You will need

• – expanded clay concrete blocks;
• – cement;
• - sand;
• – lime;
• – wooden slats;
• - level;
• – mason’s tool (trowel, pick, plumb line, etc.).

Instructions

Prepare the base for laying the blocks. If it is strip foundation, ensure that its surface is horizontal, eliminate local unevenness and install waterproofing. If laying waterproofing is not required, limit yourself to ensuring horizontalness. Local unevenness will be leveled by the solution of the first seam.

Install ordering slats at the corners of the walls. Their role can be played by smooth wooden slats installed strictly vertically at a distance of 5-8 mm from the corners and lines outer wall. Mark the zero points on the slats, corresponding to the level bases, and mark them with a marker to mark the divisions corresponding to the rows of masonry. The distance between the divisions should be equal to the sum of the height of the block and the thickness of the seam (10-12 mm). Pull the cord between the divisions of the first row - so that the distance from it to outer surface the walls were 5-8 mm.

Prepare masonry mortar. You can use either lime-cement or cement-sand mixture. However, the first one is “warmer”, more flexible and retains its working qualities longer. The ratio of components in a cement-sand mortar can be 1:4 or 1:3 (cement:sand), in a lime-cement mortar it can be 1:0.2:3 or 1:0.3:4 (cement:lime:sand).

Moisten with water. It is convenient to do this by pouring them tap water from a hose in a stack. The degree of humidity should be such that there are no dry spots left on the surface of the blocks, and at the same time all the water is absorbed by the surface of the blocks.

Place the solution on the base in a bed, the width of which should be several centimeters narrower than the width of the block, the height should be about 20 mm. Apply the solution under several blocks at once; if the length of the wall is short (no more than 3 m), then over the entire wall.

Lay the first block starting from the corner of the wall. Press it into the solution, at the same time aligning its vertical edge with the position of the ordering bar, and the horizontal edge with the tensioned cord. The final seam thickness should be 10-12 mm. Use a trowel to pick up the mortar squeezed out of the seam.

When laying the second stone, apply mortar to its end surface facing the previous block and lower the stone onto the wall, simultaneously pressing it against the base and the previous block. All subsequent stones of the first row are placed according to the same pattern, with the obligatory alignment of them along the cord.

Reinstall the cord one notch higher. Start laying the second row from the place where the first row ended. Ensure the shift of the joints (ligation of seams) of the second row relative to the first by half a block. If the wall is laid as thick as a whole block, it is necessary to ensure that the dressing is also applied across the width of the wall. Those. you need to lay one row with a spoon (long side along the wall), the second - with a poke (short side along the wall). In this case, the overlap of seams in adjacent rows (in height) should be a quarter of the block. Special attention Pay attention to bandaging the seams at the corners.

Block products made of expanded clay-filled concrete are a common material that is used in the construction of various buildings. Professionally performed laying of expanded clay blocks ensures the durability of the entire house structure. When planning to implement, or an outbuilding, you should study how walls are built from expanded clay concrete blocks. To ensure the stability of the structure and prevent cracking of the material, it is important to carry out reinforcement correctly. Let us consider in detail the types of masonry. Let's figure out how to place blocks.

Information on the properties, types and sizes of expanded clay concrete products

Popular among professional builders and private developers. They appeared on construction market as a result of the search for building materials characterized by increased thermal insulation characteristics, environmental friendliness, strength and moisture resistance. Blocks are used in the construction of partitions and walls.

The following building materials are used for the manufacture of expanded clay blocks:

• sifted sand;
• expanded clay granules;
• Portland cement.

The necessary materials are mixed with water in certain proportions. Expanded clay concrete products are easy to make with your own hands, having necessary equipment. To do this, special forms are filled with the prepared solution, and blocks are produced by pressing. The resulting products have a porous structure, due to the characteristics of expanded clay used as a filler.

Laying expanded clay concrete blocks is becoming increasingly popular

Expanded clay granules provide the basic properties of the material:

• reduced level of thermal conductivity;
• ability to absorb noise;
• small specific gravity.

You can also note the following characteristics of the blocks:

• environmental cleanliness;
• sufficient margin of safety;
• increased dimensions;
• variety of executions.

For the construction of partitions or walls from expanded clay concrete blocks, products in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with different dimensions are used:

• septum, the dimensions of which are 39x19x9 cm;
• wall expanded clay blocks with dimensions 39x19x18.8 cm or 39x30x18.8 cm.

The properties of the blocks depend on the design option:

• solid blocks, in which there are no internal cavities, are characterized by an increased margin of safety. However solid blocks inferior to hollow ones in terms of thermal insulation characteristics. Products are used for the construction load-bearing walls, taking increased loads;
• hollow elements having internal cavities of a rectangular, round, ellipse or slot type have increased fragility. The cavities are located along or across the longitudinal axis of the block. Blocks provide increased thermal insulation compared to solid products.

Expanded clay concrete products are easy to distinguish from other composite blocks by their rough surface.

Laying walls from expanded clay concrete blocks is possible using several technologies, all of them are used in different situations

Types of masonry when constructing a wall of expanded clay concrete blocks

Wall masonry from expanded clay concrete blocks is carried out in various ways:

• half a block. In this case, the thickness of the walls being constructed corresponds to the width of the expanded clay concrete composite, and is equal to 19 cm. This masonry method is used for the construction of walls of country houses, garages and sheds. The technology is not used for the construction of buildings intended for permanent residence. To strengthen walls constructed using this method, reinforcement is used, laid at intervals of 3-4 rows. Expanded clay blocks are placed with dressing. Wherein long side located along the contour of the walls;
• in one block. The thickness of the supporting frame of buildings constructed using this method is 39 cm, which corresponds to the length of the expanded clay block. When performing work, blocks are laid with alternating rows of splice and spoon type. To strengthen the masonry, a masonry mesh for expanded clay concrete blocks or corrugated reinforcement is used. This method of building walls is used in the construction of frames of private houses and cottages. To reduce heat losses, external thermal insulation of walls is performed using mineral wool or polystyrene foam boards with a thickness of 50 mm or more;
• according to the well scheme. Well technology for wall construction significantly reduces heat losses and provides for the simultaneous construction of two parallel walls on the outer and inner parts of the building. A feature of well masonry is the presence of a gap between the outer and internal contour, intended for laying thermal insulation material. When constructing a thermally insulated building box using well technology, each subsequent row is laid offset relative to the previous one;

Laying expanded clay concrete products can be done using several methods

• half of an expanded clay block with transverse reinforcement. Using the specified technological method, builders are erecting two parallel expanded clay block walls, each of which is 19 cm thick. When laying building materials in half a block, two parallel walls are connected with reinforcing bars to increase strength. Between the outer and inner contours, polystyrene foam insulation is laid, the thickness of which is 50-100 mm.

The technology for constructing half-block walls with additional reinforcement and laying insulation combines increased stock structural strength with high thermal insulation properties building. The specified types of masonry are used for composite blocks from various materials. For example, cinder block laying is carried out using one of the given methods.

Laying expanded clay blocks - preparing tools and materials

At the preparatory stage, it is necessary to prepare in a timely manner necessary building materials and various tools.

To carry out masonry activities you will need:

• a kilogram hammer with a rubber-coated working part;
• corner used for marking blocks before cutting;
• tape measure to control the thickness of the seam and the size of the box being constructed;
• concrete mixer for preparing the working solution;
• masonry mesh for expanded clay concrete blocks;
• ingredients for preparing a binder mixture or ready-made glue;
• sheet expanded polystyrene used as insulation.

When laying these blocks, everything must be done correctly

You will also need tools according to the list:

• mooring cord;
• trowel with a rectangular blade;
• grinder equipped with a cutting disc for cutting blocks;
• cutting tool;
• shovels for loading initial components;
• container for preparing the adhesive composition;
• scaffolding for work at heights.

Control of the correct laying of blocks is carried out using a plumb line and level. It is necessary to determine the need for expanded clay blocks at the preparatory stage. The number of pieces is determined by calculation, taking into account the selected type of masonry and the dimensions of the structure.

How to properly prepare a solution for laying expanded clay blocks

Expanded clay concrete blocks are connected to each other using various types working mixtures:

• standard, for the manufacture of which sifted sand, Portland cement and water are used. The components are mixed in a ratio of 3:1:0.8. The volume of water added depends on the moisture concentration in the sand used. By changing the amount of water, the required plasticity of the mixture should be achieved. A properly prepared solution retains its shape and does not spread over the surface. To prepare a solution with increased plasticity, plasticizing components are introduced;

Expanded clay concrete materials can be laid using a cement-sand mixture or ready-made glue solution

• special glue, which is offered in specialized stores in the form of a dry mixture. The adhesive is prepared by mixing the bulk substance with water in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The prepared glue has increased plasticity, due to which the thickness of the masonry joint is reduced to 0.5 cm. The approximate consumption of glue per cube of masonry is 35-40 kg.

Having decided to use a sand-cement mortar prepared in a concrete mixer, remember that it retains its performance characteristics for one and a half to two hours. When preparing the working mixture, monitor its consistency. To mix the glue, use a special attachment attached to the chuck of the power tool. For mixing, use a container of appropriate size.

Preparing the base for wall blocks made of expanded clay concrete

The quality of foundation preparation affects the stability and strength characteristics of expanded clay concrete walls.

Preparatory activities include the following work:

1. Ensuring that the supporting surface of the foundation is horizontal.
2. Elimination of local defects, sealing of cracks and irregularities.
3. Waterproofing the foundation using roll materials or mastic.

When laying with your own hands, you can also use dry glue; it only needs to be diluted with water, according to the instructions.

To protect expanded clay blocks from moisture absorption, the following types of waterproofing are used:

• rolled roofing felt;
• bitumen mastic;
• glass insulation

Double-layer waterproofing provides reliable protection expanded clay blocks from moisture absorption. To the surface waterproofing material fits thin layer cement mortar, on which the first row of blocks rests. Before starting masonry work, you should cut it in advance required amount additional prefabricated blocks and lay out the block building material along the contour of the foundation base.

Operational instructions for laying expanded clay concrete walls

The technology for laying expanded clay concrete blocks does not cause difficulties for novice developers.

Laying walls from expanded clay concrete blocks begins from the corner parts of the foundation and is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. A layer of cement mortar is spread over the waterproofing.
2. The first blocks are laid in the corners of the lower tier.
3. A string is stretched between the corner foundation blocks.
4. The lower row of blocks is being laid.
5. The remaining rows of masonry are laid with reinforcement after 3-4 rows.

It is important to pay attention to the need to tightly fit the blocks using a rubber hammer. After the construction of the walls, it is constructed and work is carried out on thermal insulation of the facade of the building.

Conclusion

Wall blocks made of expanded clay concrete, laid according to technology, will ensure the stability of the building frame and reliably insulate the room. Important to use high-quality building material, manufactured by industrial technology. Before starting work, you should decide on the laying method, prepare everything you need and carefully study technological nuances. Professional builders They will always help with practical advice.

Today there is an abundance of all kinds building materials, which allows you to select the most suitable option for different needs and any wallet. In particular, a common method of erecting structures is masonry from expanded clay concrete blocks. Like any other construction operation, this procedure has a number of its own characteristics, so we will take a closer look at it below.

General information

First of all, let's look at what this material is. As you might guess, expanded clay is used as its initial component. In essence, it is foamed and fired clay, which, after hardening, acquires the structure of granules.

Thanks to their baked shell, the material has high strength. In addition, the porous structure provides expanded clay with low weight and good heat and noise insulation properties.

Note!
The price allows you to significantly save on construction.
To calculate the benefits, you just need to compare how much a cube of expanded clay concrete and the same amount of other materials cost.

As a result of all these features, expanded clay concrete is a significant competitor to brick, concrete and other traditional building materials. Therefore, it is widely used for construction residential buildings, warehouses, as well as equipment for all kinds of livestock buildings.

Wall masonry

Masonry methods

Laying expanded clay concrete blocks can be done in several ways. The choice depends on the expected wall thickness, as well as facing materials finishing.

Now let’s take a closer look at each method of laying expanded clay concrete blocks:

• Laying a wall with a thickness equal to the width of the block – 200 mm. Inner side in this case it is finished with plaster, and the outer one is thermal insulation material up to 10 cm thick. As a rule, for these purposes they use mineral wool or polystyrene foam. This method is great for constructing warehouses or garages.
• Wall masonry, thickness equal to length block. At the same time, external and interior decoration performed in the manner described above.
  The only thing is that you can use thinner insulation - no more than 50 mm. This method of masonry can be suitable for the construction of small structures, for example, a bathhouse. (See also article.)

• Masonry with ligation of blocks and leaving air space between them. The wall thickness in this case is 600 mm. The inner side is finished with plaster, as in previous cases, but the insulation is laid in the spaces between the blocks. This construction method can be used in the construction of country houses.
• Construction of two parallel walls with a small gap between them. Both walls are fastened with reinforcement, and the resulting space is filled with insulation. This technology masonry of expanded clay concrete blocks is the most labor-intensive, however, it is the most durable and has best level thermal protection.

Technology

By by and large, laying expanded clay concrete is not much different from laying brick. And thanks large size blocks, it is performed even faster and easier.

Advice!
You can hire specialists to carry out this work, but you should first find out the cost of laying expanded clay concrete blocks.
It is quite possible that after learning the prices, you will still decide to perform this operation yourself.

Instructions for performing this work are as follows:

• First of all, the foundation (base) for the masonry is leveled. If it has significant irregularities, the reinforced concrete is cut with diamond wheels or poured to zero.
  If it is necessary to provide communications through the foundation, holes should be made in advance. Most effective method — diamond drilling holes in concrete.
• Then waterproofing is laid on the base. For these purposes, you can use two layers of roofing material.
• Next, you need to prepare a solution for laying expanded clay concrete blocks in the following proportion:
  • Part of cement;
  • Part of sifted river sand;
  • 3 parts quarry sand.

• The next step is to install beacons. To do this, threads are stretched around the perimeter along which the blocks are aligned.
• After this, the solution is laid out on the base. Its thickness should be about 30 mm.
• Next, starting from the corner, masonry is carried out. The block should be installed in place and slightly pressed into the mortar. The distance between blocks should be no more than 10 mm.
• The walls are erected evenly around the perimeter and “raised” along with them internal partitions. After constructing a row with your own hands, you need to make sure it is horizontal using building level. If necessary, the blocks should be trimmed.
• Every 2-3 rows it is necessary to lay a reinforcing mesh.

In the photo - reinforcement of expanded clay concrete

Conclusion

Work on laying expanded clay concrete blocks requires compliance with a certain technology. However, in general, this procedure is quite accessible to everyone. home handyman who has ever encountered construction and, especially, bricklaying. From the video in this article you can get Additional information regarding the laying of expanded clay concrete.

Expanded clay concrete is one of the types of concrete, widely used in modern construction(filling the frame of monolithic reinforced concrete houses, in the construction of cottages, garages and outbuildings). The composition includes cement, expanded clay, construction sand and water. This is not only quite light, but very durable material. The use of expanded clay concrete for walls allows you to save on thermal insulation, as it itself has high thermal insulation properties. Also, taking into account the fact that the dimensions of expanded clay concrete are larger than bricks, the thickness of the wall made of expanded clay concrete blocks will accordingly be greater.

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

The material has many advantages:

• Has high strength indicators. The composition includes cement of a grade not lower than M-400;
• High thermal insulation. Retains heat much better than ordinary concrete.;
• Soundproofing. Due to its structure, expanded clay concrete has good sound insulation, unlike lightweight concrete;
• High stability. It has amazing resistance to both natural irritants (snow, rain, etc.) and chemicals (sulfate solutions, caustic alkalis);
• High level of water resistance;
• Allows you to maintain the required level of moisture in the room;

• Not fussy in finishing. Preliminary work It may not be necessary to do this before finishing. Finishing of expanded clay concrete is possible with any finishing materials. Does not require a thick layer of plaster and installation of reinforced mesh;
• High resistance to temperature changes and frost;
• The material does not contain chemicals, which have an aggressive effect on metal constructions Houses;
• The construction of walls occurs very quickly, due to the fact that expanded clay concrete has big sizes. The ease of installation will allow a person who has never previously been interested in construction to erect a building using expanded clay concrete;
• Walls made of this material are relatively light in weight;
• Does not burn, does not rot, does not rust.

Expanded clay concrete, like any other building material, has its disadvantages:

1. Having porosity in its form, expanded clay concrete is inferior in strength and mechanical properties to heavy concrete;
2. Not used to create a foundation;
3. Bulges give an unsightly appearance;
4. Good frost resistance is also a disadvantage. Water that gets into the pores freezes when low temperatures, and ice, as you know, expands. After several cycles of freezing and thawing, frost resistance may decrease.

Related article: Bathroom accessories: nice little things

Quantity calculation

The number of blocks is calculated in relation to the thickness of the masonry walls and the size of the house. In order to calculate the quantity, you need to know the length and height of the walls, the sizes of window and doorways. Let's consider an example of a calculation for a residential building, where load-bearing walls will be built from this material.

So, you need to build a house with the following parameters:

The size of the future house is 9x15 meters. Height – 3.5 meters, dimensions window openings 1.5x1.8 meters (there will be 7 such windows), doorways - 1.5x2.5 meters (there will be 4 openings).

The calculation must be made based on the block size, they are different. In our case, the wall thickness will be 39 cm.

The calculation is carried out in several stages:

• Let's calculate the perimeter of the masonry of the house. We have two walls of 9 m and two of 15 m. Multiply 2*9 m + 2*15 m = 48 m;

• Total volume, including window and door openings: 48 m * 3.5 m * 0.39 m = 65.52 m³, where 0.39 m is the size of the masonry thickness;

• Calculation of all window openings of the house: 7 * (1.5 m * 1.8 m * 0.39 m) = 7.371 m³;

• Calculation of all doorways of the house: 4 * (1.5 m * 2.5 m * 0.39 m) = 5.85 m3;

• So, now you need to subtract the sizes of window and door openings in order to get the amount of material for the walls: 65.52 m³ - 7.371 m³ - 5.85 m³ = 52.299 m³ - total quantity;
• In order to determine the required number of pieces, you need to calculate the volume of one block, for this we multiply the height by the width and by the length, also taking into account the thickness of the seams: 0.4 m * 0.2 m * 0.2 m = 0.016 m³ - volume one block;

• Now you can find out how many pieces you need to purchase: 52.299 m³ / 0.016 m = 3268.6875 ≈ 3270 pieces of blocks;

• To find out the cost of all the material, you need to multiply the number of pieces by the cost of one block.

What should the wall thickness be?

The thickness of expanded clay concrete walls is determined depending on the purpose of the building. Based building codes and rules (SNiP), the recommended thickness of a wall made of expanded clay concrete for a residential building is 64 cm.

But many believe that a load-bearing wall for a residential building can have a wall thickness of 39 cm. To build a summer country house or cottages, for the construction of internal, non-load-bearing walls, garages and other outbuildings, the wall thickness can be one block.

Related article: White bathroom - design

Laying technology

First of all, let's look at the masonry technology. Blocks come in different structures and modifications: hollow and solid. Solid ones are used for the foundation and lower floors where loads are expected. Hollow ones are used to build walls that are subject to minimal load.

The preparation of the base must be level relative to the horizon. If the surface is not horizontal, a strip foundation is first applied. Small irregularities on the surface are not catastrophic; they can be leveled using mortar during the process of laying the first row of the wall.

In the process of preparing the base, a layer of waterproofing is also laid; ordinary roofing felt can be used.

Setting levels is one of important stages. In the corners of the future wall, you need to install special slats that will allow you to control the level of the first and subsequent rows. You can use wooden slats, the main thing is that they are as even as possible. These slats are installed vertically at a distance of 10 mm from the corners and surface of the future row.

On the slats we mark the level of the base and put marks accordingly the highest points masonry row taking into account the size of the seams (10 - 12 mm). We stretch a clothesline or cord onto the slats, the main thing is that it is strong. A stretched rope (chosen a rope) must maintain a distance of approximately 10 mm between it and the wall.

Preparation of the solution

For laying expanded clay concrete blocks, as for laying bricks, a solution of cement and sand is used in a ratio of 1:3. In rare cases, lime is used.

Laying the first row

Each block must be moistened with water to achieve better adhesion. To simplify the work, you can pour water on a certain number of blocks at once. It is better when all surfaces of the block are moistened with water. The water should be absorbed into the surface, not just wet it.

Laying always starts from the corner of the wall. We apply the solution to the base under the first row; its thickness should not exceed 22 mm.

The layer of solution should be several centimeters narrower than the surface of the block. When the block is compacted, the solution protrudes from underneath it. We apply the mortar exactly under 4 - 5 blocks, there is no point anymore, because it will harden while the first blocks are being laid. We carefully place the block on the mortar and hammer it in using the handle of a trowel or a rubber hammer.

In this case, you need to adjust it to the previously marked points on the rail and to the level of the rope. The seam should be no more than 10 mm, remove the remaining mortar with a trowel (it is useful for next row). It is also necessary to fill the side edges between the blocks with mortar.

The economic crisis does not interfere with those wishing to carry out construction own home. Today there is a huge amount of technology, but the construction of walls from stone material remains the most popular. The conversation will focus on how to correctly lay expanded clay concrete blocks. Simply put, it seems step-by-step instruction DIY work.

Necessary materials

To lay walls made of expanded clay concrete blocks you will need:

• blocks made of expanded clay concrete material. The stock of elements should include 5% for unforeseen circumstances;
• pure water;
• cement mass and sand. Here it is allowed to use a special mixture purchased at a hardware store;
• reinforcing metal rods, the diameter of which is 8 - 10 mm;
• insulation material. It is necessary if a decision is made to insulate walls during masonry work;
• ·construction mesh for reinforcement.

All materials should be purchased in reserve.

Tools used

Before carrying out work, care should be taken to necessary tools and devices for laying expanded clay concrete blocks. You will need:

• tape measure and building level;
• plumb lines;
• trowels and trowels;
• rubber mallet and jointing;
• grinder with circles designed for cutting stone materials;
• concrete mixer;
• shovels and containers for preparing masonry mixture;
• facilities personal protection, workwear;
• scaffolding for the convenience of working at heights. As a rule, they are rented or made from reliable wood material. Working from a ladder is dangerous and not very convenient.

Preparation of the solution

Laying of expanded clay concrete blocks is carried out using cement-sand mortar or ready-made adhesive composition. When preparing the solution yourself, it is recommended to strictly follow the proportions of the components used:

• cement composition – 1 part;
• sand – 3 parts;
• water – 1 part.

The cement used to prepare the solution must correspond to grade M 400 and higher. The amount of water may vary, because its amount is directly affected by the humidity level of the sand used to prepare the sand solution.

The prepared solution must be plastic so that the block can be easily given the desired position.

The use of liquid solution is prohibited. To increase its elasticity quarry sand replaced by river. It is allowed to add plasticizers.

If the volume of the solution is small, kneading is done manually. For larger quantities it is recommended to use a concrete mixer. The solution should be prepared in an amount that will be used immediately. If this nuance is not observed, the solution will begin to separate.

What else are expanded clay concrete blocks placed on? It is allowed to use dry adhesive composition. All that is required for preparation is to add water according to the instructions and knead. The glue has good ductility and creates thin seams. But it costs much more than cement.

Preparatory work

When compiling design solution to build a house, you should immediately determine the dimensions of the walls in terms of the parameters of solid blocks, taking into account masonry joints, the width of which should not exceed one centimeter. Such gaps will make it possible to compensate for violations of the geometry of the blocks, which will inevitably be revealed during the work.

The technology for laying expanded clay concrete blocks is also determined by the type of material. For the main wall of an object with two to three floors, it is recommended to use solid material; lightweight structures are erected from blocks with voids. Under construction interior walls It is best to purchase hollow partition blocks.

Please note that if you decide not to clad the external walls, you should use a special adhesive composition, ready-made half-blocks and other masonry elements.

Remember that a block with a lined edge cuts worse.

Ends preparatory stage drawing up a diagram that shows how to lay expanded clay concrete blocks. In this case it is recommended to use classic way- a shift of half a block or a shift of the next row by ten centimeters.

Laying the first row

The features of masonry at this stage differ in a certain technology. Apply to the foundation base waterproofing layer from roofing felt material or an analogue. With its help, the correctness and geometric accuracy of the object box is specified.

Work should begin from the corners; the mortar layer in these places should not exceed 3 centimeters. Having installed corner bricks, they are pressed and seated, the position is checked with a level. Each corner must be in a single plane.

A cord is pulled along the corner sections, along which the first row of expanded clay concrete blocks is laid.

Wall masonry

All subsequent rows during laying are controlled by a level and “tied up”. It is very important to monitor the geometry of the walls, because it will be difficult to make adjustments after the mortar has set.

The masonry mixture is applied with a trowel, the block is laid, moved towards the end of the previous one, and tapped (if necessary) rubber mallet, remove excess solution.

To know how to correctly lay expanded clay concrete blocks, it is recommended to study popular methods for performing such work:

1. Half a block. Good way for the installation of objects for economic purposes. The block is laid out lengthwise along the base. The structure needs an insulating layer because the wall thickness is small.
2. One brick wide. This scheme for laying expanded clay concrete blocks is considered the most common and is used during the construction of residential buildings and garages. During masonry, spoon and tie levels are alternated. An insulating layer is required, the thickness of which will be five or more centimeters.
3. Well masonry walls made of expanded clay concrete blocks. For this method, a characteristic difference is the voids between the layers, which are filled during the construction of walls insulation material. This method is recommended when facing external walls brick material. The method is considered the most effective in retaining heat indoors.

Laying door and window openings

When laying rows, do not forget to compare their number with the design drawing, so as not to miss the installation of opening sections for windows and doors. On top of each such section it will be necessary to install a concrete lintel, the edges of which will extend into the masonry by at least half a meter.

By the way, instead of a jumper, a metal channel or a large corner is used.

The last row

Having laid out the final row of carriers and partition walls, should do reinforced belt. With its presence, the load from the roof will be distributed evenly across the walls. The height of such a belt should be at least twenty centimeters, the width should be less than the width of the block by the thickness of the insulating layer. The masonry is reinforced with metal mesh.

If you decide to reinforce with a monolithic concrete layer, then before that you will have to install a wooden formwork structure and reinforcement frame.

Reinforcement

Now let's look at how to do reinforcement correctly. When using solid block material, it is recommended to use mesh. It is allowed to install reinforcing bars on hollow block elements, since this method considered very reliable.

Every 4th row and those located above the opening areas are subject to a similar procedure.

Advantages and disadvantages of masonry

We found out how to lay expanded clay blocks. Now we propose to consider the positive and negative points inherent in this material.

But there are also negative points:

1. The level of hygroscopicity of block material. Expanded clay concrete blocks absorb water well, so they require protection from such exposure. If this condition is not met, the most severe consequences may occur. Negative consequences. The properties of the blocks will decrease, strength and resistance to frost will be reduced to zero.
2. Expanded clay concrete blocks are difficult to process. This is explained by the presence of abrasive qualities of the material.
3. Expanded clay concrete is afraid of mechanical influences. Most of all, this is revealed during the transportation of material and in the process of masonry work.
4. Handicraft production workshops have a negative impact on the popularity of block material. There is always a risk of purchasing low quality blocks.

Conclusion

Blocks made from expanded clay concrete raw materials are products that meet the established requirements necessary to obtain a structure that is durable and has a long service life. With its characteristics, the block successfully competes in the building materials market, attracting many buyers not only with its quality indicators, but also with its cost.