The dimensions of the heat block are not too large, however, buildings with excellent thermal insulation can be easily erected from it. In addition, the main difference from other building materials is that a heat-efficient wall block or heat block is a structure that consists of three layers.
What is a block
The dimensions of the heat block are 350mm wide, 175mm high and 350mm thick. The large thickness of this material is due to its three-layer structure. Each layer performs its specific function. The first is expanded clay concrete or artificial stone, the second is polystyrene foam, the third is textured.
Porous expanded clay concrete is the main bearing part of such a block. The internal cavity of this artificial stone is filled with a substance such as expanded polystyrene. In this case, it plays the role of the most effective insulation. The outer layer is also expanded clay concrete, but already textured. It is worth noting here that the outer shell can have many different textures to improve aesthetics. The most commonare brick and stone varieties.
Block Benefits
If everything became more clear with the size of the heat block, then it is also worth considering its main advantages, because of which it is so popular:
- Naturally, the thermal efficiency is at the highest level.
- Quite a budget option, as its delivery is cheaper. You can also save on styling mixes.
- Easy to use, which is due to the fact that each block individually is very light, and its geometric shape is almost perfect.
- The price of the heat block itself is also quite low and ranges from 90 to 250 rubles apiece.
- Belongs to a long life material group.
- Fire safety. In such a block, only a layer of expanded polystyrene is fuel, which is treated with a fire retardant at the production stage.
- A wide variety of external textures allows you to choose the most suitable material according to your own aesthetic wishes.
- Environmental safety is also on top.
Use of heat blocks
To date, the convenient size of the heat block and its other advantages have led to the fact that this material is widely used for the construction of load-bearing walls of various buildings and structures. However, the dimensions of the block do not always play into his hands, and therefore the material is rarely used for the construction of internal-type partitions due to its large thickness.
The main scope isconstruction of low-rise residential buildings, as well as buildings for economic purposes. However, if the reinforcement of the bearing part is carried out, then it can also be successfully used for multi-storey construction. It is also worth adding here that the price of heat blocks, the possibility of simple delivery and quick installation have led to the fact that they have become very often used in "quick construction".
Varieties of blocks
Today, there are a large number of different types of heat blocks. The classification of this building material is based on the following principles:
- degree of strength of the carrier layer - differs depending on the brand of cement used to create (M50, M75, M100);
- the type of polystyrene used as a heater may also differ - ordinary or extruded;
- block design can be integral or with voids to allow additional reinforcement;
- naturally, the dimensions and decorativeness of the blocks also serve as a weighty argument for their division into types.
Pros and cons of heat blocks
If a lot has been said about the positive qualities of this material, then it is worth paying attention to some disadvantages.
The material is made using fiber-reinforced concrete, which makes the structure virtually pore-free. This greatly hinders the "breathing" of those buildings that will be built from such a block. It is also worth noting that the size of this material is not always well suited toconstruction. This is especially noticeable if the site for the construction of the building is quite limited or the object must have a complex structure from an architectural point of view.
It is quite clear that the number of positive aspects is still several times greater than the number of disadvantages. It is because of this difference that heat blocks become so popular.
Summing up, we can say with confidence that this type of building material will confidently displace ordinary brick and stone, since it is much lighter and the price of a heat block is lower than that of such materials. This is also due to the fact that you can choose almost any texture to your taste, and it will be almost impossible to distinguish it from real brick, stone or other material. The only restriction for use is the size of the space allocated for the construction of the building.
