In the building industry, foam concrete has gained popularity, particularly for walls. Numerous benefits make this adaptable and lightweight material a desirable option for both residential and commercial projects. Its well-known insulating qualities, affordability, and simplicity of use all play a part in the rising demand for it.
Foam concrete is preferred for wall construction in large part due to its superior thermal insulation. Because of the material’s special composition, air is trapped inside its structure, which drastically lowers heat transfer. Buildings that are more energy-efficient as a result can help keep interior temperatures comfortable all year long and save money on heating and cooling.
Apart from its insulating properties, foam concrete exhibits exceptional durability and resistance against fire, water, and pests. It is a dependable choice for long-lasting structures that need little upkeep because of these qualities. Its ability to withstand fire can improve a building’s safety by giving its occupants an additional degree of protection.
Another important advantage of working with foam concrete is its ease of use. It is easily moldable into a wide range of sizes and forms, providing endless design possibilities. Its lightweight nature is appreciated by builders as it makes transportation and installation easier and expedites the construction process without sacrificing quality.
All things considered, foam concrete walls offer a useful and effective answer to contemporary building requirements. The use of foam concrete is expected to increase as more people become aware of its advantages. It provides an inventive way to construct sturdy, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient buildings.
- Foam concrete: what is it?
- Brief description of the material
- What are the main advantages and disadvantages of foam concrete buildings
- House Weight Calculator
- Overview of some types of material
- Types of products made of foam concrete and their application
- Classification according to the area of use
- The procedure for carrying out work on the construction of walls from foam concrete
- What to choose for masonry: glue or solution?
- Construction of walls
- Calculation of the composition of the mortar for masonry work
- Video on the topic
- What to build a house from, what material to choose?
- What is CHEAPER to build a house from?
- Materials for building a house. What to build a house from? How much will the house cost?
- What material is MORE ECONOMICAL to build a house from?
Foam concrete: what is it?
This stuff is well known. It is an example of cellular concrete, which is distinguished by a porous structure that develops from the addition of a foaming agent—a specialized ingredient—to the composition. Let’s familiarize ourselves with the content in greater detail.
Brief description of the material
Given that the types of products and their range of applications will be examined in this review, it will be pertinent to quickly go over the primary features and makeup of the products.
- The components in the mixture for the manufacture of products contain the following: cement, sand, water, the above-mentioned foaming agent, as well as additives in the form of a plasticizer and chemical components, with the help of which manufacturers can regulate the future properties of the material.
- The foaming agent provokes swelling of the solution and the formation of cells, the number of which directly affects thermal efficiency.
- The amount of cement in relation to the content of other raw materials determines the future density and strength. The more of this component, the stronger the material will be. The cement grade is also an important point, it should be high, about M400 – 500.
- According to GOST, the bulk density can be from 300 to 1200 kg / m3. The scope of application of the products is inextricably linked with this value, but we will talk about this in more detail below.
- The material can have frost resistance grades from 15 to 50. External walls can be erected from a block whose frost resistance is not lower than 25. But as for partition and heat-insulating foam blocks, there are no limits for them. This property – or, more precisely, its numerical value, is not regulated by the quality standard.
- Thermal conductivity is one of the main qualities of the material in question, because in many ways, due to its ability to retain heat, developers prefer foam concrete. The value can range from 0.08 to 0.37 W * mC. The nominal wall thickness depends on the indicator in question and the density of the products. The minimum, as a rule, is 40 cm.
- Strength grades correspond to the average density and vary in the range from B1.0 to B12.5.
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of foam concrete buildings
Each of the topics being discussed has a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, it is important to determine whether it is worthwhile to give it any priority at all when planning construction before discussing the application and classifications.
- The composition indicates environmental friendliness, because the components are completely harmless to the environment.
- Fire resistance is confirmed by laboratory tests. Moreover, the material is characterized by relative heat resistance, it can be exposed to considerable temperatures for a certain time.
- Thermal efficiency has already been mentioned and this is a significant plus. Walls made of foam concrete blocks can make the room warm in winter. A low thermal conductivity coefficient indicates that the future owner will be able to save a lot on heating the home.
- Foam concrete wall blocks are also distinguished by vapor permeability. This means the possibility of establishing a favorable microclimate in the house, because the products "breathe".
- Strength characteristics and the indicator of bulk density make it possible to use the material in various areas of construction, from insulation to the construction of structures.
- Frost resistance has also been confirmed experimentally. According to the test results, the blocks can withstand up to 100 cycles of intermittent thawing and freezing.
- Ease of processing is another positive quality. Cutting or sawing the product is not difficult. You will need an ordinary hacksaw, saw or any other similar tool.
- Large dimensions will allow you to erect a building in the shortest possible time. Foam concrete wall blocks can replace the styling up to 14 bricks.
- The price is attractive to developers, it is significantly lower than that of other similar materials.
- The advantages also include the ability to produce products with your own hands and their subsequent use. The instructions below will help you easily build foam concrete walls.
- Many companies are engaged in the production of foam concrete, which gives the consumer the opportunity to choose and save on delivery costs.
- In conclusion of the list of positive aspects, it is worth mentioning the low weight. During construction, the load on the foundation will be reduced. In some cases, it is even permissible to build lightweight foundations.
Yes, the list of benefits is extensive and speaks for itself. But the shortcomings are also acknowledged.
Let’s think about them.
- The first thing I want to say is hygroscopicity. Probably, this is the main drawback. The fact is that the material absorbs moisture too actively, even though its pore structure is closed. That is, when carrying out construction work, you should remember this, and carry out finishing work taking into account the properties of cellular concrete. During transportation and storage, you should also not forget about this.
- We talked about the fact that production can be organized even at home, that is, the technology is not so complicated. This provoked the creation of a considerable number of handicraft productions, which increased the risk of buying low-quality products, because in this case it is not controlled by anyone.
- Weak resistance to tearing loads and bending is a significant drawback.
- Before fixing any objects, you need to stock up on special fasteners.
- Low resistance to mechanical impact is caused by the peculiarity of the material.
- Shrinkage is another disadvantage. The walls can crack as a result of this, and they will have to be restored using special compounds or glue used during masonry.
Crucial! Here’s a little warning though. The truth is that errors made during construction can also lead to cracks in foam concrete walls, in addition to shrinkage. For instance, improper foundation installation can result in the building being skewed, the walls warping, and other issues. The exact observance of technologies has a major impact on the quality of a foam concrete wall. That is, with the appropriate strategy, even the negative effects of shrinkage can be minimized.
- Since we talked about environmental friendliness above, it is worth adding that this issue may well be controversial. After all, different manufacturers use their own version of additives. For example, the use of asbestos is not the best option in terms of safety, since it is a carcinogen.
Foam concrete has fewer drawbacks, but they still need to be considered, particularly when designing a building and deciding on its function and other crucial aspects.
House Weight Calculator
Foam concrete walls’ unique combination of strength, insulation, and light weight is redefining the construction industry. This material, which is made of a cement, water, and foam mixture, is very versatile and easy to work with, making it perfect for a range of building projects. Because of its lighter weight, it has the ability to maintain energy efficiency while lowering construction costs and structural load. Foam concrete is a common material for both residential and commercial structures, and it provides a practical and affordable answer to today’s building problems.
Overview of some types of material
After a successful familiarization with the material, we can move on to the primary focus of our review: the kinds of products and the range of applications for which they are suitable.
Types of products made of foam concrete and their application
The most common kind, as everyone is already aware, are blocks.
They are employed in the building of structures as well as in insulation.
- Products can have different dimensions. The standard length is 60 or 62.5 cm. The width can be 40, 30, 50 cm, the height is 30, 25, 20 cm.
- The weight of the blocks depends on the size, but the mass of the masonry does not change.
- By purpose, they can be classified as follows: there are wall, partition and U-shaped blocks.
- Partitions are mounted using a partition type, a U-shaped product can serve, for example, as a stationary formwork or lintel.
- Blocks can be produced using two technologies, which differ in the methods of hardening: autoclave and non-autoclave. At the same time, finished products differ from each other. As a rule, an autoclave is of higher quality, has better geometry, a good combination of density and thermal conductivity, it is less fragile, and is not so susceptible to shrinkage.
- Hydration hardening products are cheaper, but before buying, you should seriously think about whether you will have to overpay later.
Crucial! Within the range, there are blocks with a facing side. Convenience and usefulness define their application. Nevertheless, the products’ price cannot be referred to as budgeted.
Developers are also frequent users of foam concrete lintels.
- They can be purchased ready-made. Their dimensions are different, and products can also be made to order.
- Lintels for openings made of foam concrete can be made independently. This procedure is not complicated and will not take much time.
- However, it is worth considering that a self-made part is only suitable for narrow openings.
- Foam concrete lintel is made using the blocks themselves. They are glued, reinforced and allowed to dry.
Foam concrete wall panels are a relatively new product type that is frequently used.
- Concrete panels are produced in the form of single-, three- or two-layer products. Specifically, single-layer panels are made of foam concrete.
- During production, they are reinforced with a special mesh or frame made of reinforcement.
- Standard sizes are 6 (12) * 1.2 (1.8) meter panels.
- For buildings with window openings, products measuring 1.5 * 3 meters are manufactured. The thickness is 20-50 cm.
- This material is used to build walls of houses and partitions.
- The product can be composite and one-piece.
- Construction using panels will be as fast as possible due to the dimensions of the products.
It is important to discuss the use of the substance in question in liquid form separately. It creates monolithic foam concrete walls when used. It also produces noise and heat insulation for roofs and other structures. Filling frames is a common way to provide insulation.
Classification according to the area of use
Which type of foam concrete is appropriate for load-bearing walls, do you know? What qualities does the material need to have in order to be utilized for this kind of purpose?
The categorization of the material according to its intended use contains the answer to this query.
- Your plans include the construction of walls from the material in question, and the house will be 3 stories high? You need to purchase structural products. They have the highest possible specific gravity (up to 1200 kg / m3) and are able to withstand significant loads.
- But for insulation you will need a material called heat-insulating. It is used not only in the form of blocks, but also in liquid form. Its thermal efficiency is quite high. The thermal conductivity coefficient does not exceed 0.12 W*mC. But the density is low, it is 300-400 kg/m3.
- Most often, developers pay attention to the structural and thermal insulation block. It is moderately durable, and the room built from it promises to be warm. The bulk density is 500-900 kg/m3, which is enough for the construction of a 1-2-story building.
Fascinating information A substance known as structural-porous exists. Its density is capable of reaching 1600 kg/m3. Due to insufficient demand, large-scale production of these products has not been established. However, they can be ordered and purchased.
The procedure for carrying out work on the construction of walls from foam concrete
And now for a quick discussion of wall-building technology.
What to choose for masonry: glue or solution?
Let’s first determine which is better to use: mortar or glue.
Professionals generally recommend using a customized composition due to its many benefits, including:
- The mixture is able to emphasize the properties of the material;
- It is easy to use;
- It is characterized by plasticity, strength and low thermal conductivity;
- The thickness of the seam during masonry can be minimal, which will reduce the number of cold bridges;
- The latter fact, in turn, will help save money when insulating the structure, because you will not have to insulate so intensively.
Since the solution is a cold conductor, the seam thickness used in wall construction won’t be minimal. It takes a lot of work to mix the solution, and the masonry process will take longer.
A construction team will almost certainly charge more for their services, making up for the savings on masonry material. This is especially true when laying the block on the solution.
Kindly take note! Should the block’s geometry be highly unsatisfactory, you won’t be forced to make a decision. It makes sense to place these products on mortar because they will use a lot of glue and have a limited maximum seam thickness.
Construction of walls
Kindly take note! It doesn’t matter that a gas block is visible in some of the pictures because it is the closest relative of the material under consideration and is laid similarly.
Table 1: Wall-laying technology
- Not any corner is taken, but only the one that is higher in level than the others. The first product is laid there.
- It is called "beacon", since it is a good reference point.
- A mooring cord is placed between the products. It is pulled and fixed.
- In the case when the blocks are located too far, it is worth installing the products in the gaps between them.
The same concept applies to the mounting of partitions. The image below displays the foam concrete wall and partition nodes.
Given that we brought up the monolithic material, it is worthwhile to take a quick look at the wall-pouring technology.
Thus, liquid foam concrete on the walls: a guide to applying the substance.
- First of all, the tools are prepared: wooden boards and bars, a hammer, nails, a screwdriver, gypsum fiber board, self-tapping screws, a metal profile.
- Next, you should build a frame. Since the mixture is quite liquid, it should be as airtight as possible.
- Gypsum board is often attached to a wooden frame using self-tapping screws.
- The joints between the sheets are sealed.
- At the last stage, monolithic foam concrete is poured.
- You can also use removable formwork, but it is used less often in the case of using liquid foam concrete.
Many people are curious as to whether foam concrete can be used to construct bathroom walls. After all, it fears moisture, as was previously mentioned. Yes, this is accurate; however, if everything is finished properly, nothing bad will happen.
There are various ways to safeguard the wall:
- Plastering and subsequent coating of the surface with a water-repellent composition: varnish, paint, for example.
- Installation of moisture-resistant panels.
- Finishing with ceramic tiles.
That is to say, if you strictly adhere to all technologies, a foam concrete wall in a bathroom is a perfectly acceptable option.
Are you curious about all the potential applications of foam concrete? Check out this article’s video.
Calculation of the composition of the mortar for masonry work
Topic | Details |
Material | Foam concrete is a lightweight building material made by mixing cement, water, and foam. |
Construction | Used for building walls, foam concrete offers good insulation and soundproofing properties. |
Advantages | It is easy to work with, fire-resistant, and eco-friendly. |
Applications | Commonly used in residential buildings, commercial structures, and for insulation purposes. |
Foam concrete walls are becoming a common option in contemporary building because of their special blend of strength and light weight. This material is easily worked with and uses less energy than other materials because it is made of cement, water, sand, and a foaming agent. Builders use it for everything from small residential projects to large commercial buildings because they appreciate its versatility.
The superior thermal and acoustic insulation qualities of foam concrete are among its main benefits. As a result, homes with foam concrete walls require less additional heating and cooling because they stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. It’s also the perfect option for urban settings where noise abatement is essential due to its soundproofing properties.
The ease of construction and its speed are two more important advantages. Foam concrete can be quickly assembled and customized by pouring it into molds of different sizes and shapes. Because of its lightweight design, the foundation will be under less stress, which could result in cost savings in other areas of the construction.
When selecting foam concrete, it’s crucial to take each project’s unique requirements into account. Even though it has a lot of benefits, not all construction types will always benefit from it. It is important to assess elements like load-bearing requirements and environmental circumstances to make sure the material satisfies the relevant requirements.
To sum up, foam concrete walls offer a useful and effective solution for a variety of construction projects. Their versatility, ease of use, and insulating qualities make them a great choice for the building sector. We should anticipate seeing even more creative uses for this adaptable substance as methods and technology advance.