Building blocks for external walls: Blocks and panels for external walls | External walls and facades

Blocks and panels for external walls | External walls and facades

Blocks and panels for external walls | External walls and facades | Archiproducts

The opaque vertical closure is the construction element that defines the limit of the internal space and separates it from the outdoor space granting either the comfort inside and static safety. Solidity, static safety, thermal insulation, waterproof and humidity control are only a few of the requisites determined by the UNI 8290-2/1981 norms, which represent the standard for the design of technological systems in housing construction. In Blocks and panels for external walls category you can find all the building solutions for opaque vertical closures: clay, concrete and lightweight concrete building blocks, well insulated hollow wall blocks, free-standing concrete sheets and panels and clay blocks for fair faced facades.
… More
… less

Filter

BIM/CAD

554 Products

Sort by:

Xella Italia

Ytong Thermo – Lightweight concrete block for external wall

Request info

Xella Italia

Ytong Climagold – Lightweight concrete block for external wall

Request info

Manni Green Tech

ADDMIRA 2D – Precast reinforced external panel

Request info

MVB BAGATTINI

TESTA PIANA – Concrete building block

Request info

MVB BAGATTINI

MATTONE DI CEMENTO – Facing brick

Request info

Bacchi

GASBETON® ENERGY – Thermal insulating concrete block

Request info

Wienerberger

POROTHERM PLANA+ 30 – 0,08 – Building block

Request info

Bacchi

GASBETON® SYSMIC – Lightweight concrete block for external wall

Request info

Knauf Aquapanel

AQUAPANEL® Cement Board Outdoor – Panel with aggregated Portland cement and coated glass fibre

Request info

Knauf Italia

AQUAPANEL® OUTDOOR – Dry-laid cement and fibre cement sheet

Request info

Saint-Gobain – Gyproc

GYPROC AQUAROC – Lightweight concrete block partition

Request info

Geoplast

GEOPANEL ART ® – Formwork and formwork system for concrete

Request info

FASSA

GYPSOTECH® EXTERNA light – Dry-laid cement and fibre cement sheet

Request info

Beton Uno

BETON-UNO W01 – Matrix for fair faced concrete wall wood effect finish

Request info

Fornaci Laterizi Danesi

NORMABLOK PIÙ 8.

24,5.47,5 INCASTRO 8 – Building block

Request info

ECOSISM

CAPPOTTO ARMATO KARMA® – Exterior insulation system

Request info

Terreal Italia

CLASSICO – Facing brick

Request info

SWISSPEARL Italia

CLINAR CLIP – Dry-laid cement and fibre cement sheet

Request info

Anpel

LECABLOCCO BIOCLIMA – Concrete building block

Request info

LecaSistemi

LECABLOCCO FONOASSORBENTE – Sound insulating concrete masonry block

Request info

Poroton

POROTON® 800-700-600 – Clay building block

Request info

Fornaci Laterizi Danesi

Mattone 3 fori – Facing brick

Request info

Terreal Italia

AUTAN® – Solar shading

Request info

Edil Leca Murature

BC20 – Lightened concrete block for external walls

Request info

Edil Leca Murature

BGS12 – Lightened concrete block for external walls

Request info

Terreal Italia

Architecture elements – Special clay piece for fair faced facade

Request info

Edil Leca Murature

AR25 – Sound-absorbing concrete block

Request info

Legnobloc

EGH 43,5/24,5 – External masonry block in wood-concrete

Request info

FAVARO1

Exposed face blocks – Lightened concrete block for external walls

Request info

ECOSISM

ECOSISM – Prefabricated wall panel

Request info

Anpel

LECABLOCCO TAGLIAFUOCO – Lightweight concrete block for fire resistance

Request info

POLIESPANSO

POLIARMO – Polystyrene matrix for decorative element

Request info

Fornaci DCB

EV30 – 30X25X25 DL311 13L – Building block

Request info

B&B Rivestimenti Naturali

GENESIS 280 – Facing brick

Request info

Xella Italia

Ytong SismiClima – Lightened concrete block for external walls

Request info

LecaSistemi

LECABLOCCO TAGLIAFUOCO – Block for fire stop buffer

Request info

Fornaci DCB

EVOLATER TAMPONATURA 12X25X25 – Building block

Request info

Macevi

BS30 – External masonry facing block in concrete

Request info

RECORD BAGATTINI

B/12 E.

I. 120 – Interior fair-faced masonry

Request info

Stabila

MATTONE PIENO – Facing brick

Request info

Stabila

ALVEOLATER CLIMA 30 h34,5 F55 – Building block

Request info

Stabila

ALVEOLATER 8/50 incastro h29 – Clay block for internal partition

Request info

Biemme

LASTRA + – Dry-laid cement and fibre cement sheet

Request info

Macevi

BS7 – External/internal masonry facing block in concrete

Request info

T2D

ECOPOR® 311 30X25X25 – Clay block for internal partition

Request info

Xella Italia

Ytong Taglio Termico (TT) – Lightweight cellular concrete block for thermal insulation

Request info

PROGRESS

PROGRESS DOUBLE WALL – Prefabricated reinforced concrete panel

Request info

Xella Italia

Ytong Sismico – Lightweight concrete block for external wall

Request info

Xella Italia

Ytong Climaplus – Lightweight concrete block for external wall

Request info

GLOBAL BUILDING

UNIPAN – Dry-laid cement and fibre cement sheet

Request info

T2D

TRIS® 44X25X19 – Loadbearing clay block

Request info

LEIPFINGER-BADER

UNIPOR W07 CORISO – Thermal insulating clay block

Request info

Gyps

DURABOARD® – Cement sheet reinforced with fibres

Request info

Siniat

AquaBoard – Dry-laid cement and fibre cement sheet

Request info

DI MUZIO LATERIZI

POROTON P700 E P800 – MURATURA PORTANTE – Thermal insulating clay block

Request info

DI MUZIO LATERIZI

POROTON P800 MA – MURATURA ARMATA BIO – Block for reinforced masonry

Request info

Knauf Aquapanel

KNAUF EXTERIOR WALL – Complete exterior wall system

Request info

Schöck Italia

SCHÖCK NOVOMUR® – Lightened concrete block for external walls

Request info

DI MUZIO LATERIZI

FORATI – TAMPONATURA CLASSICA – Clay plank and hollow clay plank

Request info

Knauf Aquapanel

AQUAPANEL® Cement Board SkyLite – Cement board for suspended ceilings

Request info

Categories

Brands

in Blocks and panels for external walls

ACL
ALA
Anpel
B&B Rivestimenti Naturali
Bacchi
Beton Uno
Biemme
CONSORZIO ALVEOLATER
COPLAN
DI MUZIO LATERIZI
ECOSISM
Edil Leca Murature
ELLE ESSE
FASSA
FAVARO1
Fermacell
FORNACE FONTI
Fornaci DCB
Fornaci Laterizi Danesi
Geoplast
GLOBAL BUILDING
Gyps
Isolconfort
ITALPIETRA
Knauf Aquapanel
Knauf Italia
LecaSistemi
Legnobloc
LEIPFINGER-BADER
Macevi
Manni Green Tech
MVB BAGATTINI
PLASMACEM
POLIESPANSO
Poroton
Premac Prefabbricati
PROGRESS
RECORD BAGATTINI
Saint-Gobain – Gyproc
Schöck Italia
SIAI
Sicilferro
Siniat
SISTEMA TERMOBLOCCO
SOLAVA
Stabila
SWISSPEARL Italia
T2D
Terragena
Terreal Italia
Wienerberger
Xella Italia
ZANON PREFABBRICATI

Materials

Ceramic materials
- Clay
- Terracotta
Concrete and cement-Based materials
- Cement
  - Fiber cement
  - Lightweight cement
- Concrete
Synthetic Material
- EPS

Designers

BIM/CAD

All BIM/CAD files
Revit
ArchiCAD
IFC
AutoCAD
Materials & Textures
Bim Handbook
Other

Faswall Healthy High Performance ICF Building System

The Faswall® Difference

Faswall® blocks build HEALTHY, comfortable, durable houses
An organic, non-toxic, energy efficient insulating wall block for your new home.

Energy efficient buildings save you money
Natural ICF helps you decrease your carbon footprint too.

Ideal for do it yourself (DIY) home builders
Faswall® blocks are dry stacked – no mortar needed! Walls or Foundations.

No special tools required!
Use wood saws and other tools on Faswall® for easy installation.

Stands up to fire and all kinds of weather extremes
Faswall® homes are built to last. Fire – resistant Walls. Create a lasting legacy for your family.

Build your natural, non-toxic home with this remarkable wood-chip concrete building block

Healthy | Simple | Sustainable | Durable | Safe | Affordable

Faswall® is a patented, organic, non-toxic ICF-like (insulated concrete form) building system made from recycled materials, designed for Home, Commercial and Agricultural building. Faswall Blocks are ideal for healthy, high performance, sustainable, zero-energy homes and buildings, providing breathable, fire-resistant, thermally efficient walls, foundations and basements. Because of its light weight and ease of use, Faswall Blocks are perfect for DIY’ers as well as professional builders. Faswall has a excellent 25-year track record, and uses proven materials.

Six Reasons to Build with Faswall Wall Forms

Recent Projects Built with Faswall® Organic Building Materials

Working with Faswall was fast and manageable for these DIY-ers. Rob Story’s efficient and affordable ICCF family home project in northwestern Washington is a home and home office designed as a budget-friendly DIY residence. It is finished with beautiful interior lime plaster and exterior stucco. Rob Story is not a builder by trade, but he […]

Rebuilding in California Fire Zones; Fire Safe Walls When one family in Grass Valley, California, lost their home to fire, they didn’t want to rebuild a typical wood-frame home that would be at risk for another fire. They chose composite ICF Faswall Block System. “We wanted to build with an alternative material, because after losing […]

“I cannot recommend this product enough for anyone seeking a hands-on experience for building or renovating their own home. We used Faswall as our new foundation material for an 1894 Victorian house, and its consistency, stackability and ease of handling and tooling made the project a breeze. No extra cost or wasted material for concrete […]

Commercial High Performance building with Faswall Natural Composite ICF Blocks. A sustainable alternative to foam ICF.

Building a Luxury, Lake Front Home with Faswall Proving that beauty and energy efficiency go hand in hand

In a nutshell, my experience working with Shelter Works as well as building with Faswall was excellent, exciting, fulfilling and rewarding. My story with Faswall is long and I encourage anyone considering building with Faswall to thoroughly read my testimonial. I built a house, 12 years ago, when we lived on Maui. It was a […]

A personal blog about building in the California Bay Area with Faswall. http://jonharv.blogspot.com/2011/ “I’ve been very pleased so far with the ease of assembly and cutting blocks to form a straight and true wall. The workers, who are skilled in carpentry and to a lesser extend masonry, seem to work with the new construction […]

Betsy Hunter, Yakima, Washington Read their blog detailing their building experience. “Our new passive solar home will be built with Faswall block. The Faswall material is ideal for this environment and will help keep us cool in the summertime and warm in the winter. It will give us strong, fire-proof walls and a quiet interior… […]

How to Cover Exterior Cinder Block Walls

Cinder block walls are practical and budget friendly, but they’re not always the most attractive option nor are they particularly weathertight when left unfinished. Covering a cinder block wall helps it fit the aesthetic of the surrounding buildings and improves its durability.

There are several ways to approach the job, depending on the look you prefer. Before you apply any type of cover, however, clean the wall and repair any damage.

Concrete

The simplest way to cover a cinder block wall is by using surface bonding cement to create a concrete finish. Concrete helps insulate the building and keep moisture out. It creates a smooth, finished surface you can leave as is or paint.

If you want a colored wall, but don’t want to paint, concrete pigment is the way to go. Concrete also gives you the freedom to create any texture you want, such as polished, broom brushed, or sponge finished.

Surface bonding cement contains acrylic and fiberglass to make it easier to apply to vertical surfaces, so it’s a practical choice if you’re not used to working with concrete.

To apply this cement, first prepare the concrete mixture. Thoroughly wet the whole cinder block wall, then re-wet a 3 to 6 sq. ft. section of wall. The wall must be wet to allow the mixture to adhere properly.

Use a trowel or paint brush to apply a 1/4-inch layer of mixture as evenly as you can to the small section you re-wet. Re-wet another section and continue working with one section of the wall at a time until it’s all covered. Renting a concrete sprayer will help you get the job done faster.

Stucco

Stucco provides a classic, uncomplicated finish that’s more decorative than concrete and that works particularly well for southwestern-style homes. Because stucco is made from a mixture of cement, lime, and silica, it offers many of the same benefits as concrete.

As with concrete, you’ll have the option of using concrete pigment or painting the wall your preferred color.

To apply stucco, you’ll need a hawk, a flat tray with a handle in the middle. The specific application process for stucco mixture can vary by manufacturer, but for most, you’ll first need to apply a bonding agent with a paintbrush or sprayer and let this dry overnight.

You’ll then apply an initial coat called a scratch coat, which takes several days to dry and must be misted regularly as it dries. To finish the job, you’ll apply the final coat in which you can create designs such as swirls and waves.

Vinyl Siding

If your home features vinyl siding, adding siding to the exterior cinder block walls of your outbuildings will give your property a more cohesive look. Siding comes in a wide range of colors and textures, including those that mimic wood and stone, so it’s easy to get the look you want.

To install vinyl siding on a cinder block wall, you’ll first need to install furring strips on the wall by nailing or screwing the strips into the joints between the blocks. Furring strips are thin lengths of wood used to create space between the wall and the siding. You can then install the vinyl trim followed by the siding itself onto the furring strips.

Artificial Stone

The timeless elegance of a stone wall fits nearly any landscape. Stone wall veneer lets you turn your drab cinder block wall into a landscape feature that brings a little touch of luxury along with it. These veneers look just like real stone and are available in a variety of styles, including slate, ledgestone, fieldstone, and river rock.

The exact method of installation depends on the style you choose, but in general, you’ll only need to apply mortar to the sections of veneer and press them directly onto the wall. To ensure you get the look you want, lay the sections of veneer out on the ground in the pattern you have planned for the wall.

Some veneers, such as imitation fieldstone, also require grouting after installation.

Climbing Plants

If you’d prefer a natural look for your wall, climbing plants are a beautiful and easy way to achieve it. To help the plants spread out over the wall, attach a lattice to it using concrete screws.

You can make your own lattice with narrow slats of wood or, for a more rustic look, tree branches bound together with wire or twine. Place spacers between the wall and the lattice to give the plants room to wrap around the lattice.

When you choose your plants, keep your climate and the plant’s weight in mind. A heavy plant, such as wisteria, can easily tear down a lightweight lattice or even a whole wall. Ivy, clematis, cup and saucer (Cobaea scandens), and sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) are generally safe choices.

If you’re tired of looking at that plain cinder block wall on your property, you have plenty of options for giving it a facelift. For a quick and simple cover up, try concrete or stucco. To give the wall a a more unique character, consider stone wall veneer or climbing plants.

13 Different Types of Concrete Blocks

71
shares

Facebook

Whether you’re planning to initiate a construction project, renovate your home, or prepare for an event, you’ll probably need concrete blocks at some point during the project. Concrete blocks are a form of construction material, also known as a masonry unit, composed of concrete, cement, sand, water, and other additives. These concrete masonry units are used in different types of construction situations.

There is a common misconception that concrete blocks find themselves most useful in controlling traffic in the form of large concrete barriers. While concrete walls function tremendously in that situation, concrete blocks perform well in numerous residential, public, and industrial applications as well.

As a highly adaptable and versatile material, concrete has been used by architects and engineers to construct sturdy, long-lasting buildings for ages. Concrete’s most significant properties include resistance to fire, a variety of aesthetic qualities and appeal, their high structural capacity, strength, longevity, resistance to water, and insulating and acoustical advantages. In many situations, concrete blocks serve as minimal-maintenance yet economical building materials, while meeting any specialized requirements a client may have.

Uses of Concrete Blocks

Concrete blocks have a wide range of uses. They are commonly used as partition blocks, and in retaining walls in both residential and commercial contexts. They also serve as security barriers, and are often lined up on roads to control the flow of foot traffic at any given event. Event management companies often use concrete blocks to organize special entrances and exits. Concrete blocks are an incredible source of vehicular traffic control, too. Large blocks can be lined up side by side to organize traffic. Lightweight blocks can be easily moved and repositioned for these purposes.

Concrete blocks are designed in a variety of ways, which makes them adaptable to different applications and contexts. Learning about the different types of concrete blocks and their uses is important so you can select the right one for your project. This will ensure longevity and stability of the structure you plan to build. But before we jump into the different types, let’s look into their properties.

Source: Medium

Properties of Concrete Blocks

Concrete blocks are in demand due to their compressive strength that’s common in all the types of concrete masonry units. There are numerous methods in place to estimate the strength of the concrete, as well as other methods that ensure whether the manufactured concrete meets standard strength requirements. To produce a significantly stronger concrete block, solid grouting into the cells can be added. This involves inserting steel rods called rebar into openings in the blocks.

A drawback of a standard concrete block is that it absorbs water. Thus, to produce a more waterproof concrete block, a mixture of coarse and fine particle material should be used during manufacturing. What determines the degree of permeability of a concrete block is the amount of cement used in production. The higher the cement content in the mixture, the lesser the permeability of the concrete masonry unit.

In addition to this, applying various washes that are available or using waterproof compounds after placing the blocks also helps to keep the water out of any concrete block masonry structure, such as a concrete block foundation.

Besides this, the fire resistance of concrete blocks depends on the type of masonry unit used and its coverage area. To obtain in-depth information on the fire resistance properties of various types of concrete blocks, please peruse the document issued by the American Concrete Institute. It includes their fireproof values for different types of concrete blocks.

As far as aesthetic properties are concerned, manufacturers now offer blocks in a multitude of textures, colors, and finishes, as demanded by architects and engineers. The ever-evolving construction industry continues to demand new concrete block shapes and sizes to cater to innovative building designs.

When it comes to the insulating properties, concrete block masonry varies with the density of the blocks as well as by manufacturer. The insulating properties of the concrete blocks are recorded using thermal conductivity tests performed by the manufacturers. When manufacturers aim to produce concrete blocks with high heat-insulating properties, they reduce the concrete block density by volume and generate lightweight blocks. Further, the insulating properties of a concrete block wall can also be increased through solid grouting of the cells.

The acoustic properties of concrete blocks are determined by multiple aspects of these masonry units. The characteristics of the material used during the manufacturing of these concrete masonry units are an important factor in this regard. In addition, the junctions and connections between the blocks and construction type also play a crucial role. To obtain maximum acoustic control, the best approach is to follow the guidelines issued by the ACI on concrete block installation.

Source: Hunker

Related: Cinder Block Dimensions Chart | Gabion Wall and Fence Ideas | Backyard Retaining Wall Ideas | Landscape Design Blueprint for Yard

Types of Concrete Blocks

Concrete Bricks

Concrete bricks are systematically piled blocks that are rectangular in shape and primarily used to build rigid walls. Normally made of concrete or cooked clay, this brick masonry is ideal for building fences, giving them a slick and aesthetic look. While some manufacturers use cement and lightweight aggregate or aggregates to make these blocks, others stick to solid concrete. Based on the requirements of different clients, other materials may also be used to tint the concrete into different shades and colors.

Solid Concrete Blocks

Solid concrete blocks are among the most commonly used concrete blocks. These blocks are much bigger and denser than concrete bricks are. Solid concrete blocks are designed to be heavy and strong, and are produced using naturally dense aggregates. Due to their strength, these solid blocks are mostly used for building load bearing walls and other structures. Although similar to concrete bricks, it’s the weight and cost of a solid block that distinguishes it from its concrete brick counterpart. Also, the larger size of a solid block means that it can allow for quicker construction of a structure compared to structures made using concrete brick walls.

Source: Quality Engineers guide

Aerated Autoclaved Concrete Blocks

Often confused with concrete bricks, aerated autoclaved concrete blocks are composed of the same aggregates as bricks, but the composition or mixture varies. This results in a larger yet lighter version of a concrete brick. Their size can enable a significant reduction in cost of building materials. Plus, research suggests that the high durability of these concrete brick types has led to a reduction in the overall consumption of steel by 15% and concrete by 10%. Aerated autoclaved blocks overshadow bricks not only in terms of cost, but also in terms of construction time, fire resistance, and surface adaptability. However, this concrete block type is more expensive than traditional concrete and wood-frame construction materials are. Plus, the strength of aerated autoclaved block is one-sixth to one-third that of the strength of a traditional standard concrete block.

Aerated autoclaved concrete blocks can be drilled and cut using traditional woodworking tools, such as simple power drills and band saws, making them highly workable units. However, their low density and lightweight nature mean that their compressive strength, bulk density, moisture content, and shrinkage must be assessed prior to use to ensure that these factors are adequate for the job at hand.

Aerated autoclaved concrete blocks come in lengths of 24, 32, and 48 inches. Their thickness varies from four to 16 inches, whereas their height is typically eight inches. As these concrete blocks are much more versatile than their standard concrete block counterparts, they are used in the construction of walls, roofs, and floors. Besides being strong and fire-resistant, aerated autoclaved concrete blocks are excellent for both sound and thermal insulation. However, to ensure maximum longevity, they must be coated using an applied finish such as a polymer-modified stucco, finished with a siding, or covered with a natural or engineered stone.

Aerated autoclaved concrete walls used in the construction of basements must be covered with thick waterproof material or membrane to prevent the AAC blocks from becoming damaged by water. In addition, exposure to weather or soil moisture can cause AAC surfaces to break down. So, further protective actions must be taken.

On the other hand, no coatings are necessary when AAC blocks are used in interior applications. They can even be safely left exposed. Yet people normally apply finishes to them, such as plaster, paint, drywall, or tiles. Because of their lightweight nature, AAC blocks are not only easy to install and handle, but are also recyclable. They allow for easy cutting to create chases and holes for plumbing and electric lines, as well. In contrast with solid concrete blocks, AAC blocks are so lightweight that they can make shipping and handling much more economical.

However, you may experience diminishing quality and fading color of AAC blocks over time. When used externally, AAC blocks will break down quickly unless a tough coating is applied to them. When installed in areas with high humidity, external finishes demand high vapor permeability, while internal finishes demand low vapor permeability.

Source: The balance small business

Hollow Concrete Blocks

A hollow concrete block is defined as a concrete block containing a void area that’s 25% greater than the gross area of the block, with a solid area that should be greater than 50%. Since a hollow concrete block is made from a lightweight aggregate or aggregates, the block will be lightweight, which also these concrete block types easy to install. Depending on the application of the block, the hollow area may be manipulated. For example, one may decide to divide a hollow concrete block into components or make slight adjustments in the shape of the void area. Let’s have a look at the variations of hollow concrete blocks.

Lintel Blocks

Lintel blocks, also known as channeled blocks, are U-shaped concrete masonry units. They are primarily used in the preparation of lintel beams. Attached on top of windows and doors, lintel blocks bear the load coming from the top of the structure. The deep groove present in a lintel block is filled with concrete, along with reinforcement bars, once the lintel block is placed.

Given the solid bottom of a lintel block, the underside of this type of concrete block can be exposed at openings, which means lintel blocks don’t allow vertical reinforcements to extend through them. Since wall systems typically have a combination of vertical and horizontal reinforcement, lintel blocks aren’t used in the construction of walls. However, the bottom of the lintel beams can be removed to allow for the extension of the vertical reinforcement through it. In this way, lintel beams can be used to create bond beams in walls with vertical reinforcing, too.

Lintel blocks are more often used in load bearing walls, without vertical reinforcement, below the ends of steel joints. Yet, a steel-bearing plate for the bar joints is normally placed in the grout of a lintel block.

Source: Concrete construction

Concrete Stretcher Blocks

Concrete stretcher blocks are commonly used as hollow concrete blocks. The primary purpose of a concrete stretcher block is to join the corners of masonry units. While these blocks look quite similar to a normal hollow concrete block, their faces are designed in a way that they are placed parallel to the face of a wall.

Jamb Concrete Blocks

Jamb blocks are used to deal with an elaborated window opening in a wall. Connected to a stretcher and corner blocks, a jamb block can often help provide space for the casing members of the window, particularly in the case of double-hung windows.

Concrete Pillar Blocks

Unlike a stretcher concrete block or corner block, a concrete pillar blocks is designed in a way that both its ends are visible. This is why these concrete block types are also known as double corner blocks. Concrete pillar blocks are most commonly used in building pillars or piers.

Concrete Corner Blocks

Concrete corner blocks serve as the corner blocks in masonry, or as the ends of door openings or windows. One corner of a concrete corner block is plain, while the other is a stretcher design with the face parallel to the wall. The plain side of a concrete corner block is exposed to the outside, while the other serves as a stretcher lock towards the inside.

Partition Concrete Blocks

Partition concrete blocks are the same as concrete pillar blocks, except that a partition concrete block, or partition block, has a larger height than breadth. The hollow part of a partition block is often divided into two to three components. These blocks are ideal for the construction of partition walls.

Bullnose Concrete Blocks

Bullnose concrete blocks are the same as concrete pillar blocks. The only minor difference between the two concrete block types is that a bullnose block has rounded edges, while a concrete pillar block does not. So, if you prefer rounded edges, bullnose concrete blocks may be the right option for you.

Source: The constructor

Paving Blocks

Paving blocks are square or rectangular shaped boxes made from reinforced concrete. Simply put, using paving block is a decorative technique for creating pavements, making a paving block a type of decorative concrete block. While mostly used in road construction, paving blocks are also useful in the construction of car parks and walkways. When used for building road shoulders and paving, paving blocks must be coated with high-visibility paints so that they are easily visible to drivers and motorists.

Expanded Clay Aggregate Solid Construction Blocks

This concrete block variant is created from lightweight, expanded clay aggregates with a dry density of up to 750 kilograms per cubic meter. Masonry units known as Ecasolid Construction Blocks are made using expanded clay aggregates of class F fly ash and cement. As lightweight construction blocks, these blocks help reduce overall structural load by 40 to 50 percent.

Expanded clay aggregate solid construction blocks are not only waterproof; they are also chemical- and fire-resistant. These features help enhance the versatility, durability, and ease of use of these lightweight blocks. Apart from offering excellent thermal and sound insulation, expanded clay aggregate (ECA) solid construction blocks are considered to be environmentally sustainable.

In addition, ECA construction blocks are relatively more economical than other concrete blocks, and are considered a premium type of eco-friendly solid construction blocks. These easy-to-modify blocks can be nailed, carved, drilled, and shaped with ease. This means that ECA construction blocks can be easily cut to install conventional or concealed wiring and pipes. While these blocks allow for easy installation using regular cement mortar, decorative paints are often applied or coated at the end of installation, as well.

The application of ECA construction blocks reduces mortar expense(s) by 70 percent when compared to standard concrete blocks. In addition to this, using ECA construction blocks can allow a builder to save on any reinforcement costs.

In conclusion, different types of concrete blocks are designed and manufactured for different purposes. Concrete blocks are extremely versatile construction materials that have various uses, such as at events, in homes, and for storage purposes. All concrete blocks come with approved mortar, reinforcing bars, and paste material. Prior to purchasing concrete blocks, we advise you to consult a few different concrete block suppliers to ensure that you end up purchasing the concrete block type that fits your purpose(s). Many manufacturers even provide a demo of how the blocks must be installed.

71
shares

Facebook

Hemp blocks for naturally efficient masonry | IsoHemp

IsoHemp Natural Building

Search form

Contact

Hemp blocks: the answer to many technical challenges

The IsoHemp hemp block is particularly suitable for the construction of residential houses , the doubling of existing walls from the inside or from the outside, as well as industrial partitioning and apartments.

It allows you to achieve low-energy, very low-energy and passive house standards.
They are technically approved and have all the necessary certifications in compliance with current European regulations.

Range

Solid blocks in different thicknesses: 7.5cm, 9cm, 12cm, 15cm, 20cm, 25cm, 30cm, 36cm

Machined blocks: holed blocks and U-blocks in thicknesses of 30 and 36cm

Check our technical sheets for more information about our blocks.

5 major advantages of the hemp block for your project

Thermal regulation

The hemp block naturally regulates the temperature of the building thanks to its excellent ability to diffuse the accumulated heat. This high inertia insulating block protects:

cold in winter by keeping the heat in the house longer
hot in summer by avoiding overheating of the habitat.

As a real thermal buffer, it maintains a constant indoor temperature and significantly reduces the impact of heat variations between day and night.

Humidity regulation

Thanks to its high permeability to water vapour, the hemp block acts as a water buffer and offer a constant and healthy indoor climate for the occupants. The relative humidity level is thus stabilised (from 50% to 55%). Its uses:

Renovation and insulation of old buildings, old brick or damp walls
Interior renovation to insulate walls on which wooden floors are resting, prevent any condensation issues in the transition areas between materials to guarantee the excellent conservation of the building
Humidity regulation in commercial projects where humidity variations are high: archive rooms, museums, sports halls, swimming pools …

Acoustic Insulation

Whether IsoHemp hemp blocks are used for your walls or interior partitions, external and ambient noise will be significantly reduced. In terms of sound insulation, the hemp block acts as a real sound trap and helps to dampen the majority of sound waves, protecting you from noise pollution.

Protection and fire resistance

The IsoHemp hemp block complies with current standards and provides a simple and effective solution to your site problems, both for industrial or collective buildings (nurseries, schools…) and residential homes. With an excellent reaction to fire (class B-s1 d0), it offers up to more than 2 hours of fire resistance depending on the finish and thickness of the block used.

A 100% natural solution:

The hemp block meets the strictest requirements of sustainable development: it is manufactured according to a very low energy-consuming process, using 100% natural materials (limestone and hemp) that are sourced locally. A very positive carbon footprint, since a pallet of IsoHemp hemp blocks stores 100kg of CO².

building with hempcrete blocks

IsoHemp hemp blocks are laid like traditional cross-jointed masonry. They are bonded in thin 3 mm joints with IsoHemp adhesive mortar specially adapted to their quick installation. Large in size but lightweight, they allow easy application on site. You can find more information in our IsoHemp hemp block implementation guide or during one of our training sessions.

These are all the uses for hempcrete blocks

IsoHemp hempcrete blocks can be used as a second wall, filling masonry or for partitioning. Both in new builds and renovation, it provides solutions for all circumstances :

new builds
Interior insulation
exterior insulation
floors and roofs
Extensions
Etc.

Finishing options

For a smooth, white, economical surface ready to be painted chose the natural IsoHemp PCS coating for indoors (+ lien vers Enduits naturels PCS). Limestone and clay plasters are also perfectly suitable. For outside, mineral plaster and all types of cladding can be applied directly to the blocks. Double masonry (with bricks, country stone, etc.) is possible using a mechanical tie.

Discover our other products

PCS, our natural interior plaster

Hempcrete

Complementary products for hempcrete blocks

Our realisations

External brick and block walls

Home
/ Older brick and render flats
/ External brick and block walls

Brick walls can be found in all ages of building. The brickwork may form the structure, holding up the roof or it may be cladding with a timber kit frame providing the structural support

You can usually tell a solid brick wall by the brick courses – every fourth row is made of bricks turned at right angles to those in the courses above and below.

Used up to the 1930s, these walls might include some stone features such as lintels, cills and string courses. Bricks were often harled (rendered), so you may only see two or three courses of brick at the very base of your building. From the 1930s, concrete blocks were also used, sometimes the base would be brick and render applied over concrete blocks.

The inside finish was originally lath and plaster which would have been fixed to timber battens secured to the outer walls.

Although these single brick walls were not good at insulating from the cold, they have managed to weather Scotland’s climate as the bricks acted rather like stone walls, absorbing moisture then allowing it to evaporate. So it’s important to keep the walls as dry as possible and avoid using non-breathable exterior paints.

Some brick walls were made of engineering or glazed bricks. Engineering bricks are more highly fired than other bricks and are a dark red or blue. These bricks are less permeable than other bricks and absorb less water. One disadvantage of this is that moisture is not absorbed by the brick and may run directly through cracks to the inside causing dampness.

Insulation can be added to solid brick walls in the same way as adding insulation to solid stone walls.

Damp proof courses were used at the base of walls and initially constructed like those used for stone walls.

Cavity brick walls started to be used in the 1930s but are invariably found in buildings put up after World War Two. They are still being used in new buildings.

These walls have inner and outer skins with a cavity in between. Moisture that gets through the outer brick skin should drain down the cavity, leaving the inner wall dry. The two leaves are linked together with galvanised or stainless steel wall ties, designed to prevent water crossing the cavity.

Concrete blocks were sometimes used for the internal leaf of the wall and sometimes blocks made to look like stone would be used on the outer leaf.

Insulating cavity walls

Prior to the 1970s, cavity walls were built without insulation and are difficult-to-heat. In the 1970s, the inner leaf of cavity walls started to be built with a lightweight concrete block for insulation. Insulation standards increased again in the 1980s when the cavity was widened and insulation was added to the inner leaf.

Possible methods of insulation:

Cavity wall fill

Insulated render

External overcladding

Internal insulation using methods similar to those used for solid masonry walls

Cavity wall fill

This should not be done in areas of high exposure as filling the cavity can increase the risk of moisture crossing to the inner leaf.

Thermal bridging can also be a problem as the cavity fill will not insulate lintels, cills, balconies or joints with any concrete floors that bed into the wall. Condensation dampness may occur at these weak points as they will be much colder than the insulated walls.

Suitable materials are:

Blown mineral wool fibre

Various expanding foam products

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) bead in a weak adhesive mix

We think that the EPS beads in a weak adhesive mix represent the best option in the long term however it depends on the condition of the cavity and exposure, both of which should be considered before opting for a preferred insulant. The cavity should be checked to make sure it is at least 40mm wide and that the existing wall ties are not rusted or missing and there are no other materials (such as mortar) bridging the cavity. Site control is important as evidence suggests that cavity wall insulation is not always reaching all areas within the wall cavities.

Insulation: common or individual?

In tenements and apartment blocks, cavity wall fill and external overcladding requires a majority of owners to agree and counts as maintenance. If you cannot get other owners to agree, you can consider using the methods set out for internal insulation of solid masonry walls

Some more modern buildings may appear to be made of brick but are actually covered with brick slip cladding panels. There are now concerns about fire risk and all types of cladding.

Brick slip claddingJohn GilbertA fire saftey check should be made if this has been applied on buildings over 4 storeys in height

More about fire risk and cladding.

Damp Proof Courses (DPCs) are found just below the ground floor (above the brick vents). They were probably made of slate though asphalt and bitumen felt was also used. More recently, DPCs have been made of reinforced plastic sheet. The purpose of these DPCs was to prevent rising damp. DPCs are also used at cills and lintels and where concrete floors penetrate the cavity wall. More recently, DPCs are also used around door and window openings. The purpose here is to prevent dampness from water running down the inside of the cavity and crossing to the inside leaf. Weep holes were sometimes provided to allow moisture to escape.

Brick and block walls generally have precast concrete lintels. In cavity walls, there will also be an inner lintel and this should have a DPC over it that will drain any moisture that gets into the cavity to the outside.

In block walls, the lintel is likely to be made of the same material as the blocks. These lintels will also be reinforced.

Cracked lintel in blockwork wallJohn GilbertGaps in pointing above the lintel have allowed moisture to seep in and rust the reinforcement

Cills under windows are generally also made of precast concrete. They should project at least 50mm (2 inches) from the wall and have a throating (drip) on the underside to ensure rain drips clear of the face of the wall. Cills should also be bedded on a DPC.

In older buildings, the cills were shaped and set into the wall on either side of the window opening so that water did not gather at the bottom corners of the window. “Slip cills” are more commonly used now. These fill the width of the window opening and require good DPCs underneath to prevent rain penetration into the wall.

In the 1950’s, architects liked to emphasise windows by forming a thin precast concrete surround which projected out from the wall. However as the concrete frames were very thin, the reinforcement in them is near the surface and prone to rusting and cracking the concrete. Where the concrete frame goes through the depth of the wall, cold bridging can occur and condensation may be found on this cold part of the wall.

Concrete window surroundJohn GilbertRusting reinforcement has cracked the concrete

Balconies are a common feature of flats built from the the 1930s to the 1960s.

More information about balcony construction and maintenance

Originally, renders were applied to brickwork to weatherproof them and protect the bricks from frost, as the bricks were ‘commons’ with limited frost protection. Facing brick finishes became more popular in the 1960s and are frequently used today.

This render may crack due to frost and eventually come loose. Damp can seep in behind the render. Loose render can be detected by tapping it with a chisel or other hard object – it will sound hollow. To deal with render problems, remove any replace any patches of loose render.

Insulated render

This can be used where walls have been previously rendered or where walls are of brick. Planning consent and a building warrant will probably be required for this kind of work.

If your walls are already rendered, make sure the render is well repaired. If there are cracks which allow damp to get in, this will make walls colder. Defective render needs to be removed and the surface evened before insulated render is applied on top.

Frost damage to brickJohn GilbertIn freestanding brick walls it is better to have a coping which throws water off the face of the wall and is bedded on a DPC.

Frost damage can occur on bricks which are always wet, perhaps because they do not have a good coping on top. Hard cement pointing can also be a cause.

White powder on the face of bricks is efflorescence. Usually found in new brickwork because the bricks have not been protected during construction and salts in the brick (or mortar) have come to the surface.

Efflorescence on brickJohn GilbertNote how it occurs under the balcony copings suggesting poor detailing here

concrete lintels may have cracks in them- this is usually because the buried steel reinforcement has rusted or has been set too near the surface of the concrete

plant growth in walls

staining caused by leaking gutters or downpipes

where the brickwork is exposed, check if any bricks have crumbled through frost attack

ensure that ground levels are not allowed to rise above the damp proof course and any vents into the solum are kept open

in cavity walls, if there are localised damp spots inside it may be because the cavity has been bridged by mortar falling on the wall ties or faulty insulation

Although much of the work may appear straightforward, ensure your builder or tradespeople have the skills for the job. If in any doubt, get professional help to specify and organise the repair. Work to lintels should always involve professionals.

Further information

Historic Scotland Inform Guide ‘Repairing Brickwork’

Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings Technical Q&A ‘Brickwork’

Timber kit construction

Wall blocks for exterior walls: which ones are better to use, prices

The advantages of blocks in comparison with traditional bricks have long been known: masonry is carried out many times faster, dimensions and weight allow it to be done on your own even with no work experience. Most modern building materials in this group are energy-saving, lightweight and breathable. The most demanded products are made of cellular, gas silicate, vibropressed and sawdust-cement concrete, regulated by GOST 19010-82.

Contents:

Classification and description
Multilayer masonry
Selection criteria
Estimated prices

1. Foam concrete.

It is recommended to buy with a limited budget and deadlines, concrete blocks with porous additives have a minimal load on the foundation and keep heat well. They have an open cellular structure and a geometric accuracy high enough for laying on glue, they can be sawn into pieces and strobed without any problems. Manufacturing technology is different, the best reviews are observed in options with barotechnical processing. The disadvantages include shrinkage, low flexural strength, the need for reinforcement, protection from moisture and a limited choice of finishes, the ability of walls to breathe turns into significant problems if the lining is not correct on the outside or there is no vapor barrier on the inside.

2. Autoclaved aerated concrete.

Characteristics, advantages and disadvantages are similar to the previous type, but there are a number of significant differences. Wall blocks of factory quality win in strength, geometric accuracy of shapes and sizes and are less susceptible to shrinkage processes. Due to the presence of lime in the composition, they are slightly inferior in frost resistance, but in general their structure is more uniform. The use of this building material allows you to quickly and inexpensively build a house with single-row masonry with a total thickness of 40 cm and minimal insulation from the outside.

3. Vibropressed.

Solid and hollow products obtained by compacting mortar based on cement, sand and crushed stone (sometimes without coarse filler). For the construction of external walls, the second, lightweight view is well suited, ideally – blind. The thickness of their partitions is at least 20 mm, an element of a standard size of 40 × 20 × 20 cm weighs about 30-33 kg. The advantages include resistance to moisture, external influences, temperature rise and changes, good strength and affordable cost. Cons – a high coefficient of thermal conductivity, inferior in the ability to retain heat to other options.

4. Expanded clay concrete.

Being a kind of vibrocompressed blocks, this material wins many times over in thermal insulation properties. It is based on high-quality cement and expanded clay sand or gravel, if necessary, it is made at home. For laying exterior walls, you can use the solid and slotted types with equal success, the main thing is that they have a sufficient strength class. Application limitations are associated with poor dimensional accuracy (mounting on a thin adhesive layer is not possible), the need for a reliable finish and protection from external influences. Despite good permeability and acceptable resistance to moisture, expanded clay concrete tends to accumulate it inside the granules. If the technology is violated, the products crumble after 2-3 years.

5. Wood concrete.

Structural sawdust concrete is well suited for low-rise buildings – fire-resistant, environmentally friendly and energy-saving. Valued for increased crack resistance, foundation movements are not terrible. Recommended for high requirements for comfort, constructions from it breathe and regulate the level of humidity in the room. The limitation of the application is a large water absorption, expensive building materials are used for facing internal and external surfaces, this construction option cannot be called budgetary.

External sandwich walls

A relatively new building technology is the masonry of dissimilar materials. The carrier layer, made of durable expanded clay concrete, is fastened with fiberglass rods with an insulating polystyrene foam and an external decorative layer. Installation is carried out on a thin layer of special glue; when erecting openings, corners and similar areas, standard products are used.

The resulting structures do not need insulation and cladding, you can start operation at any time. There are two minuses: high price and low vapor permeability, the only exception is a variety with a heat-insulating layer of foam glass.

Results of comparison of dimensions and main characteristics:

Index name	Vibroblock	Foam concrete	AAC	Arbolit	Expanded clay concrete
Compressive strength, kgf/cm ²	100-300	15-25	25-45	35	500-150
Specific gravity, kg/m ³	1500-2300	500-1200 (for structural grades)		500-850	1000-1800
Frost resistance, cycles	15-150	15-75	15-25	25-50	25-75
Thermal conductivity, W/m °C	1.51	0.07-0.15	0.08-0.21	0.08-0.17	Not more than 0.26
Water absorption, %	6-12	Up to 14	Up to 20	40-85	50
Shrinkage mm/m	Close to 0	3	0. 3	0.4-0.5	0

All of the above types comply with fire and sanitary safety standards, the best fire resistance is observed in expanded clay and concrete, obtained by vibrocompression. With the exception of autoclaved aerated concrete, with the right equipment and molds, any of them can be made at home, but the strength class in this case will be unconfirmed. The durability declared by the manufacturer is irrelevant if the masonry technology and protection from external influences are violated. The destructive factors include the penetration of moisture into the interior in the absence of the possibility of its withdrawal from the side of the outer walls. The consequences depend on the base material: pressed products crack, cellular concrete begins to rot, wood concrete loses its heat-insulating properties and shape.

Recommendations for selection

The above varieties can be purchased in the construction of low-rise private houses, garages, bathhouses and outbuildings. The final version is advised to choose taking into account the following factors:

Geological conditions of the site. Foam and aerated concrete have a minimal load on the foundation, they are definitely recommended to be used if it is possible to lay a shallow tape. But they are not suitable for construction on unstable soils; at the risk of displacement of the base, it is better to choose wood concrete or concrete.
Timing of work, with a limited time it is worth using multi-layer blocks as external walls, they allow you to skip a number of complex and time-consuming steps.
The climatic conditions of the region, in the northern latitudes, preference is given to building materials that retain heat well: wood concrete, gas, expanded clay concrete.
Availability of a variety. Even before starting the design, it is worth studying the offers of suppliers, ideally, products are purchased directly from a trusted manufacturer.
Complexity of architectural forms. If it is necessary to build a house with numerous arches, niches and similar elements, it is better to use blocks of wood concrete, foam or aerated concrete. All the rest are noticeably worse for sawing: the denser the base, the more effort has to be applied and the higher the risk of splitting.

All declared characteristics must be confirmed by the original certificate, the thickness of the masonry is determined by thermal calculation. When working with lightweight concrete, it should be remembered that only structural grades with a density above 500 kg / m 9 are used as wall blocks for external walls and load-bearing internal ones.0076 3 (and accordingly strength class from B2.0). This rule applies to foam and aerated concrete, wood concrete, for expanded clay products, the recommended minimum is 1000 kg / m ³.

Cost of materials

Estimated prices:

Name	Dimensions, mm	Number in 1 m ³, piece	Price per piece, rubles	Price for 1 m ³, rubles
Hollow-core vibro-pressed sand-cement	400×20×20	62. 5	50	3130
Structural foam concrete	600×300×200	27.78	100	2750
Autoclave gas silicate	625×250×400	16	194	3100
Arbolit	500×200×300	33	140	4500
Multilayer blocks	400×300×200	41	145	6000
Solid claydite concrete products	400×200×200	62.5	60	3700

Wall blocks for external walls: what is better to use

Application of wall blocks

Enclosing structures of residential, civil, industrial buildings and structures are erected from wall blocks. Concrete blocks for walls form external vertical barriers with high thermal insulation qualities. Hollow masonry elements are used only for heated buildings. In addition to the bearing function, wall blocks play the role of a thermos. The laying of external fences from this material brings significant savings in the cost of heating a house. The main raw material for the manufacture of concrete blocks is a cement-sand mortar with various solid fillers.

Corner construction
Main masonry

Wall cladding blocks

Types of wall blocks

Modern low-rise construction is mainly carried out with the use of concrete blocks. The versatility of masonry raw materials made it possible to dramatically increase labor productivity. Types of concrete wall materials amaze with their diversity in the building materials market. Due to this diversity, low-rise construction in the choice of concrete wall products practically does not cause any particular difficulties.

In their form, wall materials are hollow products. Moreover, the voids are through and closed on one side.

A structure made of such devices can be built much faster and cheaper than a similarly sized house made of brick, cast-in-place concrete or wood.

There are different technologies for making concrete blocks. The differences lie in the mixtures used and the methods of making wall materials. The dimensions of concrete blocks may vary depending on their purpose. Choosing the right size concrete brick is not difficult.

What are the products? They produce concrete, aerated concrete, expanded clay concrete and polystyrene types of wall materials. They also make foam blocks and cinder blocks.

Aerated concrete

Delivery of wall blocks is carried out on pallets

Aerated concrete or gas silicate products combine two positive qualities. This is the maximum thermal insulation and sufficient strength. Building material is obtained by pouring a liquid solution into molds. The solution is a mixture of cement, lime, quartz sand, water, blowing agent (aluminum powder) plus various additives. Aluminum powder, reacting with lime, causes a rapid release of oxygen and hydrogen. Oxygen forms the cellular structure of aerated concrete.

Two types of aerated concrete are produced: conventional and autoclaved. Blocks placed in an autoclave, under the influence of pressure and high temperature, become more durable.

Products are popular among the population because of their low cost, sufficient strength and moderate thermal conductivity.

Foam concrete

Products, like aerated concrete, are classified as cellular concrete bricks. Unlike gas silicate materials, special foam concentrates are used in the production of foam concrete masonry elements. Foam concrete is not cooked in an autoclave. The mixture is poured into molds where it hardens naturally.

If we compare which blocks are better to use, then in terms of strength characteristics, gas silicate cement blocks are much better than foam concrete products. But foam blocks are cheaper.

Expanded clay concrete

In the manufacture of these products, expanded clay chips are added to the concrete solution, which is obtained by firing foamed liquid clay. Expanded clay has high porosity and low specific gravity. The resulting products have a low weight and low thermal conductivity.

Expanded clay concrete products are easy to process, which is important when building walls of complex configuration. The choice of hollow claydite bricks is explained by its low price and availability.

Expanded clay blocks

Polystyrene concrete

The technique for manufacturing polystyrene concrete products is distinguished by the use of the filler used – polystyrene granules. Plastic granules are used to obtain heat-insulating lining of communications for various purposes. Products are not used as a building structural material.

Slag concrete

Products are formed from a concrete mixture mixed with slag (waste from metallurgical production). The production conditions are so unpretentious that in almost any household you can organize the manufacture of cinder blocks with your own hands.

This type of wall material is especially popular in places where metallurgical enterprises are located. The cost of slag is “penny”. Plus ease of manufacture. All this allows you to build a house at the lowest cost.

All types of masonry are used as wall blocks for external walls of buildings with a height of not more than 12 – 14 m.

Wall technology

Before you start laying walls, you need to prepare for this work.

Preparations

Need to prepare tools and materials:

trowel, shovel, rubber mallet;
tape measure, cord, level, plumb lines;
container for mortar, concrete mixer;
platform;
hand saw, grinder;
wall blocks, blocks with cladding;
steel reinforcement; sand, cement, water, dry mix.

Masonry mortar preparation

Masonry mortar is prepared for concrete blocks in two versions:

Ready mix mortar

On the dry mix bag, the manufacturer prints step-by-step instructions for preparing the masonry mortar.

Mortar is mixed by hand in a suitable container. For large volumes of construction work, a concrete mixer is used.

The solution is stirred until a homogeneous viscous mixture is obtained.

Cement-sand mortar

Concrete mixer greatly facilitates the work of a bricklayer

Dry mix is made independently. Mix cement with sand in a ratio of 1:3. Then proceed in the same way as in the above case.

Block masonry

The beginning of laying is the most important stage of work on the construction of external fences. How well the masonry walls will be made of blocks, so will be a warm and durable house. Which blocks to use in construction is up to the owner of the construction site. However, the technologies for erecting fences made of concrete bricks of different structures differ little from each other.

First row masonry

A control cord is pulled between the corners of the foundation. Focusing on it, the bricklayer controls the evenness of the stacked blocks in the vertical and horizontal plane.

Wall products are laid on a cement mortar laid on a foundation waterproofing layer. The thickness of the seam should be at least 20 – 30 mm. If subsequent rows will be made on adhesive mixtures, the thickness of the horizontal seams can be 3-5 mm.

Corner construction

After laying the first row of concrete stones, the corners of the walls are raised to a height of 2 – 3 concrete bricks. The corners of the building are the main guidelines for the correct laying of walls. Angles are controlled by plumb lines.

Corner masonry should be 1 to 2 rows ahead of the main masonry.

Main masonry

Often they put wall blocks with insulation, which fills the voids in concrete bricks. Styrofoam, expanded clay, slag and various bulk materials are used as insulation. Masonry is produced by bandaging the lower and upper rows of masonry. One of the options is when the vertical seam of the bottom row falls in the middle of the top concrete brick.

Masonry scheme from hollow blocks

When laying one and a half bricks thick, then one element in a row is laid along the wall with the long side, the next brick is laid with the bond side out.

When a house 14 m high is erected, reinforced belts are arranged in the area of interfloor roofing, which are made by laying steel reinforcement in two rows around the entire perimeter of the building into the grooves of the blocks used. The strobes are cut into the masonry with a strobe cutter.

In the case when the walls are erected from through concrete bricks, each new row is covered with 2 layers of roofing material.

Cladding decorative blocks

Wall cladding blocks

Finished walls are lined with such products. A house lined with such material, in addition to additional insulation, acquires a decorative facade finish. Facing wall blocks are produced in various colors and decorative surfaces.

Concrete bricks with cladding can form façade planes of various shapes and colours. There are such options for the formation of external fences when blocks with insulation and cladding are used. When the decorative layer of the walls is represented by insulated wall blocks, two problems are solved at once – this is the finishing of the facade and the insulation of the building.

A prefabricated block house is economically superior to buildings built with traditional masonry materials.

Wall blocks for external walls which is better to use. How and what wall blocks to choose for building a house: aerated concrete or foam concrete

. More durable, less fire hazardous, it will last more than one generation. Plus, building blocks significantly reduce the time to build a building. There are many varieties of blocks, let’s try to figure out how to choose the best option for the available budget.

Building blocks: types and specifications

The basis of any building block is concrete. Sometimes it is only one, more often in combination with other materials. The classic reinforced concrete block is made from cement and gravel and reinforced with metal to increase structural strength. The building material is heavy (the minimum weight of one block is 15 kg), therefore it is mainly used for laying the foundation and external walls in multi-storey buildings.

In the construction of individual housing, a country house, a cottage, the erection of walls for the interior planning of premises, blocks of so-called light concrete are used, whose bulk density does not exceed 1800-2000 kg/m3. “Stuffing” here are porous, cellular and light organic aggregates. Manufacturers are not only trying to make concrete lighter, but also to reduce the heat transfer of the building, to increase vapor permeability.

The following types of modern concrete blocks can be distinguished:

Gas silicate blocks consist of a mixture of cement, lime and aluminium, hardened under superatmospheric pressure. The material has a porous structure, is easy to use, easy to process and cut by hand, white walls can not be plastered from it. As a rule, a piece product has a standard size – 60x20x25 cm.

Cinder blocks are created in special pressing machines on the basis of metallurgical slag and ash waste, small gravel. About the harm to health of such blocks is a myth. In the USSR, high-rise buildings were successfully built from slag-alkali concrete. In Europe, it still produces tens of millions of tons per year. Such concrete and blocks from it are many times cheaper. Of these, they prefer to build industrial buildings, warehouses, garages, sheds.

Aerated concrete blocks are made from sand, cement, water and a foaming agent (cellular concrete). The solution is whipped and poured into molds, standard sizes 20x30x60 cm. The material is light, it holds heat and sound well. Convenient for the construction of internal, non-bearing walls.

Expanded clay blocks. Material with a filler of granules of foamy burnt clay, made by pressing. Variations are possible: polymer insulation and cladding (does not require additional processing and insulation), imitation of brick, tile or even natural stone.

Arbolite blocks. The “concreteness” of the material is very arbitrary, since 90% of it consists of wood chips bonded with cement, and often slaked lime with aluminum sulfate. A house with wood concrete walls is almost a wooden house: dry and warm, but at the same time the material is not combustible and does not rot, although it actively absorbs moisture. Sawdust-concrete blocks are close in composition to them.

Ceramic blocks (or porous brick). In fact, they are bricks, but wood sawdust is mixed into the clay, which burn out during heat treatment, forming peculiar pores in the structure of the material. The size of a standard ceramic block is 38×24. 8×23.8 cm. They are durable and hold heat well, but they absorb a lot of moisture and have a rather fragile structure, so it is not recommended to ditch them, it is also impossible to use shock mode when drilling.

Polymer blocks consist of a concrete base and polystyrene, which makes the material durable and retains heat well. But the polymer block tends to shrink under heavy load on the supporting structure. Therefore, it is better to use it for the construction of partitions or insulation, but not the main walls.

Criteria for the selection of building blocks

There can be three purposes: structural, structural and heat-insulating, heat-insulating. Simply put, you just need to build something, insulate it, or both.

The first criterion is the strength of the material, that is, the ability to withstand certain physical loads.

In order to choose the right block, you need to look at the brand. So the brand of expanded clay M – 50-150. This means that the material can withstand a load of 50 to 150 kg per square centimeter, this is a very high strength.

For example, a foam block is marked with an indicator of 0.25-12.5, which means that it will be a mistake to build load-bearing walls from it. On the Internet, you can find summary tables of the strengths of building blocks and make the calculations necessary for specific needs.

The second criterion is the attitude to different temperatures

It is worth paying attention to the frost resistance of the material: any building block can withstand a limited number of cycles of complete freezing and thawing, after which it will begin to collapse. Even in high latitudes, the walls do not completely freeze through, so the indicator is conditional. The level of frost resistance (Mrz) 35 (so many full frosts will withstand) is sufficient, most lightweight concrete blocks reach it. For ceramic models, the indicator is 50.

The ability of the material to absorb moisture

Concrete here is inferior to brick, so the walls of any kind of blocks need external facade finishing (cladding, plaster, siding, etc. ). Therefore, the finishing procedure should not be postponed for a year, until the start of the new summer season.

Is it necessary to take into account the shrinkage of a house or cottage made of building blocks?

A lot here depends on the foundation: for the construction of low-rise buildings from building blocks, a strip monolithic foundation is usually laid out, which is relatively inexpensive and strong enough. The material also plays a role: aerated concrete and foam concrete are most susceptible to shrinkage, while expanded clay concrete, ceramics and wood concrete successfully cope with this challenge. In any case, it is necessary to follow the masonry technology, in particular, do not forget about its reinforcement with a special metal mesh or alternative material (plastic, for example) around the entire perimeter of the walls. This procedure will become something like a screed and prevent cracks on the walls.

Why are concrete building blocks better than wood and brick?

Building with concrete blocks of any type is much faster than with bricks, even with the time spent on reinforcement. Some craftsmen cope on their own, without resorting to the help of construction teams. It is much easier to calculate the required number of blocks (by the way, there are convenient online calculators for this) than the volume of bricks or wood consumption.

But after the erection of the walls, the question of their finishing will inevitably arise, and here again options are possible. So, for example, for gas blocks and foam blocks, it is necessary to provide some ventilation space, since they absorb moisture well.

Expanded clay and ceramics go well with brick facades and plaster. Siding, lining, facades with insulation and so on are actively practiced. It all comes down to your tastes and budget. The very construction of the “skeleton” of a building from blocks is not only faster, but also cheaper than brick construction.

Subject to simple rules (foundation with minimal shrinkage, finishing that does not allow moisture to accumulate), a house made of artificial stone will stand for 100 years for sure. The construction of foam blocks, wood concrete, with proper operation, will withstand several dozen without a major renovation.

www.isolux.ru

types and characteristics of building blocks, price and dimensions, selection criteria

The construction of industrial buildings or housing begins with the main question, which blocks are best used for building a house.

Whereas previously only bricks were available, now we have a rich selection of building materials.

And depending on the purpose of the building, the time of its use, the appropriate material is selected.

Types of building blocks

All types of blocks have many positive characteristics. This allowed them to replace traditional brick and wood in most cases. They differ from each other not only in composition, but also in structure. The main types of blocks used more often than others:

aerated concrete;
foam concrete;
cinder blocks;
expanded clay concrete;
wood concrete.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these species, how they are similar and how they differ from each other.

Aerated concrete blocks

Aerated concrete belongs to cellular concrete. A distinctive feature is the ease of processing. Its shape can be easily changed using drilling or planing tools, which expands the possibilities of using them at different stages of construction.

The porous structure is achieved by foaming the raw materials: cement, quartz sand and a special aluminum powder to form gases. Due to this, the weight of aerated concrete blocks is less than conventional concrete ones.

Environmentally friendly building material with high hydro- and thermal resistance. It is not affected by fungi, corrosion, which ensures the durability of buildings.

Important to know: the thermal insulation properties of aerated concrete blocks decrease with increasing density.

Aerated concrete blocks have different densities. This depends on the scope of their application. Stones with a lower density are used as insulation between walls. More dense material goes to the construction of load-bearing structures.

Aerated concrete blocks

Aerated concrete, like aerated concrete, is produced with and without an autoclave. The strength of the material depends on this. It also belongs to cellular species, has a porous structure. The main advantages of the foam block:

Holds heat well. Thermal conductivity is three times less than that of a brick.
The block is lightweight. This facilitates its transportation, and also does not require a very heavy foundation during construction.
Sufficiently durable material. You can build buildings up to three floors high.
High refractory properties. Withstands exposure to open flame up to four hours.
Frost resistant. The porous structure gives space for the expansion of moisture inside during freezing, therefore, at sub-zero temperatures, the destruction of the structure does not occur.
Environmentally friendly material. For foaming, a synthetic or protein foaming agent is used that does not contain harmful gases.
Suitable for monolithic construction.

Please note: in the production of foam concrete blocks, water must be added strictly according to the scheme and allowed to dry for 28 days, otherwise it will shrink up to 3 mm per meter of wall.

In addition to the advantages, the material also has its disadvantages. Here are some of them:

May shrink a lot if not allowed to dry properly.
Fragile, breaks easily at corners, so it must be handled with care.
It is impossible to screw a screw into such walls in the usual way. For foam concrete, special dowels are used.

Cinder blocks

Cinder blocks are the common name for building stones made of concrete. It is used in the construction of internal and external walls, as well as when laying the foundation. Very durable material is very popular with builders.

Technological parameters depend on the composition of the stone. If you add pebbles, crushed stone, sand during its manufacture, you will get a very heavy, durable material. It can withstand heavy loads and is used for the construction of load-bearing walls.

Remember: this durable cinder block has a high thermal conductivity, so the walls require additional insulation.

Adding slag results in a lighter stone. The larger the slag stones, the lighter the material and the lower its thermal conductivity, and vice versa.

For the construction of a residential building, it is better to use cinder blocks, where simple sawdust was added during the manufacture. They will protect it from drafts, increase the fire safety of the building and at the same time environmentally friendly. The main thing is not to forget to plaster the walls on the outside to protect the blocks from rain.

Expanded clay concrete

Strong and lightweight building material is prepared on the basis of expanded clay and is called expanded clay concrete. Clay, which is used as a raw material, undergoes a special heat treatment.

As a result, air chambers appear inside, and the raw material is melted on the outside. The material is obtained with high thermal insulation properties and withstands high mechanical loads.

Expanded clay blocks are used for the construction of residential buildings. The walls are warm, durable, with high sound insulation.

The strength of the blocks is directly related to the density of the concrete. Suitable for operation in all climatic zones. It is used for the manufacture of blocks, as well as for monolithic pouring of walls.

Arbolit

Building material based on wood chips bound with high grade cement and hardener. Suitable for the construction of two – three-story houses. Due to low thermal conductivity, high sound insulation and air exchange, the houses are warm and quiet.

The main advantages of wood concrete:

consists of environmentally friendly products;
wood concrete blocks are not affected by mold and fungi;
low thermal conductivity;
is highly breathable, absorbs and releases water;
high heat capacity, which allows you to quickly heat the room in cold weather;
under the influence of open fire, arbolite, unlike wood, does not burn, but only chars;
easy to work with a hacksaw, holds a driven nail or screw well;
lightweight material, which makes it easier to work with and does not require a reinforced foundation during construction.

Arbolit is a material that does not break under shock loads, or bends.

What is better to build a house from

Before you start building a house, you need to carefully study all the pros and cons of the building material, and then make the final decision. After all, the right choice affects not only the strength of the house, how long it will last, but also its cost.

If a house is being built for permanent residence, then in the first place there should be materials that provide high heat and sound insulation, strength and durability of the building.

Strength

This value reflects the ability of a material to withstand compressive loads. It depends on the brand of the block. The higher the value, the stronger. For example, the M100 brand material will begin to deteriorate at a load of more than 100 kg / cm2. Of the block materials, the most durable expanded clay concrete.

Density

The weight of the block and its load on the base depend on it. The main walls are best built from stone with an indicator above 750 kg / m3. It should be borne in mind that the greater the density index, the more heat the material transmits. This means that the need to insulate the walls further increases.

Thermal conductivity

How quickly heat leaves a room through walls can be seen from the thermal conductivity coefficient. The lower the indicator, the warmer it will be indoors in winter. This means that the cost of thermal insulation will be lower. The warmest gas – and foam blocks.

Frost resistance

According to this indicator, we see how many cycles of complete freezing and thawing the building material withstands before the destruction of the block begins. It can well be considered relative, because not a single block freezes completely during operation. The average allowable level is 35 cycles. Most of the selected materials correspond to this indicator.

Shrinkage

This is an important indicator of how the material behaves during use. A high degree of shrinkage in foam and gas blocks. This is due to the strong porosity of the material. Arbolit has a low shrinkage coefficient, subject to the correct production technology.

Water absorption

This is the property of stones to absorb moisture that has fallen on them. The porous structure of materials is the result of high performance in all types. This means that the wall must be additionally finished on the outside to protect the blocks from moisture.

Cost

To determine which building material will be cheaper to use, it is necessary to calculate the costs at all stages of construction. A cheaper block does not mean a lower construction cost. An approximate comparison of the cost of the material and their main properties is shown in the table:

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question which blocks are better to use for building a house. First of all, you should feel comfortable in the built home. And it will be made of wooden beams, brick or concrete blocks – you decide.

Most importantly, before making a final choice, carefully study all the advantages and disadvantages of each material. Then the atmosphere in the house will delight you for many years.

What is better to build a house from, what blocks to use for this, see the following video:

dachniki.guru

Which wall blocks are better to use for the construction of the outer walls of the house: aerated concrete or foam concrete

When preparing for construction, the future homeowner first of all thinks about the material for the outer walls. It depends on whether the building will be solid, warm, comfortable. Aerated concrete and foam concrete are suitable for the construction of cottages, but they have different characteristics and react differently to temperature changes and moisture. What wall blocks are better to use for building a house? Let’s figure out which is better, aerated concrete or foam concrete.

house

The history and types of concrete blocks

Aerated concrete and foam concrete are siblings belonging to the family of cellular concrete (artificial stone material).

Advantages of lightweight concrete:

construction speed. A concrete block wall is much faster to build than a brick wall;
ease of processing. Blocks are perfectly sawn, cut and drilled;
environmentally friendly, fire resistant;
good thermal insulation properties, because 80% of the blocks are filled with air;
high level of sound absorption.

Attention! Cellular aerated concrete was discovered by the Prague engineer Hoffman. He added chemicals to the concrete mass, during which gas was released. Hence the name aerated concrete. Foam concrete was invented by engineer Bayer from Denmark, mixing cement and filler with a foaming agent.

According to the method of hardening, cellular (porous) concretes are divided into:

autoclave. The material is placed in special sealed chambers. The curing process takes place under pressure using saturated water vapor;
non-autoclave. Concrete dries naturally, it is only heated with electricity. Steam is sometimes treated, sometimes not, but pressure is not used during natural hardening.

Aerated concrete is white and porous

The autoclave method is much faster, while the non-autoclave method is simpler and cheaper. Using the second method, blocks can be made anywhere, including at the construction site. Therefore, the percentage of production of foam concrete blocks in a non-autoclave way in artisanal conditions is so high.

Production features

Essentially, the two materials under consideration differ only in the way air bubbles are formed.

Aerated concrete is produced in the factory. Cement, aluminum powder, quicklime, quartz sand are mixed. The mixture is poured into molds and dried in an autoclave. In its pure form, aluminum powder is harmful to humans, but it practically dissolves in the composition of lightweight concrete.

Aerated concrete block of industrial production with a size of 600x250x200 mm and a weight of 18 kg, and can replace 17 bricks weighing 60 kg.

Attention! The foam concrete block has a smooth surface and gray color. White aerated concrete block with a relief, rough surface.

Foam concrete is produced in any conditions. To do this, mix cement, sand, water and add technical foam. Then it is poured into molds and left to harden. A foam concrete block with dimensions of 200x300x600 mm weighs 31 kg, and can replace 15 bricks with a total weight of 53 kg.

Much depends not only on the composition and method of manufacture, but also on the location. Factory production of gas blocks implies standards, automation without human intervention, and quality control at the output. In the handicraft production of foam blocks, it is impossible to control all ongoing processes and monitor quality. Therefore, inexpensive foam blocks are found on sale, differing in deviations in size and geometry.

Moisture resistance comparison

There is so much conflicting information about porous concrete that it is easy to get confused. If you have any doubts about the moisture resistance of the material, experts advise you to conduct your own experiment:

Pour the same amount of water into 2 glasses.
Chip off a piece of aerated concrete and foam concrete and dip them into the liquid.
Wait 2-3 days.

The standard results of this experiment prove that foam concrete does not absorb moisture. It floats on the surface for several days, while aerated concrete sinks rather quickly.

Foam concrete does not absorb moisture, so light exterior finishes are sufficient for walls.

Strength of blocks

The density of foam and gas blocks can be from 300 to 1200 kg/m3. At the same time, aerated concrete is significantly ahead of its competitor in terms of strength and physical properties at the same density.

The strength of a block can be determined independently by the ratio of weight and volume. The higher the number, the stronger the block. The foam concrete strength index mainly depends on the foam concentrates used. Unfortunately, in an attempt to reduce the cost, manufacturers use cheap foaming agents, which leads to unstable strength. This means that the gas block is stronger than foam concrete.

Thermal insulation properties

It is known that the denser the material, the lower the thermal insulation index. For the construction of load-bearing walls from foam concrete, its density must be greater than from aerated concrete. So, its thermal insulation will be lower.

Attention! On the “eye” to determine the autoclave or non-autoclave drying method is impossible. Therefore, it is better to purchase blocks from manufacturers.

According to this indicator, aerated concrete has an advantage. For the same efficiency in saving heat, walls made of foam blocks should be approximately 1.5-2 r. thicker than the analogue of gas blocks.

Shrinkage index

According to experts, regardless of the type of foundation, the risk of cracking is higher in a foam concrete wall. This is due to the fact that the drying shrinkage rate of aerated concrete is much lower than that of its competitor. Gas blocks – 0.5 mm / m, foam blocks – from 1 to 3 mm / m.

Other differences

The laying methods of the options under consideration are identical, the difference is only in the materials used. Gas blocks are fastened with a special glue, foam blocks are laid on a cheaper cement-sand mortar. But glue is required much less than cement, so in general the cost of consumables for masonry is approximately equal. The cottage is considered warmer if glue is used, because it is not a cold bridge, unlike mortar.

Foam concrete is used for low-rise construction, aerated concrete for high-rise buildings

Does the house breathe or not breathe? This indicator depends on the characteristics of the pores of the material. In foam concrete, the cells are “closed” (which is why it is more moisture and frost resistant), and in aerated concrete, there are connecting channels between the pores. It is easier for air to get in. This means that aerated concrete masonry can be called more breathable.

Construction Costs

It seems that it is very easy to calculate the cost of building from each type of porous concrete, you just need to look at the price of the blocks. But this is not the case, it is necessary to take into account a number of parameters:

The cost of blocks is cheaper than foam concrete.
At the cost of masonry, aerated concrete is cheaper, because it has an ideal geometry and does not require additional alignment costs.
At the cost of finishing, foam concrete is cheaper, because it is more moisture resistant.

It turns out that the construction of aerated concrete is more expensive. But there is one subtlety here. Gas blocks are stronger, buildings from it are used longer, and over time, the costs pay off with durability.

Expert advice

If you are planning to build several houses, or a two-story cottage of great strength, then the best solution is to produce foam concrete blocks on your own at the construction site. This can significantly reduce construction costs.

If you are planning a small building, or if you live near an aerated concrete plant, this is the material to use.

So which is better? As a result of the analysis, it turned out that aerated concrete wins in terms of strength, thermal insulation and shrinkage level. In terms of moisture resistance, foam blocks are in the first place. In terms of economy, taking into account all existing factors, the costs are approximately equal. Therefore, both materials are successfully used for the construction of external walls. But foam concrete is used exclusively for low-rise construction, and aerated concrete is also used for high-rise buildings. But foam concrete is indispensable in climate conditions with a high level of humidity.

What is better foam concrete or aerated concrete – video

viborprost. ru

Wall blocks for exterior walls: types, characteristics and features

Building blocks are widely used for the construction of various kinds of buildings.

With their help, you can build not only a house, but also various buildings, partitions and even a foundation. This is primarily due to the variety of types of this material.

Block characteristics

Concrete blocks are available in different sizes. For the construction of external walls, blocks of the following sizes are used:

length from 40 to 330 cm;
20 to 60 cm wide;
from 30 to 390 cm high.

For internal walls, blocks are produced in smaller sizes:

from 40 to 330 cm long;
16 to 30 cm wide;
height from 30 to 330 cm.

Concrete blocks for walls are mostly made of concrete. They are easy to work with, easy to cut, make recesses in them (for example, for wiring electricity).

Which types are better

There are the following types of building blocks:

arbolite;
cinder blocks;
sand concrete;
expanded clay concrete;
gas silicate;
sawdust concrete;
foam concrete;
polystyrene concrete.

These species differ from each other in composition and, accordingly, in their characteristics (frost resistance, water supply, frost resistance, building subsidence time). The price varies depending on the properties.

The most durable and frost-resistant blocks are claydite-concrete. Due to this, this type of building blocks allows you to build more reliable buildings with a long service life. Walls made of such material do not shrink. Therefore, cracks will not appear on the walls. Another advantage is low cost. The only drawback is the uneven surface.

The gas silicate blocks are excellently shaped and the lightest. Glue is suitable for their installation. It has low resistance to low temperatures and has low strength. Over time, cracks appear on the walls. Therefore, they are recommended to be used only in warm, dry buildings.

Foam blocks have even better geometry. They have little weight. But such material is not capable of withstanding frosts. Therefore, for their use, it is recommended to insulate and insulate buildings. Foam blocks are a good environment for the development of fungi. They have a high cost. The disadvantages can also be added to the inconvenience of installation.

Sand concrete blocks are made from sand, concrete with the addition of some other additives. They have high strength. But they have low frost resistance. This property does not allow the use of sand concrete blocks for the construction of residential buildings. The scope of their application is ground floors, foundations.

The cheapest are cinder blocks and sawdust blocks. But this is their only merit. This type of blocks crumble easily, short-lived, not resistant to frost.

housekvar.ru

blocks for the construction of the walls of a private house

In any construction, one of the most important issues remains, today, the selection of building material from which, in fact, the installation of the object will be carried out. Why is this step so important? The answer is simple. The quality and reliability of real estate directly depends on the accuracy in the calculations of the project and the quality and relevance of the building material. If there is an error in the project or the building material fails, then the entire construction will result in a deplorable result.

Many articles have already been written about the quality and relevance of the use of certain building blocks, but the question still remains open, since with the advent of new technologies, we get new products, and the process of its manufacture changes accordingly. All this applies to building blocks.

For example, if we knew not so long ago only a few common types of such blocks http://blok72.ru/: concrete molding, sawdust concrete, cinder block, expanded clay concrete, now we can add to this series also asbestos-cement, foam concrete, gypsum block , aerated concrete block, etc.

In fact, a number of block products can be continued up to a hundred or two, and all this is due to the use of various fillers, baking powder, various pressing, evaporation, molding technologies, as well as due to design solutions (size, shape, color, appearance). How to choose the best option for yourself from all this?

Main selection criteria for building blocks.

Strength. Depending on which seismic zone you are in, the required strength of the walls will also depend. Remember that the higher the strength of the block, the greater its weight and the more pressure the foundation will experience. The most durable will be an ordinary concrete block, but it is also the coldest, so get ready for the fact that you will have to insulate the walls additionally.
Moisture resistant. Again, the climate of the area where the construction site will be located has a great influence on the selection of blocks. So, for example, gypsum block and foam concrete have a greater moisture absorption, and therefore the walls will need to be protected from moisture, both during construction and after it.
Weight. The construction of multi-storey private houses implies a large weight of the structure. In order to ease the pressure on the foundation as much as possible, blocks with a low specific gravity are used, such as gypsum block, sawdust concrete, foam concrete, expanded clay concrete.
Price. Perhaps the price is the most important aspect in the choice of any building material. Sometimes the price decides a key role in the choice, but then a cancerous one during the operation of the building. Blocks of the wrong strength? They may be cheaper, but the wall has cracked. It’s a shame.

domoustroi.ru

DIY decorative plaster for interior wall decoration video
How to hang wall curtain rods
Wall hole
How to hang wall curtain rods
Wall insulation with styrofoam
Wall hole
How to glue foam on the walls video
Wall covering
Wall insulation with styrofoam
Mechanized wall plaster reviews
How to paint the walls in the apartment instead of wallpaper

Wall blocks, concrete wall blocks

Wall blocks are a relatively new building material. Classic brick and its new types in its widest range are always in demand for cottage construction. But one parameter of a brick, which is not a minus, but a functional and technological feature, has ceased to arrange a modern construction site. Small brick sizes – traditionally require more labor and time for laying, unlike wall blocks. In addition, in recent decades, the need for energy saving has been steadily increasing, and brick in this parameter is inferior not only to light and cellular wall blocks, but even to wood. Brick is a proven and stable material, it is impossible to change its dimensions and reduce thermal conductivity without completely changing the technology of molding, firing and pressing. As a result, new wall blocks were created using fundamentally different technologies.

Today, the most popular masonry blocks are foam concrete and aerated concrete (gas silicate). Other types of blocks are not far behind – from expanded clay concrete, polystyrene concrete, cinder concrete and sand concrete. Arbolite and sawdust concrete are also in demand. Of particular interest was warm ceramics – porous large-sized and very light and warm ceramic block. And all these materials have a lot of characteristics, which are not always possible to compare, so the problem of choosing which blocks to build a house from is not simple. After all, the architecture and the required technology of laying the future home are no less important than the technical characteristics of wall stones and their price.

Characteristics of wall blocks

Here are the technical characteristics of wall blocks common to all blocks (and the most important ones):

Durability. The compressive strength limit, measured in kgf / cm2, we see in the brand of wall materials, for example, M100 means that the ultimate compressive strength at which there is no loss of the properties of this stone is 100 kgf / cm2. Blocks with wood fillers – wood concrete and sawdust concrete – have additionally good bending and tensile strength characteristics due to the durable elastic filler made of sawdust and wood chips.
Density is measured in kg/m3. In direct proportion to the density are the main properties of the blocks – strength and thermal conductivity.
Thermal conductivity characterizes the ability of a material to keep heat in the house, not letting it through the walls. One way to evaluate is by the thermal conductivity, which is measured in W / m * deg K. The larger the value of the thermal conductivity, the lower the heat-shielding ability of the material.
Frost resistance – characterizes the behavior of the material in difficult climatic conditions, under the influence of low temperatures and constant humidity. Frost resistance is designated F and is measured in alternating freeze-thaw cycles. For example, F50 means that the manufacturer of this material guarantees its work without loss of properties up to 50 cycles of freezing and thawing in a state saturated with water. This figure does not mean the number of winters in cold regions, because both frosts and thaws occur in a year. The number of cycles shows exactly the number of freeze-thaw cycles, of which one, twenty or more can occur in one year. In order for a material that does not have high frost resistance to work for a long time and retain its strength and thermal efficiency, it is necessary to protect it from the environment – rain, snow and high humidity, and cover it with trim or cladding.
Cost – the economic factor has been and will always be one of the main factors in the choice of building materials, which is quite justified. The price of wall blocks varies considerably. Cinder block products have always had a lower cost, thanks to simple technology and the cheapness of the filler – slag. Aerated concrete, especially its geometrically ideal twin block representative, is 25-30% more expensive. Wood concrete, which has unique properties, is environmentally friendly, warm and comfortable, but not resistant to precipitation, is 10-15% more expensive than gas blocks. Porous ceramic blocks, or warm ceramics, are distinguished by an even greater increase in price – by about 5-10%.

Market prices are not highly stable, and there may be variations. The only thing is that you should not take cheap blocks from an unverified manufacturer. The production of foam blocks, non-autoclaved gas blocks and wood concrete can also be carried out in a garage, using a “simplified” technology. Simplification in this case does not give anything good, and the plus of the ease of these technologies often turns into a big minus for the buyer of such blocks. Porous ceramic blocks and gas silicate can be produced only on special equipment, expensive and complex, which gives the buyer some insurance against “fakes”. But in the case of the production of wood concrete and foam concrete, as well as blocks of expanded clay and cinder concrete, as already mentioned, a primitive concrete mixer technology is possible – molding in garage conditions.

At the same time, it is possible to follow the technology and recipe and produce quite high-quality blocks for sale at a lower cost. The laboratory press in this case will confirm the strength of the blocks, and this is perhaps the only way to be sure of the quality of the goods purchased from an unofficial supplier – selectively take three or four blocks from the batch and order research in the construction laboratory. The strength of the block indirectly, but significantly affects all its properties – frost resistance, thermal protection, and durability.

When buying, you need to pay attention not only to quality documents, but also to the geometry of the blocks, and to the production, storage and distribution of goods. Visually, the strength of the blocks cannot be determined, so it is better to take from official manufacturers.

Average values for the main types of wall blocks

50-250

characteristic

unit of measure

cinder blocks

gas blocks

0061 Arbolite blocks

warm ceramic

strength

kgf/cm2

35-100

20-50

15-50

200062

density

kg/m3

500-1000

300-900

500-1800

600-900

750-800

Coem of thermal inspection

0.25-0.50

Expanded clay and cinder blocks are heavier and smaller. The main dimensions are 40*20*20 cm for walls and 40*12*20 cm; 40*60*20 cm for partitions.

Blocks of wood concrete most often have dimensions of 50*25*30 cm; 50*20*30 cm and 50*25*20 cm. – 510*215*218 mm

For load-bearing internal and external walls with insulation – 250*380*218 mm

For external walls with brick cladding, having a total thickness of two bricks – 380*250*218 mm

For non-bearing internal walls and half-brick partitions – 510*120*218 mm

Not only their cost and technical parameters are essential for choosing blocks. Construction technology, delivery and storage of materials, the ability to leave the house without finishing for the winter, and architectural requirements – all this will need to be taken into account when choosing wall blocks.

Choice of wall blocks

Blocks made of cellular concrete – aerated concrete blocks and foam blocks, as well as warm ceramics with sufficiently high strength indicators, quite sufficient for the construction of cottages up to three floors, are fragile. The device of armored belts during the construction of these blocks is a prerequisite. Interfloor and Mauerlat armored belts are mandatory, and the need for a basement stiffening belt is determined more by the type of foundation, for example, if the first row of blocks is laid out on a slab, then the lower armored belt is not needed. Reinforced concrete armored belts – this is the need for additional funds and time for the curing of concrete. As an option, for ceramic blocks, reinforcement belts are arranged from several rows of ordinary ceramic bricks.

Expanded clay and cinder concrete blocks do not require armo-belts, their strength is sufficient, and there is no brittleness. Arbolite blocks of high grades from responsible manufacturers also do not require an armored belt, since their formulation includes cement as a binder and elastic wood chips, which also perform the function of fiber reinforcement. Unfortunately, it is such an excellent material as wood concrete that is distinguished by “floating” strength characteristics and sometimes fatally depends on the conscientiousness of the manufacturer’s technologies. In the “second place of honor” – non-autoclaved aerated concrete and foam concrete blocks. Sawdust concrete blocks are usually not strong enough and too resilient, and also require reinforcement for the Mauerlat and floor slab.

Of course, all of the above does not apply to the purpose of seismic belts.

Cinder blocks have the oldest history of all wall blocks and have stood the test of time. But there is one caveat – their composition has not remained the same. The blast-furnace slags used in the production of these blocks give excellent strength, but the substances that make up them decompose over time and adversely affect the strength of the cement stone. Cinder blocks were considered the least durable compared to other blocks. But today, slags are often replaced, partially or completely, with perlite, quartz sand, recycled concrete and brick scrap, with the addition of ash and sawdust. All this does not make it possible to somehow evaluate this type of blocks as a type; an “individual” approach to the manufacturer and laboratory analyzes are needed.

All manufacturers guarantee the durability of their products. With an accurate recipe and the right technology, almost all blocks will last a long time – from 50 years or more. But durability depends on many interrelated factors – the right choice and high-quality foundation arrangement, taking into account the characteristics of the soil of the site. The building must be provided with stability, spatial rigidity and protection against soil movements. the roof of the house should provide protection from precipitation, and the drainage from the roof should protect the walls from waterlogging. Finishing, insulation and cladding are no less important. In addition, sometimes the house is operated in extreme conditions – a continental climate, a large amount of precipitation, severe frosts. Climatic features when choosing wall materials must be taken into account.

For the selection of blocks, there is one characteristic that allows you to judge both the production technology and the quality. This is a geometry, a high-quality block of gas and foam concrete is almost perfect. Expanded clay blocks, cinder blocks and arbolit can have geometric instability in wider tolerances due to manufacturing technology, but they have better adhesion to plaster solutions.

In terms of price / quality ratio, the foam block and expanded clay block are often the leaders. While economical, these types of wall stones have sufficient strength, frost resistance and thermal efficiency for low-rise construction.

One of the tried and tested selection methods has always been builder reviews. Having lived the winter in a new house, one can confidently judge its microclimate and energy saving.

Lightweight concrete wall blocks

Brick: technical specificationsDecorative brickWalls of the house: brick or gas blocksRed brick gives way to facingCeramic brick: types and applicationsBrick wall in the interiorBrick from A to ZBrick is always in fashion “Wrong” brickBrick walls. Article 27039.Material for the walls of a country houseAncient and modern brickWall materials for the houseAerated concrete bathhouseCountry block houseBrick houseWall blocks: types and characteristicsAerated concrete blocks: types of layingHollow brick layingBricklaying rulesAerated concrete houseMasonry of colored facing brickLaying face brick in winter conditionsLaying bricks and fireplacesEurobrickAerated concrete: characteristics and applicationBrick: types and characteristicsThe basis of the houseCeramic porous blocksWall blocks made of lightweight concreteWe protect aerated concrete from moistureInterior partitions made of foam blocksWe choose facing brickFacade thermal panels with clinker tilesBrick house. Article 46940. Aerated concrete blocks: the problem of choiceTwo-layer brick houseCeramic blocks: selection and installationDecorative possibilities of facing bricksFacing brick: comparative characteristicsPartitions from foam blocksExpanded concrete blocksBrick – marriage, efflorescence and other deviations from the normCeramic blocks: characteristics and installationHow to finish a house from foam blocksClinker brickFacing brickHeat-insulating brickThin-walled brick house. Article 15162. Brick: features of construction

Wall blocks made of lightweight concrete have thoroughly replaced bricks in suburban construction. The reason for this is high performance and economy.

Among lightweight concretes, the most popular today are gas, foam concrete and polystyrene concrete. All three materials are mineral, non-combustible. Foam and aerated concrete belong to the class of cellular concrete, a common feature of which is the presence in the structure of many tiny air bubbles. In expanded polystyrene concrete, instead of air cavities, there are foamed polymer granules.

To create foam concrete, a traditional mixture of sand or ash, water and cement is added to a specially prepared foam. Next, stir and pour into molds. During the curing process, the material shrinks up to 2%, so subsequently there is no internal stress in the blocks, and they do not crack. The manufacture of foam concrete is quite within the reach of small firms: it does not require large areas and expensive equipment. This makes the material cheaper. However, violations of the geometry are possible due to inaccuracies in the filling, unfinished forms. The disadvantages include the fact that foam concrete is laid on the solution, which creates cold bridges in the building. However, foam concrete molds are already being produced, allowing them to maintain perfectly accurate dimensions, which will allow laying blocks on glue.

Aerated concrete is a type of cellular concrete that is made by mixing cement, water, silica sand, lime and, as a rule, aluminum powder as a blowing agent. Lime reacts with aluminum, hydrogen is released, and when the material hardens, gas bubbles form many pores.

Aerated concrete is produced in two ways: autoclaved and non-autoclaved. In the first, curing takes place in an autoclave and takes 12-16 hours. Advantages: the technology has been worked out to perfection, and the process is completely mechanized. Lime gives the material a beautiful white color. Disadvantages: the manufacturing process involves a hard mode of curing, because of this, stress is formed inside the material, in the future the blocks often crack. The disadvantage of autoclaved aerated concrete is the high price, which is associated with the use of foreign expensive equipment. The manufacture of non-autoclaved aerated concrete does not require special equipment, so it is often produced by small firms. Hardening takes place under normal conditions or in heat and humidity chambers. Non-observance of technology, inaccuracy of filling can lead to violations of the geometry of finished blocks. And in terms of strength, non-autoclaved aerated concrete is often inferior to its autoclaved counterpart. As a rule, blocks are fastened not with ordinary masonry mortar, but with special glue, which is applied in a thin layer, which minimizes heat loss.

The composition of polystyrene concrete includes several components: Portland cement, silica aggregate, porous aggregate – foamed polystyrene granules – and plasticizers. Thanks to polystyrene, the material is light and acquires heat-insulating properties. As a result, during the construction of buildings from polystyrene concrete, the load on the foundation and heating costs are reduced. Polystyrene concrete is the best heat insulator in comparison with foam and aerated concrete, and even surpasses them in strength. The thickness of the outer wall of the dwelling in 30-40 cm is enough for the building to meet all the standards for thermal conductivity and strength characteristics. If load-bearing structures made of gas and foam concrete require a grade of at least D600, then D450 is sufficient for external walls made of polystyrene concrete. But experts raise the question of the durability of the material.

Polystyrene concrete is produced in various grades – from D150 to D600. They differ from each other in the average density in the dry state. As a result, manufacturers receive both structural and thermal insulation materials.

Polystyrene concrete is used for the construction of exterior walls and partitions, prefabricated panels for commercial and industrial applications, cast-in-place walls, garden decorations, and so on. It is ideal for superstructures where the weight of the structure plays a decisive role.

Polystyrene concrete is very easy to handle. Its large-sized blocks simplify wall laying – one block replaces 17 bricks. The construction does not require the use of heavy lifting equipment. The blocks are easily sawn, nailed, chiseled, as a result of which it is easy to give them any geometric shape, to arrange channels for concealed wiring in them. The decoration of walls made of polystyrene concrete is minimal, as this material is well processed. The wall is easily cleaned to a flat surface: it is enough to putty it and you can start decorating. In addition, polystyrene concrete is difficult to combust, it can be used in the construction of buildings of category I fire resistance and fire resistance class CO. It is environmentally and hygienically safe, has high frost resistance, and is not subject to decay.

When choosing a material, consider its strength and density, as well as thermal conductivity. Its application depends on the density. As for foam and aerated concrete, blocks with a density of D300-D400 are usually used as a heat insulator or light partitions, grades D600 and higher can be used for load-bearing walls. For polystyrene concrete, a lower density is sufficient: D450 blocks can be used for the construction of load-bearing structures. The thermal conductivity coefficient for lightweight concrete is also different: for gas and foam concrete D600 it corresponds to approximately 0.14 V / (mK), while for polystyrene concrete it is only 0.08, that is, the latter is better as a heat insulator. You should also pay attention to the shape of specific blocks: the more correct it is, the easier it will be to install the walls.

Block parameters
Strength – indicates what compression load the block can withstand. That is, if the load is 50 kg / sq. cm, then a block with a size of 390x190x188 can withstand 37,050 kg.
Block density including voids. That is, how much does 1 cubic meter of material weigh. Light blocks – less load on the foundation, faster installation, cheaper transportation.
Thermal conductivity – shows how much heat will go through a wall with an area of \u200b\u200b1 sq. m at a temperature difference of 1 degree.
Vapor permeability – the ability of walls to pass water vapor, “breathe”.
Frost resistance – the number of freeze / freeze cycles required to reduce the strength of the block by 10%. Specifies the lifetime of the walls. As a rule, 1 cycle in central Russia takes place in 1 year.
Shrinkage – the amount by which the block size is reduced after construction. Less is better.

Aerated concrete blocks differ in density, their application depends on this indicator. Blocks with a density of D300-D400 act as a heat insulator, and grades D500 and higher can be used both for partitions and for load-bearing walls (if the building is not higher than three floors).

Autoclaved aerated concrete is environmentally friendly, durable and fireproof. At high temperatures, its strength characteristics increase, the material “hardens”. And in terms of thermal conductivity, aerated concrete has excellent characteristics: 50 cm of cellular aerated concrete is like one and a half meters of brick.

Experts recommend that when buying wall blocks to require certificates of conformity and test reports.

&copy The article was written specifically for the VIRA company. With full or partial use of materials, an active link to www.eremont.ru is required. Authorship is confirmed for Yandex and Google.

Which blocks are better for building a house: characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

A house should be comfortable, reliable and warm. Probably everyone will agree with this. And it is also desirable to be inexpensive and to be built quickly. Oddly enough, but there are such options. One of them is building blocks. No wonder there are more and more of them. But what blocks are best for building a house? Let’s try to figure it out. First, identify key positions for yourself and consider all materials based on them. 9Ol000 Types and varieties of gas blocks
3.2 Foam blocks for building a house

3.2.1 Advantages and disadvantages of foam concrete blocks

3.3 Polystyrene concrete blocks

3.3.1 Disadvantages and features

3.4 blocks from expanded concrete

3.4.1 DPRESS and disadvantages

9000 3.5 CLYAKOBLOKS
4.

5 Pressed sand concrete cement blocks (besser blocks)

5.1 Advantages and disadvantages of vibrocompressed blocks

5.2 Heat block

How to choose the best building material for your house

To make your house happy, you will have to choose the material to build it yourself. Why? Because there is no perfect building block. All of them have pros and cons. You just need to choose such an option so that the “minuses” are compensated or are not so important, and the “pluses” are used to the fullest. And the conditions of construction are different. Someone lives in a fairly warm climate, and someone in the north. And everyone has their own “best” house. So even two neighbors can be built from different materials, but each of them will sincerely believe that his version is better.

Which blocks are best for building a house? Sturdy, durable and warm

A block house is usually thought of because it is faster than using traditional building materials. Speed is speed, but quality characteristics are no less important. And in order to choose them correctly, here’s what you need to know.

As you can see, the list is long, but this information is necessary. Without them, it makes no sense to decide which blocks are best for building a house. You simply will not have criteria for selection.

Types of blocks

Block construction is attractive because it takes little time to build. Much less than when using the same brick. But what are the blocks for building a house, how do they differ, what are their advantages and disadvantages. Here is a list of block materials for the construction of external and internal walls.

Next, consider the building blocks, their types and characteristics. We also briefly describe the production process. In some cases, this helps to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of the material.

Lightweight concrete blocks for exterior and interior walls

Lightweight concrete comes in two types. One uses light weight aggregate, which reduces the weight of the building stone or block. In the second, the weight is reduced due to porization – the cement foams and solidifies in this state. In both cases, the mass of the building material becomes much lower, and the thermal and sound insulation characteristics are higher.

Characteristics will show which blocks are better for building a house

Aerated concrete blocks

Aerated concrete is a cement-sand mixture to which dry reagents are added to form foam. When water is added, the reagents react with cement laitance, active foaming begins. After increasing the volume, the solution is laid out in molds and waiting for aging. As a result, aerated concrete consists of thin concrete shells, inside which air is enclosed. That is, the block is light and warm, vapor-permeable. He is not afraid of water, but “pulls” it solidly. So you need good waterproofing of the foundation and you should not tighten it with finishing.

Which blocks are best for building a house? Consider the foam block

Advantages and disadvantages of

With rather large dimensions (length 600 mm, height 200 mm, width – from 150 mm to 400 mm), the standard block weighs a little. The exact weight depends on the brand, but you can work alone with medium density. For example, let’s say that the mass of the M400 wall block 200 mm thick is about 13 kg, and 250 mm thick is about 17 kg.

Which gas block is better for building a house? Autoclaved aerated concrete

There are two technologies for the production of aerated concrete blocks. One at a time, the solution is laid out in molds of a given size and then they are used. According to the second, large blocks are made, and then they are sawn into smaller ones. The peculiarity of the second technology is that it allows you to maintain dimensions with high accuracy. This makes it possible to use not a masonry mortar of cement and sand, but a special glue. It can be laid in a very thin layer – literally a couple of millimeters. What for? Yes, because the solution and the same glue have thermal insulation characteristics much worse than that of aerated concrete. Thin seams reduce heat loss. But the glue is expensive, so it increases the cost of construction. But it will be possible to save on insulation.

Advantages of aerated concrete Disadvantages of aerated concrete blocks

Precise geometry that speeds up laying and allows the use of a special adhesive in a very thin layer to improve the thermal properties of the wall. Glue is expensive, it increases the cost of construction

Easy to process. Can be cut with a hacksaw Reinforcement needed to increase wall strength

Vapour-permeable material Exterior finish must also be vapour-permeable

Absorbs moisture, does not respond well to freeze/thaw (few cycles) Requires good foundation waterproofing and exterior finish

Large block Cannot withstand bending loads, requires a stable strong foundation, not suitable for seismic activity

Off, does not support combustion May have problems hanging heavy objects on walls

Manufactured from sustainable materials

Aerated concrete is easy to work with and can even be sawn with a hand saw or grooved with a metal strip. On the other hand, it is not so dense that heavy things can be hung on the walls without special fasteners.

Of course, there were some shortcomings. The blocks are brittle, do not tolerate bending loads. That is, it is better not to build a house from gas blocks on a pile or columnar foundation. Deep slab or tape only. The second point: in order for the walls to be stronger, steel reinforcement is laid in every third or fourth row. Door and window openings are also reinforced, an armored belt is made for the installation of a roof structure. This significantly affects the cost of construction, and the cost of fittings must also be included in the estimate.

Types and varieties of aerated concrete blocks

Aerated concrete blocks are autoclaved and conventional hardening. For the construction of external walls, it is better to take an autoclave, as it has more stable characteristics. Such blocks are more expensive and they are better.

Aerated concrete can be not only cement and sand. Part of the cement is replaced with another binder. As a result, we get blocks from another lightweight cellular concrete:

lime + cement – silicate concrete;

ground blast-furnace slag + cement – slag-gas concrete;

ash + cement + lime = ash-gas concrete.

Varieties of building blocks: a gas block allows you to quickly build a warm house

Of all the blocks listed, silicate concrete blocks are used for the construction of permanent residences. They differ from ordinary aerated concrete in color. Aerated concrete is gray, silicate concrete is white. What does the addition of lime give? Price reduction with a slight decrease in performance. But there is one rather significant disadvantage: lime corrodes steel. In order for the armored belts to remain intact, they are laid in a layer of DSP or polymer reinforcement is used.

Foam blocks for building a house

At first glance, foam blocks are very similar to aerated concrete. The difference is that ready-made foam is added to the mixture of concrete and sand, and not a dry reagent. The mixture is kneaded, put into molds and left to dry. Actually, everything. Very simple. This is the disadvantage. You can also make foam concrete in the garage. But one cannot speak of any stability of the parameters. And the material itself is good.

Foam concrete blocks are a good material for building a house. But only the quality is hard to trace

Advantages and disadvantages of foam concrete blocks

Thermal characteristics of foam concrete are among the best. Slightly worse than aerated concrete. Which means that foam concrete walls should be thicker. Is it good or bad? More wall thickness, more mass, more load on the foundation. This means an increase in the dimensions of the foundation and the cost of it, although the material for the walls itself is cheaper. But there is no clear answer that it will be cheaper. We must count.

Foam concrete blocks for building a house are a good choice. Provided that they are made strictly according to technology

The worst thermal conductivity of aerated concrete is due to the fact that the walls of air bubbles are thicker. That is, there is less air in the same volume. This has two more “consequences” – higher material strength and greater weight. Higher strength is good. It is already possible to screw a self-tapping screw into the walls of foam blocks, and special fasteners generally hold up with a bang.

Advantages of foam blocks for building a house Cons of foam concrete blocks

Low density combined with high strength Due to the ease of production, you can run into low quality handicraft material

Has good thermal insulation properties Cannot withstand bending loads, needs a stable foundation

Light weight means not too expensive foundation Different pore sizes give uneven characteristics

The surface of the block is rough, which improves adhesion to plasters Wider joint between blocks (up to 20 mm), which increases heat loss

Vapor permeable wall Requires special attention to the choice of finishes

Large block sizes speed up construction

Non-flammable and does not sustain combustion

Environmental friendly

More weight is not so good. This is again an increase in the dimensions of the foundation and the need to have an assistant for self-construction. Although when compared with the thickness of a brick wall, it is half as much. So the material is economical.

Another consequence of thicker cement walls is that it is more difficult to process. Not to compare, of course, with a brick, but not too easy either.

The advantages of the material include its good sound insulation characteristics, incombustibility, and environmental safety. The material conducts steam, but not to the same extent as aerated concrete. But its frost resistance is higher. It absorbs moisture even better, so it also needs finishing.

Standard size blocks cost relatively little. It is the cheapest of block materials

In addition, foam concrete does not have such an ideal geometry. The size difference can be significant. This means that the laying is carried out only on the mortar and the seam is made thick enough to compensate for the difference in block sizes. Thick seams – a decrease in the thermal resistance of the wall as a whole.

To summarize, this is the picture we get. Inexpensive material, but you need to be sure of the quality. The walls are built quickly, the house turns out to be “quiet” and warm, the wall screws hold it. It is undesirable to leave for wintering without a roof. Finishing is needed, but not immediately after construction.

Polystyrene concrete blocks

Polystyrene concrete is a cement in which polystyrene granules are added, additives to improve workability. The mixture is mixed, water is added, poured into molds until solidified. With this technology, ideal geometry is not to be expected, but the material is easily processed. You can cut with a hand saw. And this is despite the fact that the strength and shape stability are high, the shrinkage is minimal, and the mass is small (even less than that of aerated concrete of the same strength).

What are the blocks for budget construction of a house? Polystyrene concrete – warm and inexpensive

Blocks of polystyrene concrete are quite large (15-30 per cubic meter), so the construction is going quickly. Put on a regular solution, you can use glue. It goes in a thinner layer, although it costs more. The minus is typical for all blocks of lightweight concrete – reinforcement is required to increase strength. Some manufacturers may lay reinforcement in the blocks themselves. These are used for laying load-bearing walls. Jumpers are separately produced for installation above window and door openings. They definitely contain reinforcement inside. Due to the solidity, such a jumper works no worse than the corners, which are used as an alternative.

crumbles in the affected area

Pros of polystyrene concrete blocks Cons of polystyrene concrete building blocks

Light, strong, dense The technology is not perfect, properties depend on proportion and technology

Easy to work, large blocks, fast masonry Needs reinforcement, which is time consuming and costly

Off, does not support combustion

Very good thermal conductivity, sound insulation Need special fasteners to fix something in the walls

Good frost resistance Contains artificial ingredients

Wood-level breathability Exterior finish required

Low moisture absorption

Good sound insulation properties

The vapor permeability of polystyrene concrete blocks is medium. On par with wood. Thermal conductivity is quite good. For structural blocks with a strength of D400 – 0.15 -0.20 W / m ° C. We are pleased with the good indicators of frost resistance of the order of 50-70 cycles for a material of the same strength grade. Compared to 20-25 foam concrete, this is already quite good.

To decide which blocks are best for building a house, we study the characteristics and properties of

Disadvantages and features

Minus – a house made of polystyrene concrete block requires cladding. Not for technical reasons, but for aesthetic reasons because of the unattractive appearance. What is good is that it will easily survive a couple of winters without facing, as it has good frost resistance. What type of cladding? The best way out is a ventilated facade, but you can also use plaster. Only here the usual on cement keeps badly. It is required with special polymer additives, and they are expensive. The good news is that the consumption will be small – the wall turns out to be quite even. In addition, you can do without rough plaster. Stuff the mesh, and decorative plaster over it. But it is difficult to say how reliable this type of finish will be. They do it, but there are no reviews.

The size of the building block made of polystyrene concrete – length from 60 cm, width from 20 cm, height from 20 cm. Can be twice as thick / taller

As a summary. If you want to quickly and inexpensively build a warm house, then polystyrene blocks can be considered the best for building such a house. With one note – you have nothing against the use of polystyrene, and the need to think over the fastening to the walls does not bother you too much. After all, you have to somehow put windows, doors.

Blocks of expanded clay concrete

Blocks of expanded clay concrete have been known for a long time. Expanded clay is added to the mixture of sand and cement, everything is mixed, then water is added. The technology for concrete is standard, but with its own characteristics. Expanded clay is fired clay and this type of material is hygroscopic. Therefore, more is required to mix the water solution.

In the last century, block construction of houses was carried out mainly from expanded clay concrete blocks.

In addition, expanded clay is not well enveloped in mortar, so a longer kneading is required. Under production conditions, the problem of the required level of strength is solved in two ways: by autoclaving or by vibrocompression. Without such processing, the material is obtained with lower strength characteristics. And since the technology is simple, often “production” is opened in the garage, and the blocks are simply knocked out of the molds and dried. Moreover, like standard concrete, expanded clay concrete gains strength in 28 days. But it needs space to store it, so it can be sold earlier. If you know about this, you can lay it at home for “ripening”. If you don’t know and immediately lay it in masonry, it may crumble. How to distinguish? Yes for the price. Factory ones are more expensive. But if you need blocks to build a house, then it is dangerous to buy handicraft ones.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of expanded clay concrete blocks are similar to those listed above: light weight, large size, good thermal insulation characteristics compared to brick. But solid expanded clay concrete has a lower thermal conductivity than all the materials described above. But it is much stronger. This allows you to make slotted blocks, and they are used for laying external walls. In this form, we obtain thermal insulation at approximately the same level. In addition, voids reduce weight, which is good.

Building blocks made of expanded clay concrete have average characteristics in terms of thermal efficiency.

Other pluses. Walls made of expanded clay concrete do not require additional reinforcement, which allows masonry to be done faster. The blocks are better able to withstand bending loads, so the requirements for foundations are not as stringent. Buildings from expanded clay blocks can also be built on a pile or column foundation.

The disadvantages of expanded clay concrete blocks are quite serious. The first and main one is high water absorption (on the level with aerated concrete), so that the exterior finish is desirable immediately. You should not leave to winter without a roof, as it will gain moisture significantly and the service life will be reduced. There is no ideal geometry, but cement-based plasters fit very well and hold securely.

Advantages of expanded clay concrete blocks for building a house Disadvantages of expanded clay concrete blocks

Simple technology, natural materials Great chance to get low-quality products

High strength with low weight Insufficient thermal insulation for solid blocks

Good thermal performance Highly moisture absorbent, needs exterior finishing and protection of interior walls from steam

Medium frost resistance for vibrocompressed (about 35 cycles) and high for autoclaved (up to 80 or 100 cycles) Dimensional deviations

Good adhesion to cement based plaster

Non-flammable and does not sustain combustion

And yet, even with the use of slotted blocks of expanded clay concrete, for most of the territory additional external insulation is required. Due to hygroscopicity, this material is not recommended for the construction of partitions in rooms with high humidity. That is, for the construction of a bath or partitions in the bathroom, it is better to look for another material. And in a private house, in order to avoid eternal dampness, a vapor barrier is laid from the inside. And to regulate the humidity in the room, you need good ventilation.

Even if slotted blocks are used, the wall must be thick

What conclusions can be drawn? Previously, before the advent of cellular concrete, expanded clay concrete was considered the lightest and warmest material for building a house. Today, it is clearly inferior in terms of these indicators to foam-gas-polystyrene-concrete blocks and has solid shortcomings. Therefore, it is gradually being squeezed out of the market.

Cinder blocks

As the name implies, slag acts as a backfill in cinder concrete. In theory, blast-furnace slag is used, which is formed during the smelting of ore and covers the metal. It has a porous structure and does not conduct heat well. That is why it was used to produce cheap blocks for housing construction. But in the days of the USSR, when materials were driven all over the vast, one could hope that in regions where there were no steel-smelting industries, you would really get a cinder block. Today, there is little hope for this – delivery is expensive, which makes the production of such material unprofitable.

Comparison of lightweight concrete blocks using different technologies and with different aggregates

So what do we have? The absence of slag in the cinder block. It is replaced with rubble, expanded clay, broken glass, brick battle. That is, they also use “slag”, in the sense of waste, but not blast-furnace. As a result, the characteristics are unpredictable, the thermal conductivity is low, the durability is as lucky.

Even when comparing the characteristics of cinder blocks with blast-furnace slag aggregate, they are not impressive. And it must also be added that its moisture absorption is very high – more than twice as high as that of foam and aerated concrete. And this is at a lower thermal conductivity in a dry state. So it becomes clear that this block cannot be called the best, and it is far from being the cheapest. Blast furnace slag costs a lot. This material is now clearly losing in many respects. For the last twenty years, he has been remembered “from old memory.”

Ceramic block or porous warm ceramic

This porous ceramic block is produced using the same technology as bricks and from the same materials. The whole difference is that the “body” of the material is not continuous, but consists of voids and ceramic bridges. Such a structure is effective: for central Russia, a porous ceramic wall should be 50 cm. The same wall thickness is also needed from aerated concrete. And additional insulation with such a thickness is not required. That is, the wall will be single-layer, which is much better than multi-layer. And the finish can be made of facing bricks or clinker. Ceramics with ceramics “make friends” without problems. But not everything is so rosy.

Hollow blocks for walls made of ceramics could be considered the best option, if not for a large percentage of breakage and complexity with fasteners

Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic blocks

the weight. But ceramics are fragile. And thin partitions break and beat easily. When transporting, you can get about 10% of the battle. In addition, cutting off a ceramic block is not so easy. The saw will not help here. Requires other, more serious equipment. Another disadvantage is that special fasteners are required, since only it can be held in thin walls.

Pros of ceramic blocks Cons of hollow ceramic blocks

Good thermal insulation properties Brittle material that is easily chipped and broken

High level of soundproofing Requires special block cutting tool

Medium water absorption Special hardware required

Steam conductivity Blocks are not as big as compared to lightweight concrete

Good frost resistance Imperfect geometry, high cost for ground, which are dimensionally stable

High strength

The presence of a corrugated surface, which increases the thermal resistance of the masonry.

High heat absorption. It works like a large heat accumulator, but for the construction of periodical heating houses, this is bad.

Other advantages are the same as those of bricks: natural ceramics, medium water absorption, frost resistance from 30 to 80 cycles, good soundproofing properties – up to 55 dB, which is a very good indicator. In addition, there is such a thing as heat capacity. It shows how much heat a material can accumulate in itself. The more heat he “takes” into himself, the longer it will give back. For houses with permanent residence, it is materials with a large heat capacity that are more comfortable. And in ceramics, it is rather big. Such a wall is a kind of heat accumulator. For a house of permanent residence, this is good, but for a summer residence, visited only occasionally in winter, it is bad. It takes a lot of fuel and time to warm up. So for cottages or baths, this building block is not the best.

It is also worth adding that today the cost of a cube of ceramic porous block and the cost of autoclaved aerated concrete is almost the same. In some places, aerated concrete is even more expensive. But the dimensions of the blocks of aerated concrete are larger, the consumption of glue and the time spent are less. One can argue about time, since for ceramics the presence of armored belts is not necessary, but it will not be superfluous either. And you can’t argue with the block sizes. And with precise geometry. No, there are polished ceramic blocks that are cut to size. They can be laid with a minimum layer of glue. But such blocks are much more expensive. Nevertheless, with an eye to all the facts, it is worth saying that we all know ceramics. So, ceteris paribus, it is more reasonable to choose it.

Lightweight building blocks made of porous ceramics have good characteristics, but may have cracks that do not contradict GOST. Some manufacturers change such material without problems. Others do not consider it a marriage

That’s right, but there is one bad luck. Ceramic block is a type of brick. And according to GOST, non-through cracks are allowed in bricks if they do not affect strength. Solid brick does. The presence of small cracks on one side is not considered a marriage and does not affect the quality of the masonry. But if there is a crack in one of the edges of the ceramic block, it will obviously not be so strong. Second. When one of the faces is broken, it diverges, the sides are no longer parallel. It is hardly worth using such a block in masonry, although technically this is not a marriage.

Pressed cement blocks made of sand concrete (besser blocks)

Another type of hollow building block is made from sand concrete. The same technology is used to make full-bodied ones, but they have low thermal efficiency. But the wall is practically a monolith, it is difficult to break through it, the bearing capacity is high. But such a house, in order to be warm, will have very thick walls, which will increase the cost of the foundation.

Therefore, a combined building is considered the best option. In the sense that the wall is laid from a solid and hollow vibrocompressed block. The outer layer is full-bodied, the inner one has voids. Thus, the strength of the wall and its bearing capacity are high, and the thermal performance is high. It is also worth mentioning that the technology allows one of the sides of the block to be made “front”, with a smooth surface or under a “torn stone”. Sand-cement vibroblocks are good because you can add dye to them. Everything looks quite decent, and for the price, such stones with the “front” side are only a little more expensive. We just need special forms, but the technology does not change.

Which blocks are best for building a house? If strong walls are a priority, then vibropressed ones are beyond competition

The process of forming vibropressed blocks is as follows: a mixture of cement and sand is diluted with water. The solution is poured into molds, which are then processed on a vibrocompression table. That is, the solution is simultaneously subjected to vibration and pressure. This gives it increased strength and allows you to make the walls thin and the voids significant. All this makes it possible to reduce weight, as well as increase thermal performance. This technology has been used in America for a long time. Budget houses are built from such a building block. It’s called a besser block.

Advantages and disadvantages of vibropressed blocks

The main advantage of this technology is the processing by vibration with simultaneous pressure. Concrete stone is very durable and uniform. There are no voids, inhomogeneities, the characteristics and properties are stable, the walls are even and smooth. And this processing gives you the opportunity to control the size. Of all the blocks that are poured into molds, this one has the best geometry.

Sand concrete blocks: the main characteristics of solid

Further on the properties: high frost resistance – from 50 cycles (up to 300), strength – M100 or higher. The thermal conductivity of hollow blocks is 0. 9 W / m² C, which is much lower than required, so either the wall must be thick or it must be insulated. It absorbs moisture, but in small quantities, it is not afraid of getting wet. There are no data on the thermal conductivity of a solid block. It must be understood that they are extremely disappointing.

When constructing walls from hollow vibratory blocks, reinforcement is recommended. And they do both vertical and horizontal. For the vertical, rods are used, which would be good to connect with releases from the foundation. And the horizontal reinforcement is a metal mesh. This is not a requirement, but it makes for stronger walls.

Which blocks are best for building a house? In terms of beauty – these

Of the “clean” shortcomings – a fairly large weight and small size of the stone. This is when compared with blocks of lightweight concrete. Accordingly, the foundation for heavy weight needs a more powerful one, which leads to an increase in the cost of it.

The price is quite democratic, since the components are available, and the vibrating table is not such an expensive equipment as to greatly raise the cost. In general, quite a worthy option. But no matter how you paint the dignity, cement remains cement. And they build houses from this material infrequently. But often they build fences or use it as a facing stone. By the way, it is often called a “fence” block or Besser.

Heat block

A heat block is made on the basis of vibrocompression technology. This is a multilayer structure, in the middle of which there is polystyrene, and on the sides there is a cement-sand vibrocompressed composition. Moreover, one side is front, painted in mass and, as a rule, textured, and the second is a full-bodied building stone that carries the load. To increase the reliability, the structure is fastened with reinforcing rods.

Post navigation

PreviousHow to stop drafty window: 8 Ways to Fix Drafty Windows and Doors
NextBiggest home aquarium: The World’s Largest Private Aquarium Is Like a Tiny Indoor Ocean

Categories

Bathroom

Floor

Home

Kitchen

Miscellaneous

Roof

Tree

Wall

Window

Archives

October 2023

September 2023

August 2023

July 2023

June 2023

May 2023

April 2023

March 2023

February 2023

January 2023

December 2022

November 2022

October 2022

September 2022

August 2022

July 2022

June 2022

May 2022

April 2022

March 2022

February 2022

January 2022

December 2021

November 2021

October 2021

September 2021

August 2021

July 2021

June 2021

May 2021

April 2021

March 2021

February 2021

January 2021

December 2020

November 2020

October 2020

September 2020

August 2020

July 2020

June 2020

May 2020

April 2020

March 2020

February 2020

January 2020

December 2019

Categories

Bathroom

Floor

Home

Kitchen

Miscellaneous

Roof

Tree

Wall

Window

Meta

Log in

Entries feed

Comments feed

WordPress.org

© Build & More 2024. Design & Developed by Pacific Designs

Scroll Up

Blocks and panels for external walls | External walls and facades

Ytong Thermo – Lightweight concrete block for external wall

Ytong Climagold – Lightweight concrete block for external wall

ADDMIRA 2D – Precast reinforced external panel

TESTA PIANA – Concrete building block

MATTONE DI CEMENTO – Facing brick

GASBETON® ENERGY – Thermal insulating concrete block

POROTHERM PLANA+ 30 – 0,08 – Building block

GASBETON® SYSMIC – Lightweight concrete block for external wall

AQUAPANEL® Cement Board Outdoor – Panel with aggregated Portland cement and coated glass fibre

AQUAPANEL® OUTDOOR – Dry-laid cement and fibre cement sheet

GYPROC AQUAROC – Lightweight concrete block partition

GEOPANEL ART ® – Formwork and formwork system for concrete

GYPSOTECH® EXTERNA light – Dry-laid cement and fibre cement sheet

BETON-UNO W01 – Matrix for fair faced concrete wall wood effect finish

NORMABLOK PIÙ 8.

CAPPOTTO ARMATO KARMA® – Exterior insulation system

CLASSICO – Facing brick

CLINAR CLIP – Dry-laid cement and fibre cement sheet

LECABLOCCO BIOCLIMA – Concrete building block

LECABLOCCO FONOASSORBENTE – Sound insulating concrete masonry block

POROTON® 800-700-600 – Clay building block

Mattone 3 fori – Facing brick

AUTAN® – Solar shading

BC20 – Lightened concrete block for external walls

BGS12 – Lightened concrete block for external walls

Architecture elements – Special clay piece for fair faced facade

AR25 – Sound-absorbing concrete block

EGH 43,5/24,5 – External masonry block in wood-concrete

Exposed face blocks – Lightened concrete block for external walls

ECOSISM – Prefabricated wall panel

LECABLOCCO TAGLIAFUOCO – Lightweight concrete block for fire resistance

POLIARMO – Polystyrene matrix for decorative element

EV30 – 30X25X25 DL311 13L – Building block

GENESIS 280 – Facing brick

Ytong SismiClima – Lightened concrete block for external walls

LECABLOCCO TAGLIAFUOCO – Block for fire stop buffer

EVOLATER TAMPONATURA 12X25X25 – Building block

BS30 – External masonry facing block in concrete

B/12 E.

MATTONE PIENO – Facing brick

ALVEOLATER CLIMA 30 h34,5 F55 – Building block

ALVEOLATER 8/50 incastro h29 – Clay block for internal partition

LASTRA + – Dry-laid cement and fibre cement sheet

BS7 – External/internal masonry facing block in concrete

ECOPOR® 311 30X25X25 – Clay block for internal partition

Ytong Taglio Termico (TT) – Lightweight cellular concrete block for thermal insulation

PROGRESS DOUBLE WALL – Prefabricated reinforced concrete panel

Ytong Sismico – Lightweight concrete block for external wall

Ytong Climaplus – Lightweight concrete block for external wall

UNIPAN – Dry-laid cement and fibre cement sheet

TRIS® 44X25X19 – Loadbearing clay block

UNIPOR W07 CORISO – Thermal insulating clay block

DURABOARD® – Cement sheet reinforced with fibres

AquaBoard – Dry-laid cement and fibre cement sheet

POROTON P700 E P800 – MURATURA PORTANTE – Thermal insulating clay block

POROTON P800 MA – MURATURA ARMATA BIO – Block for reinforced masonry

KNAUF EXTERIOR WALL – Complete exterior wall system

SCHÖCK NOVOMUR® – Lightened concrete block for external walls

FORATI – TAMPONATURA CLASSICA – Clay plank and hollow clay plank

AQUAPANEL® Cement Board SkyLite – Cement board for suspended ceilings

Faswall Healthy High Performance ICF Building System

The Faswall® Difference

Build your natural, non-toxic home with this remarkable wood-chip concrete building block

Build your natural, non-toxic home with this remarkable wood-chip concrete building block

Build your natural, non-toxic home with this remarkable wood-chip concrete building block

Build your natural, non-toxic home with this remarkable wood-chip concrete building block

Build your natural, non-toxic home with this remarkable wood-chip concrete building block

Build your natural, non-toxic home with this remarkable wood-chip concrete building block

Healthy | Simple | Sustainable | Durable | Safe | Affordable

Six Reasons to Build with Faswall Wall Forms

Recent Projects Built with Faswall® Organic Building Materials

Posts from the Faswall Build Blog

How to Cover Exterior Cinder Block Walls

Concrete

Stucco

Vinyl Siding

Artificial Stone

Climbing Plants

13 Different Types of Concrete Blocks