Characteristics and dimensions of gas silicate blocks, construction features

There is a well-founded opinion that gas silicate blocks organically combine the characteristics of two dissimilar materials - stone and wood. But, probably, the main reason why many land owners prefer to be built from gas silicate is the low cost of the works. And if you consider the huge range of these products, it becomes clear that there is a good opportunity to make an optimal choice of products both according to their linear parameters, and by design.

Characteristics of blocks of gas silicate are determined by the components that are used in production. The main ones are quartz sand( with the smallest fractions) and lime. The mixture also includes cement, but its share is very small. As in the manufacture of most artificial building materials, certain additives are used that "regulate" certain properties of the final product.

Judging by the opinions of people who already live in their own homes from gas silicate, they believe that they did not waste their money. On the Internet there is a lot of information on the description of this type of cellular concrete. But for the most part it is saturated with specific terms, notations, therefore some provisions of articles are understandable only to professionals, and those who are "not in the subject", there are many questions.

It makes sense to analyze the characteristics of gas silicate blocks from the point of view of an ordinary person, an individual builder in the future. So all the advantages and disadvantages of this type of product will be clear. But first you need to explain something.

All linear dimensions of gas silicate blocks indicated below are in "mm", weight in "kg".But since the manufacturing technology is fairly simple, not only large enterprises, but also small businesses are engaged in their production. Here they, as a rule, do not particularly care about observing the required parameters( including, due to the deterioration of the equipment), so all the values ​​given below are typical, although in fact there may be some differences.

Consider the competitive advantages of gasisilicate:

The possibility of independent operation of the

This is one of the determining factors when choosing a building material.

Firstly, , all the blocks are relatively small in weight. For example, a sample with dimensions( length - height) 600 x 100 from 5 to 16( depending on the density of the material);for the product 600 x 200 - no more than 30( with the same width 300).Consequently, they are easy to transport and move on site. Hence, there is no need to use lifting mechanical devices. In addition, the faces can be not only smooth, but also with "grooves".By the way, there are blocks with such linear parameters: width 50, 250, 400, thickness - 250, and a number of others.

Secondly , the samples are easily processed( saw, cut, cut, bored, grinded).

Thirdly, , such surfaces can be trimmed with almost any material( good adhesion), which enhances the owner's ability to self-decorate the structure.

Convenience of

1. All gas silicate blocks have exact dimensions( if this is not the products of "handicraftsmen"):
2. The fastening of products is carried out with the help of special adhesive mixtures. So, on the "construction site" there will be no mountains of sand, cement, and consequently, mud.
3. Such blocks give a small shrinkage, so if the material is quality, you do not have to "tighten" with the finish of the house - it can be done and in parallel with the construction of the
4. the blocks can be compactly stored even in a small area. Typical( most common) linear dimensions are as follows: the length and width of all the blocks are the same - 600 and 300, and the thickness - 100 or 200;
5. you can make exact calculations when determining the required purchase volume. Consequently, the waste of extra money is excluded;
6. reduces construction time, as it will not require careful adjustment, alignment and so on. A minimum of cracks will eliminate the need for their embedding.

Versatility in the application of

Depending on the characteristics of a particular product, the blocks can be used for the erection of load-bearing structures, internal walls and partitions, and also for additional insulation. Therefore, they are divided into classes - structural, heat-insulating and "universal"( structural and thermal insulation).

Performance indicators

• these blocks are much stronger than foam concrete ones, so there are no special difficulties in placing any objects on the walls( kitchen cabinets, shelves, paintings, etc.), no special dowels are required;
• houses from gas silicate blocks are quite warm. According to the owners, if everything was done correctly at all stages of the construction, then in comparison with brick buildings on heating, savings can reach 25-30%;
• microclimate in the premises is maintained at an unchanged level. This is a consequence of the fact that the material is able to "breathe".In this it is similar to wood;
• due to the porous structure provides good noise insulation;
• fire safety, as sand, lime and cement are not combustible materials.

Absorption of moisture

This is what imposes certain limitations in the use of gas silicate. For example, in rooms with excessive humidity it will be necessary to carry out surface finish of the walls. The most common way is plastering. The same applies to the exterior walls. As an option - their qualitative processing of special compounds for waterproofing( impregnating, lubricating, injection).You need to focus on local conditions and appearance. This artificial stone is white, so many "private traders" prefer to do additional facing or plaster in textured, or panels.

Gas silicate has one feature, which should be indicated. All blocks have a porous structure. In some types of products, "porosity" can reach 85%.Therefore, all products differ in density( D).The most used samples in private housing construction( for load-bearing structures) have this index in the range of 400 to 700, although the maximum is 1 100.

And here it is necessary to take into account the relationship - the denser the block, the worse it keeps the heat. Conversely, the more porous is characterized by increased heat savings. Therefore, when buying products you need to orient yourself or to the "golden mean", or make a choice in favor of one property, but carry out a number of supporting activities. For example, if strength is important( for a building of several floors), then it may be necessary and additional insulation.

Those who decided to build a gas silicate, you can give a few practical recommendations.

1. If further surface finish of walls is assumed, then it is possible to save considerably by purchasing cheaper blocks of the second grade. They may have minor defects, but after the facing, all the imperfections of the material will be hidden. On the basis of 1 product, the difference in price is small, but if we take into account the volume of the purchase, then it is quite appreciable in the total cost of the consignment.
2. The second way to save - choosing the optimal thickness of products. It should provide an acceptable( or required) reduction in heat losses for "single-row" masonry.
3. You can save on choosing a manufacturer. If the products are "imported", then the total cost includes transportation costs. From this point of view it is more profitable to buy blocks of local production.
4. There are many tips for selecting samples. In particular, if they have not flat faces, but "paso-crests", then it is more convenient to work with them( move, stack).This, of course, is so. But one must also take into account the fact that when installing such products, the consumption of the mixture significantly increases, with which the blocks are fastened together. The cost of such adhesives is not too high, but this is for 1 packing. And how many of them will be needed in the process of construction? Therefore, before acquiring a gas silicate, it is advisable to recall arithmetic and calculate everything thoroughly.
5. When choosing an adhesive, you need to pay attention to such an indicator as the "setting time" of the mixture. If it is minimal, then it will not be possible to correct something, to equalize.
6. Given the diversity of manufacturers, when determining the desired number of blocks, it is advisable to specify their linear dimensions at a particular point of sale. This will make more accurate calculations.
7. Blocks made by heat treatment( autoclave) are much stronger and better than analogues that have not undergone such a procedure. And although their cost is higher, they fit much better for a residential building.

Also read the detailed review - a comparison of the characteristics of aerated concrete and foam concrete, which will help determine what it is better to use for building your house.