It is important to exercise caution when selecting and attaching dowels for foam blocks, also referred to as foam concrete. Foam blocks are widely used in construction because of their insulating qualities and low weight. But because of their unusual construction, standard dowels aren’t always appropriate.
It’s important to know the properties of foam concrete when choosing dowels for it. Because foam blocks are less dense than regular concrete, dowels must be made especially for this kind of use. A strong and long-lasting hold will be ensured by the correct dowel, avoiding problems like loosening or deterioration over time.
Another important factor is installation. Foam concrete is made in a different way than other materials. To get the greatest results, it’s essential to use the right tools and methods. You can extend the life and efficacy of your dowel connections by adhering to the recommended installation procedures.
This post will walk you through the most important characteristics to consider when selecting dowels for foam blocks and offer helpful advice for a smooth installation. You can guarantee sturdy, dependable connections in your foam concrete projects by using the appropriate methodology.
Because foam blocks (also known as foam concrete) have special properties, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing and installing dowels. Foam concrete differs from regular concrete in that it is porous and lightweight. To guarantee a tight hold, it’s essential to select dowels made especially for lightweight materials. During installation, the foam block must be carefully drilled to prevent damage, and the right anchors that expand to securely grip the material must be used. For mounted fixtures to be stable and safe, dowels in foam blocks must be installed and chosen properly.
- Why foam concrete needs special fasteners
- Which fastener to choose
- Foam concrete dowel
- Self-tapping screws
- M4 screw
- Chemical anchor
- Wooden dowels
- "First aid" for aerated concrete walls
- Video on the topic
- Which dowels are best to use for foam concrete?.
- Fasteners for aerated concrete, foam block
- FAÇADE PLUGS. CHOOSING a doweling system for INSULATING A HOUSE. Part 20
Why foam concrete needs special fasteners
The ingredients for foam blocks are water, sand, cement, and a unique foaming agent. The material is sufficiently brittle for the installation of different fasteners, and the blocks are cellular.
Foam blocks are primarily distinguished by their low weight, low density, high degree of hygroscopicity, and porous structure. The properties are generally advantageous during the building and operation phases, but not when attaching specific objects to the walls.
Because foam concrete has a porous structure and poor material adhesion, blocks may not always be able to support loads; therefore, special dowels are provided for these blocks.
Properly chosen fasteners for foam blocks will not only reinforce the working structure and improve the quality of furniture or equipment fixes, but they will also greatly raise the percentage of loads that are allowed.
Foam block fasteners adhere to a specific design for the fixing parts; typically, these parts include a screw, ring, half ring, flange, and empty sleeve with spacer. Many anchors have teeth, which act as a dependable barrier to the part’s rotation.
For foam blocks, there are also chemical anchors available that are specifically made to operate in cellular concrete and offer the highest level of fastening quality. In this instance, the dowel’s primary function is to safeguard the delicate material from deterioration and to provide the block with internal support as it expands inside the aerated concrete.
Dowels can be made of plastic or metal, come in packages containing 50–1000 pieces, and have varying diameters and lengths. Foam concrete dowels are categorized by application (internal versus external) and installation method (screwed, driven, and other; chemical anchors are listed separately).
Which fastener to choose
There are numerous foam block anchors available in contemporary building supply stores, varying in terms of material, design, shape, length, and diameter. The most popular options include different kinds of self-tapping screws, M4 screws, chemical anchors, metal dowel nails, and anchor bolts.
- Plastic fasteners – chosen for mounting interior items of small weight
- Dowel-nails – for arranging through fastenings of building materials outside/inside the premises
- Metal anchor – suitable for hanging equipment, heavy furniture
- Metric screw – relevant for installing doors, windows, various types of technical equipment
- Foundation bolts – used where highly complex work with considerable loads is carried out
- Chemical anchor – a universal fastener for foam blocks, which provides maximum reliability and can be used in a variety of cases
The intended loads are the first consideration when selecting fasteners; the larger the anticipated load, the longer, more intricately designed, and more durable the dowel should be.
Foam concrete dowel
When deciding which fastener is best for a given task when using foam blocks, you have to take into account all of the designs. Typically, plastic or metal are used to make dowels for foam concrete blocks. Every material has benefits and drawbacks of its own.
When selecting a dowel for a foam block, consider the diameter, design elements, and anchor length (which should match the load) in addition to the material.
Self-tapping screws
This type of foam block fastening is rarely utilized and only in situations where there won’t be a significant load. This method is typically used to attach pictures, frames, and other items by mounting a 3.5 x 55 self-tapping screw. However, it is preferable to use a plastic dowel rather than risk damaging delicate foam concrete walls if the load is not light.
Foam blocks do not require specific self-tapping screws; instead, standard wood screws or designs featuring horn foam concrete anchors are typically used.
M4 screw
This kind of dowel is a spacer-equipped metal fastener. Suitable for dense aerated concrete as well as foam concrete. Installing a screw with metal expansion elements is simple: you just need to mark the foam concrete wall, drill a hole, insert the fastener, and tighten it. This will ensure that the metal part is securely fixed in the block because of the expansion.
Chemical anchor
Foam concrete chemical anchors are industry leaders. The anchor has a straightforward design, consisting of an injection composition (special adhesive), a sleeve, and a screw or stud. The adhesive is dispersed throughout the foam block by the fastener, which keeps the material from collapsing or crumbling. The metal element is made with an anti-corrosion galvanized shell because this fastening system is thought to be the most effective and can be used for both internal and external work.
According to a standard study on the tensile strength of fasteners for foam concrete, a chemical anchor can withstand up to 700 kgf, while a conventional metal anchor, MB-S, can withstand 150 kgf. Cement mortar and organic resin make up the anchor’s adhesive material.
These dowels’ principal benefits are their dependability, strength, resistance to moisture and below-freezing temperatures, extended service life, ease of installation, environmental friendliness, and versatility. The expensive price is the only downside.
Wooden dowels
With wooden dowels, you can fasten light-weight objects. a straightforward and inexpensive solution that is suitable for carrying out simple tasks but is not very dependable in terms of fixation.
"First aid" for aerated concrete walls
Wooden dowels are frequently used to seal holes left by outdated fasteners or to fix a flaw in poorly executed work rather than replacing new fasteners. The product may be manufactured by hand or in a factory. All you need to do is insert a wooden dowel into the hole.
The most crucial rule to follow in this situation is that the wooden dowel’s diameter must be greater than the hole’s. After it is firmly inserted into the hole, any necessary fasteners are added, such as screws or nails. Although this type of fastening isn’t the greatest or most dependable, it does the trick when it comes to preventing an ugly hole in the wall and handling the easiest fastening issue. [/info-box]
Feature | Details |
Type of Dowel | Select dowels designed for foam blocks; they usually have wider threads for better grip. |
Drilling Holes | Use a drill with a masonry bit to create holes slightly smaller than the dowel diameter. |
Inserting Dowel | Gently tap the dowel into the hole until it is flush with the surface. |
Choosing Screws | Use screws that match the dowel size and material for a secure hold. |
Load Capacity | Consider the load capacity of the dowel and ensure it matches your needs. |
Distance from Edges | Place dowels at least 5 cm from the edges of the block to prevent cracking. |
To guarantee the stability and durability of your construction, you must take great care when selecting and installing dowels for foam blocks, also known as foam concrete. Because foam blocks are porous and light, they may not offer the necessary support that traditional dowels do. For optimal results, it’s crucial to choose dowels made especially for use with foam concrete.
Look for dowels that are constructed from premium materials and intended to expand inside the foam block when choosing one. These dowels frequently feature unique textures or coatings to improve their ability to grip the foam. It is important to consider the load capacity and project requirements when selecting the appropriate dowel for your task.
It takes several important steps to install dowels in foam concrete. Drill a hole first that is the same size as the dowel. To guarantee a tight fit, clear the hole of any dust or debris. Make sure the dowel is securely in place by gently tapping it in. After inserting the dowel, you can fasten the required fixtures or fittings.
To ensure optimal performance, the dowel must be installed correctly. To make sure everything is done correctly, take your time. You can make sure that your foam block construction is robust and dependable by adhering to these guidelines, which will give you a strong foundation for whatever you need to build.