In low-rise private construction, there is a trend towards a rational approach to the construction of cottages, dachas or country houses for permanent residence.

Everyone wants to reduce the cost of construction, but at the same time preserve the thermal conductivity and reliability of the building as much as possible. These requirements are met by wall blocks made of cellular concrete: foam concrete, aerated concrete and others. Manufacturers offer the market new construction and finishing materials.

In view of this abundance of alternatives, an unsavvy person has to solve a number of issues. Let's consider one of the most popular options in the form of step-by-step instructions - DIY construction from foam blocks.

Having decided to build a house on his own or to order, the owner needs to have in-depth knowledge for proper execution or control.

How to build a house from foam blocks without construction experience

We will skip the preparatory stage, because... this point is covered separately - (step-by-step preparation: project, documents for individual housing construction, comparison of materials, when and in what sequence to fill the foundation, erect walls, install the roof, etc.).

1 step. Choosing foam concrete for building a house

At the initial stage, everyone wonders what material to build a house from (better, cheaper, more reliable). In this case, blocks made of cellular concrete are considered. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages; we recommend that you read the detailed description of each of the candidates:

• Which is better, foam concrete or aerated concrete (comparison)
• Pros and cons of aerated concrete blocks
• Advantages and disadvantages of houses made of aerated concrete (+ reviews from owners)
• Advantages and disadvantages of houses made of foam concrete (+ reviews from owners)

Which foam block is better to choose for your home:

• foam concrete density. Density determines the purpose of the block. From this position there are: structural blocks (grade D1000-1200 with a density of 1,000 - 1,200 kg/m3), structural and thermal insulation blocks (grade D600-900, density 600-900), thermal insulation (grade D300-500, density 300 -500);

• type of foam block. Due to the specifics of manufacturing a foam concrete block (poured into formwork), there are several standard sizes on the market: classic (monoblock), block with voids and Lego foam block. The latter makes it possible to simplify installation and additionally perform vertical reinforcement of the masonry;

• foam block category or grade. If the house will be subject to additional finishing, you can buy a block of any category. The second grade differs from the first only in the presence of chips and minor surface defects. The difference in geometric dimensions is leveled by the size of the seams. But the selection of blocks will increase the working time and glue consumption (if the difference is large, you will have to put it on cement mortar, and these are cold bridges). Therefore, it is better to give preference to first grade blocks.

The cost of a foam block, a classic type (monoblock), depending on the category, is presented in the table.

The third grade foam block has significant violations of the block geometry and may have deviations in the porosity of the structure. This is classified as an internal defect. It is better not to use such material for building walls of a house. Because its abilities are significantly worse than those of a block of 1-2 grades.

• documents confirming the quality of foam blocks. The availability of equipment for the production of foam blocks leads to the appearance of handicraft products with deviations from the specified quality parameters.

In addition to the above, several more characteristics of foam concrete are important, the discrepancy of which also indicates the quality of the product. These include:

• Pore ​​size(cells, cavities with air). The larger the pores, the better the thermal insulation performance of the block, but the worse its strength will be.

• Place and storage conditions. High humidity is not as critical for foam concrete than for aerated concrete. But still, it reduces its characteristics.

• Block color– must be uniform throughout the entire volume. The lighter the block, the less cement it contains.

In practice, the quality criterion is the cost of the material. The price of foam concrete consists of the costs of its acquisition and delivery to the construction site. Depending on the region, the price varies from 2200 to 2800 rubles/m3 (for the D500 brand). When comparing prices from suppliers, you need to ask what caused the cost reduction.

Note. Foam concrete, especially freshly made one, can be easily damaged, so unloading and storage on site should be properly organized to prevent damage to the material.

Step 2. Foundation for a house made of foam concrete

The second question is the foundation for a house made of foam blocks. Some users claim that a building made of foam concrete can last a long time even without a foundation. The craftsmen agree with them, but with the caveat that this is only allowed for small greenhouses or temporary buildings. If we are talking about a permanent home for permanent residence, there can be no question of doing without a properly made foundation.

The main thing is to choose from the variety of known types of foundation which foundation is best to use in this particular case (depending on the region and geological characteristics of the soil). And also correctly calculate its main parameters, which include: depth, width, need for waterproofing, thickness of the foundation cushion, etc.

Step 3. Construction of house walls from foam blocks

The next task is how to properly remove foam concrete walls. To do this, you need to take into account the constituent aspects.

Calculation of the thickness of walls made of foam blocks

An important integrated indicator that combines the solution of three problems: the load-bearing capacity of the house, the sufficiency of insulation, and economic feasibility.

Choosing adhesive for foam concrete

Here you need to know how to lay a wall made of foam blocks, and which solution is best to use. Foam concrete is not a very demanding material, so it can be laid either on a classic sand-cement mortar or on special adhesive mixtures for foam concrete.

The choice is determined by the skills of the craftsman, the thickness of the seam, the cost of purchasing the mixture or the components of a traditional mortar. Regardless of the type of solution, work should be performed at a temperature not lower than +5° C. To apply the solution, it is convenient to use a notched trowel; excess solution is removed immediately. Unlike aerated concrete, foam concrete does not lose its properties when an adhesive solution is applied to the side surface of the block.

Note. Special frost-resistant adhesive mixtures for foam concrete or modifying additives will allow work to be carried out in winter at temperatures down to -15 °C.

Reinforcement of foam blocks

It is worth clarifying whether it is necessary to reinforce the masonry of foam blocks? Reinforcement has virtually no effect on the load-bearing capacity of a foam concrete wall. But it reduces the likelihood of cracks due to shrinkage of the house.

The following are subject to reinforcement:

• bottom row of blocks;
• every 4-5 row;
• window and door openings, arches, lintels;
• location for installation of floor beams and installation of the roof truss system;
• places of unstable loads.

How to reinforce foam concrete?

Reinforcement technology depends on the type of material used.

Reinforcement of foam blocks with mesh

It is used if the masonry is done using a special mixture (glue), which allows you to make a thin seam.

Plastic mesh for reinforcing foam blocks

For example, STREN S-5 (56 rubles/sq.m.) allows you to do without gating blocks and use masonry mortar.

An undoubted advantage over other materials is corrosion resistance.

With a wire diameter of 1.6 mm and a cell size of 50x50 mm, the price will be 39 rubles/sq.m.

Material prepared for the website www.site

The mesh is reinforced, laid on the surface of a row of foam blocks and filled with an adhesive mixture.

The thickness of the mesh determines the type of mortar - if the diameter of the mesh wire is 2-3 mm, you can use glue, if it exceeds it, it is advisable to use cement mortar;

Reinforcement of foam blocks with reinforcement

Fiberglass or steel reinforcement is used, with a diameter of 6-8 mm, the price is 15-20 rubles per linear meter.

How to reinforce foam blocks with reinforcement?

Using a grinder or wall chaser (manual or electric), a groove (groove) is formed on the block, which is cleaned of dust (it is convenient to use a hair dryer for this purpose). Reinforcement is placed in the grooves and sand-cement mortar or glue is applied on top.

For a wall thickness of up to 200 mm, it is enough to make one groove; for larger thicknesses, it is advisable to use two. In this case, the groove is performed at a distance of at least 60 mm from the edge of the block. This will prevent the possibility of chipping. The optimal reinforcement cross-section is 6-8 mm. The reinforcement should not bend at right angles, but should be smoothly rounded.

Reinforcement of openings in a wall made of foam blocks

The reinforcement is placed under and above each opening. At the same time, it can be laid along the entire row, or only under the opening. But the length of the reinforcement must exceed the width of the opening by 700-900 mm on each side.

Laying foam blocks

Due to the large size of foam concrete, it is much easier to work with than smaller bricks. But this does not mean that everyone can lay a wall of foam concrete without construction experience. The foam block puts forward its own requirements for masonry, knowledge of which will ensure reliable and long-term operation of the house.

Step 4 Floors for houses made of foam blocks

The peculiarity of foam concrete compared to other materials is its fragility. This is manifested in the fact that it is sensitive to pressure (compressive strength), which is caused by vertical loads, for example, from the rafter system or floor slabs.

To level out this drawback in places with increased loads, it is advisable to make a reinforcing belt.

Construction of a reinforcing belt for foam blocks

Belt parameters: width equal to the width of the wall. Height – 100-200 mm.

The diameter of the reinforcement and the number of rows depends on the distance between the load-bearing walls. The belt is installed around the entire perimeter of the building.

Naturally, additional reinforcement leads to the appearance of cold bridges, which are eliminated by using thermal insulation materials.

Hollow reinforced concrete slabs are used as flooring material.

Step 5 Insulation of a house made of foam blocks

As a rule, walls made of foam concrete are not insulated, because... low-rise construction is carried out from foam blocks of the D600 brand, which combines excellent structural and thermal insulation properties.

The correct choice of wall thickness can eliminate the need for additional insulation.

Foam concrete of the specified grade with a wall thickness of 300 mm can replace 100-150 mm of mineral wool (depending on its density).

For example, for the Moscow region, a sufficient wall thickness will be 490 mm, which is equivalent to 150-275 mm of insulation.

If the need for insulation does arise, then it is advisable to use soft insulation. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the selection of thermal insulation and technology.

The choice of a specific insulation depends on the density of foam concrete and is determined by the rule “the vapor permeability indicator of the material must be greater than or equal to the same indicator for foam concrete.”

The multilayer construction of the walls entails the problem of steam removal (the walls “do not breathe”). Condensation can form between the layers, so special requirements are put forward for the arrangement of layers (a ventilation gap must be provided).

In general, as the masters note, in order to bring a house to a state of energy passivity, you need to pay attention to the condition of the engineering systems. Simply building up “thermal armor” will not lead to a good result.

Step 6 Exterior decoration of a house made of foam blocks

Walls built from foam blocks do not have to be subjected to external finishing. Even without external cladding, the facade of a foam concrete house will not lose its properties. But sheathed walls look more aesthetically pleasing. In addition, the finishing material allows you to hide problem areas that appear during the laying of foam concrete blocks. Plus, the finishing will eliminate the cold bridges that are present in the masonry joint.

How to cover a foam block house?

• finishing (cladding) brick;
• or ;
• or ;
• followed by staining.

The main requirement is the installation of ventilated facades or the use of plaster for foam concrete or aerated concrete (has good vapor permeability).

Step 7 Estimate for building a house made of foam blocks

When planning to build a house, few people leave the financial side to chance. Before starting work, you need to develop a project, estimate the costs of materials, laying the foundation, erecting walls, and performing certain types of work. It’s even better to have a detailed estimate that will allow you to calculate in advance how much it costs to build a house from foam blocks. It should be remembered that an increase in construction time leads to an increase in costs.

An approximate estimate for building a house made of foam concrete is given in the table.

The process of building a house from foam blocks - video

The construction time is determined by the qualifications of the craftsmen, the type of foundation, the size of the house and the complexity of its configuration, the type of roof and the complexity of installing the roofing material, as well as the availability of the necessary materials. On average, a house made of foam concrete can be built in 3-6 months.

Building a house with your own hands is always a responsible and difficult task. The first step is to select the building material from which the future home will be built. Foam blocks are becoming increasingly popular today. And if you are going to build it yourself, then it is important to emphasize that this material is simply perfect for this purpose. Why? We'll find out as the article progresses, but first let's look at the main types of projects made from this building material.

Projects using foam blocks

Of course, before you finally decide on the type of new home, you must first review many different options and projects in order to then choose the most optimal one. Buildings may vary in size, type of layout and number of floors. Next, we will look at the projects that are most often used by customers for implementation. It is possible that among the presented solutions there will be one that you choose.

Little house. In such a project, a combined living room and kitchen will be located on the ground floor. On the second floor there will be a bedroom with a bathroom. The stairs lead to the balcony, which in turn leads to the bedroom.

One-story dwelling of 64 sq. meters. This one made of foam blocks provides an open kitchen with a small dining area, a bathroom with a toilet, a couple of rooms with an area of ​​9 and 14 meters, and, of course, a living room. The project, despite its small footprint, offers all the necessary premises for comfortable living.

Building with an area of ​​71 sq. meter. With such an area, the building will have two floors. The first will house utility rooms, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. On the second floor there are dressing rooms and bedrooms. The dimensions of the rooms do not prevent residents from implementing reasonable zoning in their homes.

Another version of a house project with an identical area and number of floors can offer a spacious kitchen on the ground floor with a comfortable dining area. In addition, there will also be a bathroom and a living room. As for the second floor, there will be three bedrooms there.

Project for 73 square meters. In this case, the footage will be limited to a bathroom, a couple of bedrooms and a combined living room with a kitchen, enclosed by glass doors. The latter will make the room visually larger.

One-story 74 sq. meters. The design of a house made of foam blocks involves the organization of compact rooms: a bedroom with an office, several bathrooms, a living room, a second smaller bedroom and a kitchen.

2-storey building with an area of ​​87 sq. meters. Downstairs there is a small bathroom, kitchen and living room. On the second floor there is a bathroom and 3 bedrooms. The project provides for a two-flight staircase between the floors.

Two floors and 95 sq. m. On the 2nd floor the house has a balcony and an open plan. On the first floor there are utility rooms, namely one of the bathrooms with a kitchen, and a living room. In addition, on top there are a couple of children's rooms and a bedroom.

We build a house with our own hands

Base

As with the construction of any structure, to erect a building from foam blocks, the first step is to build a foundation. Most country houses have a basement. Creating a foundation with your own hands begins with excavation work.

First it is dug foundation pit, where the basement will be located in the future.

When creating a basement, it is important to implement high-quality waterproofing, otherwise moisture will penetrate inside the building structures, destroying them. In addition, dampness can subsequently rise upward into living spaces.

If you are planning to build a 2-story house from foam blocks, then calculations related to future loads on building structures deserve special attention. Based on them, the most optimal basement design is selected, as well as the materials used. In the case of relatively light buildings with one floor, as a rule, ready-made solutions are taken, for example, a basement with a cast ceiling and floor, and block-type walls.

After preparing the pit, a drainage system is created. To do this, you can use a pipe that will drain water into the well from the walls.

The next step for the basement floor is folding formwork. Using mats, soil is laid in the formwork, which not only levels the surface, but also increases the waterproofing of the room. Next, be sure to post reinforcing mesh in increments of 10x10 cm. If this is not done, the floor surface will become too fragile over time, reducing the service life to a minimum.

After this, the basement floor is poured with concrete. To do this, it is better to use a concrete mixer with a sleeve. With this approach, you just need to stretch the sleeve, and then check that the mixture is evenly poured over the reinforcing mesh.

The poured base is covered with film, after which it is left to cure for approximately a couple of weeks. To install concrete blocks, a metal strip is installed along the contour of the slab. The wall blocks are placed using a crane, after which steel connections are applied.

The next step in building a house from foam blocks with your own hands involves installation work wall supports. Thanks to them, the ceiling slab will be fixed in the basement. The supports are made of steel angles, which must be fixed to the floor. The ceiling is poured in the same way as the floor.

The creation of a basement ends with the installation of waterproofing materials. For this purpose, roofing felt and resin are usually used. At the same time, the electrical network, insulation, ventilation and air ducts are being implemented. At the end, the structure is filled with gravel on all sides.

Walls

The next stage in the construction of a house made of foam blocks is the erection of walls. Waterproofing is placed on top of the basement ceiling slab.

Thanks to its low weight and precise shape, laying out the material with your own hands is easy. During the work, it is important to accurately control the installation of lintels, the evenness of corners and walls. Upon completion of the masonry of the walls, external finishing is carried out, for which you can use, for example, facing bricks, and waterproofing is also installed.

The ceiling of a house is made in the same way as a basement ceiling. At the end of the pouring, the surface is covered with film for a couple of weeks.

Roof

The next step for a house made of foam blocks involves creating a roof. For this purpose, many owners choose gable roof, since it is the easiest to implement with your own hands.

Supports for assembling the truss structure are purchased ready-made. Installation is carried out using a crane, after which the elements are tied together. For protection, the structure is covered with a film, after which the lathing is placed. In the case of foam blocks, you can use almost any roofing material. Among the wide variety in terms of characteristics and price, the optimal choice is metal tiles and.

However, each type of roof has its own installation features, so they should be considered separately.

Wall thickness

Before you start building a house from foam blocks, you need to accurately determine and calculate the characteristics and parameters of the future structure. Thus, one of the key points is the thickness of the walls being erected, since thermal engineering and load-bearing abilities largely depend on it. Moreover, the thicker the finished walls, the better! However, no one has canceled the economic feasibility, which, by and large, is limited by increasing the thickness of the walls. Based on the listed parameters, the final thickness calculation is performed for each specific house.

Nuances when choosing an adhesive composition

Since it is considered a not very demanding building material, it is not necessary to use any special adhesive compositions for laying out products. A classic cement-sand mixture is also perfect for work.

The final choice is made based on a large set of factors, starting with the skills of the layer and ending with the thickness of the seam.

Reinforcement

It is important to note that in the case of walls made of foam blocks, reinforcement will not affect the load-bearing characteristics in any way. Nevertheless, it is still necessary to carry out reinforcement, because thanks to this you will significantly reduce the risk of cracks forming during the installation process.

Reinforcement should be carried out in:

• Areas with additional load;
• Bottom rows;
• Arches and openings;
• Every 4th and 5th row.

The work can be done using mesh or reinforcement. Let's look at both options.

Mesh

This kind of reinforcement is done only if there is thin seams and using glue. The mesh is either metal or plastic. It is laid out on top of the foam blocks, after which glue is poured.

The composition of the adhesive should be selected depending on the size of the mesh. At the same time, if the cross-sectional diameter of the wire exceeds 3 millimeters, then it is wiser to replace the glue with cement.

Fittings

In this case, foam blocks are used to reinforce the walls of a house. fiberglass or steel elements, the diameter of which in cross-section, as a rule, is 6-8 mm. During the laying process, a small groove is made in the block, which is also called a groove. This is where the reinforcement is placed. At the top it is covered with the material that holds the blocks together - cement mortar or glue.

Moreover, if the block is less than 20 cm in width, then one groove is made, if larger, two. You should not lay them too close to the edge, the distance should not be less than 6 cm. As for the reinforcement, it should go without corners, smoothly!

Thermal insulation

Undoubtedly, every person wants a house built with their own hands to remain comfortable, warm and cozy. Therefore, one cannot ignore such an issue as insulation of a building. Structures made of foam blocks usually do not require additional measures to insulate the walls, because the building material itself copes well with heat supply. The only thing that is important is to correctly determine the thickness of the walls.

For example, for the capital and the nearest region, the thickness of the wall made of foam blocks should not be less than 49 centimeters. In this case, the material must be fixed fine seams so that the design has a minimum number of cold bridges.

But, if you still want to carry out additional insulation, then it is important to adhere to some rules during the work process:

1. A vapor barrier is applied to the wall, and not just any barrier, but one that has a vapor transmission coefficient identical to the blocks themselves or even higher.
2. Thermal insulation must be installed directly on the wall without gaps. This eliminates the risk of condensation. If desired, you can use .

External cladding of the house

The appearance of any home can easily be transformed with the help of suitable decorative material. A good cladding of a building made of foam blocks can not only hide defects and visible defects, but also act as additional protection for walls from negative factors.

External wall finishing can be done using facing bricks. In addition to it, lining is considered an excellent facing material. An alternative option is plaster, followed by painting.

Cost of foam blocks

The question regarding the cost of building materials affects everyone who is just planning or is already starting to build their own country house with their own hands. Like other products, the price of a foam block can vary greatly, based on the characteristics and manufacturer.

It is worth listing the main types of material presented on the market today:

1. Grasse. The cost of such blocks does not change even taking into account different characteristics. One cubic meter of material is estimated at 2,790 rubles. The properties of the products can be classified as average. At the same time, the price of a foam block can vary between 2,700 and 4,900 rubles.
2. Ytong. The material of this production is estimated at an average of 4,750 rubles, and the cost is quite justified, since products of this kind are distinguished by their density D-400 and 2.5-fold strength indicators. When the listed characteristics increase to D-600 and 5 times strength, the price of the product increases to 4,900 rubles. For material with density characteristics D-500 and 3.5 times strength, you will be asked about 4,700 rubles per cubic meter.
3. Bonolit. The products of this manufacturer are products of varying strength and density. So material with D-600 density offers a strength index of 3.5. An identical block with characteristics of 2.5 in strength and D-400 in density is estimated at 2,800 rubles. A little more expensive, about 3,300 rubles, is a cubic meter of foam block with lower density and strength. This is due to the greater thermal insulation of the material.

Advantages and disadvantages of building materials

Like any other building material, foam blocks have different pros and cons of use, which impose certain restrictions on the work of building a house with your own hands.

So the advantages include:

• Small mass. The weight of such products is much less than that of brick, and therefore buildings made from them are lighter. Thanks to this, the foundation of the house will experience less load, which reduces the cost of organizing the foundation. In addition, foam concrete is easy and quick to lay and process, which also has a positive effect on the cost of construction work.
• Comfortable conditions inside the building. High thermal insulation characteristics can significantly reduce the costs associated with heating a building. At the same time, during the hot season, the walls will retain pleasant coolness inside. In addition, these properties make it possible to build a wall from one row, which also significantly reduces the cost of building a house.

• Low temperature fluctuations. Finished walls, structures and fences are resistant to chemicals and fire. Due to their porous structure, foam blocks are distinguished by their low thermal conductivity and excellent vapor permeability.
• Environmental friendliness. The material is produced by mixing cement and sand with the addition of foaming components.

Disadvantages:

• Only fragility products, which increases when production technology is violated. Over time, walls made of foam concrete can become saturated with moisture and also crack, which, of course, does not contribute to the pleasant appearance of the structures, causing destruction of the surfaces. Nevertheless, the shortcomings can be easily avoided if you initially approach the issue of choosing the material correctly or perform external cladding.

Thus, by following all the listed nuances and tips, you can easily build a house from foam blocks with your own hands, not only saving a lot of money and time, but also ultimately getting a high-quality and comfortable country home. Good luck!

Filimonov Evgeniy

Reading time: 10 minutes

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How to build a house from foam blocks with your own hands. Stages of work. Features of the construction of foundations, walls and roofs. Advantages and disadvantages of foam block. Installation technology.

Having decided to build a house from foam blocks with your own hands, you need to know the features of constructing the structure. How to lay the foundation correctly. The correctness of the walls. How to make a reliable ceiling How to create a roof from foam blocks. Reliable installation of slate coverings.

Characteristics of foam block. Stages of work performed. Advantages and disadvantages of building a house from foam blocks. Features of the interior and exterior decoration of the house. Foam block installation technology. Interfloor ceiling in a house made of aerated concrete. Decorative finishing of walls and their insulation.

A foam block house is an excellent solution for every developer. Such a structure is distinguished among buildings made from other materials by its relatively low cost, minimal construction time, and resistance to rotting processes and fire. Block walls are warm and reliable. In this article we will tell you how to properly make a house from foam blocks with your own hands.

The first step is to create a foundation that can support a house made of foam blocks:

1. We make calculations of the width and depth of the formwork system. The width is equal to the cross-section of the structure being built, and the lowest point depends on the climatic conditions of the area and the degree of soil freezing. The depth of the foundation must be at least 500 mm.
2. Next, a trench is dug, the depth of which is about two meters.
3. Coarse sand (300 mm) is placed at the bottom of the trench. Then the sand cushion is moistened with water and compacted well.
4. To give the foundation precise shapes, formwork is placed and strips of roofing felt are secured.
5. A fastening belt made of reinforcement is installed along the perimeter of the trench.
6. After which you can fill the foundation with a special solution (5 parts of crushed stone, 3 parts of sand, and 1 part of cement).
7. We move the formwork, increasing the construction of the foundation. During pouring for laying sewerage systems, asbestos pipes are laid in places specified according to the scheme.
8. Every 50 cm the concrete solution should be compacted.
9. The foundation will “mature” for at least a month. During hardening, cover it from ultraviolet radiation and periodically moisten it with water.
10. It is necessary to roll out moisture-proofing material on top of the concrete structure.
11. A blind area is constructed on the outside; its width is from one to two meters and its height is 150 mm. This is done so that natural precipitation is removed from the first floor or basement. It must be divided into sections to prevent various deformations or ruptures.

Wall masonry

Expert opinion

Filimonov Evgeniy

Note! Foam concrete blocks are superior to brick in terms of heat conservation and sound insulation, but at the same time, huge jointing between foam blocks reduces these indicators to a minimum, and “thermal gaps” are formed.

During masonry, it is necessary to comply with all construction standards for construction, in other words, reinforce the places under door and window openings, supporting lintels, etc. using fiberglass weaves. Thus, a house made of foam blocks can be insulated.

It is necessary to lay the 1st row very carefully, checking the verticality and horizontality of the structure with a water level. It is not difficult to correct unevenness, since foam blocks are easy to process - sawing, planing and much more.

To install the reinforcement, holes of 0.3 × 0.3 m are cut on the surface of the foam block using a circular saw. After which they are filled with a special adhesive solution. In the plank formwork form, a 0.2 m reinforcement tie is made along the top row of blocks.

External insulation is carried out with glass wool insulation or polystyrene foam 5 cm wide. This is necessary so that the walls “breathe”. The first row is laid using cement mortar, the second - with special glue. The height of the base should be 0.4 m.

Next, the mineral sheets are secured from the outside with plastic anchors. Wind and waterproof material should be secured on top of them. The facade wall is laid on cement mortar using the principle of spoon masonry. In this case, a splice row is placed every four rows of spoons. In order to increase air circulation, it is necessary to separate the front masonry and the main wall with a five-centimeter interval.

Expert opinion

Filimonov Evgeniy

Professional builder. 20 years of experience

Note! When faced with brick cladding, the façade masonry should be tied into blocks every 5 rows using flexible anchors and fiberglass material (when using rigid materials, cracks may form).

For the construction of any structure, you can use thermally efficient blocks that combine three layers simultaneously: expanded clay concrete, expanded polystyrene and concrete. Dye is added to the outside, and the front side resembles the texture and color of any stone or facing material.

Foam blocks are great for building a house. The finished structure will be reliable, strong and durable. At the same time, you will spend relatively little money on its construction - foam blocks are cheaper than other popular materials.

The following guide will help you understand the technology of laying foam concrete blocks and carry out all the necessary activities yourself.

Making the foundation

We will build a house on a brick strip. The design is extremely simple: the bottom is made of concrete, the top is brickwork. To achieve the proper strength of the foundation, experts recommend immediately laying the bricks on cement mortar, and not filling the cracks in the masonry with it later, as some self-taught craftsmen advise.

Compared to its concrete counterpart, a brick structure is characterized by higher thermal insulation properties. If properly installed, it will last 50 years or more without requiring repairs. Directly repairing a brick strip foundation comes down to the banal replacement of damaged areas, which is also very convenient.

Digging a trench

We carry out markings taking into account the dimensions and configuration of the future structure. After this, we remove the top layer of soil throughout the site.

Important! We make the foundation not only under external, but also under internal walls.

We dig a trench of the required depth. If the soil is heaving - below the freezing point. In other cases, a hole about half a meter deep is sufficient.

We select the width of the holes taking into account the soil moisture in the area: the higher it is, the wider the trench we make. In areas with particularly high humidity and groundwater close to the surface, drainage will be done. In view of this, the width of the trench should extend approximately 100 cm beyond the outer boundaries of the building.

We fill the bottom of the hole with a 15-centimeter layer of sand, spill it with water and compact it.

Making formwork

To do this we do the following.

First step. We cover the bottom of the trench between the walls of the foundation and the pit with geotextiles.

Second step. We pour a layer on top of the geotextile.

Third step. We lay perforated pipes on the crushed stone at a slight angle.

Fourth step. We cover the pipes with geotextiles and fill them with crushed stone.

Fifth step. We fill the structure with sand layer by layer. Carefully compact each layer.

The pipes are diverted into pre-equipped drainage channels or wells.

We are building a house

We check the horizontalness of the base surface using a level. We are interested in angles. If they are all on the same level, we start laying from any convenient angle. If there are discrepancies, we build from the highest point. In such a situation, we lay the first row of foam blocks on cement mortar - it dries longer than glue, which will allow us to align all the blocks to the same level.

We lay roofing felt in 2 layers on the foundation and begin laying.

According to the level, we place 1 block in each corner. We stretch a cord along the top edge of the building elements - it will help us navigate the process of laying walls.

Filling the space between the corner blocks. We apply glue or cement mortar both to the base of the foam blocks and to their side faces. We lay the building elements as tightly as possible. We check each block according to its level.

If you cannot lay out a row of a whole number of foam blocks, carefully and as smoothly as possible cut off the excess piece using a special saw or an ordinary hacksaw with large teeth. We carefully sand down the irregularities. This is convenient to do with a special tool. In the absence of one, we focus on the situation. For example, the surface can be leveled with a drywall plane.

Important! When laying out the first and subsequent rows, do not forget to leave openings for installing doors. Recommendations for arranging window openings will be given below.

The first row of masonry must be reinforced. To do this, we first cut grooves 3-4 mm wide with a similar depth in the upper edge of the blocks. To arrange the recesses we use a wall chaser or a grinder.

If you plan to build a large house, it is better to do the reinforcement in two rows. In this case, the distance between the grooves and the outer edges of the foam block should be at least 60 mm.

We clean the grooves and blocks from dust and pieces of material. We lay 8-10 mm reinforcement in the grooves and fill it with cement mortar or glue for foam blocks.

We reinforce the entire first row around the perimeter. In the future, we perform similar reinforcement every 4 rows.

Laying down subsequent rows

We lay out the following rows in the already familiar order:

• set up corner blocks;
• pull the rope;
• we lay out the walls.

The only difference is that starting from the second row, it is better to lay the blocks on a special glue for foam blocks.

Important! Door and window openings must be reinforced. Openings for windows are reinforced from below and from above. We make a lintel over the doorway. The procedure in both cases is similar.

Window sills, as a rule, are installed after laying out the 4th row. Select the height of the doorway at your discretion, usually it is 2-2.2 m.

To reinforce the openings we use a metal corner. We select the dimensions of the products in accordance with the width of the openings. Most often, corners from 5x5 to 10x10 cm are used. You are already familiar with the reinforcement procedure:

• we make grooves in blocks;
• lay the corners flush in the prepared recesses;
• fill the grooves with cement mortar or adhesive mixture.

Important! We select the length of the grooves so that the length of the corners exceeds the width of the reinforced opening by at least 0.5 m.

We lay out the walls to the designed height. After this, we arrange an armored belt for the ceiling. It is a reinforced concrete structure with an average thickness of about 200 mm.

There is nothing particularly complicated in the process of making an armored belt. The main thing is to make the formwork correctly. The design must be detachable. For assembly we use boards or other sheet material, for example, OSB.

We install the formwork on top of the walls, place the reinforcement cage inside it (it is recommended to reinforce it in all three planes, so it is more convenient to assemble the mesh in advance and insert it into the formwork in finished form). We give the concrete a month to gain strength and only after that we continue construction.

A house made of foam blocks for a summer residence takes first place in popularity. Blocks are a universal material, which, moreover, can have different sizes and densities.

To build a regular block house, the density most often chosen is 500 or 400. You can lay denser blocks on the first floor if you plan to build a two-story country house or a building with an attic, and lighter ones on the second floor. But you should not choose blocks with a density below 400, as they are too loose - they hold heat well, but even self-tapping screws will not hold well in them.

So, if you decide to start building a budget house from foam blocks with your own hands, our tips and recommendations will definitely help you.

Where to begin

The construction of cottages made of foam blocks begins with preparatory work. The territory itself is being prepared where the house will stand, the location of the building relative to the cardinal points is being clarified, and markings are being made. The foundation for a block country house should be more solid than for a frame, so it is better to go with a strip foundation.

It’s not difficult to make a budget strip foundation even on your own, but you will have to spend some time constructing the formwork, which is a device into which cement will be poured. Typically, formwork is made from boards that are connected by special spacers. The width of the foundation depends on the size of the blocks, and the depth - on the expected weight of the country house made of foam blocks, but below the freezing point.

So, we dig a trench under the foundation, install the formwork and pour cement. It is better to order cement with a mixer, since to independently prepare such a volume from a dry mixture you will need a huge container and a long period of time. And creating a foundation in several stages will lead to a decrease in its strength at the joints.

In general, a block house needs a foundation that is more solid than a foundation for a frame house.

Foundation waterproofing

After the foundation has hardened and the formwork has been removed, it is time to continue building a house from foam blocks.

It is necessary to waterproof the foundation. This can be done using ordinary roofing felt. The base on which you will lay sheets of roofing felt should be coated with special resin. It acts as an additional waterproofing agent, and in addition, it prevents the roofing felt from moving during the laying of blocks, securely gluing it to the concrete.

Sometimes the foundation is not coated with resin, but it is still better to do it. The resin doesn't cost much, and you can coat and lay the waterproofing in one day.

What you will need

No matter how even we strive to make the foundation, soil subsidence cannot be uniform. Therefore, in 99% of cases, the first row requires a lot of concentration for the installer. You will also need the following tool:

1. Great level.
2. Small level.
3. Long tape measure for measuring walls.
4. A short tape measure for measuring load-bearing partitions.
5. Shovel for applying cement mortar.
6. Rubber hammer.
7. Wide brush.

Also for construction you will need masonry mortar, construction adhesive and foam adhesive. Masonry mortar is used at the first level of blocks, when it is necessary to significantly level the level. The difference in total can reach several cm, and only masonry will help to lift the blocks. When choosing it, please note that some types are able to smooth out even 8 cm of inaccuracy.

An adhesive solution will be needed to fill the gaps between the blocks and for small, up to a couple of cm, errors. Foam adhesive is sold in cans and can be used when the blocks lie perfectly flat. It practically does not create gaps between the blocks, is well distributed in space and tightly glues the building material together. Working with foam is much easier and installation is faster, since there is no need to mix the solution.

First level: special attention to markings

In order for the first layer of blocks to lie flat, you need to work “under the rope”. Since the blocks should overhang the foundation slightly from the outside, the rope is stretched along the outer edge of the house. It should run exactly along the edge of the block. Use a laser level to determine the height of the rope. This is especially important if the foundation has some skew. Since the blocks can only be raised to the highest point, we use more masonry mortar where the level is lower.

After placing cement mortar on the foundation waterproofing, we install the first block and check it with a short level. If there is a misalignment, use a rubber hammer until the block lies flat. Once we have achieved perfect evenness, we lay the second block, gluing both blocks with adhesive solution to each other. We again check the evenness with a level along the top surface and along the side wall of the future house.

It’s better not to rush and lay out the first layer perfectly evenly, because the errors will add up, resulting in a general warp of the wall.

Second block level: residual alignment

For the second layer, masonry mortar can no longer be used. If any errors remain, or the solution has settled too much in some place, use an adhesive solution. If you are sure that everything is smooth, you can use foam. Sometimes the entire second layer is laid on foam, except for 1-3 blocks that unexpectedly fall into the masonry mortar.

Correct application of the solution: create an air layer inside that retains heat

Foam, as we wrote above, is very easy to work with. Before applying it, the block is moistened with water, for which a wide brush is useful. The foam is pressed under pressure in two parallel strips onto the bottom block and onto the side wall. It holds the building material securely and dries very quickly. Try not to get yourself dirty, as it is extremely difficult to remove foam from clothes or hair.

Just remember the rule: each laid block must be checked by level from above and from the side.

Third layer: foam for minimal seams

The third layer is usually easy to install. The blocks are easy to lay on the foam, and you no longer need to level them so carefully. No, we continue to use the level every time, but as a rule there is no need to correct anything. However, the time has come to use the reinforcement.

Iron reinforcement 15 mm thick is sufficient to create a rigid coupling between all blocks. You can throw two 20 mm reinforcement in the corners for greater reliability.

Interesting: the total distance between seams on a 10 meter wall will be reduced by 15-20 cm if you use foam instead of adhesive for blocks.

How to use fittings

In the top layer of the wall, using a homemade iron corner, a groove is made into which the reinforcement is placed. It is sealed with adhesive mortar or cement mortar. As a result, all blocks will be connected to each other not only with glue, but also with iron. Particular attention should be paid to corners and transitions to load-bearing walls.

The reinforcement is laid through at least one level of blocks. If the building is large and heavy, then each layer can be fastened with iron. If you are building a garden house from small foam blocks, you don’t need to use reinforcement.

Important: determine in advance where the windows will be. You'll have to tinker with them. The windows are reinforced on top either with concrete lintels or metal corners.

Second floor or attic

Economy class foam block houses often have an attic. The ceilings in them are usually made of wood. You can choose laminated veneer lumber, edged boards or ready-made I-beams.

The floor beams are mounted at a distance of no more than a meter from each other, but it is better to take a step length of 60 cm. The beam can have a cross-section of 150x225 mm and it must extend into the aerated concrete wall by at least 15 cm.

The length of freely hanging beams should not be more than 6 meters, otherwise they begin to bend under their own weight. If the distance between the walls is more than six meters, load-bearing walls are erected inside the house.

After the ceiling, the gables are erected. Usually, when calculating the number of blocks, door and window openings are not taken into account. These extra, remaining blocks go to the gables. The gables themselves, especially if the attic floor is made residential, usually also have windows.

By doing the construction yourself, you can build a house from foam blocks for a million or even cheaper. Houses made from economy class foam blocks meet all the requirements for modern construction projects, and at the same time are affordable for any budget.

Convenience of a bay window: more inside than outside

House with a bay window made of foam blocks - creating additional space in the house

A house made of foam blocks with a bay window is a popular construction project primarily because of its convenience. A bay window expands the space, but also increases the cost of the project itself. The presence of this feature of the house will have to be taken into account from the construction of the foundation. However, the advantages outweigh all the difficulties:

1. Expansion of space when the inside of the house looks more spacious than the outside.
2. The original appearance of the building.
3. Additional separate area in the room.
4. Possibility of creating an extensive view thanks to the installation of windows.

If you don't build it yourself

If you don't see yourself as a builder, you can try to buy a ready-made house. Today, prices for houses made of foam blocks have dropped significantly, and it is quite possible to choose the option of a small budget house for 1 million.

The big advantage is that buildings made of foam blocks can last for a very long time. And if you cover it with foam plastic (at least 5 cm), then it will not be afraid of frost, wind, or cold. Foam concrete does not deteriorate, does not rot, and is not attacked by bugs, like frame houses, and this is a big plus. It is ideal for permanent residence.