Pros and cons of foam blocks. Foundation of foam blocks

Penoblock has not so impressive strength, but it is convenient to work with it because of its light weight, and if necessary it can be cut. At the heart of such products is air, which, as is known, acts as the best heat insulator. But if you decide to use the material described in the construction, it is worth knowing the disadvantages of foam blocks, this will eliminate errors.

Disadvantages of foam concrete

Foam concrete is widely used for insulation of buildings of different purposes. In view of the fact that these products are characterized by low compressive strength, transport and work with them follows, being careful. This quality is also due to the low density. If we compare the foam concrete with autoclaved aerated concrete in this characteristic, the first variant is in a losing position. The production of foam concrete today is established on a large number of private enterprises, where they do not always care about the quality of the products, this must be taken into account when buying products. In order to pay back costs as soon as possible in the process of manufacturing blocks, insufficiently technological equipment can be used.

The faults of the foam blocks can be aggravated if the product has not found its brand strength after molding. To check this at the time of purchase, you can use a 100-mm nail. With the standard strength, the nail will not be able to be pulled out after penetration into the concrete body without using an additional tool.

Foam blocks in self-manufacturing

Another shortcoming can be found in the material of independent production. It is expressed in a slow set of strength, which can hinder business development or the construction process on its site. A significant disadvantage of foam concrete is also in shrinkage, during which the product is covered with cracks. How intensively the material will shrink depends on several factors, one of which is the quality of the sand, as well as its fractionality, the type of cement and the water content with respect to the cement.

What to choose: gas or foam block

Assessing the disadvantages of foam blocks, many home masters begin to turn their gaze on the gas block. Both these materials have pores and have the ability to absorb moisture, but if, after building a building, the drainage system is properly organized, then the building can be operated even without external protective finishing. For many, if not all, today the issue of environmental friendliness is important. In comparison with the gas block, the foam block is completely harmless, as in the first version of the material contains aluminum, which has a negative effect on health.

Minuses foam blocks also in the fact that they do not allow you to save, because in the process of laying will have to use a cement slurry, the consumption of which is much more compared with glue. The latter is laid in a thin layer and is used in tandem with a gas unit, and almost completely eliminates the formation of cold bridges.

The choice between foam concrete and brick

Despite all the shortcomings, foam blocks are quite common today. Brick, however, also does not lose its popularity. But these two materials are often compared by consumers before construction begins. Foam concrete, for example, is superior to brick for heat and sound insulation characteristics. But in matters of moisture resistance, foam concrete is not inferior to its competitor. The ecological nature of the brick is not so impressive, whereas lightweight concrete is compared for this property with wood. But here in multi-storey construction cellular material can not be used.

They allow implementing interesting architectural designs namely foam blocks, while the brick is somewhat behind in this matter. The process of laying using a small brick will last much longer than with the use of a size block, which allows you to reduce not only the labor costs, but also the consumption of the masonry mix. And the cost of the lightest concrete is lower.

Tools and materials

For the construction of the base of oversized construction, it is necessary to prepare some materials and tools, namely:

• Shovel;
• capacity;
• Gas block or foam block;
• level;
• Pegs;
• Fishing line;
• Master OK;
• cement;
• sand;
• Rubble.

Features of foundation construction from foam blocks

The foundation of the foam blocks can be built according to the technology described below. It assumes marking according to which a trench 70 cm deep is prepared. The width should be equivalent to the size of the foam block, but about 15 cm should be added to this indicator. Sand and gravel should be filled to the bottom, each layer of which should be 10 cm. Pillow It is rammed and poured with concrete.

Now it is worth waiting for the mixture to dry and gain strength, only then you can proceed to laying the blocks. You must start from the corners, applying the level in the process. In order to avoid soil shedding from the trench walls, a protective mesh can be installed. After only as the styling is completed, it is possible to fill the joints using a special mortar, this will prevent moisture absorption. Such a waterproofing must be carried out over the entire outer perimeter of the structure.

Gas block or foam block is not designed for building the foundations of buildings, so before starting work it is worth considering whether it is worth using cellular concrete for this purpose . But if you still decided to do this, you need to accurately calculate the load on the foundation and not build heavy buildings.

Price of the foam block

On the size of the block, its price will depend. For example, a product with dimensions equal to 150x250x600 mm has a cost of 90 rubles apiece. Whereas, by purchasing a foam block with sides of 200x300x600, you will have to pay 130 rubles per unit of goods. The foam blocks, whose price is 60 rubles, have dimensions of 600x250x100 mm. If you are interested in reinforced foam concrete, then you can buy it in a volume equal to 1 m ³ , for about 2100-2600 rubles.

If you decided to accompany the construction, you should ask yourself how much you will pay for the cube of the foam block in your city and compare whether it will be less profitable than making the material on your own. After all, the production of this kind of material involves the use of special equipment, the cost of which is quite impressive. But for the conduct of such work for the purpose of resale, the acquisition of appropriate installations will be a very profitable solution. However, it will be necessary to take care of the availability of a large warehouse for ripening blocks after pouring.