Expanded clay concrete blocks with cladding: durable and economical material with decorative properties

Expanded clay concrete blocks with cladding are becoming more and more common in construction because of their special blend of aesthetic appeal and durability. These blocks provide an eye-catching finish and a useful way to construct strong structures. Their adaptability renders them appropriate for an array of endeavors, encompassing both residential and commercial structures.

The remarkable strength of expanded clay concrete blocks is one of their key benefits. These blocks are made of a mixture of water, cement, and expanded clay. Their strength and light weight ensure long-lasting use. They are perfect for both hot and cold climates because they can resist severe weather and offer superior thermal insulation.

These blocks are strong in addition to having attractive cladding that improves any structure’s appearance. Because the cladding comes in a variety of textures and colors, builders can achieve the desired aesthetic without adding extra finishes. This streamlines the construction process and saves money and time.

All things considered, cladding-equipped expanded clay concrete blocks are an affordable and long-lasting option for contemporary building. They make sense for any project because they offer the aesthetic benefits of traditional building materials along with their practical advantages. These blocks provide a dependable and appealing option for building new homes or remodeling old ones.

Decorative expanded clay blocks

Let’s start by discussing expanded clay concrete and its characteristics. It has expanded clay in addition to sand and cement. A rotary kiln is used to fire clay to produce this material. It foams due to rotation and quick firing, forming porous granules that range in size from 5 to 40 mm.

Expanded clay has numerous advantages and is a great material for bulk insulation. These granules improve the properties of wall blocks when they are present.

Expanded clay concrete products differ from regular concrete or cinder blocks in that they have:

• Less weight;
• Better heat and sound insulation;
• High resistance to moisture;
• The ability to "breathe", regulating the humidity in the room.

Building walls with this material is made easier by its lower weight. However, once construction is finished, the issue of how to clad expanded clay concrete comes up. Not to mention a residential building, I want to give even the outbuilding a respectable look.

If facing expanded clay concrete block is used instead of the typical configuration, this issue won’t occur. With all the aforementioned benefits at his disposal, he also serves as a decorative while working with the supporting cast.

The two categories of decorative products are lined and colored blocks.

Colored expanded clay blocks

The only way they differ from the norm is in color, as the manufacturing process involves the mixing of inorganic dyes with raw materials. Because the block is painted in bulk, even tiny chips do not detract from its overall appearance.

Other than that, the size and technical specifications of the colored expanded clay concrete facing block are exactly the same as those of its gray counterpart.

• Depending on the manufacturer, it can have different geometric dimensions, but the most common 390x190x190 mm;
• Color profiled blocks with a groove-glue system are also available at the ends, when laying the vertical seams are not filled with solution;

• The surface is also different: not processed, polished, stab or with a corrugated texture.

As a point of reference. Colored products cost more money. Color starts at 40 rubles if the average cost of the gray block is 32 rubles. The cost is further increased by decorative surface treatment. For instance, a demon with comparable dimensions already costs 67 rubles and more.

The primary applications for expanded clay concrete blocks are in the construction of fences and non-residential buildings.

Blocks with textured coating

The capacity of expanded clay concrete to absorb moisture is one of its drawbacks. Additionally, the expanded clay concrete blocks are covered with cladding not just for aesthetic reasons but also to keep precipitation out.

As a result, colored products lacking extra exterior finishing are still infrequently utilized in the construction of structures where a microclimate suitable for human habitation must be maintained.

It is preferable to buy blocks that have artificial stone tiles already installed on them in order to save money and time when finishing facades. They are structurally identical and can have varying sizes, as well as being hollow or solid. However, one or two of the sides mimic the appearance of natural stone, brick, or plaster.

Vibration casting technology is used in their production to give the block’s front surface the color and texture of your choice. Additionally, the blocks are made in a variety of shapes, including ordinary, corner, half, and four-sided (columnar), to make masonry work easier.

There are clear benefits to using this material:

• Faced expanded clay concrete has a higher level of frost resistance, since moisture cannot penetrate under the dense finishing layer and freeze in the pores;
• Construction times are significantly reduced due to the lack of need for finishing of facades;
• There is a saving of money, spent on construction;
• If you have the skill of masonry work, you can build a house with your own hands, without involving finishers;
• A wide range of decor for the front surface of the blocks allows you to choose the option that best suits your taste and matches the surrounding landscape;
• The presence of a decorative layer does not reduce the load-bearing capacity of the material, it can be used to erect buildings up to 4 storeys high.

Kindly take note. Because of the denser facing plate, the blocks have a higher mass than traditional products. Consider this when creating the foundation.

Heating units

Even with a filler made of expanded clay, concrete is not the "warm" substance. As a result, the above-discussed products are only utilized in two-layer constructions in cold climates, where they are popular in areas with mild climates. Structures with a single block of walls are not any different in terms of heat efficiency and need more insulation.

However, this issue was also resolved recently when three-layer expanded clay concrete blocks with foam or dense foam cladding and a heater were introduced to the market. Actually, this is a sandwich made up of the facade, insulation, and supporting layers.

This special material makes it possible to construct lovely, dependable, and warm homes as quickly as possible. For instance, in just two weeks, a group of masons can construct a 150–160 square meter, one-story structure that is lined and insulated all the way around.

It is important to keep in mind, though, that the thickness of the load-bearing layer reduces as a result of the thickness of the insulation layer, placing limitations on the use of these blocks in tall building constructions.

Take the goods produced by the Cheboksary Alstroy plant, for instance. It creates two sizes of heat blocks:

• 400x400x190 mm with a thickness of the load-bearing layer 150 mm, insulation 180 mm and façade 70 mm. The instructions allow the use of such products for the construction of buildings up to 4 floors high.

• 300x400x190 mm with a load-bearing and insulating layer of 120 mm and a façade layer of 60 mm. They are used only in one-story construction or when constructing the top floor of a building.

The production of non-standard products, which facilitate the decoration of window and door openings and the easy drawing out of building corners on the inside and outside, was also handled by manufacturers.

This material’s main benefit is that it retains heat well even with thin walls—it has a thermal efficiency that is four times greater than that of an ordinary expanded clay block. In addition, the usable area of the house will increase by 10% as opposed to a block building that is finished and insulated in the conventional manner.

Clad expanded clay concrete blocks provide the ideal balance of strength and style. Their decorative surface gives an attractive finish without requiring additional treatments, and their robust nature makes them an excellent choice for long-lasting construction.

These blocks also provide an affordable option. They lower the total cost of building by lowering the requirement for additional labor and materials. Expanded clay concrete has insulating qualities that aid in energy efficiency, resulting in reduced energy costs and comfortable interior temperatures.

Furthermore, the versatility of these blocks allows for creative architectural designs. Whether used for residential or commercial projects, they provide a sturdy and appealing option that meets various construction needs.

To sum up, clad expanded clay concrete blocks are an affordable, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing material. They combine strength, efficiency, and style, making them an excellent option for any building project due to their many advantages.

Clad expanded clay concrete blocks combine strength and aesthetic appeal to provide an affordable, long-lasting building solution. These blocks improve the visual appeal of buildings, offer superior insulation, and lower overall building costs. They are simple to work with, perfect for both residential and commercial projects, and supportive of sustainable building techniques.

Video on the topic

Expanded clay and expanded clay concrete blocks

Expanded clay concrete blocks. Dolomite blocks.

Why you can"t build a house from expanded clay blocks? The best material for building a stone house in 2025

Expanded clay block wall. What is better, how is it better?

Expanded clay concrete block – a competitor of aerated concrete and brick?