal insulation qualities, and also reduce the load on the foundation of the structure. In this article we will tell you which blocks are best for building a house.
Types of building blocks
All products are manufactured in accordance with GOST, but the quality directly depends on the technology and the selected raw materials by the manufacturer. Types of blocks on the market:
- Concrete - this product is not very popular because of its low thermal conductivity. The scope of their application extends to the construction of economic facilities, tk. The material is highly resistant to severe frosts. Most often, concrete blocks are used in the construction of a garage. The photo shows a concrete module
- Expanded clay concrete. With it, you can build a good house, the product itself has a small weight and high strength. If you need to build a house with two or three floors, you can do without the use of special lifting equipment, the modules can be lifted manually without any problems. When using blocks with a decorative coating or facing tiles, you can not perform exterior wall decoration. The approximate cost of the product for 1 cubic meter is $30. The photo shows expanded clay concrete block
- gas silicate block considered the most popular in construction. Aerated concrete has high thermal and sound insulation properties, responds well to temperature changes and practically does not absorb moisture, and due to the porous structure of the product, heat is retained in the house. The cost of the material is $42 per 1 cubic meter. The photo shows a gas silicate block
- Aerated concrete type It is applied to carrying out facing works of external walls. The product is heavy and able to absorb moisture. Aerated concrete is quite easy to install, has high sound insulation and biological stability. If it is planned to build a high-rise building - aerated concrete is an ideal option. The photo shows aerated concrete block
- foam concrete block. According to its characteristics, it is similar to aerated concrete, the difference lies in the method of production. The technology makes it possible to manufacture a block directly at the construction site. Scope - construction of cottages and country houses. The material is durable and environmentally friendly, it can be used to quickly build a box. The photo shows a foam concrete block
- Polystyrene concrete products. A distinctive feature of the material is its high frost resistance, which is achieved by adding special polymers. The material has high sound insulation, it is often used for the construction of houses and industrial facilities. The photo shows a module made of polystyrene concrete
- Wood concrete has a high thermal insulation efficiency, this is achieved due to the presence of wood in the composition. The product is easy to install and light weight. The cost of the product is about 65 dollars per cubic meter. The photo shows arbolite
- Sawdust concrete is a dense and reliable material for building the foundation of a house. Scope of a product - construction of medical institutions and kindergartens. The material is resistant to frost, is not afraid of fire, has high strength and thermal insulation. The photo shows sawdust concrete blocks
The most popular are blocks with the size:
- 510 * 250 * 219 mm - such a product is used for the construction of external walls that do not require insulation;
- 250 * 380 * 219 mm - used for the construction of an external load-bearing structure, followed by insulation of internal walls;
- 510 * 120 * 219 mm - this size is used for the installation of a load-bearing partition.
What to build a house from?
If you decide to build a house with your own hands, you should figure out which blocks are most often used for this by specialists. It is best to build a house from foam concrete blocks. This product is able to withstand the load of even a three-story building. The laying of products is carried out using a mortar or special synthetic adhesive mixtures. In terms of strength, the product has up to 50 kg / cm. The only drawback is low water resistance and water absorption, therefore, after construction, the dwelling should be waterproofed and a vapor barrier should be laid. The price for 1 cubic meter will cost about 45 dollars.
The photo shows the finished project of foam concrete
Expanded clay blocks are also used, which have a strength higher than foam concrete and range from 75 to 150 kg / cm. The material is used for the construction of any type of walls, the laying is carried out with the help of a mortar, having previously exposed the block with a void inside. Such houses practically do not shrink the foundation, are highly resistant to moisture and temperature extremes. The price for 1 cubic meter is $28.
For information! Expanded clay is able to regulate the humidity in the room, by absorbing and evaporating moisture. The microclimate in such houses is similar to the microclimate of a wooden house.
Thanks to a brief description of the materials, it will be easier for you to decide which blocks to build your house from. Definitely, expanded clay is more profitable than foam concrete both in pricing and in performance. Properly chosen material and a built house will create home comfort and a favorable microclimate.