How to properly lay the first row of aerated concrete blocks?

In every building project, the first row of aerated concrete blocks must be laid. Establishing the foundation for the entire structure and guaranteeing stability and durability starts with getting this first layer right. When building a house, garage, or addition, paying close attention to details can make all the difference.

Because of their superior insulation qualities and low weight, aerated concrete blocks are highly sought after. But especially at first, their installation calls for caution and accuracy. To provide a strong foundation for the rows above, the first row must be precisely level and aligned. Any errors made now could cause problems later on, such as structural weaknesses or higher expenses.

The necessary procedures and advice for correctly installing the first row of aerated concrete blocks will be provided by this guide. We’ll cover everything, from base preparation to tool requirements, to make sure you have all the knowledge you need to get your project off to a good start. Together, let’s get going and lay a solid foundation for your building.

Why is it important to correctly lay out 1 row of aerated concrete blocks?

A building’s foundation is laid first, and it needs to be sturdy enough to support the weight of the roof, walls, and decorations combined. Success already includes having a well-built foundation, but it goes beyond that. Additionally, the first row of aerated concrete needs to be properly arranged. Appropriate masonry impacts:

• evenness of the walls;
• normal conditions for arranging openings;
• the ability to install high-quality floors and roofing;
• subsequent finishing;
• foundation load.

The owner or master of the house will eventually have to deal with issues like uneven walls if the walls are installed without regard for technology. Although the geometry of the aerated concrete block itself is perfect, you will still need to add plaster or putty to finish the walls’ surfaces.

An improperly prepared foundation will result in an incorrect layout of the first row. This will cause the horizon to become jumbled, making it more difficult to lay regular walls in the future. Because he will constantly need to level the plane, the master won’t be able to make neat openings for doors and windows.

Crucial! The house will eventually become dilapidated and start to collapse if you ignore technology and fail to install waterproofing, other protective materials, or reinforce the first row.

What solution should it be placed on??

Special glue made of cement, sand, and additives is frequently used for gas blocks. It has good performance properties and is sold in paper bags weighing 25 kg.

Only when there is a perfect base beneath the first row of masonry and no chance of cold bridges occurs is glue appropriate.

Additionally, glue is used in cases where the layer thickness is as little as 5 mm. The likelihood of pouring the foundation precisely evenly and avoiding the need to level the first row is slim.

The first row of gas blocks should ideally be laid using a specialized solution. Its thick layer makes it an excellent tool for concealing differences in height. Cement-sand mortar can be used to level the surface, which is usually necessary for masonry.

It is crucial to properly prepare the solution because it needs to conceal the poured foundation’s unevenness and have the right consistency. Maintaining the solution’s mixing ratios and properly distributing the mixture throughout the masonry are crucial. Both purchased and factory-produced cement-sand mixtures are suitable for use.

How to cook properly?

First of all, you must always keep in mind that the ratio of cement to sand is 1:3. This ratio will assist in creating a solution that, regardless of the foundation’s characteristics, will readily adhere between the aerated concrete blocks and it.

To get ready, you’ll need the following:

1. cement M500 – 1 part;
2. sifted sand – 3 parts;
3. water.

Since water is added gradually as the solution is prepared to the desired consistency, it is not indicated in the proportions. It is preferable to use the M500 brand of cement because it serves as a binder and is strong, waterproof, and resistant to frost. Depending on the desired outcome, gypsum, slag, and plasticizers are the main ingredients in its creation.

They only accept sifted sand, which you can purchase from the factory or, if you prefer, take ordinary river sand and sift it through a sieve, a process that will take a long time. Using cold water is preferable to hot water.

Citation! Additives that retain water can be mixed into the mixture. Given that aerated concrete is porous and readily absorbs water, they will aid in slowing down the material’s quick absorption of moisture.

A concrete mixer can be used for preparation as manual mixing would require too much work. If you still wish to knead by hand, however, grab a bucket or trough and a drill bit with a "mixer" attachment. Transfer the dry mixture into a bucket or concrete mixer, add a small amount of water, and mix.

Add water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. After letting the mixture sit for a while, stir it once more with a trowel, and start working. Don’t make too much of the mixture at once because it needs to be used within a few hours of mixing.

What tools and materials are needed?

Prior to beginning construction, it is essential to prepare an inventory to ensure that everything runs smoothly and without a rush:

• building level;
• roulette;
• plumb line with cord;
• hydraulic level;
• a tool for cutting gas blocks or a special grater;
• trowel;
• square;
• Master OK;
• wall chaser;
• rubber mallet.

A laser can be used in place of a standard building level because it can display multiple lines and their intersections simultaneously. This makes it possible for you to see surface irregularities more clearly. You can use roofing felt for rolled waterproofing, which is undoubtedly a useful material. Additionally, reinforcement and bitumen mastic are required.

While metal mesh is occasionally employed as reinforcement, metal rods are typically inserted through holes bored in the blocks. In order for the first row of masonry to support the weight that the wall will subsequently place on it, it must be strengthened.

It is essential to correctly lay the first row of aerated concrete blocks for the wall’s overall stability and alignment. This initial stage lays the groundwork for future rows to be level and well-organized, avoiding problems like uneven walls or cracks. To guarantee precise alignment, start by creating a firm, level base, frequently using a layer of mortar or a unique adhesive. Then, use a spirit level. Setting up this first row precisely now will ensure a successful and efficient construction process.

Step-by-step description of installation technology

You can get to work as soon as the supplies and tools are prepared. It’s best to adhere to explicit directions:

1. Alignment. First, level the surface of the foundation using mortar. To do this, mix the solution and distribute it over the foundation, carefully spreading it. To achieve evenness, beacons made of nails and a stretched cord are used. Levelness is also checked using a building level. If the foundation turns out to be perfectly flat, its surface is simply dust-free for further work.
2. Bituminous mastic is applied to the foundation and waterproofing is laid. Roofing felt can be used as insulation. Waterproofing will help prevent the transfer of moisture from the foundation to the block aerated concrete. Modern materials are produced in rolls, so working with them is easy: just cut the roll into strips of the required width and lay it on the foundation with an overlap of 150 mm, then press.
3. After finding the highest angle of the foundation, they begin laying the stone on the mortar. Work starts from the corners. The first block is installed at the highest point of the foundation, then beacons are made, aligning with it at all four corners. The position of the blocks is adjusted using a mallet or by adding solution. If the length of the wall is more than 10 meters, then another stone is placed in the center between the blocks to prevent the cord from sagging.
4. The solution is applied to the surface of the waterproofing using a trowel, laying the block, leveling it horizontally and vertically, pressing it and proceeding to laying the next block.

While laying the first layer’s foundation solely with mortar, it is preferable to use special glue for the lateral edges of contact between the blocks.

How to Find the Highest Foundation Angle?

Using a laser or hydraulic level, you can find the foundation’s highest level. Installing the laser level on a level surface is necessary for this; if it is not self-leveling, level it first.

All that’s needed to complete the 360-degree beam produced by the device is to measure the distance between each corner and the foundation’s base. The angle that is highest will be the one where the beam’s distance from the top of the foundation is the smallest.

Possible errors in operation

Many mistakes occur when laying the first row; these mistakes can be fixed while working or they cannot be fixed. The primary error is the first layer’s differences not being equalized. To avoid having to redo the entire masonry, the foundation should be leveled if it is excessively multi-leveled. To adjust the block’s position, it’s also worthwhile to use a rubber mallet because regular ground stone will forcefully pierce the stone.

Useful video

The following video illustrates how to lay the first row of aerated concrete blocks:

Building strong and durable walls requires laying the first row of aerated concrete blocks. The right tools, precision, and patience are needed for the process. You create the conditions for a construction project to succeed by leveling the surface and carefully preparing the foundation.

Ensuring that your blocks are precisely aligned begins with a mortar bed that has been leveled thoroughly. There is no room for error in this step since it will have an impact on the entire structure. Use a spirit level to carefully check and double-check each block’s level.

Maintaining straight lines and uniform block spacing is made easier by using a string line as a guide. When it comes to getting a professional finish, this little tool is really helpful. Check your work frequently to make sure every block is in line with the string line and make any necessary adjustments.

Strong stability and bonding between the blocks are ensured by properly applying mortar. The thickness of the mortar should be consistent, so try to spread it evenly and remove any excess to prevent gaps. Your walls’ strength and longevity will be enhanced by this meticulous attention to detail.

To summarize, the initial row of aerated concrete blocks necessitates meticulous preparation and implementation. You can create a strong foundation for your project by paying close attention to detail, using the appropriate tools, and taking your time. This meticulous method creates the conditions for a long-lasting structure and a successful build.

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