The construction industry is developing rapidly: the number of new materials and technologies is constantly growing. If previously brick and concrete were mainly used for the construction of buildings, now the range of masonry bases includes several dozen items. Modern developers are increasingly inclined to block construction. This method ensures the reliability of the frame and reduces the time spent on work. Which blocks are best for building a house and how to choose them correctly?
building block Designed for the construction of low-rise and high-rise structures. Suitable for both residential and industrial premises.
First block houses appeared in the middle of the 20th century. Thanks to convenient technological process erecting a structure from blocks reduces time costs several times compared to other methods.
Installation of external and internal walls of a building on a construction site is quick and easy. The house seems to be made up of cubes. Due to the simplicity of this technology, more and more multi-storey block houses are appearing in Russian cities along with panel houses. These are stable structures with good heat and sound insulation.
Construction of a cottage from large concrete blocks
People without special education. Most often, no additional equipment is required, so the blocks quickly gained popularity in private construction. Block technology is actively used in the construction of cottages, townhouses, country houses 1-2 floors high.
Good value pricing policy and quality ensures a great demand for building blocks, so there are many types of this material from different manufacturers on the modern market. There are several main classifications.
Large blocks have such qualities as high strength, good thermal insulation characteristics. Small blocks are inferior in strength and thermal conductivity, but are lighter. It is more convenient to deliver them to construction site and easier to install.
Factory production of blocks
In the production of blocks, special standard molds are used for casting finished products. At independent procurement building materials, it is possible to reduce the final price of construction as much as possible, but the quality may fail.
The presence of voids inside building blocks makes them lighter and cheaper, but reduces the strength of the structure compared to solid blocks. They can be used to lay hidden communications. But it is worth keeping in mind that hollow blocks are characterized by increased thermal conductivity.
Solid blocks for construction
To color the blocks, special inorganic and organic pigments, as well as colored cements, are used.
The main component of building blocks is concrete. Variations in different types of blocks lie in differences in impurities, additional components and methods of mixing them. When the base is combined with other substances, each type of block develops individual properties.
Concrete blocks for building a house
The most popular on the modern market are the following types construction blocks:
Let's look at the main types of building blocks, their characteristics and differences.
Construction block
Elements cast from concrete are intended for laying the foundation and installing load-bearing structures. Historically, it was this variety that was the first to be produced on production lines.
Building blocks
Thanks to the universal properties of concrete, buildings acquire special strength and durability. The service life of structures made from this material reaches 100 years.
Advantages of concrete blocks:
However, you should understand that this is a very heavy material, especially if the blocks are solid. In most cases, additional lifting equipment will be required for installation.
Cement is used to install concrete blocks, which saves on laying mortars. In addition, concrete is one of the inexpensive materials, therefore, houses made of this material can be found both in megacities and in suburban areas.
Construction of a house from concrete blocks
Due to the popularity of concrete blocks, their size is strictly regulated, which makes it possible to plan all construction costs in advance with particular accuracy. For example, the cost of products with parameters 390x190x188 will be approximately 40-55 rubles/piece. Blocks of smaller dimensions 390x80/90x188 mm will cost 25-30 rubles.
To obtain this type of building material, an admixture of expanded clay is added to the concrete. This is a lightweight porous material of natural origin. Expanded clay is obtained by firing clay or shale. It is not prone to rotting, the formation of mold and fungi, and is resistant to fire.
Expanded clay concrete blocks for construction
When mixing expanded clay with concrete, blocks with high strength and density are obtained. Improved technical specifications allow them to be used for the construction of multi-story buildings without fear of possible deformations of the frame.
The main disadvantage of the design is low thermal insulation. Expanded clay concrete frame involves installing insulation on the street side in order to retain heat inside the room and extend the period of operation.
Expanded clay wall blocks are low cost due to the convenience and speed of production. The preparation of such blocks does not entail large material costs.
Among the most popular dimensions of expanded clay concrete blocks you can find 390x190x188 mm with a price list of around 57 rubles/piece. (full) and 390x90x188 mm, with a varying price of 25-30 rubles. (septal).
Construction of a building from expanded clay concrete blocks
Safe building materials from an environmental point of view and lightweight. Suitable for low-rise construction, installation of main walls and internal partitions.
Gas silicate block
The blocks are produced by heat treatment and pressing a mass of quartz sand, cement, lime and aluminum chips. This mixture is also called artificial stone. The composition has increased fire resistance and good sound insulation. A house made from such blocks is warm, and the walls “breathe” due to vapor permeability.
Thanks to its convenient dense structure, gas silicate is easy to install. Clear block edges speed up construction time and level out the structure.
The advantages of gas silicate blocks include such a characteristic as low weight. The finished block has a cellular structure, which makes it lighter. The building frame does not exert strong pressure on the foundation, which allows saving on additional reinforcements.
An important advantage is the wide range of sizes and shapes. Manufacturers regularly improve the masonry base to facilitate installation, creating thoughtful designs with recesses and groove connections convenient for installation. Despite these advantages of gas silicate products, their scope of application has been reduced. The cellular structure reduces compressibility and density. To avoid cracks and shrinkage of the lower part of the building, it is recommended to use blocks for buildings up to two floors high. When constructing more tall buildings To increase the strength of the structure, it is necessary to seal it with steel reinforcement. However, there will still be a risk of destruction of the lower floors under the weight of the upper ones.
Construction of a load-bearing wall from gas silicate blocks
Aerated concrete does not burn, but at high temperatures it begins to collapse, so after a fire the house may become uninhabitable. Also, the disadvantages of gas silicate blocks include an increased level of water absorption and rather low heat resistance. They absorb moisture, which can tear the blocks during severe frosts.
Aerated concrete materials 60x25x40/mm are offered for 30-206 rubles/piece. Products 60x30x10/20/25 mm cost about 30-75 rubles/piece. The largest blocks 60x37.5/40x25 mm can be purchased at a cost of 210-240 rubles/piece.
Like gas silicate, aerated concrete blocks have a wide variety of sizes and densities. They can be used to construct a complete structure. Blocks are selected in accordance with the assigned tasks. Modern manufacturers provide the opportunity to use them not only for walls and partitions, but also for lintels, window and door openings.
Aerated concrete blocks, their types and sizes
The composition of aerated concrete blocks includes materials such as:
All ingredients are mixed in an autoclave and foamed due to the chemical reaction of aluminum with an alkaline solution. The resulting block has a cellular structure and ideal geometrically smooth edges, which increases the percentage of heat during the construction of a house and ensures maximum fit of the connected parts.
The main difference between aerated concrete blocks is that they can be effortlessly cut with simple hand tools to form blocks non-standard sizes. They also ensure heat retention in the house due to reduced thermal conductivity.
The process of building a house from aerated concrete
One of the leading disadvantages of aerated concrete is increased water absorption. To protect the load-bearing walls of the building, deep treatment with impregnations and primers will be required. Another disadvantage is poor resistance to compression and bending. Aerated concrete blocks are fragile. They should be used for construction on a foundation that gives little shrinkage, otherwise the building will begin to develop cracks within 2-3 years.
The foam concrete block has a cellular structure. It is produced by mixing cement and foaming agent. During the production process there is no thermal or force impact on this type, which gives foam concrete blocks a number of original properties.
Foam concrete block and its external features
Among the operational advantages of such blocks are the low cost and ease of implementing individual architectural ideas, for example, creating a variety of figured arches.
Foam concrete blocks are often compared with aerated concrete blocks in terms of frequency and scope of use. They are similar in many ways. But there are a few differences:
Construction from foam blocks
Regarding the cost, foam concrete block with parameters 600x300x200 mm can be purchased for 95-120 rubles. With variations in density, the price will vary. If you increase the volume to 600x400x200 mm, you will have to pay 120-170 rubles. for 1 piece
Polystyrene concrete has only recently appeared in the construction world, but some characteristics have already made it famous among developers. Low thermal conductivity, good resistance to frost and temperature changes, noise insulation, environmental friendliness - all these qualities confirm its uniqueness and reliability.
External features polystyrene concrete
The composition of the polystyrene concrete block includes cement, polystyrene, sand. The material is brought to readiness without thermal and chemical treatment, which allows you to obtain good quality product even when produced independently. Nevertheless, High Quality can only be achieved by adding special fibers, which must be taken into account when choosing a manufacturing plant.
Polystyrene concrete blocks are divided into two types:
Conventional blocks are designed for laying main and internal walls. The cost of building from this material is approximately 2 times cheaper compared to brick. Lined products do not require subsequent façade finishing.
A block of 600x300x250 mm is offered at a cost of 120-160 rubles/piece. A more miniature block of 390x190x188 mm can be purchased at a price of 40-50 rubles/piece.
Walls made of polystyrene concrete blocks
In the construction industry, slag is a product obtained as a result of heat treatment of components by vibration pressing of concrete in special forms. Cinder concrete blocks are an alloy without chemical additives, consisting of oxides and concrete.
Appearance of a cinder block
The production of such products involves the use of crushed stone, cement, lime and slag sand. Coal ash, combustion waste from open-hearth furnaces, gravel, and sawdust can be added to the composition. The result is a durable building material with low cost.
Cinder concrete blocks are made not only by handicraft methods, but also in factories. There is GOST 6133-99, according to the requirements of which reinforced cinder blocks are produced on an industrial scale. They stand out for their low weight compared to conventional bricks, which prolongs the durability of buildings and reduces pressure on the foundation.
Table No. 1. Features of cinder blocks.
Cinder blocks vary in density and strength. Based on the purpose of use, they are classified into several brands:
The weaknesses of such raw materials become noticeable primarily at the production stage:
Cinder blocks have a wide range of applications
Slag blocks for laying crossbars between rooms are produced with parameters of 390x90x190 mm, their price varies from 17-35 rubles. for 1 block. For universal buildings, products 390x240x190 mm are used. Their price averages 50-80 rubles/piece. Buildings with increased load require the use of solid blocks with dimensions of 390x190x190 mm for 35-80 rubles/piece.
Wood concrete blocks are considered an environmentally friendly material. They consist of 80% wood chips and other organic components (crushed stems, sunflower seed waste, etc.). The important ingredients are cement and various mineral additives. The resulting mixture is also called wood concrete.
This is what wood concrete blocks look like
Arbolite is used for private low-rise construction of buildings, load-bearing walls which are not subjected to high compressive loads. This type of block is very popular in Holland. In Russia it has not yet acquired such recognition, but domestic production has already been launched.
Advantages of arbolite blocks
For small buildings they can be used without reinforcement.
One of the negative qualities of wood concrete blocks is the mandatory cladding to hide the unsightly appearance of the blocks.
Wood concrete house
Due to their environmental composition, wood concrete blocks are among the most expensive. A block of 150x200x500 mm costs about 60 rubles/piece, and 300x200x500 mm – 120 rubles/piece.
INTERESTING
A separate type of environmentally friendly blocks are straw concrete blocks. This type of product refers to natural and pure materials. They can only be used to build a frame, because straw is considered a soft building material. The production of straw blocks has not yet become widespread in the construction market due to the skeptical attitude of consumers.
Making blocks from straw and concrete
This progressive building material is a modern alternative to brick, which is common in the construction of low-rise buildings. The ceramic block undergoes chemical treatment, due to which it has a high percentage of voids.
Ceramic blocks with voids
This type of blocks is divided into two categories:
Ceramic blocks can be used in the construction of load-bearing walls of multi-story buildings, partitions, and complex design structures. The material itself does not require cladding. The properties of ceramics allow you to obtain maximum results without additional hydro- and thermal insulation. This significantly reduces construction costs and cash costs.
Laying ceramic blocks and slabs requires the purchase of construction adhesive. The cement solution will fill the cells in the blocks and significantly reduce their quality characteristics due to its liquid consistency. Applying thick glue in a thin layer (about 2 cm) will facilitate successful gluing of the material without filling the pores.
We should not forget about the need to bandage the vertical seams with horizontal fiberglass mesh every two rows, which will significantly reduce the threat to the strength of the building.
The size of the blocks varies from 25x120x65 to 510x95x219 mm, with a cost from 12 to 67 rubles/piece.
Ceramic blocks are a modern analogue of brick
The reliability of the building is determined by the correctly selected material, its quantity and quality.
The main parameters of the blocks that determine their ease of use in the field of individual housing construction:
The required number of blocks is usually calculated based on this data.
Table No. 2. Comparative characteristics of various wall materials.
An important factor in choosing a material for construction is also the price characteristic. Many people focus on the initial budget and make an estimate based on the capabilities of their wallet. However, price should not be the only factor. When selecting building blocks, it is important to take into account all the nuances.
Although experienced developers do not advise saving on your own convenience, you should not overpay for incorrectly selected material either. Wide selection of products in construction stores due to the difference in their features and application. Therefore, the properties of the selected blocks must correspond to the specific goals set.
For example, a one-story suburban country house does not require good thermal insulation and strong walls, so cheap cinder blocks can be used for its construction, and when planning a project for a large family house for year-round use, you should take a closer look at aerated concrete or foam concrete. For lovers of the classics, a house made of ceramic blocks, a high-tech analogue of brick, will be more suitable.
Bathhouse made of cinder blocks
So the choice construction products will be based on the following criteria:
By correctly calculating all the nuances of construction and procurement, everyone can minimize economic losses when implementing their project.
The use of various blocks in construction
The modern construction market offers a huge amount of building materials. Even summing up all the positive and negative characteristics of each type of building blocks, it is impossible to clearly identify the best ones. It is possible to determine the degree of convenience in using certain blocks only in a specific situation, selecting the material based on the characteristics and purposes of the building.
The rapidly developing construction industry constantly requires the emergence of new technologies and materials. Therefore, many people wonder which blocks are best for building a house, since they are the ones that Lately are most popular and high level compete with the long-known brick. The emergence of a new type of masonry raw material was caused mainly by the desire to speed up the construction process and reduce its labor intensity.
The larger dimensions of building blocks, compared to bricks, make it possible to lay masonry several times faster, and their relatively low weight greatly facilitates the work. This quality gave a significant impetus to their introduction to the market.
There are several classifications of blocks for construction. Depending on the dimensions of the product, they can be divided into the following groups: small-sized and large-sized. The first group includes products with small dimensions, low strength and heat conductivity. The second group will be represented by products with large sizes and high strength values, as well as average insulating characteristics.
Higher quality building blocks are classified by the type of material used to make them. The main component of all types is invariably concrete. Only minor materials and production technology vary.
The following groups can be distinguished here:
Considering in more detail all types of blocks for construction, you need to dwell on their main technical specifications. These are density, compressive strength, frost resistance. They are the determining factors when choosing the right material. Based on these parameters and dimensions, the correct calculation of the number of blocks for building a house is made.
It is always worthwhile to clearly think through all types of work, since various blocks suited to specific goals. You need to focus on a certain course: will it be just insulation, a partition, or a more massive supporting structure. What type of building will this material be applied to: capital in the form of, for example, a house or garage, or a simpler option summer shower or outbuilding. And of course one more factor: how much the blocks cost to build a house.
This type of blocks was the very first on the production line. It is very common in use, especially where high construction strength is required. Depending on the brand of concrete used, the following groups can be distinguished: , FBV and FBP.
There is a state standard in which the sizes of blocks for construction are clearly regulated. This makes it possible to accurately calculate the costs of building construction. The above brands may have a solid structure or longitudinal cutouts intended for laying communications.
The most significant advantage of these types of blocks is their ease of use. In most cases, they are applicable for laying the foundation. Thus, when using this particular technology, the process can be significantly simplified. There is no need to pour concrete, involving a lot of additional equipment, and you will not have to wait until it hardens to continue further work.
The price of concrete blocks measuring 390x190x188 mm, differing only in the number of slots in their structure, ranges from 40 to 55 rubles/piece. Smaller sizes 390x80x188 and 390x90x188 mm cost from 25 to 30 rubles/piece.
In the manufacture of expanded clay concrete blocks, expanded clay is used as an admixture. It is a porous material produced in the form of granules by firing clay. This mixture gave very unusual properties new types of blocks, thanks to which they have gained due recognition among consumers.
By varying the amount of filler, the end result is a block of varying strength. This leads to an expansion of the range of applications of this material. The most popular density is from 500 to 1800 kg/cm³. The denser the material, the stronger it is and can be used for multi-story buildings.
The construction of houses from expanded clay concrete blocks has a number of positive qualities. Buildings do not deform, do not shrink, and do not crack. Low production cost is also a plus. The availability of sufficient quantities of the starting material and the low technological cost of production generally provide maximum benefits from its use.
Note! Precisely because the production of expanded clay concrete blocks does not require large material costs, many try to make it themselves using the “handicraft method”. Failure to comply with some necessary standards results in poor quality material and inconsistency in block sizes for construction. Therefore, purchasing this product, you must make sure of the good reputation of the manufacturer.
This block also needs insulation finishing materials, and with outside. This will have a positive effect of increasing thermal conductivity, and will also increase the service life of the building.
Price for expanded clay concrete blocks depends on their size and purpose. For a hollow wall block, the dimensions of which are 390x190x188 mm, it ranges on average from 33 to 50 rubles/piece. and directly depends on the number of voids-cracks in the material.
The solid block has the most popular dimensions of 390x190x188 mm, and its price is slightly higher, about 57 rubles/piece. The partition type of this type is most often presented in the size of 390x90x188 mm and the price range ranges from 25-30 rubles / piece.
The construction of houses from gas silicate blocks has become very popular recently. The material itself, aerated concrete, is made from cement, quicklime, quartz sand and aluminum powder using the autoclave method under certain temperatures and pressure. In the process of mixing these components, a large amount of hydrogen is released, which, when solidified, gives the finished product a cellular structure.
The positive qualities of gas silicate blocks are as follows:
Despite a number of the above positive qualities, several negative ones can be identified: the cellular structure of the material gives not only advantages, but also disadvantages. It clearly reduces the density indicator, the level of compression and stretching. Therefore, the maximum number of floors of such buildings should not exceed 2. Otherwise, experiencing a large load, the lower rows will begin to collapse and shrink. The appearance of cracks is possible.
Note! To increase the strength of the walls, experts recommend strengthening the building with steel reinforcement.
Blocks of this type in the size range 60x25x50 and 60x25x40 mm cost on average from 30 to 206 rubles/piece. Increasing the last parameter increases the price. Sizes 60x30x10, 60x30x20 and 60x30x25 cost 30, 58 and 75 rubles/piece. respectively. The most expensive are the largest ones - 60x37.5x25 mm, which have a price of 210-233 rubles / piece. and 60x40x25 mm – 225-240 rub./piece.
Just as in the case of using aerated silicate blocks, construction from aerated concrete begins with determining what needs to be obtained in the end: main walls, partitions of a two-story massif, or insulation of existing buildings. Based on the tasks set, you just need to buy blocks to build a house of the required density. And also take care of the external decoration of the walls. It should provide not only an acceptable appearance of the structure, but also minimize the moisture absorption coefficient.
Aerated concrete blocks are produced using the autoclave method. They consist of cement, lime, gypsum and aluminum powder. As in the case of the gas silicate species, massive chemical reaction, as a result, hydrogen is released, due to which the cellular structure of the material is obtained.
After complete hardening, aerated concrete is cut into blocks of the required size for building a house using a string. Therefore, the resulting result is distinguished by ideal geometrically smooth edges. This is important, since during laying there will be very few gaps at the seams, which will provide an additional percentage of heat.
This type of block has another attractive property. Thanks to its special structure, it can be easily cut with a regular saw. In this way, you can quickly adjust the parameters and obtain the desired size of an aerated concrete block for building a house.
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Aerated concrete blocks are very popular today. Numerous offers from manufacturers provide the opportunity to use this material not only for walls, but also for ceilings, lintels for windows and doors. A large size range makes it possible to build the entire structure from these blocks.
Just like other types of blocks, aerated concrete products can have mounting grooves for ease of use. Such a connection will give maximum fit and the desired thermal conductivity.
When choosing the required material, pay attention to the markings. It is designated by the Latin letter D and the numbers following it. These numbers indicate the density of the block. Thus, the most applicable brands are D500-D900, which with a size of 600x250x200 mm weigh 18 kg and thus can replace 20 pcs. bricks.
Concrete block is a cellular type building materials. All their qualities are inherent in him. It is made from a mixture of concrete and foaming agent. The foam is prepared in a special generator and then poured directly into the cement. It envelops and thereby closes all cells in the structure. Afterwards, the mixture enters special cassettes and remains to solidify at natural ambient temperature. There is no special thermal effect on this material.
Note! Foam concrete needs to “stand” for an average of 28 days from the date of manufacture in order to finally harden and obtain the necessary strength.
Many developers note the favorable price of blocks for building a house: any private developer can buy foam concrete products. At the same time, they make it possible to easily display, for example, any figured arches or partitions.
When considering the question of which blocks are better for building a house: gas and foam concrete are often compared. There is no clear answer to this question, but there are a few things to consider:
A foam concrete block, depending on its density in the most popular size 600x300x200 mm, costs from 95 to 120 rubles/piece. Naturally, high-density material has the highest price. If you increase at least one of the dimensional parameters, for example, to 600x400x200 mm, then the price will be 120-170 rubles/piece.
This type of blocks appeared relatively recently on the building materials market. It is deservedly popular among developers. Its following characteristics are very important:
The manufacturing process takes place both in industrial conditions and at home. A mixture of polystyrene granules, cement, sand and hardening additives is poured into a concrete mixer in a clearly defined sequence and mixed. Then they are poured into pre-prepared molds to harden for about a day under natural conditions. After 24 hours, the blocks can be removed and carefully laid out on flat surface until completely dry.
All polystyrene concrete blocks can be divided into two types:
A polystyrene concrete block measuring 600x300x250 mm has a price of 120-160 rubles/piece. A smaller block measuring 390x190x188 mm costs 40-50 rubles/piece.
Almost all the negative aspects of using this type of material depend on the correctness of its manufacture. If the blocks were made without strictly following the rules, then the possibility of microcracks and shrinkage increases significantly.
Plus, it is necessary to add special fibers to ensure a durable product. If you skimp on these fibers, you end up with a block that doesn’t justify itself. All this must be taken into account when purchasing.
The product obtained after severe heat treatment of any raw material is called slag. It is an alloy of oxides. When using slag for the production of concrete blocks, the material is taken without any additional chemical compounds.
It is important to properly prepare the slag for use. It should lie in the open air for about six months. This will allow natural precipitation to wash out the remaining impurities of sulfur and lime. It will be good if it is moved from place to place several times. This action will also help to weed out everything unnecessary.
The production of slag concrete blocks uses slag sand (it gives additional density) and crushed stone (it gives additional lightness). IN finished products about 2/3 cement and 1/3 lime plus the required amount of slag.
If all necessary norms and requirements are met, the price of blocks for building a house will be very reasonable. It turns out to be a good price-quality ratio.
The main characteristics of these blocks are their strength grade and density. The following brands are distinguished:
Grades M50 and higher are used for the construction of load-bearing walls
The advantages of slag concrete blocks over bricks are that they are relatively lightweight. Less pressure is created on the foundation and other supporting structures. This extends the service life of buildings. Like other types of blocks, they significantly speed up the construction process due to their size.
Disadvantages can be identified even at the production stage: a long time to prepare the material itself, and a long time to achieve the desired hardening rate. Only after a month does it reach only 50% of this value. It will take him a year to fully comply.
Used for interior partitions cinder blocks have a size of 390x90x190 mm and cost 17-35 rubles/piece. For buildings for various purposes they use products measuring 390x240x190 mm, the material has void chambers and costs 50-80 rubles/piece. For objects with increased load, solid material measuring 390x190x190 mm and costing 35-80 rubles per piece is used. Cinder blocks of the same size and with a different number of chambers are used to build the external walls of residential buildings. They cost about 34-55 rubles/piece.
Arbolite blocks belong to the group of wall blocks. They consist of 80% wood. Cement and various chemical additives remain unchanged in the composition of all blocks. For correct production the wood needs to be well dried, add chemical substances in order to stop the processes in organic matter and for better bonding between the main components.
Wood concrete can be produced in the form of blocks, slabs, panels and mortars for pouring monolithic surfaces. All this can be used to create walls and insulation.
They have a number of advantages: thermal protection of the house, high sound insulation performance, environmentally friendly composition, they are light in weight and do not put a large load on the foundation, they are easy to process and can be used without reinforcement when building small formats.
The disadvantages of the blocks in question are the need for mandatory cladding, since the material itself does not have a very attractive appearance. You should always pay attention to the manufacturer, since many wood processing plants have engaged in this type of work. Since this process is not their core business, it’s worth thinking about quality.
There are not many installation features for arbolite blocks. The masonry is carried out in 1-1.5 blocks, ordinary cement mortar is used, reinforcement can be used as desired. Experienced builders advise taking drying breaks every 3 rows, since the blocks are very light.
This environmentally friendly material occupies one of the highest positions in price. An arbolite block measuring 150x200x500 mm costs about 60 rubles/piece, 200x200x500 mm - 80 rubles/piece. and 300x200x500 mm – 120 rub./piece.
A separate type of wood concrete blocks are straw concrete blocks. This the new kind products that are ideal for environmentally friendly followers pure materials. Their production has not yet been widely launched, many are skeptical about this, but they already have their consumer.
When making straw blocks, it is important to take into account the quality of the raw materials. The straw must be, firstly, of a certain type, and, secondly, ideally dry. All further construction technology depends on the quality of drying. If the material contains even the slightest percentage of moisture, then it will not be possible to avoid rotting, flowering, and the proliferation of harmful microorganisms.
Helpful advice! This type of block is used only for frame buildings. After all, no matter how much chopped straw is poured with cement, it will still remain a soft building material.
However, they have a very long service life, and you can buy straw blocks for construction at very affordable prices.
This type of blocks is interesting in its own way. Depending on the constituent substances, products can be divided into two types: porous and non-porous. Representatives of the first group include clay, foam waste and cellulose. Minor additives burn out under the influence of temperature, subsequently microscopic pores appear in the structure of the finished block, which provides greater thermal insulation.
Non-porous blocks do not contain any additives. Therefore, they are heavier in weight and have less thermal insulation. Both groups have high levels of physical and technical characteristics. Good thermal efficiency, sound insulation, environmental friendliness, and ease of installation are also inherent in ceramic blocks.
They can be used for the construction of multi-storey buildings, the construction of interior partitions, and are suitable for performing complex architectural tasks. Due to its properties, ceramics do not require additional cladding, heat or waterproofing. This significantly reduces the cost estimate due to the exclusion of many additional materials.
A special feature of laying ceramic blocks is the mandatory purchase of special glue. Cement mortar has a very liquid consistency that will fill all the pores of the block and thereby minimize many of its beneficial qualities. And a special glue with a thickness of only 2 cm can ensure the strength of the connection and not cause harm.
The second point to remember is the use of fiberglass mesh to cover the vertical seams. It is laid every 2 rows.
The ceramic block has the following dimensions and cost: 25x120x65 mm - 12 rubles/piece, 250x120x140 and 250x120x140 mm - 17 rubles/piece, 250x250x140 and 80x500x219 mm - 45 rubles/piece, 150x50x219 mm - 60 rubles/piece . and 510x95x219 mm – 67 rub./piece.
Today, it is very popular to build from blocks not only residential premises, but also, for example, outdoor storage rooms, a summer shower or a garage.
Let us briefly consider the main points of the construction of the latter. Most often, construction is carried out on its own. Therefore, you need to immediately decide which blocks are best for building a garage? Note that, in principle, any type is suitable. You should evaluate the pros and cons and choose the most suitable option for yourself.
A garage made of foam or gas block must be reinforced during construction. This will give the desired density. Wall finishing cannot be avoided, and immediately after construction is completed. Since the porous structure will gain moisture and be subject to frost, which will soon cause many problems.
When building from slag or expanded clay blocks, the actions are slightly different. Here they do not use an armored belt, but simply lay out the top row with the holes facing up. Subsequently, these voids are filled with crushed stone or concrete. This results in a reinforced concrete structure.
In all cases pay Special attention on . It would be most correct to lay out the first few rows of strong red brick. A slightly different option: the already exposed formwork is filled with concrete.
Note! Before starting construction, always assess the quality of the soil. After assessing the soil, select correct option foundation.
Building a bathhouse from concrete blocks is a good alternative wooden buildings. Considering individual characteristics buildings, select the right type of products.
From blocks: steps 1-6
The most applicable foam and aerated concrete blocks with their cellular structure will strongly absorb moisture. Therefore, considerable financial and labor costs will have to be spent on enhanced waterproofing of the walls on both sides.
Block walls are finished on both sides. On the outside, a wooden sheathing is used, in the cells of which layers of heat, steam and waterproofing are laid. Since the bathhouse is a place of maximum moisture formation, it is worth thinking about options for slag or expanded clay blocks.
Construction begins from the foundation. It is advantageous to use strip monolithic concrete blocks, which are laid on a bed of crushed stone and sand. A layer of roofing felt is laid on the foundation itself. It will act as a waterproofing agent.
Having decided which blocks are best for building a bathhouse, they are laid in rows with obligatory linking. Here it is best to use a special adhesive solution. This will make it possible to keep warm. The most common installation is half a block wide, which is quite advantageous in terms of savings.
After erecting the walls, you need to think about high-quality strengthening of the roof. To strengthen the fastening systems, a special beam is used, which is attached to block wall using metal pins or anchors. This will enable the block wall to withstand increased load.
When building any premises, you need to select blocks according to several criteria:
Considering what better blocks for building a house, their price plays an important role. Having selected the right quality material, any developer strives to make his business the most profitable in material terms. The cost of blocks is directly affected by the size of the blocks for construction.
Here, familiarity with the price lists of supplier companies and, of course, the correct calculation of the required amount of material, which can be done using an online calculator, will come to the rescue. In this case, the calculation of blocks for building a house will be correct and correct. To do this, you must enter the parameters required by the program.
You can make calculations yourself using this formula:
V= (P x H x L) - S 1 - S 2,
where P is the perimeter of the base, H is the height of the walls, L is the thickness of the walls, S 1 is the area of doorways, S 2 is the area of window openings.
Using this formula you can calculate the required volume of blocks. By dividing this volume by the volume of one structural element, you can easily find out the required amount of material.
In the construction of houses made of bricks and blocks, it is necessary to simultaneously take into account the quantities of both materials separately. After spending everything necessary calculations, you can easily buy blocks for building a house.
From all of the above, it follows that in order to obtain a high-quality building, it is necessary to correctly determine the required material, correctly calculate its quantity and not go wrong with the price. It should be taken into account that each type of block has its pros and cons. There cannot be a specific answer to the question of which option is better. Everything is determined by the specifics of construction and its purpose.
Brick houses are gradually losing their popularity. Today, traditional building materials are being replaced by modern, more convenient ones. A striking example of this is blocks from the most different materials. They can have different sizes, differ in properties and price categories, and are used in various branches of construction. But at the same time, they are all worthy replacements for brick. So what is the best material to build a house from and how to choose the right blocks? Let's figure it out.
There are several main types. These are aerated concrete, expanded clay concrete and foam concrete products, products that use ceramics and wood concrete, as well as new thermal blocks. They have different properties and interact differently with other materials, so they cannot be called interchangeable. But choose best option quite realistic for your home. Of course, you can also add here new material, which is gaining a reliable position in the construction of houses - Durisol permanent formwork blocks, the standard size of which is presented below.
For external walls
For external walls
For load-bearing interior and partitions
For external walls
U-shaped
For armored belts, door and window lintels
Ready-made jumpers
For door and window openings
They have firmly established themselves among the most popular varieties of cellular concrete. Its advantages:
Sometimes natural drying is used in production, but such products are much worse. If you are deciding which blocks are best to build a house from, you shouldn’t consider it.
These blocks can be used to create thermal insulation; there are also structural products and those that combine both parameters. The difference lies in some strength characteristics, density and ability to conduct heat.
The length of the block is 60 or 62.5 cm, the height of the blocks is 20 or 25 cm, and the width is from 10 to 40 cm, depending on where the block is used - in external walls, internal walls or partitions. At the same time, the product is given various shapes - with relief, so that it is more convenient to erect load-bearing walls, simple rectangular ones for partitions. Installation of reinforced belts, lintels above doors and windows is carried out using products in the shape of the letter U.
For external and internal walls
For interior walls and partitions
Another type of cellular concrete. It contains sand, cement, water and some foaming agents. The foam mixture is poured into molds or into formwork-type structures. The composition hardens for several hours, then is removed. One of the technologies involves cutting a large workpiece into small products.
In terms of frost resistance, foam concrete is almost equal to aerated concrete, while being less durable and precise in shape. In this regard, it is not recommended to build houses higher than three floors from such products. The products are in great demand in the construction of monolithic reinforced concrete buildings. The lightweight material is great for filling openings in the frame.
For external walls without insulation
For external walls with insulation
For external walls with insulation and internal load-bearing walls
(80,120)х500х219
For interior walls and partitions
Ceramic blocks, also known as porous stone, also known as warm ceramics. Like bricks, they contain only clay and water. And they are also fired in a kiln to harden. However, such blocks are both larger and lighter than brick, due to the presence of voids and the addition of sawdust or other materials that can burn. When such an impurity burns out, it leaves additional pores.
The ceramic block has significant dimensions of 9.5-51x25-38x22 cm. Thanks to this, the construction of cottages is faster than when using bricks. Lightweight walls avoid the construction of a massive (and expensive) foundation; the abundance of pores increases the thermal insulation properties of the material. The number of floors of a house being built is not limited, nor is the scope of use of the blocks - they are used for the construction of load-bearing walls inside and outside, partitions, and filling in openings.
For external and internal walls
For interior walls and partitions
For armored belts and jumpers
Arbolite. This type of building materials is not very well known ordinary people thinking about what is best to build a house from permanent residence. Arbolite is called coarse concrete. It is made from cement and wood. Wood chips are added to the mixture of cement and sand, then the semi-liquid substance is placed into molds. The results are light and durable products:
In construction, products with dimensions of 50×30×20 cm are used. If desired, you can purchase other sizes in accordance with GOST 19222-84, as well as those produced according to the specifications of the enterprise itself. However, well-known manufacturers usually adhere to standard sizes or multiples of them in order to simplify construction work as much as possible.
A few words about wood chips. In production, it is customary to use material of a strictly regulated size - a maximum of 4 × 1 × 0.5 cm. However, in low-quality products, instead of wood chips, you can find wood waste, for example, bark or shavings. The products of such manufacturers do not meet the standards and therefore should not be used in the construction of residential buildings.
The production of wood concrete is not complete without the use of chemicals that add strength and resistance to moisture to the blocks. They act on the wood, promoting the adhesion of cement to them, thus achieving a high level of adhesion to cement (like gravel or crushed stone). Liquid glass or slaked lime are often used as additives.
At the plant, the resulting mixture is pressed into molds using vibration. Exact adherence to technology guarantees uniform product density. The type of wood concrete depends on this characteristic. Structural has a density of 500-850 kg/m3 and is used in the construction of load-bearing structures. The density of thermal insulation varies from 300 to 500 kg/m3.
Slotted 40cm
For external and internal walls
Full-bodied 40cm
For external and internal walls
Slotted 30cm
For external and internal walls
For interior partitions and small buildings
Double-hollow
For outbuildings, cellar or garage
What is the best material to build a house from? Maybe from expanded clay concrete blocks? They are produced according to GOST 6133-99 from cement (about 50%) with the addition of expanded clay (up to 50%), sand or dolomite. The method of their production is called vibration casting. The finished product is suitable for the construction of both walls and partitions, and it is also convenient to fill openings in frame structures.
The blocks have dimensions of 39x19x18.5 cm or 39x19x9 cm. This makes them suitable for quick construction. The internal cavities serve as stiffeners, making the product lighter and increasing its thermal insulation performance. A solid wall, perpendicular to the direction of the cavities, reduces the need for mortar if the blocks are laid with holes facing down.
The use of fillers and the ratio of expanded clay and cement in the product, the weight of a standard block can be 9-21 kg, and the density can be 500-1800 kg/m3. The scope of application of the products is the laying of load-bearing walls no higher than 3 floors using armored belts, as well as reinforced concrete frames. For the most part, blocks are used in partitions or as a material for filling frames; fences and outbuildings are erected from them.
Private half
For window openings
Internal corner
Additional belt
Unites in itself effective insulation, aesthetics and high load-bearing capacity. TEB - thermally efficient blocks - have a three-layer structure:
Dissimilar materials are securely fastened with fiberglass or basalt rods.
The polyblock may have voids inside - this is necessary to lighten the walls during the construction of high-rise buildings. Reinforcement is placed inside the voids, which is filled with mortar. Since the block is not recommended to be cut, the size range of fuel and fuel blocks is very wide and includes blocks of various thicknesses, external and internal products, opening and belt, half-section and ventilation options. Typically these are products with dimensions of 40x40x19 cm, 40x30x19 cm or 20x40x19 cm.
Before you make a choice which blocks are best to build a house from, you should know the following.
Those who live in a house made of heat blocks note the following advantages:
However, the material has a number of disadvantages:
If you are choosing a material for construction, we advise you to consider all types of blocks and compare their main parameters and only then make a final conclusion. We will evaluate products based on the following parameters:
a) strength is the ability of a material to withstand compression. This indicator is reflected in the product brand (for example, M-175) and is expressed in kg/cm2. One of the most durable is expanded clay concrete block. However, this is only true provided that the material is produced in a factory, and not in artisanal conditions. The thermoblock indicator is adjusted by using different grades of cement mortar and expanded clay gravel, on average it is 4 times higher than gas and foam concrete. Wood concrete has good performance, followed by ceramic and gas blocks. Foam block closes the list.
b) thermal conductivity is an indicator of the rate of heat transfer through the thickness of the product. The higher the indicator, the more you will need thermal insulation material. The warmest are ceramic blocks, gas and foam concrete. Thermoblocks do not require additional insulation, being equal in this indicator to wood. However, it should be remembered that almost all blocks are produced in two variations - structural and thermal insulation-structural. Each should be used in its place.
c) frost resistance - the most important indicator for those who are thinking about what is best to build a house for permanent residence. Usually expressed as a number indicating how many times a material can freeze and thaw without losing its properties. design advantages. It should be remembered here that, while in masonry, the block does not freeze completely. In our weather conditions, 35 is quite acceptable. Only wood concrete and some types of expanded clay concrete do not meet this indicator. The thermoblock, the pores of which are minimized, has high performance.
d) shrinkage is inherent in a number of materials after completion of construction. Aerated concrete and foam blocks are especially susceptible to it. Expanded clay and ceramics almost do not shrink, like simple bricks. This indicator is also good for high-quality wood concrete. The thermoblock has the highest performance. However, all this is true only if the masonry technology is followed.
e) the required type of foundation. When using blocks in low-rise construction, tape is usually used monolithic design with medium depth. It is quite durable and economical. The use of wood concrete and foam blocks, the thickness of which reaches 40 cm, can lead to the construction of a grillage foundation with screw piles. However, if the outside of the building is finished with brick, a strip or slab structure will still be required.
e) the need for reinforcement. Any types of blocks require mesh reinforcement. The armored belt is constructed around the perimeter under the ceiling; standard lintels or concrete castings are installed on top of the window and door openings.
g) density is calculated in kg/m3. It is important because it will determine how much pressure the wall puts on the foundation. In addition, the denser the material, the stronger it is. However, the higher its thermal conductivity. It is better to build load-bearing walls from blocks whose density exceeds 800 kg/m3; such products can be found in each of the presented types of blocks.
h) the speed of construction when using blocks is significantly higher than when using bricks, even taking into account the time costs for reinforcement. For thermoblocks, the period is reduced by the absence of the need for finishing and insulation of the facade.
i) the need for exterior finishing is fraught with significant expenses. In this regard, heat blocks stand out because they do not require finishing. When using other blocks for construction, buildings can be finished with almost all materials, including ventilated facade, brick, siding, and lining. However, it should be remembered that gas and foam concrete requires the creation of space for ventilation due to their high vapor permeability. Expanded clay concrete and ceramics are optimal in combination with brick and plaster.
j) the degree of moisture absorption is the ability of a material to absorb moisture. For example, brick has an extremely low ability. But the same cannot be said about blocks. Therefore, it is not recommended to leave the building without external decoration. The exception is thermoblocks that are not exposed to moisture.
k) the cost of blocks and the cost of the entire process are not always interrelated. The fact is that the use of cheap material can be accompanied by significant costs for building a foundation, creating insulation, installing reinforcement, and finishing. In the end, the amount is not so small.
Now you are familiar with the characteristics of each material and can make a choice of what is best to build a house for permanent residence.
In many respects, a stone house will outperform wooden and frame buildings. More durable, less fire hazardous, it will last for more than one generation. Plus, the time required to construct a building is significantly reduced. There are many types of blocks, let’s try to figure out how to choose the best option for your existing budget.
The basis of any building block is concrete. Sometimes it is only one, more often - in combination with other materials. A classic reinforced concrete block is made from gravel and reinforced with metal to increase the strength of the structure. The building material is heavy (the minimum weight of one block is 15 kg), so it is mainly used for laying foundations and external walls in multi-story buildings.
In the construction of individual housing, country houses, cottages, and the construction of walls for the interior layout of premises, blocks of so-called lightweight concrete are used, whose volumetric mass does not exceed 1800-2000 kg/m3. The “filling” here is porous, cellular and light organic fillers. Manufacturers are not just trying to make concrete lighter, but also to reduce the heat transfer of the building and increase vapor permeability.
There can be three goals: structural, structural and thermal insulation, thermal insulation. Simply put, you just need to build something, insulate it, or both.
In order to choose a suitable block, you need to look at the brand. So the brand of expanded clay is M - 50-150. This means that the material can withstand a load of 50 to 150 kg per square centimeter, this is very high strength.
For example, a foam block is marked with an indicator of 0.25-12.5, which means it would 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 necessary calculations for specific needs.
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 at high latitudes, the walls do not freeze completely, so the indicator is conditional. A frost resistance level (MR3) of 35 (how many complete frosts it can withstand) is sufficient; most lightweight concrete blocks reach it. For ceramic models the figure is 50.
Concrete here is inferior to brick, so walls made of any type of blocks require external finishing of facades (cladding, plaster, siding, etc.). Therefore, the finishing procedure should not be postponed for a year, until the start of the new summer season.
Here a lot depends on the foundation: for the construction of low-rise buildings from building blocks, a strip foundation is usually laid out monolithic foundation, relatively inexpensive and quite durable. The material also plays a role: aerated concrete and foam concrete are most susceptible to shrinkage, while expanded clay concrete, ceramics and wood concrete cope with this challenge successfully. 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 an alternative material (plastic, for example) along the entire perimeter of the walls. This procedure will become something like a screed and will prevent the appearance of cracks on the walls.
Building with concrete blocks of any type is much faster than with brick, even taking into account the time spent on reinforcement. Some craftsmen cope on their own without resorting to help construction crews. It is much easier to calculate the required number of blocks (by the way, there are convenient online calculators) than brick volumes or wood consumption.
But after the walls are erected, the question of finishing them will inevitably arise, and here again options are possible. 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. Here everything depends on your tastes and budget. The very construction of the “skeleton” of a building from blocks is not only faster, but it will also cost less than building from bricks.
If you follow simple rules (a foundation with minimal shrinkage, finishing that does not allow moisture accumulation), a house made of artificial stone will last 100 years for sure. A structure made of foam blocks and wood concrete, if used correctly, will withstand several dozen without major renovation.
The rapidly developing construction industry constantly requires the emergence of new technologies and materials. Therefore, many are wondering which blocks are better for building a house, since they are the ones that have recently enjoyed the greatest popularity and compete at a high level with the long-known brick. The emergence of a new type of masonry raw material was caused mainly by the desire to speed up the construction process and reduce its labor intensity.
The larger dimensions of building blocks, compared to bricks, make it possible to lay masonry several times faster, and their relatively low weight greatly facilitates the work. This quality gave a significant impetus to their introduction to the market.
There are several classifications of blocks for construction. Depending on the dimensions of the product, they can be divided into the following groups: small-sized and large-sized. The first group includes products with small dimensions, low strength and heat conductivity. The second group will be represented by products with large sizes and high strength values, as well as average insulating characteristics.
Higher quality building blocks are classified by the type of material used to make them. The main component of all types is invariably concrete. Only minor materials and production technology vary.
The following groups can be distinguished here:
Considering in more detail all types of blocks for construction, you need to dwell on their main technical characteristics. These are density, thermal conductivity, compressive strength, frost resistance. They are the determining factors when choosing the right material. Based on these parameters and dimensions, the correct calculation of the number of blocks for building a house is made.
It is always worthwhile to clearly think through all types of work, since different blocks are suitable for specific purposes. You need to focus on a certain course: will it be just insulation, a partition, or a more massive supporting structure. What type of building will this material be applied to: capital construction in the form, for example, of a house or garage, or a simpler version of a summer shower or outbuilding. And of course one more factor: how much the blocks cost to build a house.
This type of blocks was the very first on the production line. It is very common in use, especially where high construction strength is required. Depending on the brand of concrete used, the following groups can be distinguished: FBS, FBV and FBP.
There is a state standard in which the sizes of blocks for construction are clearly regulated. This makes it possible to accurately calculate the costs of building construction. The above brands may have a solid structure or longitudinal cutouts intended for laying communications.
The most significant advantage of these types of blocks is their ease of use. In most cases, they are applicable for laying the foundation. Thus, when using this particular technology, the process can be significantly simplified. There is no need to pour concrete, involving a lot of additional equipment, and you will not have to wait until it hardens to continue further work.
The price of concrete blocks measuring 390x190x188 mm, differing only in the number of slots in their structure, ranges from 40 to 55 rubles/piece. Smaller sizes 390x80x188 and 390x90x188 mm cost from 25 to 30 rubles/piece.
In the manufacture of expanded clay concrete blocks, expanded clay is used as an admixture. It is a porous material produced in the form of granules by firing clay. This mixture gave very unusual properties to new types of blocks, thanks to which they gained due recognition among the consumer.
By varying the amount of filler, the end result is a block of varying strength. This leads to an expansion of the range of applications of this material. The most popular density is from 500 to 1800 kg/cm?. The denser the material, the stronger it is and can be used for multi-story buildings.
The construction of houses from expanded clay concrete blocks has a number of positive qualities. Buildings do not deform, do not shrink, and do not crack. Low production cost is also a plus. The availability of sufficient quantities of the starting material and the low technological cost of production generally provide maximum benefits from its use.
This block also needs to be insulated with finishing materials, and from the outside. This will have a positive effect of increasing thermal conductivity, and will also increase the service life of the building.
The price of expanded clay concrete blocks depends on their size and purpose. For a hollow wall block, the dimensions of which are 390x190x188 mm, it ranges on average from 33 to 50 rubles/piece. and directly depends on the number of voids-cracks in the material.
The solid block has the most popular dimensions of 390x190x188 mm, and its price is slightly higher, about 57 rubles/piece. The partition type of this type is most often presented in the size of 390x90x188 mm and the price range ranges from 25-30 rubles / piece.
The construction of houses from gas silicate blocks has become very popular recently. The material itself, aerated concrete, is made from cement, quicklime, quartz sand and aluminum powder using the autoclave method under certain temperatures and pressure. In the process of mixing these components, a large amount of hydrogen is released, which, when solidified, gives the finished product a cellular structure.
The positive qualities of gas silicate blocks are as follows:
Despite a number of the above positive qualities, several negative ones can be identified: the cellular structure of the material gives not only advantages, but also disadvantages. It clearly reduces the density indicator, the level of compression and stretching. Therefore, the maximum number of floors of such buildings should not exceed 2. Otherwise, experiencing a large load, the lower rows will begin to collapse and shrink. The appearance of cracks is possible.
Blocks of this type in the size range 60x25x50 and 60x25x40 mm cost on average from 30 to 206 rubles/piece. Increasing the last parameter increases the price. Sizes 60x30x10, 60x30x20 and 60x30x25 cost 30, 58 and 75 rubles/piece. respectively. The most expensive are the largest ones - 60x37.5x25 mm, which have a price of 210-233 rubles / piece. and 60x40x25 mm – 225-240 rub./piece.
Just as in the case of using aerated silicate blocks, construction from aerated concrete begins with determining what needs to be obtained in the end: main walls, partitions of a two-story massif, or insulation of existing buildings. Based on the tasks set, you just need to buy blocks to build a house of the required density. And also take care of the external decoration of the walls. It should provide not only an acceptable appearance of the structure, but also minimize the moisture absorption coefficient.
Aerated concrete blocks are produced using the autoclave method. They consist of cement, lime, gypsum and aluminum powder. As in the case of the gas silicate type, a massive chemical reaction occurs between the constituent components, resulting in the release of hydrogen, due to which the cellular structure of the material is obtained.
After complete hardening, aerated concrete is cut into blocks of the required size for building a house using a string. Therefore, the resulting result is distinguished by ideal geometrically smooth edges. This is important, since during laying there will be very few gaps at the seams, which will provide an additional percentage of heat.
This type of block has another attractive property. Thanks to its special structure, it can be easily cut with a regular saw. In this way, you can quickly adjust the parameters and obtain the desired size of an aerated concrete block for building a house.
Aerated concrete blocks are very popular today. Numerous offers from manufacturers provide the opportunity to use this material not only for walls, but also for ceilings, lintels for windows and doors. A large size range makes it possible to build the entire structure from these blocks.
Just like other types of blocks, aerated concrete products can have mounting grooves for ease of use. Such a connection will give maximum fit and the desired thermal conductivity.
When choosing the required material, pay attention to the markings. It is designated by the Latin letter D and the numbers following it. These numbers indicate the density of the block. Thus, the most applicable brands are D500-D900, which with a size of 600x250x200 mm weigh 18 kg and thus can replace 20 pcs. bricks.
Concrete block is a cellular type of building material. All their qualities are inherent in him. It is made from a mixture of concrete and foaming agent. The foam is prepared in a special generator and then poured directly into the cement. It envelops and thereby closes all cells in the structure. Afterwards, the mixture enters special cassettes and remains to solidify at natural ambient temperature. There is no special thermal effect on this material.
Many developers note the favorable price of blocks for building a house: any private developer can buy foam concrete products. At the same time, they make it possible to easily display, for example, any figured arches or partitions.
When considering the question of which blocks are better for building a house: gas and foam concrete are often compared. There is no clear answer to this question, but there are a few things to consider:
A foam concrete block, depending on its density in the most popular size 600x300x200 mm, costs from 95 to 120 rubles/piece. Naturally, high-density material has the highest price. If you increase at least one of the dimensional parameters, for example, to 600x400x200 mm, then the price will be 120-170 rubles/piece.
This type of blocks appeared relatively recently on the building materials market. It is deservedly popular among developers. Its following characteristics are very important:
The manufacturing process takes place both in industrial conditions and at home. A mixture of polystyrene granules, cement, sand and hardening additives is poured into a concrete mixer in a clearly defined sequence and mixed. Then they are poured into pre-prepared molds to harden for about a day under natural conditions. After 24 hours, the blocks can be removed and carefully laid out on a flat surface until completely dry.
All polystyrene concrete blocks can be divided into two types:
A polystyrene concrete block measuring 600x300x250 mm has a price of 120-160 rubles/piece. A smaller block measuring 390x190x188 mm costs 40-50 rubles/piece.
Almost all the negative aspects of using this type of material depend on the correctness of its manufacture. If the blocks were made without strictly following the rules, then the possibility of microcracks and shrinkage increases significantly.
Plus, it is necessary to add special fibers to ensure a durable product. If you skimp on these fibers, you end up with a block that doesn’t justify itself. All this must be taken into account when purchasing.
The product obtained after severe heat treatment of any raw material is called slag. It is an alloy of oxides. When using slag for the production of concrete blocks, the material is taken without any additional chemical compounds.
It is important to properly prepare the slag for use. It should lie in the open air for about six months. This will allow natural precipitation to wash out the remaining impurities of sulfur and lime. It will be good if it is moved from place to place several times. This action will also help to weed out everything unnecessary.
The production of slag concrete blocks uses slag sand (it gives additional density) and crushed stone (it gives additional lightness). The finished products contain about 2/3 cement and 1/3 lime, plus the required amount of slag.
If all necessary norms and requirements are met, the price of blocks for building a house will be very reasonable. It turns out to be a good price-quality ratio.
The main characteristics of these blocks are their strength grade and density. The following brands are distinguished:
The advantages of slag concrete blocks over brick are their relatively light weight. Less pressure is created on the foundation and other supporting structures. This extends the service life of buildings. Like other types of blocks, they significantly speed up the construction process due to their size.
Disadvantages can be identified even at the production stage: a long time to prepare the material itself, and a long time to achieve the desired hardening rate. Only after a month does it reach only 50% of this value. It will take him a year to fully comply.
The cinder blocks used for interior partitions have a size of 390x90x190 mm and cost 17-35 rubles/piece. For buildings for various purposes, products with dimensions of 390x240x190 mm are used; the material has void chambers and costs 50-80 rubles/piece. For objects with increased load, solid material measuring 390x190x190 mm and costing 35-80 rubles per piece is used. Cinder blocks of the same size and with a different number of chambers are used to build the external walls of residential buildings. They cost about 34-55 rubles/piece.
Arbolite blocks belong to the group of wall blocks. They consist of 80% wood. Cement and various chemical additives remain unchanged in the composition of all blocks. For proper manufacturing, the wood needs to be well dried, chemicals must be added to stop the organic processes and for better bonding between the main components.
Wood concrete can be produced in the form of blocks, slabs, panels and mortars for pouring monolithic surfaces. All this can be used to create walls and insulation.
They have a number of advantages: thermal protection of the house, high sound insulation performance, environmentally friendly composition, they are light in weight and do not put a large load on the foundation, they are easy to process and can be used without reinforcement when building small formats.
The disadvantages of the blocks in question are the need for mandatory cladding, since the material itself does not have a very attractive appearance. You should always pay attention to the manufacturer, since many wood processing plants have engaged in this type of work. Since this process is not their core business, it’s worth thinking about quality.
There are not many installation features for arbolite blocks. The masonry is carried out in 1-1.5 blocks, ordinary cement mortar is used, reinforcement can be used as desired. Experienced builders advise taking drying breaks every 3 rows, since the blocks are very light.
This environmentally friendly material occupies one of the highest positions in price. An arbolite block measuring 150x200x500 mm costs about 60 rubles/piece, 200x200x500 mm - 80 rubles/piece. and 300x200x500 mm – 120 rub./piece.
A separate type of wood concrete blocks are straw concrete blocks. This is a new type of product that is ideal for followers of environmentally friendly materials. Their production has not yet been widely launched, many are skeptical about this, but they already have their consumer.
When making straw blocks, it is important to take into account the quality of the raw materials. The straw must be, firstly, of a certain type, and, secondly, ideally dry. All further construction technology depends on the quality of drying. If the material contains even the slightest percentage of moisture, then it will not be possible to avoid rotting, flowering, and the proliferation of harmful microorganisms.
However, they have a very long service life, and you can buy straw blocks for construction at very affordable prices.
This type of blocks is interesting in its own way. Depending on the constituent substances, products can be divided into two types: porous and non-porous. Representatives of the first group include clay, foam waste and cellulose. Minor additives burn out under the influence of temperature, subsequently microscopic pores appear in the structure of the finished block, which provides greater thermal insulation.
Non-porous blocks do not contain any additives. Therefore, they are heavier in weight and have less thermal insulation. Both groups have high levels of physical and technical characteristics. Good thermal efficiency, sound insulation, environmental friendliness, and ease of installation are also inherent in ceramic blocks.
They can be used for the construction of multi-storey buildings, the construction of interior partitions, and are suitable for performing complex architectural tasks. Due to its properties, ceramics do not require additional cladding, heat or waterproofing. This significantly reduces the cost estimate due to the exclusion of many additional materials.
A special feature of laying ceramic blocks is the mandatory purchase of special glue. The cement mortar has a very liquid consistency, which will fill all the pores of the block and thereby minimize many of its useful qualities. And a special glue with a thickness of only 2 cm can ensure the strength of the connection and not cause harm.
The second point to remember is the use of fiberglass mesh to cover the vertical seams. It is laid every 2 rows.
The ceramic block has the following dimensions and cost: 25x120x65 mm - 12 rubles/piece, 250x120x140 and 250x120x140 mm - 17 rubles/piece, 250x250x140 and 80x500x219 mm - 45 rubles/piece, 150x50x219 mm - 60 rubles/piece . and 510x95x219 mm – 67 rub./piece.
Today, it is very popular to build from blocks not only residential premises, but also, for example, outdoor storage rooms, a summer shower or a garage.
Let us briefly consider the main points of the construction of the latter. Most often, construction is carried out on its own. Therefore, you need to immediately decide which blocks are best for building a garage? Note that, in principle, any type is suitable. You should evaluate the pros and cons and choose the most suitable option for yourself.
A garage made of foam or gas block must be reinforced during construction. This will give the desired density. Wall finishing cannot be avoided, and immediately after construction is completed. Since the porous structure will gain moisture and be subject to frost, which will soon cause many problems.
When building from slag or expanded clay blocks, the actions are slightly different. Here they do not use an armored belt, but simply lay out the top row with the holes facing up. Subsequently, these voids are filled with crushed stone or concrete. This results in a reinforced concrete structure.
In all cases, pay special attention to the base. It would be most correct to lay out the first few rows of strong red brick. A slightly different option: the already exposed formwork is filled with concrete.
Building a bathhouse from concrete blocks is a good alternative to wooden buildings. Taking into account the individual characteristics of the structure, the correct type of products is selected.
The most applicable foam and aerated concrete blocks with their cellular structure will strongly absorb moisture. Therefore, considerable financial and labor costs will have to be spent on enhanced waterproofing of the walls on both sides.
Block walls are finished on both sides. On the outside, a wooden sheathing is used, in the cells of which layers of heat, steam and waterproofing are laid. Since the bathhouse is a place of maximum moisture formation, it is worth thinking about options for slag or expanded clay blocks.
Construction begins from the foundation. It is advantageous to use strip monolithic concrete blocks, which are laid on a bed of crushed stone and sand. A layer of roofing felt is laid on the foundation itself. It will act as a waterproofing agent.
Having decided which blocks are best for building a bathhouse, they are laid in rows with obligatory linking. Here it is best to use a special adhesive solution. This will make it possible to keep warm. The most common installation is half a block wide, which is quite advantageous in terms of savings.
After erecting the walls, you need to think about high-quality strengthening of the roof. To strengthen the fastening systems, a special beam is used, which is attached to the block wall using metal studs or anchors. This will enable the block wall to withstand increased load.
When building any premises, you need to select blocks according to several criteria:
When considering which blocks are best for building a house, their price plays an important role. Having selected the right quality material, any developer strives to make his business the most profitable in material terms. The cost of blocks is directly affected by the size of the blocks for construction.
Here, familiarity with the price lists of supplier companies and, of course, the correct calculation of the required amount of material, which can be done using an online calculator, will come to the rescue. In this case, the calculation of blocks for building a house will be correct and correct. To do this, you must enter the parameters required by the program.
You can make calculations yourself using this formula:
V= (P x H x L) - S1 - S2,
where P is the perimeter of the base, H is the height of the walls, L is the thickness of the walls, S1 is the area of doorways, S2 is the area of window openings.
Using this formula you can calculate the required volume of blocks. By dividing this volume by the volume of one structural element, you can easily find out the required amount of material.
In the construction of houses made of bricks and blocks, it is necessary to simultaneously take into account the quantities of both materials separately. Having carried out all the necessary calculations, you can easily buy blocks for building a house.
From all of the above, it follows that in order to obtain a high-quality building, it is necessary to correctly determine the required material, correctly calculate its quantity and not go wrong with the price. It should be taken into account that each type of block has its pros and cons. There cannot be a specific answer to the question of which option is better. Everything is determined by the specifics of construction and its purpose.
