Usually construction work is carried out in the warm season. Winter is considered not the best time for laying bricks and other works. But every rule has exceptions. For example, when the building will not withstand conservation for the winter and may collapse significantly during this period. Before starting the building process, you need to find out at what temperature you can lay the brick.
Problems of laying bricks in winter
Many people ask the question: "Why can't you lay a brick in the cold?" We recall the composition of the solution and physics. So, for laying bricks, a mixture consisting of water, sand and cement is used. It is water that plays a key role here. It slows down the whole process. At sub-zero temperatures, water takes on a solid state of aggregation and turns into ice. Therefore, there is no process between masonry and mortarhydration. Even if the water in the masonry does not have time to freeze, some of the bricks will be covered with ice. When the air temperature rises and the ice begins to melt, the strength of the masonry will drop by half. The water that was inside the entire structure will also melt, and the entire structure will collapse quickly. And yet at what temperature can brick be laid? In order for ordinary cement mortar to set and dry, it must be at least -5 ° C outside. Otherwise, the building will collapse in the spring.
How to prepare mortar for winter masonry?
But, despite all these subtleties, a way was still found to increase the indicator of the temperature up to which bricks can be laid. To do this, you need to use a special solution, which includes antifreeze additives. With their help, the temperature limit was reduced to -50°C. This method of erecting buildings is especially popular in places where the air temperature is below zero most of the year.
After the masonry is laid, it remains to monitor the solidification of the solution. To do this, peculiar holes with plugs are made in the masonry, inside which the temperature is measured with a thermometer.
If during solidification it is impossible to observe the thermal regime, special equipment is connected for heating and drying the masonry. In very severe frosts, it may be necessary to install additional greenhouses. They are mounted above the masonry. Now for builders, the question of at what temperature it is possible to lay bricks is not so acute.
Need to considerthat additives that prevent the solution from freezing are harmful to humans. Therefore, you need to lay a brick only in a special protective suit.
Several ways of laying bricks in the cold season
The following technologies are used for quality work in sub-zero weather.
Electric heating. This is the most time-consuming and energy-intensive method. It is used in the construction of small sections of walls. During the laying process, electrodes are placed in the solution, through which an electric current is passed. With it, the seams dry out, and the formation of ice is excluded.
Arrangement of a greenhouse. This method is highly efficient and economical, but at the same time quite laborious. At the place where the wall will be driven out, a frame is installed on which polyethylene curtains will be stretched. A heat source is installed inside the formed tent and construction begins. Such a greenhouse should be heated for a long time until the masonry dries.
Freeze. A frost-resistant solution is used here, which, after the onset of warm weather, can set again. In the process of work, it is important to ensure that there are no freezing on the consumable. If there are any, get rid of them with an injection burner.
Final stage
After the answer to the question of at what temperature it is possible to lay a brick has been found, and the foundation for future walls has already been laid, we proceed to the final work. After the height of the wall becomes equal to the height of the firstfloors, prefabricated floors are installed.
When a thaw occurs, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the masonry. Additional strength is provided by internal transverse walls, the distance between them should not exceed 20 meters. The more often the transverse walls are located, the stronger the structure.
Brick laying is a complex process, and frost only complicates this procedure. Strict observance and implementation of all stages of work will allow you to build a strong and reliable building even in winter.
So you learned at what temperature you can lay brickwork, and got acquainted with the methods of laying bricks in winter.
