The foam block has not so impressive strength, but it is convenient to work with it because of its light weight, and if necessary it can be cut. At the heart of such products is air, which, as you know, acts as the best heat insulator. But if you decide to use the described material during construction, then you should know the disadvantages of foam blocks, this will eliminate errors.
The disadvantages of foam concrete
Foam concrete is widely used in warming buildings for various purposes. Due to the fact that these products are characterized by low compressive strength, transport and work with them should be observed with caution. This quality is also due to the low density. If we compare foam concrete with autoclaved aerated concrete according to this characteristic, then the first option is in a losing position. Foam concrete production today is established at a huge number of private enterprises, where they do not always care about the quality of the products, this must be taken into account when buying products. In order to recover costs as soon as possible during the manufacturing process of the blocks, insufficiently technological equipment can be used.
The disadvantages of foam blocks can be aggravated if, after molding, the product has not gained brand strength. In order to check this at the time of purchase, you can use a 100 mm nail. At the normative strength, it will not be possible to pull out the nail after deepening into the concrete body without using an additional tool.
Cons foam block with self-manufacturing
Another drawback may lie in the material of independent production. It is expressed in a slow set of strength, which can slow down the development of a business or the construction process on its site. A significant minus of foam concrete also consists in shrinkage, during which the product is covered with cracks. How intensively the material will shrink depends on several factors, one of them is the quality of the sand, as well as its fractionality, type of cement and water content in relation to cement.
What to choose: gas or foam block
Assessing the disadvantages of foam blocks, many home masters begin to turn their eyes to the gas block. Both of these materials have pores and are capable of absorbing moisture, but if, having built the building, the drainage system is properly organized, then the building can be operated even without external protective decoration. For many, if not all, the issue of environmental friendliness is important today. In comparison with the gas block, the foam block is completely harmless, since the first version of the material contains aluminum, which has a negative effect on health.
The disadvantages of foam blocks are also that they do not allow saving, because in the process of laying you will have to use a cement mortar, the consumption of which is much higher compared to glue. The latter is laid in a thin layer and is used in tandem with a gas block, and almost completely eliminates the formation of cold bridges.
The choice between foam concrete and brick
Despite all the shortcomings, foam blocks remain quite common today. Brick, however, also does not lose its popularity. But these two materials are often compared by consumers before construction begins. Foam concrete, for example, surpasses brick in heat and sound insulation characteristics. But in matters of moisture resistance, foam concrete is not inferior to its competitor. The environmental friendliness of the brick is not so impressive, while lightweight concrete is compared with wood for this property. But in multi-story construction, cellular material cannot be used.
Foam blocks make it possible to realize interesting architectural designs, the brick is somewhat behind in this matter. The laying process using a small brick will last much longer than with a dimensional block, which can reduce not only labor costs, but also the consumption of masonry mix. And the cost of the lightest concrete is lower.
Tools and materials
To carry out the construction of the foundation of an oversized building, it is necessary to prepare some materials and tools, namely:
- a shovel;
- capacity;
- gas block or foam block;
- level;
- pegs;
- fishing line;
- Master OK;
- cement;
- sand;
- crushed stone.
Features of the construction of the base of foam blocks
The base of foam blocks can be built according to the technology described below. It involves marking, according to which a trench with a depth of 70 cm is prepared. The width should be equivalent to the dimensions of the foam block, but about 15 cm should be added to this indicator. Sand and crushed stone should be added to the bottom, the layer of each of which should be 10 cm. Pillow rammed and poured with concrete.
Now it’s worth waiting until the mixture dries and gains strength, only then you can proceed to laying the blocks. It is necessary to start doing this from the corners, applying a level in the process. In order to prevent soil from shedding from the walls of the trench, a protective net can be installed. After only as the laying is completed, it is possible to fill the seams using a special solution, this will prevent the absorption of moisture. Such waterproofing must be carried out over the entire external perimeter of the structure.
The gas block or foam block is not intended for the construction of the foundations of buildings, so before starting work, you should think about whether to use cellular concrete for this purpose . But if you nevertheless decided to do this, then it is necessary to accurately calculate the load on the base and not erect heavy buildings.
Foam block price
From what size the block has, its price will depend. For example, a product with dimensions equal to 150x250x600 mm has a cost of 90 rubles apiece. Whereas, when purchasing a foam block with sides 200x300x600, you will have to pay 130 rubles per unit of goods. The foam blocks, the price of which is 60 rubles, have dimensions of 600x250x100 mm. If you are interested in reinforced foam concrete, then you can purchase it in a volume equal to 1 m 3 for about 2100-2600 rubles.
If you decided to accompany the construction work by self-manufacturing of cellular material, then before starting work, you should ask how much you will pay for a cube of foam block in your city and compare whether it will be less profitable than making the material on your own. Indeed, the production of this kind of material involves the use of special equipment, the cost of which is quite impressive. But for the conduct of such work with a view to resale, the acquisition of appropriate installations will be a very profitable solution. However, it will be necessary to take care of the availability of a large warehouse for the maturation of blocks after pouring.