Correctly build a house from arbolite blocks: how to put wood -making with your own hands?

For individuals who wish to build a sturdy and energy-efficient home, constructing a home out of arbolite blocks can be a fulfilling do-it-yourself project. Aerated concrete, or AAC, is another name for arbolite, a lightweight material with superior soundproofing and thermal insulation capabilities. Both inexperienced and seasoned builders can benefit from the meticulous planning and precise assembly required when building with arbolite blocks.

It’s important to become familiar with the properties of arbolite blocks before beginning the building process. Aerating agents, cement, sand, and lime are combined to make these blocks, which result in a porous structure full of air bubbles. The interior will remain warm in the winter and cool in the summer thanks to this composition, which also makes the blocks lighter overall.

Arbolite blocks are easily handled, which is one of their main benefits. Arbolite blocks are lighter than regular concrete blocks, which makes them simpler to move and work with while building. Their consistent dimensions and form facilitate simple assembly, reducing the need for intricate on-site shaping or cutting. This ease of use can greatly expedite the construction process, increasing its effectiveness and economy.

A strong foundation is the first step in constructing a home using arbolite blocks. The foundation needs to be level, sturdy, and able to bear the weight of the building. When building with arbolite blocks, a reinforced concrete strip foundation is usually advised since it offers a steady base that keeps the structure intact over time and discourages settling.

After the foundation is ready, the arbolite blocks are laid in a methodical manner. To improve stability and structural strength, start by carefully placing each block in a staggered pattern along the foundation and apply a mortar bed. Throughout the building process, make sure every course of blocks is precisely horizontal and plumb by using a spirit level to ensure alignment.

What is needed for the construction of walls?

Once you buy pre-made components, all you’ll need is:

• Bucket – for the solution.
• Trowel or spatula – for applying the solution.
• Shovel – for mixing the adhesive mixture.
• Tape measure – for measuring sizes.
• Hacksaw – for cutting products.
• Level and fishing line – to check the evenness of the plane.
• Rubber hammer – to adjust the evenness of the laid element.
• Adhesive mixture.

You have the option to create your own wood concrete components. Furthermore, special industrial equipment is not required for this.

To produce independently, you must either prepare or buy:

• Concrete mixer.
• Metal tray – for ready-made solution.
• Forms – for pouring the solution and hardening it there.
• Separator – for filling several elements in one form or creating voids in elements.
• Vibrating sieve.

Required consumables:

• Organic filler (chips, sawdust, straw).
• Cement.
• Water. Must have a temperature between 15°C and 25°C. Its amount should not be more than half the weight of the added cement, otherwise the material will not be strong.
• Chemical additives (aluminum sulfate, calcium chloride, liquid glass, sodium silicate, slaked lime).

Note: the approximate material consumption per 1 m3 is 250 kg of cement, 250 kg of organic filler, and 8–10 kg of chemical additives.

Step-by-step instruction

Just like with bricks, aerated concrete, or cinder blocks, wood concrete blocks can be laid similarly. However, because blocks can absorb moisture, it’s critical to shield the wall from the first row’s excess moisture.

Laying the first row

1. To protect the blocks from high humidity, you need to waterproof the foundation or plinth. The waterproofing layer can be roofing material (2 layers) and bitumen mastic or liquid rubber.
2. Before applying the adhesive solution, you need to decide on the number of blocks that will be needed per row. To do this, the elements are laid out along the entire length of the wall, and the blocks are trimmed in advance where necessary.
3. Using a spatula or trowel, apply glue approximately 5-6 mm thick. After laying the block and pressing it, the glue will pass into the cavity of the block between the chips and as a result the seam will be about 2-3 mm.
4. Next, the first element from the corner is laid strictly according to the level or square. If the block was placed crookedly, then it is corrected using a rubber hammer. An ordinary metal hammer cannot be used, otherwise it will damage the integrity of the product, leaving dents in it.
5. Using exactly the same scheme, you need to install one block at all corners of the building, and stretch a fishing line between them. This will help to have the correct reference point when laying blocks between two corners of the wall.
6. The side of the corner block is coated with an adhesive solution, and the next element is pressed tightly against it. And so on until the end, until the entire first row is laid.

Subsequent rows

1. After laying the starting row, you need to wait about 5 hours until the adhesive solution sets. Next, checking the level, the remaining rows are laid out – sequentially block by block, in a checkerboard pattern in relation to the previous row.
2. After the first row, you must put a reinforcing mesh.
3. The solution is applied along the edges of the block below. Due to this, an air thermal break is formed inside. It is needed to compensate for the high thermal conductivity that wood concrete has. To create a gap in the masonry seam, you can also use polystyrene foam tape, wooden slats and other separators that will eliminate the possibility of cold bridges.

It’s crucial to keep the same spacing between blocks when laying them. The seam’s maximum thickness shouldn’t be more than 3 cm.

It is important to know that the ideal wall thickness for a home with more than two stories is 40 cm, while 30 cm is advised for structures with only one story. A 20 cm thickness is acceptable as long as the wall has additional brick lining or both interior and exterior insulation.

With the exception of the first row, you are only permitted to lay out three rows in a single day. After that, the solution is left to dry and strengthen for a day, during which work is halted. Work can start a little earlier than in a day if you add additives to the mixture that speed up the solution’s setting and strength gain.

In order to avoid inadvertently blocking future window openings, it is crucial to mark them after laying the fourth row.

Wall reinforcement

The wood concrete walls must be strengthened in order to give the future structure rigidity. Reinforcement bars are not required for this. For this, a standard polymer or metal reinforcing mesh works well. Every three to five rows, it must be spread out on the surface.

Using arbolite blocks to build a home is an economical and environmentally friendly building method. This article gives you the confidence to take on this project by showing you how to correctly assemble arbolite walls with wood framing. We cover every stage in a straightforward, useful manner, from choosing the appropriate materials to guaranteeing adequate insulation and structural integrity. Using arbolite blocks and wood framing techniques, this guide gives you the knowledge you need to build a sturdy and effective home, whether you’re a homeowner looking to learn the basics or a do-it-yourself enthusiast.

Difficulties in work and possible errors

You must select blocks that strictly adhere to GOST in order to prevent the formation of cold bridges. The maximum amount of deviation from the specified values should be 5 mm. A poorly constructed block may eventually shrink, causing the wall surface to deform and curve.

Arbolite blocks cannot be tiled over, treated, or insulated with vapor-impermeable materials because doing so will prevent moisture from the interior of the house from trying to escape through the walls.

As a result, moisture builds up in the outdoor spaces, leading to the growth of mold and mildew.

Cellular concrete should not be used to fill the base since this will allow moisture and dampness to seep into the walls.

If the work is done alone, you run the risk of laying the walls unevenly and failing to maintain the spacing between the blocks because of inexperience. And as a result, the masonry’s appearance will disappear.

Making an armored belt across the final row is crucial before installing the roof, as this will ensure that the load on the walls is distributed evenly and prevent the blocks from deforming.

Pros and cons of self-construction

Any material can always be laid yourself for less money than if you hire professionals to do the job. When it comes to wood concrete, the circumstances are identical:

• If you make the blocks yourself and then lay them, you can significantly save your budget.
• This material is very easy to work with. Even a beginner can quickly master the technique of masonry, as well as learn how to process or trim it.

Self-masonry, however, has a number of drawbacks. The consequences will be severe if you are ignorant of masonry technology and disregard the material’s proportions and storage requirements:

• During the cold season, it is important to work very quickly, mix the glue indoors in small portions and use only warm water.
• Blocks should not be laid out in rows, but in short sections of 5-7 blocks so that the solution has time to harden and not freeze. A novice or inexperienced builder may not know these requirements, so the quality of the masonry will be lower.
• Also, the products must be covered with film to prevent moisture or melted snow from getting inside the elements.
• If you cut the blocks incorrectly or ineptly, you will have to spend more adhesive mixture and finishing plaster to level the surface.

Using arbolite blocks to build a home can be a cost-effective and satisfying decision. Crafted from cement and wood chips, these blocks provide superior insulation and are environmentally sustainable. You can guarantee the longevity and comfort of your home by adhering to the right procedures.

First, be sure to properly prepare your foundation. Any structure needs a solid foundation, and using arbolite blocks is no exception. Make sure it is sturdy and level to hold the walls’ weight.

Use a high-quality mortar to set the blocks firmly in place during the laying process. Since this will have an impact on the stability and aesthetics of your walls, take your time aligning each block precisely. Use a level to ensure that your walls are straight on a regular basis.

Remember to use rebar or other materials to reinforce your walls when needed, especially in areas that will be subjected to a lot of weight or stress. Your home will be better able to withstand natural forces like wind and earthquakes thanks to this extra strength.

Lastly, think about the final details. Sealing and insulation done correctly will increase your home’s energy efficiency. To avoid drafts, pay close attention to how windows and doors are installed, making sure they are correctly sealed and fit.

Using arbolite blocks, you can successfully construct a strong and effective home by carefully organizing and carrying out each step. This technique supports sustainable building practices in addition to offering a sturdy structure.

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