Types of concrete blocks for building a house. Building blocks: traditions, centuries of experience and modern trends. The best blocks for building a house

The construction industry is developing rapidly: the number of new materials and technologies is constantly growing. If earlier brick and concrete were mainly used for the construction of buildings, now the assortment of the masonry base includes several dozen items. Modern developers are increasingly inclined towards block construction. This method ensures the reliability of the frame and reduces the time spent on work. What blocks are the best for building a house and how to choose them correctly?

Building block intended for the construction of low-rise and multi-storey structures. It is used for both residential and industrial premises.

The first block houses appeared in the middle of the 20th century. Thanks to a convenient technological process, erection of a structure from blocks reduces time costs several times compared to other methods.

Installation of external and internal walls of a building on a construction site is quick and easy. The house is formed as if from cubes. Due to the simplicity of this technology, more and more multi-storey block houses appear in Russian cities, along with panel buildings. These are stable structures with good heat and sound insulation.

Construction of a cottage from large concrete blocks

People without special education can master the styling technique. Most often, no additional equipment is required, so the blocks quickly gained popularity in private construction. Block technology is actively used in the construction of cottages, townhouses, country houses with a height of 1-2 floors.

What are the blocks for building a house

A good ratio of price policy and quality ensures a great demand for building blocks, therefore, there are many types of this material from different manufacturers on the modern market. There are several main classifications.

To size

• oversized;
• small-sized.

Large blocks have such qualities as high strength, good thermal insulation characteristics. Small blocks are inferior in strength and thermal conductivity, but lighter. They are more convenient to deliver to the construction site and easier to install.

By production method

• industrial (at the factory);
• handicraft (at the construction site).

Factory production of blocks

In the manufacture of blocks, special standard molds are used for casting finished products. With self-procurement of building materials, the maximum reduction in the cost of the final price of construction is possible, but the quality can fail.

By appointment

• for foundations;
• for exterior walls;
• for interior walls.

By construction type

• hollow;
• full-bodied.

The presence of voids inside building blocks makes them lighter and cheaper, but reduces the strength of the structure compared to solid blocks. They can be used to lay hidden communications. But it should be borne in mind that hollow blocks are characterized by increased thermal conductivity.

Solid blocks for construction

By surface type

• corrugated;
• smooth;
• unpainted;
• colored, etc.

Special inorganic and organic pigments and colored cements are used for coloring the blocks.

By type of material

• natural stone;
• fine-grained concrete;
• cellular concrete (foam concrete, aerated concrete);
• arbolite;
• brick, etc.

The main constituent of the building blocks is concrete. Variations of different types of blocks lie in the differences in impurities, additional components and methods of mixing them. When combining the base with other substances, each type of block has individual properties.

Concrete blocks for building a house

In the modern market, the following types of building blocks are the most popular:

• concrete;
• expanded clay concrete;
• gas silicate;
• aerated concrete;
• foam concrete;
• polystyrene concrete;
• slag concrete;
• arbolite;
• ceramic.

Consider the main types of building blocks, their characteristics and differences.

Prices for different types of building blocks

Building block

Concrete blocks

Elements cast from concrete are intended for laying the foundation and erecting load-bearing structures. Historically, it was this variety that became the first to be produced on production lines.

Building blocks

Due to the universal properties of concrete, buildings acquire special strength and durability. The service life of structures made of this material reaches 100 years.

Advantages of concrete blocks:

• moisture resistance;
• resistance to frost and sudden temperature changes;
• environmental friendliness;
• fire resistance;
• low price.

However, it should be understood that this is a very heavy material, especially if the blocks are full-bodied. In most cases, additional lifting equipment will be required for paving.

Video - Types of blocks. Comparative characteristics.

For the installation of concrete blocks, cement is used, which saves on laying mortars. In addition, concrete is one of the inexpensive materials, so houses made of this material can be found both in megacities and in suburban areas.

Building a house from concrete blocks

Due to the popularity of concrete blocks, their size is strictly regulated, which allows planning all construction costs in advance with particular accuracy. For example, the cost of products with parameters 390x190x188 will be approximately 40-55 rubles / piece. Blocks of smaller dimensions 390x80 / ​​90x188 mm will cost 25-30 rubles.

Prices for various types of cement

Expanded clay concrete blocks

To obtain this type of building material, an admixture from expanded clay is added to the concrete. It is a lightweight porous material of natural origin. Expanded clay is obtained by firing clay or shale. It is not prone to rotting, mold and mildew formation, it is resistant to fire.

Expanded clay concrete blocks for construction

When mixing expanded clay with concrete, blocks with high strength and density will be obtained. Improved technical parameters allow them to be used for the construction of multi-storey buildings without fear of possible deformation of the frame.

The main disadvantage of the design is low thermal insulation. The expanded clay concrete frame involves the installation of insulation from the street side in order to retain heat inside the room and extend the period of operation.

Expanded clay wall blocks are notable for their low cost due to the convenience and speed of production. Procurement of such blocks does not entail large material costs.

Among the most demanded dimensions of expanded clay concrete blocks, you can find 390x190x188 mm with a price of around 57 rubles / piece. (full-bodied) and 390x90x188 mm, with a varying price of 25-30 rubles. (partition).

Construction of a building from expanded clay concrete blocks

Gas silicate blocks

Environmentally friendly and lightweight building materials. Suitable for low-rise construction, installation of main walls and internal partitions.

Gas silicate block

Blocks are produced by heat treatment and pressing of a mass of quartz sand, cement, lime and aluminum chips. This mixture is also called artificial stone. The composition has increased fire resistance and good sound insulation. The house from such blocks turns out to be warm, and the walls "breathe" due to vapor permeability.

Due to its convenient dense structure, gas silicate is easy to install. Sharp block edges speed up construction time and level the structure.

The advantages of gas silicate blocks include such characteristics as low weight. The finished block has a honeycomb structure, which makes it lighter. The building frame does not exert strong pressure on the foundation, which saves on additional fortifications.

An important plus is a wide range of sizes and shapes. Manufacturers regularly improve the masonry base in order to facilitate installation, creating well-thought-out designs with easy-to-install grooves and groove joints.Despite the indicated advantages of gas silicate products, the scope of their application is reduced. The honeycomb structure reduces compressibility and density. In order to avoid cracks and shrinkage of the lower part of the building, it is recommended to use blocks for buildings up to two stories high. When erecting taller buildings, to increase the strength of the structure, it is necessary to seal it with steel reinforcement. However, there will still be a risk of destruction of the lower floors under the weight of the upper ones.

Construction of a load-bearing wall made of gas silicate blocks

Aerated concrete does not burn, but at high temperatures it begins to collapse, therefore, after a fire, the house may become uninhabitable. Also, the disadvantages of gas silicate blocks include an increased level of water absorption and a rather low temperature resistance. They absorb moisture, which can break blocks during freezing conditions.

Aerated concrete materials 60x25x40 / mm are offered for 30-206 rubles / piece. Products 60x30x10 / 20/25 mm cost about 30-75 rubles / piece. The largest blocks 60x37.5 / 40x25 mm can be bought at a cost in the range of 210-240 rubles / piece.

Aerated concrete blocks

Like gas silicate, aerated concrete blocks have a wide variety of sizes and densities. From them, you can completely erect a structure. Blocks are selected in accordance with the assigned tasks. Modern manufacturers provide an opportunity to use them not only for walls and partitions, but also for lintels, window and door openings.

Aerated concrete blocks, their types and sizes

The composition of aerated concrete blocks includes materials such as:

• cement;
• gypsum;
• limestone;
• aluminum chips.

All ingredients are mixed in an autoclave and foamed due to the chemical reaction of aluminum with an alkaline solution. The resulting block has a cellular structure and perfect geometrically smooth edges, which increases the percentage of heat during the construction of a house, ensures maximum adherence of the parts to be joined.

The main difference between aerated concrete blocks is that they can be easily cut with simple hand tools and get blocks of non-standard sizes. They also provide heat retention in the house due to their reduced thermal conductivity.

The process of building a house from aerated concrete

One of the leading disadvantages of aerated concrete is increased water absorption. To protect the load-bearing walls of the building, deep processing with impregnations and primers will be required. Another disadvantage is poor resistance to compression and bending. Aerated concrete blocks are fragile. They should be used for construction on a foundation that gives little shrinkage, otherwise the building will begin to crack after 2-3 years.

Foam concrete blocks

The foam concrete block has a cellular structure. It is produced by mixing cement and a foaming agent. In the production process, there is no thermal and force impact on this species, which endows the foam concrete blocks with a number of original properties.

Foam concrete block and its external features

From the operational advantages of such blocks, one can single out the low cost and ease of implementation of individual architectural ideas, for example, the removal of a variety of curly arches.

Foam concrete blocks are often compared with aerated concrete in terms of frequency and scope of use. They are similar in many ways. But there are also a few differences:

1. Aerated concrete blocks have a more bubbly consistency, therefore, they are inferior to foam concrete in waterproofness. Open cells formed during the evaporation of gases easily accept and retain moisture for a long time, which adversely affects their functionality.
2. Foam concrete has a lower density, due to the content of a larger number of cells. As a result, it retains heat more efficiently.
3. In the production of aerated concrete, equipment is used that allows you to obtain the most accurate sizes of products.

Construction from foam blocks

As for the cost, a foam concrete block with parameters 600x300x200 mm can be bought for 95-120 rubles. With variations in density, the price will differ. With an increase in volumes to 600x400x200 mm, you will have to pay 120-170 rubles. for 1 pc.

Polystyrene concrete block

Polystyrene concrete has recently appeared in the construction world, but some characteristics have already made it famous among developers. Weak thermal conductivity, good resistance to frost and temperature extremes, sound insulation, environmental friendliness - all these qualities confirm its uniqueness and reliability.

External features of polystyrene concrete

The composition of the polystyrene concrete block includes cement, polystyrene, sand. The material is brought to readiness without thermal and chemical treatment, which allows you to get a good quality product even when you make it yourself. However, high quality can only be achieved by adding special fibers, which must be taken into account when choosing a manufacturing plant.

Polystyrene concrete blocks are divided into two types:

• ordinary;
• with cladding.

Regular blocks are designed for laying main and interior walls. The cost of building from this material is approximately 2 times cheaper compared to brick. Lined products do not need subsequent facade finishing.

A block of 600x300x250 mm is offered at a cost of 120-160 rubles / piece. A block of 390x190x188 mm, which is more miniature in size, can be purchased at a price of 40-50 rubles / piece.

Walls made of polystyrene concrete blocks

Slag concrete blocks

In the construction industry, slag is a product obtained as a result of heat treatment of components by vibration pressing of concrete in special forms. Slag concrete blocks are an alloy without chemical additives, consisting of oxides and concrete.

The appearance of the cinder block

The production of such products involves the use of crushed stone, cement, lime and slag sand. Coal ash, waste from the combustion of open-hearth furnaces, gravel, sawdust can be added to the composition. The result is a durable building material with a low cost.

Slag concrete blocks are made not only by handicraft, but also in factories. There is GOST 6133-99, according to the requirements of which reinforced cinder blocks are produced on an industrial scale. They stand out for their light weight compared to ordinary bricks, which prolongs the durability of the buildings and reduces the pressure on the foundation.

Table # 1. Features of cinder blocks.

Cinder blocks vary in density and strength. Based on the purpose of their application, they are classified into several brands:

• M10 (suitable for insulation);
• M25 and M30 (designed to create partitions);
• M50 (optimal for supporting structures).

The weaknesses of such raw materials become noticeable primarily at the production stage:

• too long the process of preparing the product;
• fast hardening.

Cinder blocks have a wide range of applications

Slag blocks for laying crossbeams between rooms are produced with parameters 390x90x190 mm, their price varies from 17-35 rubles. for 1 block. For universal buildings, products are used 390x240x190 mm. Their price is on average 50-80 rubles / piece. Buildings with increased load require the use of solid blocks with dimensions of 390x190x190 mm for 35-80 rubles / piece.

Arbolite blocks

Wood concrete blocks are considered an environmentally friendly material. They are 80% wood chips and other organic components (crushed stems, waste sunflower seeds, etc.). Cement and various mineral additives are important ingredients. The resulting mixture is also called wood concrete.

This is what wood concrete blocks look like.

Arbolite is used for private low-rise construction of buildings, the load-bearing walls of which are not subjected to high compression loads. This type of block is very popular in Holland. In Russia, he has not yet acquired such recognition, but domestic production has already been launched.

Advantages of wood concrete blocks

For small buildings, they can be used without reinforcement.

Of the negative qualities of wood concrete blocks, one can single out the obligatory facing to hide the unsightly appearance of the blocks.

Arbolite house

Due to their ecological composition, wood concrete blocks are among the most expensive. A block 150x200x500 mm costs about 60 rubles / piece, and 300x200x500 mm - 120 rubles / piece.

INTERESTING

A separate type of environmentally friendly blocks are straw-concrete ones. This type of product belongs to natural and pure materials. They can only be used for the construction of the frame, because straw is considered a soft building material. The production of straw blocks has not yet become widespread in the construction market due to the skeptical attitude of consumers.

Making blocks from straw and concrete

Ceramic blocks

This progressive building material is a modern alternative to brick, common in low-rise buildings. The ceramic block undergoes a chemical treatment, due to which it has a high percentage of voids.

Ceramic blocks with voids

This type of block falls into two categories:

1. Porized. They are composed of cellulose, foam and clay. Small pores inside the block provide good thermal insulation.
2. Unporised. The basis does not include unnecessary impurities and additives. Such blocks are heavier and less insulating.

Ceramic blocks can be used in the construction of load-bearing walls of multi-storey buildings, partitions, complex design structures. The material itself does not need cladding. The properties of ceramics allow you to obtain maximum results without additional waterproofing and thermal insulation. This significantly reduces construction costs and monetary costs.

Laying ceramic blocks and slabs requires the purchase of building glue. The cement solution will fill the cells in the blocks and significantly reduce their quality characteristics due to its liquid consistency. The application of a thick glue in a thin layer (about 2 cm) will facilitate successful adhesion of the material without filling the pores.

Do not forget about the need to bandage the vertical seams with a horizontal fiberglass mesh every two rows, which will significantly reduce the threat to the strength of the building.

The size of the blocks varies from 25x120x65 to 510x95x219 mm, with a cost from 12 to 67 rubles / piece.

Ceramic blocks are a modern analogue of bricks

How do you choose the best building blocks for your home?

The reliability of the building is due to the correctly selected material, its quantity and quality.

Video - Dimensions of building blocks

The main parameters of the blocks that determine their ease of use in the field of individual housing construction:

• density;
• thermal conductivity;
• strength;
• frost resistance.

The calculation of the required number of blocks is usually based on this data.

Table 2. Comparative characteristics of various wall materials.

An important factor in the choice of material for construction is also the price characteristic. Many are guided by the initial budget and make an estimate based on the capabilities of their wallet. However, price shouldn't be the only factor. When choosing building blocks, it is important to take into account all the nuances.

Although experienced developers do not advise saving on your own convenience, you should not overpay for the wrong material either. A wide selection of goods in hardware stores is due to the difference in their features and application. Therefore, the properties of the selected blocks must correspond to the specifically set goals.

For example, a one-story country house does not require good thermal insulation and wall strength, so cheap cinder blocks can be used for its construction, and when planning a project for a large family house for year-round living, you should take a closer look at aerated concrete or foam concrete. For lovers of the classics, a house made of ceramic blocks is more suitable - a high-tech analogue of brick.

Bath from cinder blocks

Thus, the choice of building products will be based on the following criteria:

• the greatest compatibility of material characteristics and requirements for future construction;
• the quality of the blocks (depends on the composition and the conscientiousness of the manufacturer);
• rational cost justifying the result.

Having correctly calculated all the nuances of construction and procurement, everyone can minimize economic losses in the implementation of their project.

The use of various blocks in construction

The modern construction market offers a huge amount of building materials. Even summing up all the positive and negative characteristics of each type of building blocks, it is impossible to unequivocally single out the best ones. It is possible to determine the degree of convenience in the use of certain blocks only in a specific situation, selecting material based on the characteristics and purposes of the construction.

Despite the rapid development of technology, stone houses are still as popular as ever. Such a house will not only serve your family with faith and truth for more than a dozen years, but will also be inherited by your children and grandchildren. Made of building materials - a modern and high-quality element that can significantly reduce the construction time of the building. Today we will help you determine which is the best for building a house. Price, performance characteristics, application features and other important information in this material.

The best thermal insulation is at. Ceramic blocks in this indicator take an honorable second place.

By all indicators, aerated concrete is the leader. What is the best material for building a house is up to you. But it is worth considering additional factors affecting the choice.

What else influences the choice of wall blocks for external walls

It is necessary to consider not only the technical characteristics of the building material, but also the specifics of the future structure:

1. For an energy-saving design with good thermal insulation, gas blocks will be required.
2. A structure with a heavy roof must be built from durable materials - ceramic blocks, etc.
3. When choosing a building material, its availability plays an important role. Agree, there is no point in choosing blocks if the cost of transportation doubles their price.

Important! It is not often possible to find houses built from one type of building material. The ideal option is considered to be a combination of different materials, depending on the design features. For example, for a two-story house, it is rational to use a ceramic block for the construction of the first floor and foam concrete or wood concrete for the second.

Pros and cons of foam blocks for the construction of a residential building

Foam concrete and aerated blocks are the leaders in popularity among developers of individual housing. If your choice fell on this building material, it is worth clarifying all its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

1. The material is environmentally friendly and provides a comfortable microclimate in the house.
2. The cost of foam concrete in comparison with other types of blocks.
3. Lightweight material that does not require massive.
4. The speed of construction of housing from foam blocks is up to three months.
5. Excellent heat and sound insulation properties.
6. ... Foam blocks are held together with special glue, which allows you to significantly save on mortar

   Disadvantages:

   1. Easily damaged by careless transportation.
   2. It can crack when the temperature changes abruptly after installation.
   3. Requires reinforcement and.

   Block Builder Tips by Professionals

   • For storage and transportation, the material should be protected from moisture using plastic wrap.
   • The blocks are transported on special pallets. So that the material does not move during loading, it is fixed with slings.
   • Construction from block material is carried out at an ambient temperature of at least five degrees Celsius.
   
   
   • Gas blocks can be sawed with a conventional saw. Tape is used if the scale of work is very large.
   • For the accuracy of cutting foam concrete building material, a building corner is used.
   • The glue is applied to the joints with a trowel with teeth.
   • The elements are fitted and shrunk with a rubber mallet.
   • When arranging, one should not forget about. It will remove excess moisture from the block walls. Blocks (with the exception of polymeric ones) do not precipitate, so, having built the first floor, you can immediately start finishing work
     • Overlappings in a block house can be made of or concrete. Combining materials gives good results.

     Article

Acceleration of the pace of construction is a common desire of the customer and the developer. Time-consuming masonry is not conducive to solving the problem. Thermal conductivity and small brick format force the construction of multi-layer load-bearing structures with complex ligation of the seams. Large-sized blocks, which are formed on the basis of lime, cement, gypsum, clay, mineral and synthetic fillers, have become a rational replacement for the traditional material. Compact equipment and uncomplicated technology make it possible to create monolithic elements in large-scale production and private sites.

Types by purpose and composition

Correct shape, large dimensions, strength with low weight are the main requirements for artificial stone during construction. The foundation, zero level, external masonry and partitions are erected from monolithic elements. Types of wall blocks by structure, raw fillers and binding material:

• concrete;
• gas silicate;
• foam concrete;
• slag concrete;
• expanded clay concrete (with insulation);
• polystyrene concrete;
• arbolite;
• ceramic.

In the manufacture of dimensional elements, cement is used, which is a bonding agent for fillers or a structural basis for porous concrete. The improved technology allows foaming solutions, combining mineral, polymer and organic components in monolithic structures. With certain combinations, concrete types with special properties are obtained. Which blocks are best for building a house are determined by their physical characteristics, weight, size, cost and climatic zone of the region.

1. Concrete structures.

Wall types are made from heavy cement mortar and sand-gravel mixture by vibropressing. Reinforced large-sized elements are placed in the walls of industrial structures using lifting mechanisms. In private construction, concrete blocks 200x200x400 mm, 30 kg each, or hollow blocks, 200x200x400 mm high, 500 mm long, 100 (150) 200 mm wide, weighing 14.5-18 kg are used.

Long-term strength of prefabricated walls, economy of mix, quick installation are positive characteristics that compensate for the high weight, low thermal resistance and high cost of in-situ concrete. Hollow elements provide better protection against cold and noise, are easier to lay by hand and can be purchased at a low price. Lightweight structures are used as blocks for partitions. Concrete facades of residential buildings must be insulated and veneered.

2. Made of foamed concrete.

Gas silicate is obtained as a result of the interaction of pasty aluminum and lime, which are added to the cement slurry. Autoclave curing in a sealed chamber guarantees the strength of the open cell structure, and the string cutting method ensures precise dimensions and correct shape. The thickness of the wall types varies from 200 to 500 mm in increments of 25 with a length and height of 600x200 (250) mm. The partition walls are thinner - 75–175 mm. The lime in the concrete mix paints the finished elements white, so the walls look good without multi-layer plaster.

Foam concrete blocks are formed without heating and steam treatment. The foam is prepared in a generator from an organic composition, then under pressure is fed into a mixer with a cement mortar. Concrete envelops the air cells and the pores are closed. Then the mixture enters the frames of standard dimensions 600x300x200 (100) mm and gradually solidifies on the shelves in ambient conditions.

Building wall blocks made of aerated concrete have a low density with large dimensions. Porous elements are easy to process, to fold curly walls, arches and partitions from them. Thanks to closed cells, good thermal and sound insulation is obtained from foam concrete. Strength and aesthetics are better for prefabricated gas silicate blocks. You can choose between the two types based on the conditions of the construction zone, the height of the floors and the purpose of the building. It is good to insulate external structures with foam blocks, they are inexpensive. Aerated concrete is more suitable for masonry.

3. Characteristics of cinder blocks.

The cement mixture, which is formed by vibrocompression, includes waste - blast furnace or boiler slag, crushed stone, broken bricks, crushed perlite, cement fragments, sawdust, ash. The weight and structure of the filler affects the characteristics of the cinder blocks. For the manufacture of a solid monolith with a size of 390x190x188 mm, heavy components are added to the concrete. Strong blocks are used for the construction of factory workshops, hangars, warehouses, workshops. Hollow elements, in addition to standard dimensions, are also produced with a thickness of 90 mm for partitions.

Lightweight structures with high thermal resistance are filled with blast furnace and boiler slag, foamed perlite, and ash. Sawdust and cement blocks are distinguished by their natural composition, vapor permeability of wood, fire resistance of concrete and unique elasticity of the combined material. Their only drawback is the sieve-like structure, which allows moisture to pass through and requires protection. It is inexpensive to buy cinder blocks at metallurgical plants or sawmills, where production from waste is organized.

4. Claydite-concrete multilayer systems.

Foamed clay pellets have replaced slag in the production of lightweight blocks. Natural porous filler, which has acquired a strong shell during firing, strengthens the structure well, reduces density and improves insulating properties. Manufacturing technology, shape and size of elements do not differ from cinder-concrete ones, but surpass them in quality, environmental friendliness and compression stability.

Multilayer blocks with cladding and insulation are a rational solution during construction, according to the reviews of the owners of energy-saving housing. The expanded clay base, a layer of polystyrene and an artificial stone are well bonded with fiberglass reinforcement. This type of block performs three functions and allows you to save money in the construction of residential buildings. The cost of insulation and facade cladding is excluded from the estimate. The texture and color of the outer layer can be selected for the exterior of the building - imitation of brick, granite, limestone, ceramic tiles.

5. With polymer filler.

Composite concrete in combination with expanded polystyrene acquires lightness, thermal conductivity of the cellular material, while not losing strength. The hydrophobicity and biological stability allows the blocks to be used as insulation plates. The disadvantage is the high degree of shrinkage at high loads and the possibility of polymer granules falling out due to poor adhesion to concrete. With a length of 588 and a height of 300 mm, blocks are produced with a thickness of 188 and 300 mm for load-bearing walls; 80, 92, 138 mm - for partitions.

6. Special properties of wood-concrete blocks.

Arbolit - aerated concrete with up to 90% wood chips without bark and leaves. The distribution of the grout between the filler material guarantees the strength of the monolith at a low density. To improve adhesion, aluminum sulfate or hydrated lime is added to the composition, which neutralize the sugar in the wood. This type is produced from sawmill waste: chips with a caliber of 25x10x5 mm are moistened with water with a mineralizer, cement M400 is added, mixed and laid out in molds measuring 500x300x200 mm.

The thermal conductivity and good vapor permeability of wood concrete corresponds to the properties of wood, while the composite does not support combustion, does not dry out and does not rot. Compressive strength is similar to that of aerated concrete, and frost resistance is higher than that of bricks. A feature of wood concrete is a high modulus of elasticity, which excludes the formation of cracks during bending. The water absorption of the material is a drawback that requires a protective coating on the outer walls. A curtain facade or vapor-permeable plaster solves the problem.

7. Ceramic.

Clay is mixed with sawdust, which burns out during firing, while voids are formed in the block mass, its weight is significantly reduced. An environmentally friendly material is distinguished by its high cost, which is compensated for by its low thermal conductivity and durability. The ceramic block with dimensions 380x248x238 mm weighs only 17.5 kg. The large format makes masonry easier and speeds up construction. The fragility and high degree of water absorption of clay make it necessary to take measures to protect the porous material.

Technical parameters and prices

Index	Material name
	concrete	expanded clay concrete	foam concrete	aerated concrete	polystyrene-concrete	arbolite
Density, kg / m3	500–2000	850–1800	400–1000	300–600	300–600	500–850
Strength, kgf / cm2	46–780	35–75	15–25	25–45	15–35	0,5–3,5
Elastic modulus, mPa	–	–	–	–	–	250–2300
Water absorption,%	8	8–14	10–16	25	4	25–50
Thermal conductivity, W / m 0 С	1,75	0,4–0,8	0,07–0,15	0,1–0,21	0,1–0,145	0,08–0,17
Vapor permeability coefficient	0,03	0,30	0,26	0,26–0,23	0,05	0,30
Sound absorption, dB	55	42,5	50	47	55	60
Frost resistance, cycle	200	50	35	25	25	50
Shrinkage, mm / m per year	0,5	0,8	3	0,3	1,0	0,2

You can choose blocks for prefabricated structures at prices from manufacturers:

Name	Size, mm	Price *, rubles with VAT
		per piece	per cube
Solid concrete	390x190x188	51	3220
hollow		48	3050
corpulent	390x90x188	39	3200
hollow		28	3250
Expanded clay concrete corpulent	390x190x188	65	4100
hollow		52	3250
hollow	390x90x188	38	3300
Gas silicate	600x250x200-500	from 315	from 2900
Foam concrete	600x200x300	100-125	from 2500
Arbolitovy	390x190x190 500x300x200	56 110	3700 4000
Polystyrene concrete	390-600x190-400x190-300	–	3700
Ceramic	380x250x219	50	2300
	250x120x140	10,79	2120

* without shipping costs.

Thanks to the rapidly advancing progress, modern buyers can use not only regular brick to build a home for permanent residence, but also new building blocks from different foundations. Of course, brick is also used for these purposes, but the material fades into the background due to the laborious and lengthy masonry process.

Varieties of building blocks

In construction markets and in stores, you can buy several types of blocks for the construction of structures:

1. Aerated concrete material.
2. Gas silicate block.
3. A product based on foam concrete.
4. Expanded clay products.

The cost of a construction from such blocks is much easier, the time for work is reduced, and the consumption of the cement composition becomes several times lower. This is due to the following:

• the material is much larger;
• its structure is porous;
• the weight of the blocks is insignificant.

With the help of such building materials, you can build a house much faster, but from which types it is better to build a house for permanent residence, it is worth understanding in more detail.

The main characteristics of blocks for construction

Each product that can be used to build a house for permanent residence must be manufactured by manufacturers using the appropriate technology. At the same time, manufacturing firms must comply with all manufacturing rules, use environmentally friendly raw materials for products.

Concrete base product

Experts do not recommend building a house for permanent residence from concrete blocks. Such material is most often used for the construction of garages, various buildings for household needs. The concrete base does not have increased thermal conductivity, so it will be cold inside the room, and it is simply impossible to live in such a building in winter. However, this version of the product is quite durable and has good frost resistance. For this reason, outbuildings will be reliable, durable, and it is quite easy to build them.

Expanded clay concrete material

Any structure can be built from expanded clay concrete blocks, both as a one-story private house for permanent residence, and in several floors. The process of erecting the walls will be very simple and quick, and due to its low weight, even to raise the material to the level of the third floor, you will not have to use additional equipment.

It is this building material that is best used for the construction of a private house. If you give your preference to the option with additional external design, for example, with original corrugation or tiles, then you can save on finishing interior wall decoration.

Expanded clay material has the following advantages:

• durability and reliability;
• insignificant weight;
• long service life.

The construction of the structure will be carried out quickly and efficiently, the consumption of cement slurry is minimized here.

Material based on aerated concrete

The use of gas silicate blocks is permitted for any structure. That is, with the help of this material, you can build both a house for permanent residence, and office or industrial buildings. This can be explained by the excellent technical characteristics that are inherent in gas silicate blocks:

• high properties of sound insulation and heat transfer;
• the material is able to easily retain heat in the winter season and keep cool in the summer heat;
• the erected wall will provide for a smaller width than when using other analogues or building bricks.

Due to the porous structure, the cement base reliably adheres to the surface of the gas silicate blocks, the consumption of the cement mass is significantly reduced.

Aerated concrete product

This version of the building material does not have an impeccable external design, therefore, after the construction of the walls, it will be necessary to carry out external facing work. The surface finish can be applied either manually or by autoclaving. Using the autoclave method, the tiling work can be completed much faster, the walls will acquire an even, aesthetically pleasing appearance.

According to experts, it is best to build from aerated concrete. The material is ideal for living quarters, but multi-storey buildings are not created from it. Aerated concrete material has the following advantages:

• light weight;
• excellent sound insulation properties;
• ecological purity, since it is based only on natural components.

Foam concrete material

Foam concrete blocks are credited with similar characteristics with the above option. However, a different production method is used to manufacture products. If there is special equipment, then you can make the material anywhere, even on the site where the structure is being built.

But it should be remembered that only production material made according to technical rules will be of high quality, reliable and environmentally friendly. If you start building a house from low-quality foam blocks, then in the future, cracks and various defects may appear on the walls.

This type of building material is used for the construction of private houses and summer cottages, country cottages and office premises.

A product made by a reliable manufacturer will be environmentally friendly, it has excellent properties of sound insulation and thermal conductivity. The construction of the building will not take much time, the cost of the material is acceptable for the middle class of consumers.

Additional information regarding the choice of building blocks

If you take a quick look at all the building blocks, you get the impression that they are all suitable for the construction of a private house in which you can permanently reside. Therefore, it is not so easy to determine which one is best to use. You can clearly answer this question after a thorough study of the technical parameters of each option, while special attention should be paid to the following nuances:

• reliability and durability of the product. Everyone understands perfectly well that the house is not an outbuilding, so it is being built for several decades. And the conditions for a comfortable stay depend precisely on the state of the new walls. That is, if the structure is erected from a fragile and unreliable material, then very soon cracks and defects will appear on the walls. As a result, moisture will begin to be absorbed into the base, the walls will succumb to the process of destruction. To eliminate such a defect, you will have to spend a lot of money;
• properties of thermal insulation value. Any home should be warm in winter and cool in summer heat. If the wall is intact and without cracks, this does not yet indicate that the optimal microclimate is maintained inside the room for a comfortable stay. You can buy a fairly thick product, build a house with it, and end up with cold walls. Of course, it is not bad to use additional insulation, but why spend extra money if you really can immediately buy a high-quality material with excellent thermal insulation characteristics, for example, a block of expanded clay concrete or gas silicate;
• no less important indicator is labor input, and it depends on the weight of the material. The lighter the product, the easier it is to work with it, and to rise to the required height, for example, to the level of the third floor, there is no need to use an additional device or equipment;
• the price of building material and additional costs, for example, for the foundation, are also important in this matter. If the structure is built from lightweight blocks, then a reliable foundation is not required. And, as you know, a lot of material resources are required for a reliable foundation. Also, consumers will be able to save their own money if they buy an option with a decorative or smooth surface. After construction, such walls do not need to be additionally revetted with finishing material from the inside.