How to make a house of concrete with your own hands – monolithic (poured), pros and cons

Although building your own concrete home may seem like a difficult undertaking, many do-it-yourself enthusiasts can make the project a reality with the correct knowledge and approach. Concrete homes provide longevity, energy efficiency, and a contemporary look, particularly when they are monolithic or poured concrete homes. We’ll walk you through all the necessary procedures and factors in this post so you can build a monolithic concrete house on your own.

Poured concrete homes are constructed on site by pouring concrete into forms to create a continuous, solid structure. This approach is very robust and resilient, which makes it a great option for regions that frequently experience severe weather or natural disasters. Additionally, the seamless quality of poured concrete guarantees superior insulation, potentially resulting in reduced energy expenses.

Even though there are many advantages, it’s important to consider any potential disadvantages. Compared to other construction methods, the labor-intensive process and initial cost of materials may be higher. Furthermore, to prevent expensive errors when working with concrete, meticulous planning and accuracy are necessary. However, you can overcome these obstacles and construct a solid, long-lasting home if you prepare carefully and have the necessary materials.

We will simplify the procedure into doable steps throughout this post, starting with site preparation and ending with concrete pouring and structure completion. You’ll get a clear idea of what’s involved and how to handle your own concrete house project by adhering to these guidelines.

Pros and cons

Prior to examining the primary characteristics of a poured concrete home, it is essential to examine the benefits.

– given that lightweight concrete varieties are used for the box’s installation.

• High cost – the main expenses are for the installation of formwork and concrete mix, also certain amounts are spent on wages for workers (but if you plan to build a concrete house with your own hands, then the estimate is reduced).
• The complexity of installing high formwork is far from the same design as that used to pour a foundation or floor, but with certain knowledge and skills everything can be done.
• The importance of ordering high-quality concrete – it is difficult and complicated to prepare it yourself in large quantities (given the high speed of hardening), so you will need to agree in advance with the plant about delivery in a special vehicle.
• For high-altitude work, you will need to take care of additional equipment.
• Construction of houses with permanent formwork requires the correct arrangement of the ventilation system.
• Creation of a reinforcement frame and high-rise floors involves serious expenditure of time and effort.
• If pouring walls and floors is carried out using removable formwork, you will need proper insulation from polystyrene or other materials (it is worth paying attention to the toxicity level of the material).

Tools and materials for work

For the purpose of building a concrete monolithic home

(in volumes corresponding to calculations based on the design and consumption of the concrete mixture): steel rods and steel binding wire for the reinforcing frame, sand, cement of the required grade, crushed stone.

(If you intend to mix your own concrete): a concrete mixer; component containers; shovels; a trolley for moving mortar; a hammer drill; a construction hair dryer; a level; a building tape measure; nippers; a hammer; and materials for formwork installation.

Construction methods

Building codes allow for the use of both permanent and movable formwork in the construction of monolithic concrete homes. The resulting houses are different in construction and operation, even though most construction processes are similar.

Each removable formwork piece is made from wood, plywood, plastic, or metal based on the specific needs of the project. The width of the future walls, which is determined by taking into account the region’s climate and the necessary degree of heat conservation, equals the distance between the walls. Formwork panels are secured in place using studs, washers, and nuts.

Threaded studs are fitted with corrugated tubes (so they do not come into contact with concrete), which will make it easier to remove the design later on.

You can pour opilko-, slag-, expanded clay, gas, foam, perlitone, arbolite, etc.D. into detachable formwork. Although less long-lasting, the walls are more vapor-permeable and warmer, making this option appropriate for temporary building construction.

Nets and metal or plastic rods are used for reinforcement. The structure is strong and resistant to mechanical stress thanks to the reinforcing frame. It is important to keep in mind that only 50–70 centimeters of concrete can be added at a time, and that they will undoubtedly be touched, particularly in the corners. Following the concrete’s solidification, the formwork is taken down and positioned above, all the way to the roof.

Four to five weeks after pouring are spent on finishing and insulation. Typically, extruded polystyrene foam, warm plaster, and mineral wool are used as insulation.

Permanent formwork can be angular, above-window, window-sill, or longitudinal. After assembling the formwork components, concrete is poured into the walls. The formwork layer serves as an insulator and allows for any configuration of the structure, thereby reducing the cost of thermal insulation.

The structure can be constructed from a variety of materials (though it’s crucial that they pose no health risks to people; expanded polystyrene is frequently used in this capacity), guaranteeing a straightforward and straightforward building process. The structure is put together swiftly and precisely, much like a kid’s construction set.

After the foundation is poured, the formwork is assembled and waterproofed. It is fastened with unique "tongue and groove" profiles that ensure tightness and eliminate the possibility of leaks or sagging concrete.

The formwork’s width can vary, and the structure can be made to fit a specific project or to be standard. The polystyrene walls of the block have a thickness of 5-7 centimeters and a standard width of 15 centimeters.

It is possible to lay reinforcement frames inside the formwork. Since warm mixtures have a higher vapor permeability than the same polystyrene indicator, it is not possible to fill the structure with warm mixtures; instead, ordinary concrete is used. This is because condensation may form, which could lead to the growth of mold and fungus.

There are several advantages to building a concrete home by hand with monolithic (poured) techniques, but there are also certain difficulties. Concrete is an excellent material choice for a long-lasting and sturdy home because of its strength and durability. Its resistance to pests, fire, and harsh weather conditions adds to its allure.

Nonetheless, building a monolithic concrete home takes a lot of work, patience, and expertise. To guarantee the stability and quality of the structure, careful planning and preparation are necessary. Although the initial cost of materials and equipment may be high, these expenses are frequently offset over time by savings on maintenance and energy efficiency.

The decision to construct a monolithic concrete home ultimately comes down to balancing the benefits of energy efficiency, safety, and durability with the costs, labor, and time requirements. The outcome is a sturdy, dependable, and effective house that endures for those who are ready to take on the challenge.

One of the many benefits of building a house yourself is that building a monolithic (poured) concrete structure has excellent durability, energy efficiency, and design flexibility. It’s crucial to balance these benefits against any potential drawbacks, such as the requirement for a sizable labor force, specialized tools, and familiarity with appropriate construction methods. You’ll be able to make wise decisions throughout the process by using this guide to help you comprehend the crucial procedures and factors to take into account when building a concrete house.

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