Selecting the proper materials is essential to guaranteeing the longevity, energy efficiency, and general comfort of a house, especially as it represents a substantial financial commitment. Gas block, sometimes referred to as aerated concrete, is a common choice for contemporary construction. Due to its excellent thermal insulation properties and ease of use, this lightweight, versatile material has become more and more popular. But how do you choose the ideal gas block for your project when there are so many different kinds on the market?
Think about things like density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity when choosing gas blocks for your home. These attributes may have an impact on your home’s overall performance, structural soundness, and insulation quality. Understanding how different gas block brands and types differ from one another can help you make an informed choice. Different brands and types offer varying levels of these properties.
The choice of gas blocks may also be influenced by the climate in your area and your particular construction requirements. For example, lower-density blocks may be appropriate in warmer climates to improve ventilation, while higher-density blocks may be preferred in colder climates for better insulation. Additionally, you can save time and money during the construction process by taking into account the ease of installation and compatibility with other building materials.
This article will examine the salient characteristics of different gas blocks and offer an analysis of their benefits and limitations. By the time you’re done, you’ll know more about the kinds of aerated concrete that are ideal for your house, guaranteeing a comfortable, durable, and energy-efficient living area.
- Autoclaved or non-autoclaved
- What thickness of aerated concrete to choose
- What density
- Strength classes
- Tables of strength classes
- Aerated concrete with or without a groove
- Gas block for partitions
- Video on the topic
- Which blocks to choose for building a house: Bonolit vs Cubi Block
- What density of aerated concrete to choose for building a house
Autoclaved or non-autoclaved
- Autoclaved.
- Non-autoclaved.
Using specialized machinery, the first is produced on an industrial scale. An autoclave is a sizable building where pressure and temperature are used to give concrete its functional properties.
The final product has the right shape, and there are no more than 1 mm of deviations from the given measurements. One characteristic of autoclaved blocks is their uniform surface structure. High heat conductivity and resistance to large loads are guaranteed by this feature.
Although it is possible to make non-autoclaved aerated concrete at home, the finished products will have a heterogeneous structure and several shape deviations.
In order to determine which aerated concrete is superior, you must
- Aeroc.
- UDK.
- Ytong.
- Stonelight.
What thickness of aerated concrete to choose
One crucial factor influencing thermal conductivity is block thickness: the thicker the structure, the better it will hold heat.
It is advised to use aerated concrete with a heat loss resistance of 3.5 m2 / W * K for the Russian Federation’s central regions.
- D300 – 300 mm.
- D400 – 400 mm.
- D500 – 500 mm.
- D600 – 600 mm.
Building thicker walls is advised to lower the room’s heating expenses. The weight of the thick armored belts, roofing cake, and interfloor ceilings will be distributed equally by them.
It is typical to select a material with a 300 mm thickness for a load-bearing wall. The range of ideal heights is 200–250 mm. There will be fewer rows required the higher the product. This lowers the quantity of glue used as well, but it causes a lot of challenges when masonry is being done.
What density
Knowing the material’s density indicators will help you decide which type of aerated concrete to use when building a home. It is common practice to use concrete with a density grade ranging from D300 to D600 when building low-rise structures.
Low-density blocks are known for their good heat retention, but this has a detrimental effect on their strength indicators.
Strength classes
Aerated concrete comes in multiple strength classes.
- B1.5 — suitable for the construction of houses with 1-1.5 floors.
- B2 — for houses with 1.5 and 2.5 floors.
- B2.5 — designed for buildings with two and three floors.
- B3.5, B5 — durable material that is used in the construction of buildings up to 5 floors.
Tables of strength classes
The following values are regulated by modern classification:
Grade of aerated concrete | Compressive strength indicators | Average strength (kg/cm²) | |
D300 (300 kg/m³) | B0.75- B1 | 10-15 | |
D400 | B1.5- B2.5 | 25-32 | |
D500 | B1.5- B3.5 | 25-46 | |
D600 | B2- B4 | 30-55 | |
D700 | B2- B5 | 30-65 | |
D800 | B3.5- B7.5 | 46-98 | |
D900 | B3.5- B10 | 46-13 |
Particularly well-liked is the D300 series’ novel material, which has excellent strength characteristics. There is a need for these gas blocks when constructing two-story homes. Additionally, there are more resilient grades that have compressive strengths of up to 1100–1200 kg/m³. They are employed in the building of large, heavier objects or multi-story structures.
When developers use aerated concrete with a minimum density, cracks tend to form in the building material. As a result, selecting autoclaved options with a D400 density is preferable.
Installing an insulating layer is the primary use for low-density aerated concrete (D150–D200). Selecting it to construct walls won’t work.
Aerated concrete with or without a groove
Because they feature unique pockets that are comfortable to grasp with your hands, aerated concrete blocks with grooves have the benefit of being easier to transport. This design element is also present in flat models without grooves.
With the first kind, masonry is completed considerably more quickly and with less adhesive consumption. However, since the grooves frequently need to be sawed off or removed with a float, they can be uncomfortable to install extra blocks.
Aerated concrete blocks should be chosen for your home based on a number of important considerations, such as strength, ease of installation, and insulation qualities. Aerated concrete blocks are a common option for contemporary homes because they are energy-efficient, lightweight, and offer good thermal insulation. When choosing blocks, take into account your budget, the load-bearing capacity of your structure, and the unique climate conditions in your area. While some blocks may provide higher structural strength, others may offer better thermal performance. You can ensure that your home is both comfortable and long-lasting by making an informed decision by being aware of these distinctions.
Gas block for partitions
Aerated concrete is frequently utilized in the construction of partitions to divide up room space because of its high performance characteristics. Only after the external walls have been completed is the construction of such structures started.
The partitions will require additional reinforcement with reinforcing elements if their length surpasses 8 meters and their height is greater than 3.5 meters. You must ensure that the thickness you choose will maintain the wall’s stability. A top-notch cement layer, 1-3 mm thick, ensures increased strength and dependability.
There are expansion joints to lessen the pressure on the aerated concrete partition. Their height can reach 20 mm, and materials with shock-absorbing qualities such as mineral wool or polyurethane foam are used to fill the interior space. A similar principle is used to join the partition’s edges to the supporting structures. Reinforced concrete structures link the partition to the wall.
Feature | Recommendation |
Density | Choose a medium density for a good balance of strength and insulation. |
Thermal Insulation | Look for blocks with high thermal insulation to save on heating costs. |
Compressive Strength | Ensure the blocks have enough strength to support the structure of your house. |
Moisture Resistance | Opt for blocks with good moisture resistance to prevent dampness. |
Price | Compare prices and choose a reputable brand within your budget. |
When selecting a gas block for a building project, there are a number of crucial considerations to make. The density of the blocks should be examined first. Blocks with a higher density are more durable and strong, which makes them appropriate for load-bearing walls. Better insulation is provided by lower density blocks, which is excellent for energy economy and preserving a comfortable interior temperature.
The size and form of the blocks is another important consideration. Standard sizes fit in well with other building materials and are generally easier to work with. Interlocking systems, which certain manufacturers offer, can speed up and improve the accuracy of construction. It’s also important to look at the blocks’ surface finishes because smoother surfaces can facilitate and lower the cost of finishing tasks like painting or plastering.
Remember to take the manufacturer’s reputation into account. Well-known brands with a track record of maintaining quality are frequently the safer option. Verify the blocks’ certifications and compliance with regional building codes in addition to making sure they fulfill the requirements for your project.
Lastly, consider your financial situation and individual needs. Premium blocks are more expensive even though they might provide the best performance. To keep your project within your budget and still meet your requirements for strength, insulation, and overall performance, it is imperative to strike a balance between quality and cost.
To sum up, selecting the ideal gas block for your home requires a thorough assessment of factors like density, size, manufacturer reputation, and cost. Through careful consideration of these variables, you can select the best building blocks to build a strong, economical, and energy-efficient house.