Today, cinder block is one of the most popular building materials in the building materials market. Such popularity is due primarily to the cheapness of the material in principle. The cost of a cinder block is less than any of its neighbors, such as a brick or any cellular block. At the same time, this material has high basic technical indicators. The main components for manufacturing are slag, granite crushed stone, sand, expanded clay, gravel. Several components can serve as a filler at once. For production, for example, one of the options is used, slag + crushed stone + sand + water + cement. Cinder blocks are divided into monolithic (solid) and hollow with varying degrees of voidness.
Not a big digression on the merits of cinder blocks:
Profitability, the cinder block is the cheapest material among the closest competitors.
Not large dimensions of the blocks are easy to install.
For laying cinder blocks, the same mixtures are used as for laying, for example, bricks.
No special skills are required for masonry, installation of cinder block.
Not bad insulation.
Good material durability.
Disadvantages of blocks:
Absorption and accumulation of moisture. A waterproof coating is required.
For better protection, a high foundation device is required.
Not high heat and sound insulation characteristics.
Cinder block laying.
The construction of cinder block walls is carried out in several stages. I install the first row of the block on the finished foundation. Installing a waterproofing layer 9 in most cases I use only). I lay the first row on a relatively thick layer of mortar, it is leveling. They start laying from the corners, so to speak, start and raise the corners. When laying, use a level, water and / or laser. A building cord is pulled between the erected corners and the laying is continued with it to ensure the laying of even rows further. The voids of the blocks should be located at the bottom, while applying the solution not only from below, but also on the side faces, the so-called vertical seams. The approximate thickness of the mortar joint can be from 8-12 mm, usually 10 mm. If the laying of cinder blocks is carried out without subsequent lining, then the seams can be embroidered and colored pigments can be added to the masonry mortar to color the seams. For painting, technical carbon or ash can be used, the color of the seam is black, as well as other dyes, to obtain the desired color of the seam of the structure.
Cinder blocks are a very affordable building material that you can even make yourself. The material gained high popularity due not only to its low cost, but also to the ease of installation and high technical and operational characteristics.
The main areas of application of cinder blocks are the construction of utility rooms, garages, and other utility rooms. It is also possible to build residential premises, but this will require additional wall insulation, as well as non-compliance with some environmental standards.
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