Pros and cons of tongue-and-groove blocks

Tongue-and-groove blocks are becoming more and more common in contemporary building because of their distinctive appearance and useful features. Because of the way these blocks are designed to fit together snugly, walls and other structures are more stable. Consequently, they provide a simpler and more effective building process when compared to conventional masonry techniques.

The ease of installation of tongue-and-groove blocks is one of their main benefits. Because of the interlocking design, less mortar is needed during assembly, which speeds up the process and minimizes mess on the job site. They are a desirable alternative for both builders and homeowners because they can drastically reduce construction time and labor expenses.

Tongue-and-groove blocks do have some disadvantages, though. Although they offer superior thermal insulation, uneven surfaces may cause their interlocking system to be less accommodating. This implies that getting the best results requires a foundation that is precisely level. Furthermore, these blocks may cost more than traditional bricks or blocks, so projects with a tight budget may want to take that into account.

Despite these difficulties, tongue-and-groove blocks frequently have more advantages than disadvantages, especially for those seeking a quick, effective, and long-lasting building solution. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages will help you decide if this cutting-edge building material is the best fit for your upcoming construction project.

Types of tongue-and-groove blocks (slabs)

There are two varieties of tongue-and-groove slabs (PGP) based on composition:

  • Gypsum. They are produced by casting. The composition of tongue-and-groove gypsum blocks includes building gypsum (grades G-4 or G-5) and plasticizers. The level of thermal insulation of gypsum tongue-and-groove slabs is quite high: a gypsum block 8 cm thick is equivalent to a 400 mm thick concrete wall.
  • Silicate. Composition: a mixture of quartz sand, water and lime (quicklime). Silicate tongue-and-groove blocks have very similar characteristics to gypsum.

The slabs are split into trapezoidal and rectangular groove/ridge-shaped blocks.

There are various varieties of tongue-and-groove slabs (TGS) produced:

  • Standard. Recommended for use in rooms with dry and normal humidity conditions (up to 60% humidity). The wall should not be higher than 4.2 m.
  • Hydrophobic (moisture-resistant), which include hydrophobic additives that promote less water absorption. The material is painted greenish.

Crucial! Maximum loads for gypsum blocks are 872 kgf for standard products and 910 kgf for moisture-resistant tongue-and-groove gypsum blocks.

  • Shungite (in the composition includes coal: that"s why they are black).

Counseling! When setting up rooms with a lot of radiating devices, we advise using tongue-and-groove shungite slabs because they are good at absorbing different kinds of radiation.

Release of Pas-grained blocks:

  • Hollowers, which are most often used to build partitions in apartments and country houses.
  • Full -bodied (an average of 25% heavier hollow). Used for the construction of walls in industrial and public buildings.

Speaking of which, Occasionally, two structures are built using hollow or full-bodied products, with the insulation, electrical wiring, and other necessary communications hidden in the space between them.

The main indicators characterizing PGP

The following are the primary technical attributes of the plates using the PAZ-Coasting System:

  • The heat resistance resistance is 0.025 (h × m × ° C)/kcal;
  • noise insulation coefficient – from 35 to 41 dB;
  • density – 1350 kg/m³;
  • Water absorption: in moisture resistant – about 5%; in standard plates – from 26 to 32%;

A tongue-and-groove slab’s standard dimensions are 667 x 500 mm, and its width can range from 80 to 120 mm depending on the application area.

The total weight of the masonry is determined by the weight of a single product: a standard-sized, hollow, tongue-and-groove gypsum block (667×500×80) weighs approximately 23 kg, while a solid one weighs approximately 31 kg.A silicate block, measuring 500×250×70 mm, weighs approximately 15.6 kg.

Gypsum blocks have superior heat and sound insulation than silicate blocks because their densities are 1350 kg/m³ and 1870 kg/m³, respectively.

Advantages and disadvantages of tongue-and-groove blocks

Products featuring a tongue-and-groove locking connection have the following primary benefits:

  • have a high level of vapor and gas permeability;
  • can be used in areas with any climatic conditions;
  • the speed of work increases due to the fixed dimensions of the material;
  • are fire-resistant material (they can withstand temperatures of 1100°C for 3 hours without losing their load-bearing capacity);
  • they are odorless and do not emit toxic gases;
  • environmental;
  • not subject to decay;
  • do not carry out an electric shock;
  • They are easy to mount (dimensions and weight allow, it is not necessary to use special equipment);

  • there is no need to make final plastering of surfaces;
  • Any type of final finish is possible;
  • have good strength characteristics (grooves can withstand furniture weighing up to 220 kg).

The sole drawback of these products is their comparatively high price, but the absence of finishing wall requirements more than offsets the cost of construction materials.

Which is a better option: grooves, expanded clay concrete blocks, or foam blocks? Make your own decision based on the features that each kind of product has to offer.

General requirements when working with grooves

When using gypsum PGP, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • we install the tongue-and-groove slabs before finishing work and arranging the finished floor;
  • the air temperature inside the room should be above +5° C;
  • before installation, we treat the products with a primer (to improve the performance characteristics of the slabs);
  • we stack the products on top of each other (no more than 2 m high).

Technology for constructing a partition from gypsum plasterboard

Gypsum plasterboard needs to be brought into the space and left there for a while before installation.

Preparatory stage

We carry out the following adjustments:

  • We remove dust and dirt from the base, walls and ceiling.
  • If there are large irregularities on the base, we arrange a leveling screed from sand-cement mortar (grade not lower than M50).
  • After the leveling layer has dried and gained the required strength, we mark the location of the partition on the floor.

Crucial! The doorway’s location on the floor needs to be marked.

  • We prepare assembly glue for gypsum products: pour dry gypsum mixture into a container with cold, clean water; wait 2-3 minutes and mix with a spatula until a homogeneous creamy consistency is achieved.
  • Along the entire perimeter of the partition (i.e. the floor, walls and ceiling), glue the elastic gasket using mounting glue.

Reminder: After the dry mixture is added to the water, the prepared mortar mixture of adhesive putty needs to be consumed within 30 minutes.

Main works

The following is the order of the works:

  • Only after the mounting glue has completely hardened (under the gasket), begin to apply the adhesive composition to the gasket and install the products of the 1st row: Install the PGP on the large edge with the groove up or down.

Counseling! In order to ensure that the adhesive solution is evenly distributed throughout the groove cavity, we advise installing the products with the groove facing up. Use a hacksaw to cut the ridges off of each slab in the first row in order to accomplish this. Next, use a stripping plane to prepare the surfaces.

  • Sit the PGP with a rubber mallet.
  • When joining blocks, apply glue to the groove located in the vertical end plane of the slab.
  • Slabs in contact with the wall are also installed with glue.
  • Using a level, we constantly check the correct installation of the gypsum plasterboard vertically and horizontally.

  • We cut out the cut elements of the slab (additional ones) with a hacksaw and lay them end-to-end with whole products. The thickness of the seams is no more than 0.2 cm.

Crucial! It is not acceptable to have through vertical joints.

  • In places where the slabs are joined and where the partitions intersect with each other, we make a transverse groove in one of the slabs using a hacksaw and a trowel (so that the installation of the upper rows of slabs is carried out with overlapping the joints of the lower rows).
  • We apply glue to the groove of the lower slab and install the upper slab so that the joint of the lower row overlaps.

Crucial! The gypsum plasterboard needs to be laid with the end joints staggered.

  • We fasten the slabs to the walls using certain brackets. We install the bracket in the groove of the already mounted slab and fasten it with self-tapping screws to the slab and anchors to the wall. Then from above we install the gypsum board on glue.
  • When arranging openings for doors and windows, we install a wooden structure that supports the slabs in a fixed position until the adhesive solution hardens.

Note: Take out the lintel once the glue has dried.

  • Leave a gap (about 2 cm) between the ceiling and the last row of slabs.

Suggestion: The last row’s products can be arranged on the smaller edge (vertical) to minimize waste.

Final stage

  • After the mounting glue has hardened, process the surface of the outer corner with a stripping plane.
  • Apply putty to the surface of the corner, into which we press a galvanized metal profile to protect the corner.
  • Fill the gap between the erected wall and the ceiling with glue or polyurethane foam.

  • Putty the joints between the blocks.
  • After the mounting glue that secures the corner profile has hardened, level the surfaces of the corner with putty.
  • We seal the internal corners between the wall and the partition, between the partition and the ceiling: first, we apply the mortar mixture to the surfaces of the sides of the corner, then level it (with a spatula for internal corners), lay the reinforcing tape and embed it in the mortar mixture (with a spatula).
  • We putty the surfaces of the outer corner with a protective corner again.
  • After the mortar mixture has dried, we clean and sand the surface of the partition.
  • We prime and paint the entire surface of the partition.

Building a partition with your hands won’t be too difficult if you follow this work description.

Pros Cons
Easy to install due to tongue-and-groove design Higher cost compared to regular blocks
Good thermal insulation properties Requires careful alignment during installation
Lightweight and easy to handle Less strong than traditional concrete blocks
Reduces construction time Limited availability in some regions

Tongue-and-groove blocks are a common choice in construction because they have several benefits. Their interlocking construction expedites construction by simplifying assembly and lowering the requirement for mortar. There may be large labor savings as a result. Furthermore, the accuracy of these blocks guarantees a more snug fit, improving the walls’ structural integrity and insulating qualities.

But there are a few disadvantages to take into account. Because of how they are made, tongue-and-groove blocks may be more expensive than regular blocks. This could have an effect on a construction project’s overall budget. Moreover, their weight can present difficulties, necessitating cautious handling and possibly raising transportation expenses.

For many builders, however, tongue-and-groove blocks are a better option than a drawback despite these difficulties. They are a wise investment due to their superior strength and insulation qualities as well as their ease of use. Examining the benefits and drawbacks of tongue-and-groove blocks when choosing building materials for a new construction will enable you to make an informed choice that best meets the requirements of the project.

Popular building materials with many benefits, including strong, interlocking design that assures structural stability, superior thermal insulation, and ease of installation, are tongue-and-groove blocks. They do have some disadvantages, though, such as being more expensive than conventional blocks and possibly posing installation-related precision issues. To assist you in deciding whether tongue-and-groove blocks are the best option for your building project, this article will examine these benefits and drawbacks.

Video on the topic

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Andrey Ivanov

Experienced civil engineer with more than 20 years of experience. Specializing in the construction of industrial and civil facilities. Author of many publications in professional journals.

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