The operational properties of the foam block made it one of the most popular materials on the construction market. But they also led to special requirements for the methods of its installation. For such purposes, special fasteners are used - in particular, an anchor for the foam block, which is distinguished by its design and technical and physical properties.
What are the features of foam block fixation?
Among the main technical and structural properties of foam and gas silicate building materials, the porosity of the structure can be distinguished. This is a positive quality from the point of view of processing the block, but it complicates the fastening of structures, since the slightest load crumbles the material. For example, if you need to fix electrical equipment, a piece of furniture or utility lines on a wall from a foam block, with a conventional connection with nails or screws, the base will collapse. At the same time, the foam block anchor allows you to distribute the loads so that they do not affect the attachment zones pointwise. But the anchor itself does not guarantee the reliability of the installation, therefore, its choice should be treated carefully, evaluating comprehensively the characteristics of this hardware.
Metal Anchor Fasteners
This is the most common category of anchor hardware, which is most often used in the installation of various household items to the walls of a porous block. The structural difference of the metal foam block anchor is a round head with a slot, which facilitates the installation of objects to a vertical surface. The basis of the fastening material itself is galvanized alloy, which is not subjected to corrosion and other negative processes of destruction. Therefore, for example, it is possible to install mirrors on it, elements of a kitchen set and lighting devices in rooms with high humidity. Depending on the modification, the design of such an anchor can be supplemented by countersunk screws, rings, hollow collets, spacers and other elements.
Plastic anchor joint
In the design of such hardware there is a plastic component that performs the function of a spacer in the mounting hole. A self-tapping screw, bolt or dowel, suitable in size, is screwed into it. Which anchors are better for foam blocks - plastic or metal? It depends on the type of material being fixed. As already noted, galvanized metal hardware focuses on the bearing function, holding overall objects. As for the plastic elements, they are suitable for hollow materials, drywall fiber panels and other thin-sheet plates. Due to its elastic structure, plastic optimally distributes loads in the holes and interacts with materials sensitive to local dynamic pressure. If you need to perform wall mounting of drywall to the foam block, a long plastic anchor will be the best solution.
Chemical Anchor Features
A modern type of fastener, which is also called glue. A feature of this hardware is the formation of a viscous base penetrating into the pores of the foam block material. This is achieved with a cartridge or capsule with an adhesive synthetic resin, which is released when the main hardware is twisted. Externally, the chemical anchor for foam blocks looks like a tube with silicone sealant. By the way, the active mixture is sometimes compared with liquid nails - at least after hardening the same effect is provided. Glue fasteners have many advantages, from high bearing capacity to environmental cleanliness and versatility in terms of compatibility with a variety of "weak" materials. The disadvantage is the complicated installation technique, which provides for the use of a special mounting gun.
How to fix the anchor in the foam block?
The operation is performed in the following sequence:
- Create a hole. This problem is solved by an electric drill with a nozzle corresponding in diameter to the spacer part of the anchor hardware. At the same time, the fasteners must be held tight so that subsequently sufficient clamping force is formed for stable fixation.
- Hole cleaning. After drilling, foam block chips with dust will remain in the formed well. This garbage must be removed from the niche using a construction vacuum cleaner or a rubber bulb.
- Next, proceed to the direct installation of the supporting hardware. A spacer part of the anchor, the so-called shirt, is introduced into the prepared hole. If necessary, it can be driven with a hammer or a mallet, but given the low strength of the foam block, it is better to avoid such manipulations. Ultimately, the entire shaft, with the exception of the head with the edges of the spacer, must be recessed into the hole.
- If we are talking about installing chem. anchor for the foam block, then instead of the hammer for clogging, the already mentioned mounting gun is used. With it, an adhesive is introduced from the cartridge into the hole.
- At the final stage, the nut is tightened on the head of the peering screw. As it twists, a tight fixation of the spacer in the hole cavity will be ensured.
Anchor Reviews
Builders often use this type of fastener in relation to foam block structures. The main advantages of this application include the minimum destructive effect for the base material, high reliability and minimal impact on the appearance of the work surface where the fasteners were made. In any case, the fixing unit can easily be masked with complete plugs. As for the negative reviews about the foam block anchors, they are mostly associated with dismantling activities. If a regular screw or self-tapping screw can be removed carefully and without causing serious harm to the structure of the base, then disassembling the anchor joint often entails damage to the walls of the hole. This is especially true for chemical elements, the hardened composition of which forms a single structure with a bolt and foam block.
Conclusion
Installation operations with foam block structures must be carefully calculated. Choosing the optimal fasteners for such a material, one should evaluate its compatibility with the surface structure. A correctly selected and installed anchor will allow you to implement a variety of tasks from laying communications to installing decorative objects on the wall. Despite the complex design, such hardware is inexpensive and inexpensive. For example, metal and plastic foam block anchors in Leroy Merlin are available for only 30-50 rubles. depending on size and design features. Chemical fasteners are supplied in cartridges and tubes at a cost of about 1-1.5 thousand rubles. One such package is enough for 12-15 high-strength fasteners.