Blocks from foam concrete are laid much faster than brick, and therefore are used much more often in the construction of houses. If you want to save money and quickly build a small building, buy foam blocks and learn how to install them. In today's review, the HouseChief editors will tell you about several ideas for quick styling of the foam block.
Read in the article
- 1 Laying with a box
- 2 Block sawing
- 3 Laying technology for mortar and glue
- 4 Practical advice
- 5 Finally
Laying with a box
A device with which you can easily and quickly lay foam blocks is an open box in the shape of a rectangle, which is easy to do with your own hands. Three sides of this box are assembled from ordinary boards, you can use moisture-resistant plywood. The fourth side must be laid out from a metal trowel, having previously cut its edge so that it becomes serrated.
This device is a carriage for glue solution, on which blocks are "planted". In order to start laying, put a previously prepared solution inside the box, distribute it evenly over the entire surface, moving the carriage along the entire row.
To quickly lay blocks, follow the instructions:
- Fill the box with the glue mixture and mix immediately with your hands, moving along the row. Make sure that the carriage is level - it is located across the entire width of the block and does not go to the side.
- Take a spatula with a comb and apply adhesive solution to the already installed block. Then install a new unit.
- Continue to stack all the blocks in the same order, remembering to tap them with a mallet. This is necessary in order for the cement composition to be evenly distributed under the block and to better "set", ensuring reliable fastening of the rows.
The entire installation process with a box takes half the time compared to standard installation without the use of auxiliary materials.
Block sawing
To significantly speed up the work on laying blocks, purchase or rent a special saw, with the help of which the blocks will be sawed.
Although the blocks are light enough, sawing can take most of the time. To speed up this process, it is necessary to use a special saw designed for working with blocks. Choose a saw that is suitable for the type of blocks you are using: foam or aerated blocks.
Laying technology for mortar and glue
The standard installation method is also quite simple and quick. If you do not want to assemble the box with the carriage and speed up the process by quickly applying a cement layer, use another method.
Algorithm for laying foam blocks in a standard way:
- Prepare a cement-sand mortar and apply it to the foundation. Lay a layer of cement at least 3 cm. If you use little material, the slabs will not anchor properly and the wall will become unstable.
- Install the corner blocks, secure the mooring cord and start laying the first row over it.
- From time to time, check the correctness of the masonry with a level. If it is necessary to correct the position of the blocks, use a rubber mallet. Tap the blocks gently until they are in the correct position.
- Start laying the second row only after 3 hours, during which time the cement will set, and it will be possible to lay out the next rows correctly. You can use either special glue or ordinary cement mortar. Make sure that the seam thickness does not exceed 5 mm.
- To start laying out window openings, take hollow blocks, insert into them associated reinforcement and fill the entire structure with concrete, remembering to reinforce every third row with a mesh.
Despite the fact that laying foam blocks may seem like a complicated process, it is not. Having some building construction skills will come in handy, but even without them, you can master the technology of laying or use the help of a professional.
It is only important to properly prepare the solution and follow the installation technology. You can also find out what mistakes are most often made during work, so as not to repeat them.
The most common mistakes when stacking blocks:
- fast and low-quality layout of the first row. When laying the first row, take your time. Set the correct base for the entire wall, and then you can automatically lay out the blocks in the given order. If you do not follow the evenness of the first row, you can get a result in which the walls of the house will be deflected vertically;
- do not start laying blocks in the rain, and do not work in high humidity conditions. Also, do not start work if the temperature outside is above -10 ° C;
- try to fill all the seams with high quality and apply the solution evenly. Water from the solution is absorbed by the blocks, due to which a tight fit of the material and reliable adhesion is ensured. If not enough glue is applied, the strength of the masonry will be compromised;
- do not forget to dedust the blocks - if this is not done, voids will appear in the places of installation, and then cracks;
- improper reinforcement of the structure also leads to weakening and further damage to the building. It is especially important to reinforce window and door openings.
When choosing a quick installation method, make sure to follow all the technology and avoid even minor mistakes that can later lead to the destruction of the entire structure.
Practical advice
If you decide to build a house yourself, but want to lay the blocks quickly and correctly, follow these practical guidelines:
- Do not make a lot of grout at once, prepare small portions and place blocks immediately. If you use glue, do not leave it open for more than 15 minutes - during this time, the composition “sets” and becomes unusable.
- It is best to lay foam blocks at temperatures from + 5... + 25 ° С. If the outside temperature is much higher, periodically moisten the blocks with plain water during installation. Blocks that are too dry will absorb a lot of liquid from the cement slurry over time, which will prevent the mixture from hardening properly.
- Apply the adhesive material only with a toothed spatula - this way the composition lays down evenly, and the seams are thinner. You can also apply glue to the side of the block using a regular trowel.
- After placing the block on the base, press down firmly and tap with a rubber mallet. Immediately remove any excess mortar that appears on the sides with a spatula.
- Before you start laying a new row of blocks, be sure to brush off any dust and sandpaper over the blocks to remove any remaining glue and other debris.
Trying to lay the blocks as quickly as possible, it is important to remember the laying technology and not break the rules so that you do not have to repair the walls in the future. Destruction from improper installation can occur both immediately and several years after the construction of a house, and it is better to prevent this.
Using a device for stacking blocks or any materials at hand, you can stack blocks, only the speed of work will change.
Finally
If you are going to build a house and want to finish the work by the onset of cold weather, use the described methods of quickly stacking blocks. To do this, you do not need complex and expensive tools, you can use everything that is already in the house or in the barn.
Have you ever installed foam blocks? What tricks did you use?