If you’re contemplating building a home and looking at various materials, you may have seen expanded clay concrete blocks. These blocks are becoming more and more well-liked due to their special qualities and benefits. They are composed of expanded clay aggregate, a kind of porous, light material. They are therefore a fantastic choice for construction, but they have advantages and disadvantages just like any other material.
The superior thermal insulation of expanded clay concrete blocks is one of its key advantages. They contribute to keeping homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter because they are lighter and have a porous structure. Over time, this may result in considerable energy bill savings. These blocks also resist pests and moisture, which can help keep your home’s structural integrity over time.
Expanded clay concrete blocks do, however, have certain disadvantages. For example, their cost may be higher than that of conventional bricks or concrete blocks. Concerns regarding their load-bearing capacity in comparison to heavier materials may also arise from their light weight. It’s crucial to carefully consider these factors in light of your unique building requirements.
Considerations for your home’s expanded clay concrete blocks include the block’s density, thermal conductivity, and overall strength. Blocks with a higher density typically provide greater durability and insulation. You can choose the ideal expanded clay block type for your project and make sure your house is built to last by speaking with a construction expert.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Good thermal insulation, which helps keep the house warm in winter and cool in summer. | Can be more expensive than traditional concrete blocks. |
Lightweight and easy to handle, making construction quicker and easier. | May not be as strong or durable as other types of concrete blocks, which could affect structural integrity. |
Excellent soundproofing qualities, reducing noise from outside. | Requires careful handling and installation to avoid cracks and damage. |
Eco-friendly material that uses natural clay and has a lower environmental impact. | Limited availability in some areas, which could be a challenge for sourcing. |
Blocks are relatively easy to cut and shape for custom construction needs. | Not all expanded clay blocks are of the same quality; it"s important to choose blocks from a reputable manufacturer. |
- Pros of houses made of expanded clay concrete blocks
- Disadvantages
- How to level out the disadvantages
- Myths about the danger of blocks
- Other myths about expanded clay houses
- Cost of the house
- Comparison with other materials
- Foam concrete blocks
- Gas silicate blocks
- Sawdust concrete blocks
- Cinder blocks
- Ceramic blocks
- Silicate brick
Pros of houses made of expanded clay concrete blocks
Cement, expanded clay, water, and sand are used to make the products. The components are combined, the mixture is poured into forms that have been prepared, and it is dried.
Artificial stone may be used to cover the product’s exterior; the materials used can vary in tone and texture. A locking layer of finely grained expanded clay is required for the products. Depending on the kind of building material, the products may have different numbers of layers.
There are benefits and drawbacks to expanded clay concrete blocks.
- Low thermal conductivity, since.. the blocks are made of porous material, which ensures reliable heat retention.
- The small weight of the blocks is ensured by the lightness of expanded clay granules. The load on the foundation of hollow products is reduced the most. The number and size of voids depend on the brand of products, the manufacturer"s technology and can reach up to half the total volume of blocks.
- The strength and durability of the building material allows it to withstand overloads of load-bearing structures and floors. In the finished structure, the blocks can withstand increased loads.
- The low cost of the blocks allows you to reduce the costs of the construction project.
- The building material is not subject to shrinkage, so the risk of cracks and chips is reduced.
- The material is made from environmentally friendly ingredients, does not emit toxic fumes.
- The porous material has soundproofing properties, prevents the penetration of extraneous sounds into the room.
- Walls made of expanded clay blocks are easy to plaster, because.. a solution of sand and cement is easily fixed on the surface.
- The materials are easy to lay.
Disadvantages
- Porous building material absorbs excess moisture, which crystallizes at low temperatures and contributes to the destruction of the block structure. Therefore, experts recommend using additional protection against temperature changes and precipitation when building houses. You can use facing slabs, bricks, etc..
- The blocks are produced in small sizes, and when laid, many joints are formed, which contribute to the penetration of cold air into the building. It will be necessary to additionally insulate the wall panels from the outside, and, if necessary, from the inside of the building.
- The disadvantage of the products is the small size of the blocks and half-blocks and the limited choice of product configurations.
- When purchasing, it is necessary to check the products for defective products.
How to level out the disadvantages
By paying attention to the characteristics of the laying and the step-by-step technology of building a building, you can reduce the drawbacks of the blocks.
- It is not recommended to leave wall panels during construction without finishing for a long time, t.to. the structure of the building material will collapse, reducing the strength and durability of the building.
- It is important to perform high-quality waterproofing of the building, because.to. without these works the walls will become damp, mold may appear.
- It is recommended to make a preliminary calculation of the number of blocks before purchasing, so as not to overpay for additional delivery of materials to the construction site.
- In the northern regions of Russia, it is not recommended to use this building material without high-quality insulation of wall panels.
- For the durability of the structure, it is recommended to mount an armored belt on the outside of the wall panels.
- Materials with the addition of expanded clay granules are not suitable for the construction of the foundation of a building, because.to. it is impossible to perform high-quality waterproofing in the lower part of the house.
- It is important to perform high-quality installation work for the durability of the structure.
Myths about the danger of blocks
There is no proof to support the claim that the blocks released toxic fumes. Scientists challenge these presumptions because the material is superior, safe for the environment, and devoid of harmful ingredients.
It’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of expanded clay concrete blocks before selecting one for your home in order to determine which is best for your requirements. Expanded clay blocks are a popular option for energy-efficient homes because of their superior insulation, lightweight design, and durability. Nevertheless, their cost may increase and specific handling and installation methods may be needed. You can choose an expanded clay block type that best suits your particular building project by weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the various varieties.
Other myths about expanded clay houses
- Buildings made of expanded clay blocks can be cold – the material retains heat, but requires standard insulation of not only wall panels, but also the floor, roof, windows and door units to maintain a comfortable microclimate in the room. With uninsulated floor coverings, up to 15% of the heat can leave the room. Up to 25% of the heat can escape through an uninsulated roof, windows, doors.
- Blocks do not hold fasteners – it is recommended to use products with a wall thickness of 3-4 cm. Anchors in wall panels withstand loads of 400-900 kg during testing.
- Fragility of the material – if construction technologies are followed and a high-quality solution is used, the structure remains in place for a long time and is not inferior in strength to other wall building materials.
Cost of the house
When building residential structures and outbuildings, you can save money by using this cost-effective building material.
- A two-story house with an area of 80.18 m² made of foam blocks costs from 1,122,520 rubles.
- A two-story building with a total area of 82.5 m² — from 1,500,000 rubles.
- The cost of building a one-story house with an area of 85.77 m² is from 1,201,000 rubles.
- A two-story building with an area of 87.7 m² is offered at a price of 1,315,500 rubles.
- The cost of building a two-story building with an area of 88.9 m² is about 1,600,200 rubles.
- Construction of a two-story house up to 100 m² costs about 1,700,000 rubles.
- A two-story building with a total area of 121.8 m² costs 1,800,000 rubles. Price an improved version of the complex with an area of 120.11 m² — from 2,161,980 rubles.
Comparison with other materials
In terms of technical features and composition, expanded clay concrete is compared to common materials (foam blocks, brick, gas silicate, sawdust concrete, cinder block and ceramic blocks, sand-lime brick).
Foam concrete blocks
Products made of foam concrete also include fiber and a foaming agent, in addition to sand, water, and cement powder. In two- and three-story buildings, the material is used to construct walls, piers, and openings. The blocks weigh between twenty and twenty-four kg. After adding fiber, the parameter of foam blocks’ low strength (about M15) rises to M20–25.
Although it is more brittle than expanded clay concrete products, the material retains heat well. Mold growth is possible, and it may shrink under large weights. More money is spent on this building material than on goods containing larger clay granules.
Gas silicate blocks
Lime and foaming agents are added to gas silicate products in addition to standard ingredients. They are used to construct structures up to three stories high. The products stand out due to their well-designed geometry and adhesive base. The weight, which is roughly 30 kg, varies based on the products’ densities.
Strength is not comparable to products made of expanded clay and M35. Although it can shrink, the material holds heat. The product costs roughly 3500 per cubic meter, which is more than expanded clay.
Sawdust concrete blocks
The ingredients of sawdust concrete products are sawdust, water, cement, and sand. The products are utilized in the building of outbuildings and interior partitions. The products stand out for their precise geometry and good shape retention. The blocks weigh between 18 and 23 kg.
The products have a low strength (roughly M10). Products made of sawdust concrete are unstable at below-freezing temperatures, have a short lifespan, absorb moisture, and shouldn’t be used to build load-bearing partitions. Products made with sawdust concrete have a similar thermal conductivity to those made with expanded clay. Nevertheless, wood-based products are less expensive than clay that has been expanded.
Cinder blocks
During the construction of 2-3 story buildings, cinder blocks, which also include cement, water, and sand, can be used to create internal and external partitions. They also contain blast furnace slag. The characteristics of cinder blocks are their heavy weight (up to 30 kg per block) and imprecise geometry. The products have a high strength (up to M50).
It is imperative to consider the products’ low resistance to frost, limited lifespan, and non-ecological composition when selecting building materials. Compared to products made of expanded clay granules, the products have a lower thermal conductivity. The price is in line with the expanded line of clay concrete goods.
Ceramic blocks
In comparison to products made of expanded clay granules, ceramic products have a lower thermal conductivity. Ceramics are more durable (wall panels can last up to 50 years), quickly laid, and stronger than expanded clay concrete. The building materials are lightweight, have good soundproofing qualities, and are ecologically friendly, which lessens the load on the foundation.
Silicate brick
Silicate bricks are robust, long-lasting, and share similar technical qualities with goods composed of granulated clay. Silicate products are manufactured under the brands M75-M250, and their strengths vary based on the kind of product.
Like products made of expanded clay granules, the products are appropriate for various types of floors but should not be used in high-humidity areas.
The selection of building materials can have a significant impact on the outcome of a project. An attractive alternative are expanded clay concrete blocks, which provide a good mix of affordability, strength, and insulation. Because they are lighter, they are easier to handle, which can expedite construction and lower labor costs. Additionally, they contribute to energy efficiency by keeping homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter thanks to their insulating qualities.
It’s crucial to balance these advantages with any potential drawbacks, though. In addition to potentially costing more than conventional concrete blocks, expanded clay blocks might not always be aesthetically pleasing to all homeowners. Furthermore, even though they offer respectable insulation, they might not be the greatest option for those looking for excellent thermal performance or for locations with harsh temperatures.
Think about your needs and the climate where you live when choosing expanded clay blocks for your home. Seek for blocks made by reliable manufacturers and those with positive reviews. Make sure they adhere to the regulations in your area, and don’t forget to weigh the short- and long-term advantages of each option.
In general, expanded clay concrete blocks can be a wise decision for a variety of house construction tasks. They have a number of benefits that make them worthwhile, but before making a choice, it’s critical to weigh all the options. You can make an informed decision that will benefit your home for many years to come by doing your research and selecting the best type for your needs.