Foam block: types and applications

Nowadays, block houses are not uncommon and are found on almost every street. Such structures have a characteristic appearance that is difficult to confuse with something similar. Today we will take a closer look at the characteristics and properties of materials such as foam blocks and find out what types of them exist on the modern market.

The foam block is a material that is made from a special cellular concrete - foam concrete. Such raw materials are made from a simple cement mortar with the addition of water and sand, as well as an important component - a foaming agent. Foam concrete is a relatively new material - it has been on the market for no more than 100 years. It is an artificial stone with a honeycomb structure. It can float in water without any problems, and is also resistant to low and high temperatures.

Today, the choice of building materials is wider than ever before. It is possible to build a high-quality dwelling not only from logs or bricks, but also from all sorts of block elements that have many positive characteristics.

Foam concrete blocks are recognized as one of the most relevant materials. They are purchased by many consumers, since such products are quite inexpensive. In addition, from high-quality foam blocks, you can build a house with your own hands, without spending extra money on the services of experienced builders.

Many people think that foam block materials are analogous to gas blocks. In fact, this popular belief is wrong. First of all, it should be borne in mind that the geometry of the foam blocks itself is poorly verified. In this matter, these materials are inferior to more "correct" aerated concrete blocks, which boast almost perfect geometry.

Foam block houses turn out to be warmer than aerated block houses. Of course, the latter also have good thermal characteristics, but they are inferior to the characteristics of foam blocks.

Another important feature of foam blocks is that their shape often requires additional alignment during work. If we neglect these processes, then the walls of the dwelling can turn out to be sloppy and crooked. In addition, such wall ceilings can cause drafts to enter the house through cold bridges.

To get to know this building material better, you need to consider what advantages and disadvantages it has.

Let's start with the positives - we will find out what the good about foam concrete blocks.

• One of the most significant advantages of this product is that it has a very weak thermal conductivity. Thanks to this characteristic, very warm and cozy dwellings are obtained from foam concrete, which in many cases do not require additional and expensive insulation.
• These materials are frost-resistant.
• Foam blocks are lightweight. Due to this characteristic, it is very easy and simple to work with them. They can be easily moved from one place to another without having to call in special equipment (for example, a crane).
• Another positive quality follows from the aforementioned advantages: due to their low weight, the foam blocks do not exert a significant load on the foundation structure.
• Due to their structure, foam block parts promote natural air exchange in rooms. Thus, a pleasant microclimate is created in the home, as evidenced by the reviews of many consumers.
• Foam blocks have high soundproofing characteristics, therefore, in dwellings from them, as a rule, there is no excess noise coming from the street.

• These materials can be used not only in the manufacture of country houses or cottages. They are also suitable for the manufacture of smaller items, for example, flower beds on the site, fences and even a toilet or gazebo of any modification.
• A foam concrete block is a product with a large volume. That is why foam block houses are made in the shortest possible time.
• These materials are particularly flexible. If necessary, you can easily file or trim the block.
• The lion's share of the blocks sold today are safe in terms of environmental friendliness - they do not provoke allergic reactions and do not negatively affect human health in general. Of course, synthetic components are used in the production of these materials, but their share is so small that it does not affect the quality in any way.
• Very little Portland cement is used to create such products.
• The foam block is a durable material from which the same durable structures are obtained.
• Many people opt for foam concrete because it is fireproof. Such a product not only does not catch fire, but also does not intensify combustion.

• Foam concrete blocks do not require additional processing to prevent rotting or drying out. Moreover, these materials are not susceptible to attacks by rats, mice and insects such as wood.
• According to the majority of consumers, only template houses / outbuildings can be built from foam blocks. In fact, foam concrete is a product from which it will turn out to build an original structure of any modification. The main thing is to show imagination and make the necessary efforts.
• According to experts, foam block buildings do not need to be finished without fail. As a rule, these works are turned to only in order to give the structure a more aesthetic appearance.
• Foam concrete blocks are also famous for the fact that, even after many years, they do not lose their positive qualities, especially if construction work with them was carried out in accordance with all the rules.
• Usually, when working with foam concrete, you need to use a very small amount of special construction glue.

Thanks to such an impressive list of advantages, foam concrete blocks are in great demand today. However, these materials, like any others, have weaknesses.

Let's consider them.

• Foam block is a material with a cellular structure. Because of this distinctive feature, these elements turn out to be extremely fragile, which must be taken into account when transporting them.
• Foam blocks are distinguished by a fairly high level of moisture absorption.
• The cellular structure also affects the choice of fasteners. For foam concrete, special fasteners should be purchased, and not simple self-tapping screws - they simply will not hold securely in such bases.
• As mentioned above, finishing a foam block house is an optional procedure, however, without this, the structure may not look very attractive. Here, many consumers are faced with a small problem - for a foam block, you need to buy specialized finishing materials, and simple paint or plaster will not work.
• These materials differ in that they give significant shrinkage. This is especially true for blocks produced by the non-autoclave method.

• Foam block buildings cannot be left without reinforcement. Usually, the reinforcement is fixed in the areas where the openings are located.Reinforcement will need to be done every 4-5 rows of block masonry. If you neglect the installation of a reinforced belt, then you will not get sufficiently reliable floors.
• There are too many counterfeit goods on the modern construction market. Since the raw materials used in the production of foam blocks are very cheap, and the technology itself is simple and affordable, such materials are often made in artisanal conditions. Such products cannot boast of good quality, therefore it is not recommended to build houses from them.
• Residential buildings from foam blocks can be erected only on form-building foundations.
• Foam blocks do not have a verified geometry. That is why uneven walls are obtained from them, which require additional processing.
• The bearing capacity of such blocks is poor.

Today, you can find several types of foam concrete blocks on sale. Each of them has its own technical characteristics and features. Let's take a closer look at the different options for this material used in construction.

Based on the main operational characteristics, the following types of foam concrete blocks are distinguished.

• Structural. Such types of foam blocks are in great demand, since they are designed to withstand significant loads. Very often, such materials are used in the construction of solid buildings with several floors.

• Heat insulating. These types of foam blocks have nothing to do with design options. Their main difference is that they do not conduct heat at all. Due to this excellent quality, heat-insulating blocks perfectly protect the room from the cold penetration from the street.

• Structural and insulating. Otherwise, such blocks are called universal. They combine high strength characteristics and good thermal insulation properties. It is possible to use these types of foam blocks when erecting load-bearing wall structures or partition walls. In addition, these elements can be used in the construction of baths, low buildings or one-story / two-story residential buildings.

Foam concrete blocks also differ in the technology used in production.

There are such varieties.

• Shaped. The name of these types of foam blocks speaks for itself. They are made using special containers / shapes with partitions. Such a production process is considered the most profitable, but it has a significant drawback - as a result, blocks are obtained with the wrong geometry, which complicates the construction.
• Rifled. Such foam blocks are made from an already prepared solution by cutting into separate elements using a special steel string. Sliced ​​blocks are good because they have the correct geometry and flat corner sections.

In addition, foam concrete blocks are marked differently.

Consider the most popular and common options of different weights and densities that are in great demand.

• D300-D500. In this way, heat-insulating foam blocks are marked. In most cases, these materials are used for insulation, and we can talk not only about a simple living room, but also about a balcony or loggia. A feature and disadvantage of such blocks is that they are not designed for heavy loads.
• D600-D900. Thermal insulation and construction materials bear such markings. They are also called construction.These specimens can withstand light loads. They are characterized by excellent thermal insulation properties. Such foam blocks can be used in the construction of residential buildings (1 or 2 floors).
• D1000-D1200. This designates structural blocks that can withstand heavy loads. They are not used very often in construction.

Foam concrete blocks differ not only in the manufacturing process or area of ​​use, but also in their basic design.

There are such options.

• Wall. It is impossible to imagine most of the works in which this material is used without wall foam block elements. Today, such blocks are considered the most in demand. Very often they are consulted in the manufacture of country houses of various modifications. Due to their operational characteristics, it is permissible to purchase wall blocks for the creation of various outbuildings.
• Partitional. These types of foam blocks are intended for the construction of partitions. Their main feature is considered to be a small thickness of 100-150 mm. Very strong and stable internal partitions are obtained from these materials.

• Special purpose. There are also foam concrete blocks for special purposes today. These materials are commonly used in the manufacture of specialized trays. These parts are subsequently used to fix the reinforcing bars.
• Reinforced. Such demanded products are structures made of foam concrete, complemented by reliable reinforcement in the form of a frame base. Typically, reinforced types of foam blocks are used as lintels instead of standard reinforced concrete elements.
• Non-standard. Non-standard foam blocks are made to order. They can be of any size that the buyer requests. As a rule, these materials are more expensive than conventional options.

Foam concrete can also be:

• autoclave;
• non-autoclave.

These types of foam blocks differ in production technology. The main difference between these materials lies in the way they solidify. So, with the non-autoclave method, a solution of cement, sand and a foaming agent is dried in natural conditions, without the use of special equipment. The composition is simply stirred in a pressure chamber, and then distributed into forms.

The method of making non-autoclaved foam concrete has its pros and cons.

Let's get acquainted with the pros:

• materials of any density are created in a similar way;
• such materials are cheaper, since they are made easier;
• such blocks can be made by yourself, adhering to the required proportions.

As for the disadvantages of non-autoclave materials, they include:

• a significant indicator of shrinkage;
• not the highest heat capacity;
• poor sound insulation.

As for autoclaved foam concrete, it hardens in a different environment. A solution of the necessary components is poured using pipes or hoses into an autoclave, in the interior of which ideal conditions are created for the correct manufacture of the material.

Autoclave blocks have the following advantages:

• with this technology, the solution hardens within 1-2 days;
• autoclaved materials give the smallest shrinkage and almost no deformation;
• they are characterized by the minimum coefficient of cracking;
• such materials are more durable than non-autoclave materials;
• have good thermal insulation characteristics.

On the modern market, you can find foam concrete blocks with a variety of parameters.

Elements designed for installation using a special adhesive are manufactured with the following values:

• length - 188 mm, width - 300 mm, height - 588 mm;
• 188 mm x 250 mm x 588 mm;
• 288 mm x 200 mm x 588 mm;
• 188 mm x 200 mm x 388 mm;
• 288 mm x 250 mm x 488 mm;
• 144 mm x 300 mm x 588 mm;
• 119 mm x 250 mm x 588 mm;
• 88 mm x 300 mm x 588 mm;
• 88 mm x 250 mm x 588 mm;
• 88 mm x 200 mm x 388 mm.

There are also foam blocks that are laid using cement mortar, and not building glue.

Such products are manufactured with different parameters:

• length - 198 mm, width - 295 mm, height - 598 mm;
• 198 mm x 245 mm x 598 mm;
• 298 mm x 195 mm x 598 mm;
• 198 mm x 195 mm x 398 mm;
• 298 mm x 245 mm x 298 mm;
• 98 mm x 295 mm x 598 mm;
• 98 mm x 245 mm x 598 mm;
• 98 mm x 195 mm x 398 mm.

For the construction of partitions, foam blocks are made with the following dimensions:

• 600 x 300 x 150 mm;
• 600 x 300 x 100 mm;
• 600 x 200 x 75 mm;
• 600 x 200 x 50 mm.

Foam blocks are materials used in construction that are in great demand. Their demand is due not only to good characteristics, but also to the multitasking of such products (even floors in houses are made of foam concrete).

Let us consider in more detail in what cases a foam block can be used.

• First of all, foam concrete blocks are very often used in the construction of private houses of various modifications, summer cottages and cottages. In these buildings, load-bearing wall ceilings, additional insulating and sound-insulating structures, and internal interior partitions are made of foam blocks.
• They also turn to foam blocks when arranging office / residential buildings. In this case, insulating and sound-insulating structures, combined load-bearing walls, and internal partitions are also constructed from these materials.
• Foam blocks are ideal options for renovation and rebuilding of buildings. With their help, you can insulate old structures, as well as increase the number of floors without strengthening the foundation.

• Foam concrete blocks can be used to build industrial structures, the height of which does not exceed 3 floors.
• These materials are also suitable for the construction of commercial / administrative buildings.
• Various outbuildings / outbuildings are built from foam blocks.
• Reliable fences and fences are made from these materials.

The composition of foam concrete blocks is quite simple.

In the manufacture of these materials, such necessary components are used as:

• sand (if special heat-insulating cement is used, then sand is not used);
• cement (usually a material with a grade of at least 400 is used);
• water;
• special foaming agents (required for the formation of bubbles in the block structure).

Due to the availability and low cost of the listed components that make up the foam block, today many users make these materials at home. So, at the initial stage, all the listed components are mixed. Only when the resulting composition becomes homogeneous, a foaming agent is added to it.

If you want to use foam concrete blocks in construction work, then you better read some expert tips and tricks to help you avoid many common mistakes.

• Transportation of foam concrete should be carried out only by a truck. It is not recommended to turn to transport with a trailer, because you will not take a large amount of materials at once, and you will spend a lot of money on gasoline.
• If you do not plan to decorate the foam block house from the outside, then you will need to pay increased attention to the correct and beautiful masonry. If you make any mistakes and some parts of the walls turn out to be uneven, then the appearance of the building can be greatly affected by this.
• Experts recommend buying a rifled block rather than a molded block. This is due to the fact that the first option has clearer geometry and even corners.Molded products cannot boast of such characteristics.
• Before buying, be sure to pay attention to the color of the blocks. Aerated concrete should have a light gray tint. White and yellow options should not be purchased.

• Also, before purchasing foam blocks, it is recommended to study their geometry. For this, 2 different elements are placed on top of each other and it is checked whether their structure coincides. After that, the blocks are turned over and studied in a different plane.
• Be extremely careful when loading and unloading foam concrete, as it is very fragile and easily damaged.
• For finishing houses made of foam concrete, it is not recommended to use ceramic tiles, concrete mortars, foamed polymers and compounds that contain ingredients such as sand, water and cement. Do not use standard paint finishes either.
• Many consumers are interested in what materials are allowed to cover foam blocks. It is possible to apply special plaster mixes and decorative facade compositions. Often, block houses are faced with moisture-resistant tiles or natural or artificial stone.
• It is not recommended to leave foam concrete blocks without a canopy if you have not finished the work yet. Cover them with plastic wrap, which can protect the materials from adverse external factors.

• When erecting interior partitions or supporting structures, make sure that there are no large gaps between the individual elements. If such do occur, then they can become cold bridges through which heat will leave the room.
• Experts do not advise buying foam blocks in the spring, despite the fact that at this time they are very inexpensive. This is due to the fact that you will most likely be offered blocks from last year's batch, which for a long time lay covered with dust in a warehouse (or even in the open air, which is even worse). Such materials will not be sufficiently reliable and durable, so it is better not to take them.
• When buying foam blocks, it is recommended to immediately purchase reinforcement tabs.
• Before buying blocks, you should check not only their geometry, but also the level of strength. To this end, you can try to break off a piece of the block from the extreme section with your hand. If you succeed, it will indicate poor quality material. You shouldn't buy it.

• Not so long ago, foam block materials appeared on the market, which are distinguished by increased moisture resistance. Professionals recommend purchasing just such options, although they cost significantly more.
• If you want the service life of a foam block building to be as long as possible, then you should not only choose a high-quality material that meets GOST and manufactured in a plant / enterprise, but also competently carry out all the necessary work. If you doubt your own skills, it is better to turn to professional builders.
• Whatever structure you are going to build, in any case, you first need to carry out a number of preparatory work. In addition, foam block structures need a fairly reliable and strong foundation.
• It is best to be engaged in construction using foam concrete blocks if the temperature in the yard is from +5 to 25 degrees. If you carry out work at minus marks, then you should turn to materials with specialized additives that will make the blocks more frost-resistant.

From foam blocks, not only reliable and durable, but also very attractive structures are obtained.

For example, with the use of such building materials, it will be possible to create a very beautiful, neat covered gazebo, complemented by a hipped roof with a soft covering in a contrasting brown shade.It is not necessary to trim blocks in such a design; it is enough to build corner bases between them, between which wooden slats and gratings will look attractive. To such a gazebo, you can lay a path decorated with a stone.

Foam block houses can have not only a simple and formulaic appearance. For example, this material makes very stylish houses in a modern way. These buildings usually have an angular structure and a flat roof. For cladding these structures, you can use special facade plaster in white / gray shades and contrasting wood panels. To give the house a more futuristic look, it can be supplemented with glass elements, for example, balcony railing.

Very beautiful houses with gable roofs are also obtained from foam blocks. For example, it could be an attractive two-story building, finished with light-colored façade plaster or paint. For the roof, it is permissible to choose a material of a contrasting, but inconspicuous blue shade. The facade can be supplemented with dark natural wood slats - they will give the building a more comfortable look. The lower part of such a block house should be sheathed with decorative stone and small steps should be made to the front door of the same material. Surround such a house with a neat green lawn and flower plantings.

From foam blocks, you can not only build houses and outbuildings, but also make attractive flower beds. For example, it can be several laid out block rows, with the top supplemented with cavities that are set aside for the ground and living plants. So that the structure does not look boring, it can be equipped with separate blocks protruding outward, in which it is also necessary to provide recesses for planting plants.

Also, interesting and original flower beds will turn out if you use hollow blocks painted in different colors for their manufacture. They should be laid out in a semicircle and each individual block should be covered with one color or another. As a result, a very bright and original design comes out, which will definitely decorate the site.

Very solid and aesthetic fences are obtained from foam blocks. Often, at the end of all work, they are left unfinished - the appearance of the structures does not suffer from this. However, you can use a special plaster designed for working with aerated concrete. Its color is often matched to the shade of the facade of a residential building, but you can also play in contrast.

See below for details.