Because of their ability to combine style and functionality, expanded clay concrete blocks with cladding are becoming more and more popular in the building industry. Expanded clay aggregate and cement are combined to create a lightweight yet sturdy material for these blocks. These blocks are an adaptable option for both commercial and residential buildings because cladding provides an additional layer of protection and aesthetic appeal.
Their superior insulating qualities are one of these blocks’ main benefits. Naturally occurring thermal and acoustic insulation is provided by the expanded clay aggregate, keeping buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This may result in lower energy expenses and cozier living quarters. Furthermore, by strengthening the blocks’ resistance to weather, the cladding lengthens their lifespan and lowers the need for maintenance.
There are a few drawbacks to take into account, though. Although the blocks are lightweight in and of themselves, the cladding can increase the weight and complicate the building process. In order for the cladding to function as intended, proper installation is essential. Furthermore, these blocks may initially cost more than other building materials, but their long-term advantages frequently outweigh this.
To summarize, there are several advantages to using cladding on expanded clay concrete blocks, such as increased durability and energy efficiency. It’s crucial to balance these benefits against any potential downsides, such as increased upfront costs and the requirement for cautious installation. Making an informed choice for your upcoming construction project will be made easier if you comprehend both points of view.
Expanded clay concrete blocks with cladding present a special combination of advantages and disadvantages. Positively, their lightweight design and superior thermal insulation make them manageable and energy-efficient. Nevertheless, if not properly maintained, their efficacy may be jeopardized, and the initial cost of cladding may exceed that of alternative materials. In order to assist you in determining whether these blocks are the best option for your building requirements, this article will examine how these blocks weigh their possible drawbacks against their durability and insulation.
What such is a facing expanded clay block
An eco-friendly material for wall construction is facing expanded clay concrete blocks. Expanded clay has a porous structure, which contributes to its lighter weight when compared to other materials like brick and cinder block. When expanded clay, or foamed clay, is combined with concrete, the mixture gains strength. The ability of buildings with walls composed of expanded clay concrete blocks to hold heat is crucial during the heating season.
The decorative facing layer, which completes the building’s exterior, is a characteristic feature of the material.
This shortens the time needed to finish the final stage of construction work on the external walls.
A textured mixture of high-hardness concrete and coloring pigment is used to create the facing layer. Various front side forms, such as chipped stone, imitation brick, and other decorative materials like wood, plaster, and stone, can be produced with special equipment.
Types of blocks
Interior partitions and load-bearing walls are constructed with expanded clay blocks.
- Hollow. They have low weight, low density, low thermal conductivity. Used as the main and heat-insulating masonry. High-quality material can be used to build walls in low buildings. Provides high-quality sound and heat insulation.
- Slotted. Slotted holes are arranged inside the expanded clay brick. Intended for free air circulation, and therefore have additional heat-insulating characteristics. Used for the construction of interior partitions, construction of outbuildings.
- Solid. Blocks are a high-strength monolith. Withstands maximum loads. Used for the construction of load-bearing walls. The most expensive type of expanded clay blocks due to the high density of the material and the consumption of raw materials for its manufacture.
Contemporary expanded clay blocks meet recognized standards for good performance characteristics. An added benefit are decorative qualities.
Technical characteristics
- Strength. For hollow thermal insulation varies from 5 to 25 kg / cm.sq.; for slotted – from 35 to 100 kg / cm.sq.; for solid – 100 – 500 kg / cm.sq.
- Volumetric weight. Hollow ones have 350 – 600 kg / m.cube.; the bulk weight of slotted ones can be from 600 to 1400 kg / m.cube.; solid structural elements can be from 1400 to 1800 kg/m.cube.
- Thermal conductivity of the material can be from 0.14 to 0.66 W/(m*K). The higher the proportion of cement in it, the higher the thermal conductivity. To improve the thermal insulation characteristics of the walls, hollow elements are preferable, which can compete with wooden beams in terms of heat conservation in the house.
- Frost resistance. For expanded clay blocks with high thermal insulation properties – from 15 to 50 cycles. For slotted blocks – no more than 150. For solid blocks – no more than 500.
- Hygroscopicity and vapor permeability. The first indicator is from 5 to 10% of the total mass. If plasticizers are added to the mass during production, water absorption decreases. The second – from 0.3 to 0.9 mg/(m*h*Pa). Depends on the degree of porosity, size and shape of voids. Maximum – for thermal insulation.
- Shrinkage. From 0.3 to 0.5 mm/m.
- Fire resistance of expanded clay blocks is 3 hours at 1050 ⁰С.
- Sound insulation. A wall made of elements with parameters 590*90*188 mm reduces the sound flow to 45-50 dB.
Low-rise buildings are primarily made of expanded clay blocks, although 12-story buildings can also be built with solid elements due to their strength.
Application
It is important to use expanded clay blocks according to their intended purpose. Those that are hollow are categorized as low-thermal-conductive materials that are used for insulation or to build homes that have better thermal insulation. The applications for structural and thermal insulation (slotted) are more extensive.
Because of their strength and low heat conductivity, they can serve as the primary structural components of utility and residential buildings, thereby acting as heat insulators.
Solid ones have high strength qualities and are used as building materials. utilized as a structural component during the construction of overpasses, bridges, residential and commercial buildings, and industrial buildings.
Advantages
Expanded clay concrete is very popular because of its established benefits, which are guaranteed by the material’s quality and characteristics:
- Blocks are made from environmentally friendly materials – foamed clay and cement-sand mixture. According to radiation safety, this type of building material belongs to the first class. In terms of sound insulation parameters and vapor permeability, they fully comply with sanitary and hygienic standards.
- Decorative and color diversity.
- Due to decorative finishing, no additional work is required.
- Due to low thermal conductivity, this material is one of the most widely used in civil engineering. Blocks with finishing cladding in Moscow are used for the construction of new houses and the reconstruction of old ones. They optimally combine decorative qualities and good technical data. Walls made of expanded clay concrete do not require additional insulation measures.
- Low specific gravity. The load exerted on the foundation is significantly lower than others, such as brick or cinder block. Building subsidence is reduced and, as a result, deformations and cracks.
- Due to the size of expanded clay concrete blocks, the time for construction work is reduced. A smaller number of them is required. They are relatively light. Less cement mortar is also required. All this has a positive effect on the dynamics of construction work.
- Reduced hygroscopicity provides increased resistance to low temperatures. That is why buildings made of expanded clay blocks have a long service life. At the same time, no additional protective measures are required.
- Voids can perform two functions – heat-insulating and structural. During the construction of high-rise buildings, due to the presence of holes, frames are created to resist force loads. Such a device provides additional strength and load-bearing capacity.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Excellent thermal insulation, keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer. | Higher initial cost compared to some traditional concrete blocks. |
Lightweight, making them easier to handle and transport. | Can be less strong than other concrete options, potentially requiring additional structural support. |
Good soundproofing properties, reducing noise between rooms. | Cladding needs to be properly maintained to ensure it stays effective and visually appealing. |
Fire resistant, adding safety to buildings. | Expanded clay concrete blocks can absorb moisture, which might lead to issues if not properly sealed. |
For many building projects, expanded clay concrete blocks with cladding present an appealing alternative. Their superior thermal insulation qualities, which can drastically lower heating and cooling expenses, are their main advantage. In addition to providing an additional layer of protection, the cladding is aesthetically pleasing and offers a variety of finishes to complement various architectural styles.
These blocks do have some disadvantages, though. When compared to traditional materials, the initial cost may be higher, and the installation procedure might be more difficult. Furthermore, even though the cladding increases durability, it may eventually need maintenance to maintain its good performance and appearance.
To sum up, cladding and expanded clay concrete blocks are an ideal combination of practicality and style. They have strong thermal insulation and aesthetic appeal, but you should consider the additional expenses and upkeep required. You can decide if these are the best options for your building project by giving them careful thought.