Using aerated concrete blocks to construct partitions is a great way to give your living area structure and order. Aerated concrete blocks are a popular option for do-it-yourselfers because they are lightweight, manageable, and have good insulating qualities. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process of creating new rooms or dividing a large room into smaller sections.
Although beginning a construction project on your own can be intimidating, it is completely doable if you have the correct equipment and a well-thought-out plan. With simple tools, aerated concrete blocks can be easily cut to size. In order to ensure a sturdy and long-lasting partition, they also adhere well to common construction adhesives.
Everything you need to know, from assembling supplies and setting up your workspace to laying the blocks and smoothing the surface, will be covered in this guide. You can make strong, eye-catching partitions that improve your home’s appearance and functionality by following these instructions.
With our comprehensive instructions, you can confidently take on this project regardless of your level of experience as a builder. Thus, prepare your tools, roll up your sleeves, and let’s begin converting your area with aerated concrete block partitions.
Step | Description |
1. Planning | Measure the area and determine the size of the partition. |
2. Gathering Materials | Purchase aerated concrete blocks, adhesive, and necessary tools. |
3. Preparing the Area | Clean the floor and walls where the partition will be built. |
4. Laying the First Row | Apply adhesive and place the first row of blocks, ensuring they are level. |
5. Building Up | Continue placing blocks row by row, applying adhesive between them. |
6. Cutting Blocks | Cut blocks to fit as needed using a saw. |
7. Reinforcing | Insert rebar or metal ties in every few rows for added strength. |
8. Finishing | Fill gaps with adhesive and smooth the surface. |
9. Curing | Allow the adhesive to dry and cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. |
An easy DIY project that can improve the design of your house is building partitions out of aerated concrete blocks. This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the entire process, from assembling the necessary supplies to adding the finishing touches, guaranteeing a reliable and polished outcome. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced do-it-yourselfer, these simple instructions will empower you to confidently build enduring, effective partitions that satisfy your unique requirements.
- Features of aerated concrete partitions
- Criteria for selecting blocks
- Brand
- Dimensions
- Thickness
- Foundation calculation
- Construction
- Preparatory work
- First row
- Subsequent rows
- The last row
- The device of the openings
- Finishing
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Features of aerated concrete partitions
Partitions made of aerated concrete blocks are a wall structure that is used for zoning or dividing the interior space of a room.
For a long time, brick was used to make them, but more modern materials, like aerated concrete, have taken its place. Products made from this raw material are frequently used because of their superior strength, light weight, and other technical and physical benefits.
Not only are internal partitions different from external walls in terms of the working environment, but they also have different requirements.
A variety of limitations are placed on them based on the circumstances of use:
- Design features. Unlike capital external walls, dividing elements do not accept the load-bearing load from the floors and roofing cake. They interact with interfloor ceilings or foundations.
- Specifics of placement. The location of structures depends on the project features. However, there are various restrictions (they cannot be placed near a window).
Building codes place limitations on partitions, including the following:
- Low weight. As the weight of the walls increases, the load on the foundation increases. If the structure is heavy, a more durable and powerful foundation will need to be erected.
- Strength properties. For long-term operation of dividing elements, it is necessary to organize reliable masonry and protect them from negative impacts in the form of mechanical impacts. At the same time, the material used must withstand the load from hanging furniture or a suspended TV, air conditioner. Each fastener must withstand at least 25 kg of load.
- Thickness. Since the partition performs both sound and heat insulation, it must have an acceptable thickness. However, so that the structure is not too thick, it is important to observe a reasonable balance.
- Compliance with fire safety standards. This is one of the key requirements. It is determined by the minimum period of time during which the wall can withstand the source of ignition, preventing its spread.
- Insulation layer. It is indispensable in cases where the structure is located between rooms with a temperature difference of more than 10 ° C. Ignoring these requirements, you will have to overpay for utilities.
- Environmental safety. The partition must be safe for the health of residents and not emit toxic substances during operation.
Partitions made of aerated concrete meet all of the specified specifications and are superior to other products on the market in many aspects. The following operational benefits are also theirs:
- Ease and speed of installation. Aerated concrete blocks can even be processed mechanically, giving them any shape and configuration. The master can also easily make holes and grooves for utility lines. The construction process takes a little time, which is due to the reduced weight and size of the dividing structures.
- Neat appearance. The material is characterized by precise dimensions, so even and neat partitions are created on its basis. Precise geometry allows builders to replace the traditional sand-cement mixture with more modern adhesive compositions. As a result, the thickness of the seams does not exceed 1-3 mm.
- Excellent thermal insulation.
- Compliance with environmental safety requirements. The material contains cement, sand and gas formers (in most cases, aluminum-based), which remain inert at any temperature. The aerated concrete partition remains completely safe and does not emit toxic elements. It also remains fire-resistant and durable.
The aforementioned benefits and features have made the installation of aerated concrete partitions very common.
Criteria for selecting blocks
Size, strength grade, and other characteristics can vary in aerated concrete blocks for partitions. You must carefully consider and compute the necessary parameters in order to identify the best option that will fit the features of a residential property.
Brand
The purpose of the interior partitions must be considered when selecting a material brand. It is customary to use a block numbered D500 or D600 for a load-bearing wall inside a building. The density indicators are high enough to support the hanging of up to 150 kg of furniture, décor, and other interior details on the partitions.
Blocks bearing the D400–D350 brand may be used to construct a lightweight partition that won’t be subjected to heavy loads.
Dimensions
The dimensions are the next partitioning parameter. The stone’s traditional dimensions are 200–250 mm in height and 600–625 mm in length. With a 25 mm step, the thickness ranges from 75 to 200 mm. Aerated concrete block sizes can change based on how the building is laid up.
Thickness
To determine the amount of aerated concrete needed for every square meter of partition, there are no specific thickness requirements. Nonetheless, this feature has an impact on the structure’s ability to withstand loads and mechanical impacts as well as its soundproofing qualities. These qualities improve with block thickness.
Simultaneously, a partition with a 100 mm thickness cannot be higher than 3 meters. In the event that the values surpass this threshold, 150-200 mm blocks will need to be used.
Foundation calculation
Aerated concrete block partitions require multiple foundation arrangements to be calculated before they are installed. These days, you can obtain precise values without utilizing intricate formulas and mathematical computations thanks to the many online calculators that are available. To obtain the desired outcome, the user only needs to input the basic parameters.
Construction
It’s crucial to review all installation guidelines and specifications when determining how to construct an aerated concrete partition:
- When installing partitions, it is necessary to tie the vertical seams so that the joint between the material in a horizontal row is not at the same level under the lower or upper joint. The optimal distance between the seams is 20 cm.
- The upper part of the structure should not touch the ceiling. A gap of 1.5-2 cm is left between the upper block and the ceiling – it must be filled with construction foam or any other insulating material. In this case, temperature fluctuations and deflection of the ceiling will not lead to deformation or cracks in the block.
- The partition is fixed on adjacent walls with a step of up to 1 m in height. Compliance with these instructions will make the dividing element more durable and resistant to horizontal loads. It will also prevent cracks in the corners. Anchor plates made of stainless steel or galvanized steel are used as fasteners. Perforated tapes are also used.
- A special adhesive base should be used during the laying process. Cement-sand mortars are ineffective, since when using them you will need to additionally seal rough seams. The cost of high-quality glue is 2-3 times higher than cement, but the consumption of the latter is 5-6 times higher.
Preparatory work
There are several preparatory tasks that must be completed if using aerated concrete for partitions. Prior to anything else, you should gather the required supplies and equipment and give the walls and flooring a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt and construction debris.
A unique glue is applied during the installation process in addition to the aerated concrete itself, offering a robust and dependable bonding layer that can be up to 3 mm thick. You will need to use a small amount of cement if the foundation is uneven.
To fix the partitions, you should also buy connectors, metal rods, and polyurethane foam.
In order to finish construction work successfully, you should also have the following tools on hand:
- Hand saw or grinder.
- Notched spatula.
- Trowel.
- Chaser.
- Construction level.
- Rubber hammer.
- Grinding tool.
First row
The first step in building partition structures out of aerated concrete by hand is to lay the first row. It ought to be as smooth and even as feasible. When fixing subsequent layers, a lot of issues will arise if you ignore the geometry.
Putting floor and wall markings in place is the first step. Applying an adhesive composition (if the floor is even) or a cement-sand mixture (if the surface has numerous irregularities) is required, as indicated by the completed markings.
Along a horizontally stretched cord, the first row is arranged. However, using a laser level is advised for greater accuracy when working with masonry.
The maximum thickness of the seam that can be found between the first block and the wall is 0.5 cm. Utilizing a spatula, a unique glue is applied to the formed ends. There’s no need to apply an adhesive base to any grooves or protrusions on the aerated concrete block.
A building level should be used to check the masonry and a rubber hammer should be used to cascade the masonry in order to maintain the evenness of the partition.
Using a hacksaw, cut the remaining block so that it is 0.5 cm shorter than the space that has been created between the block and the wall. Once the installation is finished, you must pause to give the solution time to solidify.
Subsequent rows
The partition must then be constructed with the block’s displacement by half of its length in mind. A building level should be used for each stone you work with, and a cord or laser beam works best for leveling.
A few details to consider when installing gas silicate blocks for interior partitions are as follows:
- The structure is tied to the wall using T-shaped anchor elements, stainless steel corners or pieces of galvanized perforated tape. Dubel is used to fix metal elements.
- To increase the strength of the entire structure, rows with a diameter of 10 mm are placed every 2-3 rows. Reinforcement in the center is carried out using a stroborez.
- If the height of the partition exceeds 3.5 m and a length of 8 m, you will need the use of an enhancing reinforced belt.
The last row
Since the gas block lacks high strength qualities, loads applied on top of it may cause it to break or distort. As a result, they must be totally removed, with partitions placed 20 mm below the floor’s surface and ceilings above.
Pour the mounting construction foam into the space created by the blocks after cutting them to the ideal height before laying out the final row. She’s going to make a seam for spring compensation.
The device of the openings
The width of the openings must be considered when selecting an overlap technique. It is not necessary to use lintels if they are smaller than 80 cm. In order to position the joint in the middle of the opening, it is preferable to install them on a temporary frame. You can arrange the remaining rows in the traditional manner, keeping the seam offset in mind. It is best to take the frame apart after the adhesive base has dried.
Lintels covering large apertures are composed of metal, stone, or wood. If the partitions are thicker than 200 mm, permanent formwork composed of hollow U-shaped blocks can be utilized. In addition, they are attached to a temporary frame and secured with their ends. The resultant tray is fitted with a reinforced frame and filled with concrete mixture. The reinforcing structure can be taken down and work can resume after the concrete has been leveled along the upper plane.
Finishing
It’s important to thoroughly research the characteristics of the material and how well it works with various finishing options before beginning any finishing work. Components of aerated concrete include the following:
The listed raw materials are additionally combined with aluminum crumbs, and the resulting mass is then poured into forms. The material can be utilized for its intended purpose once it has fully solidified.
It is essential to select appropriate decorating options based on the properties of aerated concrete. The decorative layer shouldn’t impede the aerated concrete structures’ ability to maintain a specific level of humidity within residential buildings.
Plaster made of gypsum is a useful material for design. It’s available in bags weighing between 5 and 25 kg and has exceptional vapor permeability. You must adhere to the directions precisely in order to prepare the solution.
Perlite sand and gashneen lime are ingredients in the plaster. When these elements are combined, fire safety construction and sound insulation requirements are raised. Gypsum plasters don’t require putty for finishing or the need to apply a primer to the wall beforehand. However, because such a mixture is expensive, many builders choose to use a less expensive option that just consists of sand and cement.
In this instance, the chance of peeling plaster rises as moisture content does. Applying multiple finishing options to the wall is necessary to avoid such consequences.
Plasterboard made of gypsum can be used as a finishing touch. It is adaptable and suitable for any type of interior design.
Plasterboard comes in two varieties that can be purchased:
- For the ceiling. Its thickness is 9 mm.
- For walls. The thickness does not exceed 12 mm.
The following groups can also be made out of the material:
- Classic.
- Fire-resistant.
- Water-resistant.
- Combined.
Painting the walls is the last coat of finishing touches. It visually enlarges the interior and gives it a pleasing appearance.
A grinding machine is needed to level the wall before painting. Since paint cannot cover up wall imperfections, you can use sandpaper or a special grater if it is unavailable.
Primers are always applied before painting, and aerated concrete products are no different. Water-based paint works better for paint compositions.
Anybody wishing to improve their living space can tackle the practical and manageable task of building partitions using aerated concrete blocks. You don’t need a lot of construction experience to achieve a professional finish if you follow the step-by-step instructions. The secret is to be meticulous and take your time.
Plan out the layout of your partitions thoroughly first. Before you start, make sure you have all the equipment and supplies you’ll need. For your wall to be stable and last a long time, proper preparation is essential, including a level and sturdy foundation.
Make sure the blocks are plumb and level as you lay them. This guarantees that your wall will always be level and straight. A strong structure can be created by securely bonding the blocks together with the appropriate adhesive when applied correctly.
After the blocks are positioned, you can add finishing details to match the rest of your decor, like painting or plastering. This preserves the blocks’ surface while also improving their appearance.
You can design functional, aesthetically pleasing partitions that suit your needs by adhering to these guidelines. You’ll be pleased with the outcomes you get when you put in a little time and effort.