Selecting the appropriate building materials for your home is essential to its overall performance, durability, and beauty. When building a house, the selection of building materials can have a big impact on the building process as well as the long-term quality of your home.
There are many different kinds of building blocks on the market today, and each has pros and cons of its own. Making an informed decision that fits your construction goals, design preferences, and budget can be facilitated by having a thorough understanding of these factors.
When building a home, concrete blocks—also referred to as concrete masonry units, or CMUs—are a common option. They offer superior thermal insulation, are strong, and are resistant to fire. Because concrete blocks are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, building and design options are endless. But they can be heavy, and installing them might call for specialized labor.
Bricks are durable and have a timeless charm. Bricks are made of fired clay or concrete, which resists fire and pests and acts as natural insulation. Bricks are widely used in both traditional and modern architectural styles because of their well-known aesthetic appeal. However, they might cost more than other building materials and eventually need more upkeep.
Because they are lightweight and energy-efficient, lightweight blocks like foam concrete blocks and autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) are becoming more and more popular. These blocks have good thermal insulation qualities and are robust despite being lightweight. In addition, they require less labor and take less time to shape and cut on-site during construction. Lightweight blocks might not be able to support the same amount of weight as conventional concrete or brick blocks, though.
- Advantages of blocks
- What are the blocks for building a house
- To size
- By the method of production
- By purpose
- By type of design
- By type of surface
- By type of material
- Prices for various types of building blocks
- Concrete blocks
- Video – types of blocks. Comparative characteristics.
- Prices for various types of cement
- Ceramzitthonous blocks
- Gas mosquiture blocks
- Aerated concrete blocks
- Foam concrete blocks
- Polystyrene concrete block
- Slag concrete blocks
- Arbolite blocks
- Ceramic blocks
- Video on the topic
- 10 facts about aerated concrete. Personal experience. Pros and cons of gas block.
- A frame or a house made of aerated concrete? Which is cheaper? / Comparison of construction costs, pros and cons of
- Which blocks for building a house is better? COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
- Big ceramic block / What is the advantage of the ceramic block over brick and gas block?
- The most popular material for the construction of country houses / gas block: pros and cons of
Advantages of blocks
Building block intended for use in the building of multi-story and low-rise structures. It is applied to both industrial and residential spaces.
The mid-1900s saw the emergence of the first block houses. Building a structure out of blocks takes a lot less time than other methods because of a practical technological process.
On the construction site, installing the building’s exterior and interior walls is a simple and quick process. The cubes make up the house. Because of this technology’s ease of use, multi-story block houses with panels are becoming increasingly common in Russian cities. These are sturdy buildings that insulate well against heat and sound.
The styling technique is one that even those without specialized education can learn. Since the blocks typically don’t require additional equipment, their popularity in private construction has grown quickly. Block construction is a popular method for building one- to two-story country homes, cottages, and towhouses.
What are the blocks for building a house
There is a wide variety of construction blocks available in the current market from various manufacturers due to the high demand for this material that is ensured by a favorable price policy and quality ratio. There are numerous fundamental groupings.
To size
- large -sized;
- small -sized.
Larger-sized blocks have advantages like excellent heat insulation and high strength. Smaller blocks are lighter but lose strength and heat conductivity. It is simpler to lay and easier to transport to the construction site.
By the method of production
- industrial (at the factory);
- Larrier (on the construction site).
The production of blocks involves the use of specialized standard forms for casting completed goods. While the building’s ultimate cost can be as high as possible with autonomous material harvesting, the building’s quality may suffer.
By purpose
- for foundations;
- for external walls;
- For internal walls.
By type of design
- hollow;
- Full -bodied.
When compared to full-bodied blocks, the construction blocks with voids inside them are lighter and less expensive, but their structural strength is diminished. They are useful for laying covert communications. However, one should keep in mind that hollow blocks have higher heat conductivity.
By type of surface
- corrugated;
- smooth;
- unpainted;
- color and others.
Special inorganic and organic pigments, along with colored cements, are used to color the blocks.
By type of material
- natural stone;
- fine -grained concrete;
- cellular concrete (foam concrete, aerated concrete);
- arbolite;
- brick and others.
Concrete is the primary ingredient in building blocks. The differences in additional components, mixing techniques, and impurities distinguish different types of blocks from one another. Each kind of block has unique properties when combined with other substances.
The following categories of building blocks are the most widely used in the contemporary market:
- concrete;
- expanded clay concrete;
- gas -wire;
- aerated concrete;
- foam concrete;
- polysterol concrete;
- slag concrete;
- arbolite;
- Ceramic.
Think about the primary categories of building blocks, their attributes, and distinctions.
Prices for various types of building blocks
Construction block
Concrete blocks
Concrete elements are intended to lay the groundwork for the installation of supporting structures. In the past, this particular variety was the first to be produced on assembly lines.
The universal qualities of concrete give the buildings a unique strength and longevity. Structures made of this material have a 100-year lifespan.
Concrete block advantages include:
- humidity resistance;
- resistance to frost and sharp temperature changes;
- environmental friendliness;
- fire resistance;
- Low price.
But keep in mind that this is a very heavy material, particularly in the case of full-bodied blocks. For laying, extra lifting gear will typically be required.
Video – types of blocks. Comparative characteristics.
Because concrete blocks are so popular, their size is strictly regulated, allowing you to budget for all of your construction expenses ahead of time. Products with dimensions of 390x190x188, for instance, will cost between 40 and 55 rubles per PC. Smaller block sizes (390×80/90×188 mm) will set you back 25–30 rubles.
Prices for various types of cement
Cement
Ceramzitthonous blocks
This kind of building material is made by adding expanded clay to concrete. This is a naturally occurring, light-permeable substance. The process of firing clay or clay shale yields keramzit. He resists the growth of mold and fungus and is stable in the face of fire.
Concrete mixed with expanded clay will result in blocks that are extremely dense and strong. Thanks to improved technical parameters, you can use them to build multi-story buildings without worrying about potential frame deformation.
The structure’s primary flaw is its poor thermal insulation. Installing insulation from the street is necessary for the expanded clay concrete frame in order to keep the room warm and prolong its useful life.
Ceramzit wall blocks are different in that they are produced quickly and conveniently, which results in a low cost. Purchasing these blocks doesn’t require a significant outlay for materials.
The most common sizes for expanded clay concrete blocks are 390x190x188 mm, which costs about 57 rubles per PC (full-bodied), and 390x90x188 mm, which varies in price between 25 and 30 rubles. (distribution).
Gas mosquiture blocks
Safe building materials with regard to light and ecology. Ideal for installing internal partitions and main walls in low-rise buildings.
Heat treatment and mass pressing of quartz sand, cement, lime, and aluminum crumbs result in the production of blocks. Another name for this mixture is artificial stone. The composition offers good sound insulation and increased fire resistance. Because of their vapor permeability, the walls of the warm house from these blocks "breathe."
The gas-sushed is laid with ease because of the practical dense structure. Blocks with clear faces equalize the structure and speed up construction.
One feature that makes gas silicate blocks advantageous is their small mass. The completed block’s cellular structure helps to support its weight. You can forgo adding more fortifications because the building’s frame does not exert significant pressure on the foundation.
An important plus is a large range of dimensions and forms. Manufacturers regularly improve the masonry base in order to facilitate the installation, creating thoughtful structures with exclusive recesses and grooves for installation and groove compounds.Despite the indicated advantages of gas silicate products, the scope of their use is reduced. The cellular structure lowers compression ability and density indicator. 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 floors high. When erecting higher buildings to increase the strength of the structure, it is necessary to compact its steel reinforcement. However, the risk of destruction of the lower floors under the weight of the upper.
Although aerated concrete doesn’t burn, it can collapse at high temperatures, making a house unfit for habitation following a fire. Moreover, gas silicate blocks have a relatively low heat resistance and a higher degree of water absorption. When there are severe frosts, they absorb moisture that could shatter the blocks.
The price of the Ax concrete materials, 60x25x40 mm, is 30-206 rubles per PC. 60x30x10/20/25 mm products range in price from 30-75 rubles per piece. The price range for the largest blocks, measuring 60×37.5/40×25 mm, is between 210 and 240 rubles per PC.
Aerated concrete blocks
Aerated concrete blocks come in a broad range of sizes and densities, much like gas silicate. You can construct the entire structure from them. The tasks are taken into consideration when choosing blocks. Contemporary manufacturers offer the option to utilize them for jumpers, windows, doorways, and partitions in addition to walls and partitions.
Aerated concrete blocks are made of components like these:
The aluminum’s chemical reaction with the alkaline solution causes all of the ingredients to foam when they are combined in an autoclave. The resulting block has perfect geometrically even faces and a cellular structure that maximizes the fit of the connected parts and increases the percentage of heat during house construction.
Aerated concrete blocks differ primarily in that they can be easily made with basic hand tools and come in non-standard sizes. Because of their lower thermal conductivity, they also guarantee the preservation of heat in the house.
The increased absorption of water by aerated concrete is one of its main drawbacks. You will need to use primers and deep processing with impregnations to safeguard the building’s loading walls. Weak resistance to bending and compression is another drawback. Blocks in estates are fragile. If they are not used to build on the foundation, which allows for some shrinkage, the construction will start to show cracks after two to three years.
Foam concrete blocks
The foam concrete block is composed of cells. It is created by combining a foaming agent with cement. Foam concrete blocks retain many of their original properties because there is no thermal or power impact during the production process.
The operational benefits of such blocks can be separated from the inexpensive and simple implementation of individual architectural concepts, such as the elimination of multiple curving arches.
Aerated concrete and foam concrete blocks are frequently contrasted in terms of usage and frequency. They are pretty much the same. However, there are a few variations:
- Aerated concrete blocks have a more bubble consistency, so they are inferior to foam concrete in waterproofness. Open cells formed during the evaporation of gases are easily accepted and delayed for a long time, which adversely affects their functionality.
- Foam concrete has a lower density due to the content of a larger number of cells. As a result, it retains heat more effectively.
- Equipment is involved in the production of aerated concrete, which allows you to obtain the most accurate size of the products.
Regarding pricing, a 600x300x200 mm foam concrete block can be purchased for 95–120 rubles. Density variations will result in price variations. For one piece, the increased volumes to 600x400x200 mm will cost you between 120 and 170 rubles.
Polystyrene concrete block
Although polystyrene concrete is a relatively new product in the construction industry, some of its features have already made it well-known among developers. Its distinctiveness and dependability are confirmed by its low thermal conductivity, strong resistance to frost and temperature fluctuations, sound insulation, and environmental friendliness.
The polystyrate block is made of sand, polystyrene, and cement. Because the material is prepared without undergoing thermal or chemical processing, independent manufacturing can still produce high-quality products. However, adding special fibers is the only way to achieve high quality, so this is something that needs to be considered when selecting a manufacturer.
Two varieties of polystyrene concrete blocks exist:
- ordinary;
- With cladding.
The internal and external walls are laid with conventional blocks. Building with this material is about twice as expensive as using bricks. Products with faces don’t require additional facade decoration.
The price per unit for the 600x300x250 mm block is 120-160 rubles. Blok 390x190x188 mm is available for 40–50 rubles per piece.
Knowing the benefits and drawbacks of various materials is essential when selecting building materials for your home. This article examines several kinds of building blocks and points out both their advantages and disadvantages. This review seeks to offer a concise summary to assist you in making an informed choice, regardless of whether you’re thinking about more modern options like insulated concrete forms (ICFs) or AAC blocks, or more conventional options like bricks and concrete. Homeowners can select the ideal building blocks by looking at aspects like durability, affordability, and environmental effect.
Slag concrete blocks
Slag is a product used in the construction industry that is produced by vibrating concrete into specific forms and thermally processing its constituent parts. Slag concrete blocks are an oxide-and-concrete alloy that doesn’t contain any chemical additives.
Crushed stone, cement, lime, and slag sand are used in the production of such goods. The composition can be supplemented with sawdust, gravel, coal ash, and the combustion waste from Marten furnaces. The result is an inexpensive, robust building material.
In addition to being made by hand, slag concrete blocks are also manufactured in factories. The requirements of GOST 6133-99 dictate how reinforced slag blocks are manufactured on an industrial basis. They are distinguished by being slightly heavier than regular bricks, which increases the longevity of structures and lowers pressure at the foundational level.
Slag block features are listed in Table No. 1.
Slag blocks vary in strength and density. Depending on the intended use, they are divided into multiple brands:
- M10 (suitable for insulation);
- M25 and M30 (designed to create partitions);
- M50 (optimal for supporting structures).
Such raw materials’ shortcomings are most apparent during the production phase:
- too long process of preparing the product;
- Fast hardening.
Slag blocks measuring 390 x 90 x 190 mm are available for use in installing crossbars between rooms; the cost of one block ranges from 17 to 35 rubles. Products measuring 390x240x190 mm are utilized for universal buildings. They cost between 50 and 80 rubles per PC on average. Buildings with higher loads must use entire blocks, measuring 390 by 190 by 190 mm and costing 35–80 rubles per unit.
Arbolite blocks
Blocks made of arbolite are regarded as eco-friendly materials. Eighty percent of them consist of wood chips and other organic materials (such as crushed stems and sunflower seeds). Cement and different mineral additives are important ingredients. Another name for the resultant mixture is wooden.
When constructing low-rise, privately owned buildings, arbolite is utilized to ensure that the bearing walls don’t experience significant loads during compression. In Holland, these kinds of blocks are extremely common. Although he has not yet achieved the same level of recognition in Russia, local production has already begun.
Small sizes can be constructed without the need for reinforcement.
It is evident from the undesirable aspects of the arbolite blocks that a mandatory cladding was used to hide the blocks’ ugly appearance.
The environmental composition of arbolite blocks accounts for a portion of their high cost. A 150x200x500 mm block costs roughly 60 rubles per unit. 300 x 200 x 500 mm; 120 rubles per piece.
REMARKABLE An alternative kind of environmentally friendly block is made of straw-concrete concrete. This type of product is made from natural and pure materials. Straw can only be used in the construction of the frame because it is considered a soft construction raw material. The manufacturing of straw blocks has not yet gained widespread acceptance in the building sector due to consumer skepticism.
Ceramic blocks
This cutting-edge building material is a contemporary replacement for brick, which is frequently used in the construction of low-rise structures. After chemical processing, the ceramic block with a high percentage of voids is produced.
Two categories are used to categorize similar blocks:
- Porous. Consist of cellulose, foam and clay. Small pores inside the block provide good thermal insulation.
- Unsorient. The basis does not include extra impurities and additives. Such blocks have greater weight and low thermal insulation indicator.
Porcelain blocks can be used to build intricately designed structures, partitions, and load-bearing walls for multi-story buildings. There is no need for cladding with this material. Ceramics’ inherent qualities enable you to achieve optimal results without the need for extra thermal and/or hydro-isolation. Both building and cash costs are significantly decreased as a result.
To lay ceramic blocks and plates, you must first purchase construction glue. Because cement solutions are liquid in consistency, they will fill the cells in blocks and drastically diminish their qualitative qualities. A thin layer of glue (roughly 2 cm) applied to dense material will help ensure that the material is successfully glued without clogging pores.
It is important to remember that every two rows, vertical seams should be dressed with a horizontal fiberglass net to significantly lessen the risk to the construction’s strength.
The blocks range in size from 25x120x65 to 510x95x219 mm and cost between 12 and 67 rubles per piece.
| Material | Advantages and Disadvantages |
| Brick | Advantages: Durable, good thermal mass, classic aesthetic. Disadvantages: Expensive, labor-intensive to install. |
| Concrete Blocks | Advantages: Affordable, quick to build with, good insulation properties. Disadvantages: Heavy, may require additional insulation. |
| Wood | Advantages: Natural look, renewable resource, easy to work with. Disadvantages: Requires maintenance, susceptible to pests and weathering. |
Selecting the appropriate building materials for your home is essential for both structural soundness and beauty. Before choosing a building material, it is important to carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each type.
Because of their reputation for strength and fire resistance, concrete blocks are a dependable material for construction. Over time, they lower energy costs and help control indoor temperature because of their superior thermal mass. Concrete blocks, however, can be heavy, and installing them might call for specific tools.
Many homeowners value the classic appearance and timeless appeal that brick blocks provide. They contribute to the maintenance of a cozy interior atmosphere because they are inherently pest-resistant and have good insulating qualities. The drawbacks of bricks include the possibility of higher installation labor costs and cost in comparison to other building materials.
AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) blocks offer superior thermal insulation and soundproofing for those seeking a lightweight and adaptable solution. They save labor costs and construction time because they are simple to handle and install. AAC blocks might, however, need extra finishing when used outside to prevent weathering.
For those looking for a natural and sustainable building material, wood blocks or timber frames are appealing. When properly insulated, they provide excellent thermal performance and can be built relatively quickly. However, regular maintenance is necessary to keep wood blocks free from moisture and pests, which raises the cost of long-term upkeep.
The ideal blocks for your home will ultimately rely on your unique requirements, financial situation, and design tastes. Whether longevity, energy economy, or environmental friendliness are your top priorities, a building block can satisfy your needs. You can make a well-informed choice that will guarantee your home looks great and is sturdy for many years to come by carefully considering the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
