The performance properties of the foam block have made it one of the most popular materials in the construction market. But they also led to special requirements for the methods of its installation. For such purposes, special fasteners are used - in particular, an anchor for a foam block, which differs in design and technical and physical properties.
What are the features of foam block fixation?
Among the main technical and structural properties of foam and gas silicate building materials, the porosity of the structure can be distinguished. This is a positive quality in terms of block processing, but it makes it difficult to fasten structures, since the slightest load crumbles the material. For example, if you need to fix electrical equipment, a piece of furniture or the contours of engineering communications on a foam block wall, the base will collapse with the usual connection with nails or self-tapping screws. At the same time, the anchor for the foam block allows you to distribute the loads so that they do not act pointwise on the attachment zones. But the anchor itself is notguarantees the reliability of installation, therefore, its choice should be treated carefully, evaluating the complex characteristics of this hardware.
Metal anchor fasteners
This is the most common category of anchor hardware, which is most often used in the installation of various household items to porous block walls. The structural difference between the metal anchor for the foam block is a round head with a slot, which facilitates the installation of objects to a vertical surface. The basis of the fastening material itself is a galvanized alloy, which is not subject to corrosion and other negative destruction processes. Therefore, for example, mirrors, elements of a kitchen set and lighting devices in rooms with high humidity can be installed on it. Depending on the modification, the design of such an anchor can be supplemented with countersunk screws, rings, hollow collets, spacers and other elements.
Plastic anchor connection
In the design of such hardware there is a plastic component that acts as a spacer in the mounting hole. A self-tapping screw, bolt or dowel, suitable in size, is screwed into it. Which anchor is better for foam blocks - plastic or metal? It depends on the type of material being fixed. As already noted, galvanized metal hardware is guided by the supporting function, holding large objects. With regard to plastic elements, they are suitable for hollow materials,plasterboard fiber panels and other thin-sheeted boards. Plastic, due to its elastic structure, optimally distributes loads in holes and interacts with materials that are sensitive to local dynamic pressure. If you need to wall mount drywall to foam block, a long plastic anchor will be the best solution.
Chemical anchor features
A modern type of fastener, which is also called glue. A feature of this hardware is the formation of a viscous base that penetrates into the pores of the foam block material. This is achieved using a cartridge or capsule with adhesive synthetic resin, which is released when the main hardware is twisted. Externally, a chemical anchor for foam blocks looks like a tube with silicone sealant. By the way, the active mixture is sometimes compared with liquid nails - at least after hardening, the same effect is provided. Adhesive fasteners have many advantages from high bearing capacity to environmental friendliness and versatility in terms of compatibility with a wide variety of "weak" materials. The disadvantage lies in the complicated installation technique, which involves the use of a special mounting gun.
How to fix the anchor in the foam block?
The operation is performed in the following sequence:
- Creating a hole. This problem is solved by an electric drill with a nozzle corresponding in diameter to the expansion part of the anchor hardware. At the same time, the fasteners must be tight so thatSubsequently, sufficient clamping force was formed for stable fixation.
- Cleaning the hole. After drilling, foam block crumbs with dust will remain in the formed well. This debris must be removed from the niche with a construction vacuum cleaner or a rubber bulb.
- Next, proceed to the direct installation of the carrier hardware. The expansion part of the anchor is inserted into the prepared hole - the so-called shirt. If necessary, it can be driven in with a hammer or mallet, but given the low strength of the foam block, it is better to avoid such manipulations. Ultimately, the entire rod, except for the head with the edges of the spacer, must be sunk into the hole.
- When it comes to installing chem. anchor for the foam block, then instead of the hammer for driving, the already mentioned mounting gun is used. It is used to introduce the adhesive from the cartridge into the hole.
- At the final stage, the nut is tightened on the head of the peeking screw. As it is twisted, the spacer part will be tightly fixed in the hole cavity.
Anchor connection reviews
Builders often use this type of fastener in relation to foam block structures. The main advantages of this application include the minimum destructive effect for the base material, high reliability and minimal impact on the appearance of the working surface where the fasteners were made. In any case, the fixation unit is easy to disguise with complete plugs. As for the negative reviews about anchors forfoam block, they are mostly associated with dismantling activities. While an ordinary screw or self-tapping screw can be removed carefully and without causing serious damage to the structure of the base, then disassembling the anchor connection often leads to damage to the walls of the hole. This is especially true for chemical elements, the hardened composition of which forms a single structure with a bolt and a foam block.
Conclusion
Assembly operations with foam block structures must be carefully calculated. When selecting the optimal fastener for such a material, its compatibility with the surface structure should be assessed. A properly selected and installed anchor will allow you to implement a variety of tasks from laying communications to installing decorative objects on the wall. Despite the complex design, such hardware is inexpensive and affordable. For example, metal and plastic foam block anchors at Leroy Merlin are available for only 30-50 rubles. depending on size and design features. Chemical fasteners are supplied in cartridges and tubes costing about 1-1.5 thousand rubles. One such package is enough to make 12-15 high-strength fasteners.
