Features of expanded clay concrete blocks with cladding

The use of cladding-equipped expanded clay concrete blocks in building projects is growing in popularity because of their exceptional strength, insulation, and visual appeal. Expanded clay aggregate is mixed into the concrete mixture to create these blocks, which yield a sturdy yet lightweight material. They become even more attractive and functional with the addition of cladding, which makes them a great option for both commercial and residential buildings.

The superior thermal insulation of expanded clay concrete blocks is one of their most notable qualities. Heat transfer is greatly reduced by the air pockets that the expanded clay aggregate creates within the blocks. As a result, structures made with these blocks maintain a consistent temperature throughout the year, lowering energy expenses and promoting energy efficiency.

Concrete blocks made of expanded clay have excellent soundproofing qualities in addition to providing thermal insulation. The blocks’ light-weight, dense construction absorbs sound waves to reduce noise transfer from the outside or between rooms. This makes them the perfect option for multi-family housing or urban settings where reducing noise is a top concern.

Another important element that distinguishes these blocks is their cladding. It entails covering the outside of the blocks with a layer of material, like wood, stone, or brick. This adds another degree of weather resistance to the building while also improving its aesthetic appeal. Customized cladding can complement a variety of architectural styles, providing design flexibility without sacrificing the advantages of expanded clay concrete.

All things considered, cladding-equipped expanded clay concrete blocks provide a useful and attractive answer to contemporary building requirements. When building or designing an attractive structure, builders and architects prefer to use them because of their durability, insulation, and adaptable appearance.

What are these expanded clay stones??

A contemporary building material that enables the construction of buildings and other structures with a fine front surface is expanded clay concrete block with cladding. By using these raw materials, you can cut finishing costs by a multiple of three; however, masonry with such stone needs to be flawless, as imperfections cannot be concealed later.

Expanded clay concrete facing is available in various varieties and paintable in a range of hues, giving homeowners options. This raw material is highly suitable for external wall construction because its decorative function is maximized.

What are they like??

Products made of expanded clay concrete with cladding are:

• Colored. They look like ordinary expanded clay concrete, only painted in different shades. As you know, the clay from which expanded clay is produced does not have a wide color palette, so more often than not ordinary blocks turn out either gray due to cement, or slightly reddish due to clay. Therefore, manufacturers can paint the stone a certain color. Blocks can be dark red, green, blue and yellow. They do not require additional finishing, as they are good on their own.
• With decorative coating or cladding. Has a slightly different composition. This is a block of expanded clay and cement, but on the front part there is decor.It is represented by a unique structure that can imitate wood, natural stone, plaster, lining. The use of such products allows you to diversify the facade of the house without additional finishing.
• With insulation. These are insulated stones made of expanded clay concrete. The block is taken as a basis, then comes the insulating layer, and then the cladding. High-density foam is used as an insulating layer: raw materials of this type are inexpensive.In foreign-made stone you can find mineral wool as insulation. Sometimes polyurethane foam is used.

The insulating layer’s foam has a density of between 30 and 70 kg/m³. It is made of foam plastic and has the necessary 0.036 W/μ thermal conductivity coefficient, ensuring a consistently well-insulated home.

Requirements according to GOST

GOST 6133-99 specifies the features and specifications for products composed of expanded clay concrete with cladding. This is what it states:

• facing blocks can be solid, slotted or hollow;
• standard block size is 390x190x188 mm, but deviations from the norm of 3-4 mm are allowed on each side;
• facing stone is intended for laying walls without subsequent finishing;
• the strength grade must be at least M50;
• the front block can have either one or two facing edges.

The GOST document should be your guide when selecting a facing stone for wall construction.

For what types of walls are they used??

Expanded clay and concrete cladding blocks for construction:

• external facade walls of the house;
• baths;
• cottages;
• summer houses;
• country houses;
• gazebos;
• utility buildings.

You can use this kind of building material to veneer walls in addition to actually building them. For cladding wood-frame houses, expanded clay concrete blocks with decorations work great. Nevertheless, plinths and interior room walls are not constructed using this type of building material.

The combination of the strength and thermal insulation qualities of expanded clay with the visual appeal and added protection of cladding makes expanded clay concrete blocks with cladding an adaptable and effective building material. These blocks are perfect for both residential and commercial construction because they are lightweight and sturdy at the same time. In addition to adding to a building’s aesthetic appeal, cladding ensures long-term performance and energy efficiency by adding an additional layer of insulation and weather resistance. This cutting-edge material offers a high-quality, environmentally friendly building option while cutting construction time and costs.

Main characteristics of the material

These stones have a number of primary qualities:

• can be solid, slotted or hollow, depending on this their characteristics change;
• strength grade within M50-M150;
• weight – from 12 kg;
• volumetric weight – 700-1500 kg/cube.m;
• frost resistance – 50 cycles of defrosting and freezing;
• thermal conductivity – 0.15-0.45 W/mG;
• wall cooling time – from 75 to 90 hours;
• water absorption – 50%.

Since this material shrinks zero percent, it has gained popularity for use in wall construction and cladding.

It is important to discuss the block sizes separately. 390x190x190 mm, 390x188x188 mm, and 390x190x188 mm are its available sizes. This material can be used to build a house’s load-bearing walls because its dimensions are comparable to those of standard building blocks.

Features of masonry

For placing these kinds of blocks Using specialized solutions is advised. Using compounds with thermal insulation properties is preferable since insulation won’t exist in the future. Additives with reinforcement can also be used.

When two adjacent expanded clay blocks are connected with a tongue-and-groove fastening, the stone is produced more efficiently.

Maintaining the precise evenness of the masonry is crucial since the facade block is the only material used and nothing else. To accomplish this, make sure to pull the string, lay each stone in an even layer, and then use a building level to check the levelness. The most accurate level will be provided by a laser level.

It is essential to inspect each stone for cleanliness after laying. It’s possible that some of the solution got on the front side during the work, which would ruin the look. Eliminate errors as soon as possible by removing excess glue.

Pros and cons of use

The use of such a stone has the following main benefits:

• installation speed increases;
• no need for finishing;
• work is done easily;
• good thermal insulation performance can be achieved;
• construction costs are reduced;
• the blocks are fire-resistant, environmentally friendly and durable.

The meticulous nature of the work is one drawback because you have to lay the stone right away "for finishing." Another drawback is the requirement for continuous lining.

Prices for stones with decor

Consider, for instance, the following variations of cladding blocks made of expanded clay:

• Full -colored color color 390x95x188 mm – 72 r. apiece, 12000 per cubic meter;
• color gray 2-hollow double-sided 390x120x188 mm-42 r. apiece, 5250 r. per cube;
• Full -core full -bodied 380x95x188 mm – 52 r. apiece, 8600 rubles per 1 cubic meter;
• Decorative red, brown 2-hollow 390x190x188 mm-77 r. apiece, 5900 r. For a cubic meter.

As you can see, the average price will vary based on the color, texture, and type of stone—slit, hollow, or full-bodied.

Because they combine aesthetic appeal with durability, expanded clay concrete blocks with cladding are a popular option for modern construction projects. These blocks create a versatile building material that improves a building’s energy efficiency and structural integrity by combining the strength of concrete with the lightweight and insulating qualities of expanded clay.

The superior thermal insulation provided by expanded clay concrete blocks is one of its main advantages. The blocks’ expanded clay aggregates trap air, which lessens heat transfer and aids in preserving cozy interior temperatures. Significant energy savings may result from this, particularly in areas with harsh weather. Furthermore, the cladding adds another degree of weather resistance, enhancing the building’s overall durability and insulation.

The cladding’s ability to be aesthetically flexible is another benefit. Cladding, which comes in an array of hues, textures, and finishes, enables homeowners and builders to personalize the look of their buildings. This adaptability makes it simple to get the desired appearance, be it a more traditional design or a sleek modern facade. The cladding also contributes to the building’s lifespan by shielding the underlying blocks from moisture, UV light, and other environmental elements.

In conclusion, cladding-equipped expanded clay concrete blocks are a great option for building projects that need to be both functional and fashionable. They are an appealing and useful option because of their customizable appearance, excellent insulation qualities, and lightweight design. Builders can design long-lasting, energy-efficient buildings that are also aesthetically pleasing and weatherproof by selecting these blocks.

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