Plastering aerated concrete walls indoors

For contemporary construction projects, plastering aerated concrete walls is an essential stage in the interior finishing process. Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), another name for aerated concrete, has various benefits, including easy installation, a lightweight construction, and thermal insulation capabilities. Plastering these walls for indoor use calls for particular methods and careful thought in order to produce a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Aerated concrete walls are lighter and more porous than regular concrete or brick walls, which has an impact on the way plaster sets and adheres. In order to guarantee that the plaster adheres well and holds up over time, the surface must be prepared properly. During this preparation, the surface is typically well cleaned, an appropriate primer or bonding agent is applied, and occasionally any larger voids or imperfections in the AAC blocks are filled.

An other important consideration when working with aerated concrete indoors is selecting the appropriate type of plaster. Particularly designed for light-weight and porous surfaces, plasters aid in attaining an even texture and improving the walls’ overall appearance. In order to ensure a long-lasting finish that is resistant to cracking and moisture penetration, these plasters frequently include additives that increase adhesion and durability.

Moreover, the method of application has a big impact on how plastering aerated concrete walls turns out. In order to achieve a uniform surface, professionals frequently employ techniques like applying multiple coats and allowing adequate drying times between each layer. This ensures that each coat is applied evenly and smoothed out. This procedure contributes to the walls’ structural integrity in addition to improving their aesthetic appeal.

To sum up, plastering aerated concrete walls indoors necessitates close attention to detail and adherence to particular methods designed to complement the special qualities of AAC. Through comprehension of these factors and adherence to optimal techniques in surface preparation, material selection, and application techniques, both contractors and do-it-yourself enthusiasts can attain superior outcomes that augment the aesthetic appeal and practicality of interior areas.

Features of aerated concrete in terms of plastering

Aerated concrete’s production technology determines its characteristics. The only building material with tiny channels running through it causes walls to have two major issues:

• easily blown by moderate winds;
• have high vapor permeability.

Finishing the walls both inside and outside will take care of the first issue, making the question "is it necessary to plaster walls made of aerated concrete blocks?" irrelevant. It is only possible to achieve high vapor permeability by using finishing technologies correctly.

Here, even small errors brought on by a lack of understanding of the finer points of finishing work can be disastrous. For instance, the sequence in which the walls within and outside of a building are plastered, as will be covered later, directly affects how long it lasts.

The following considerations need to be made when getting ready to plaster the exterior of walls constructed of aerated concrete blocks:

• Even the densest aerated concrete under concentrated impacts, for example, with a hammer on a chisel, breaks off and cracks. Therefore, the preparation of such walls for plastering differs significantly from the same work in relation to brickwork.
• The presence of open pores in aerated concrete blocks does not allow the use of putty for finishing walls – a thin layer of it simply will not stick to them, although the quality of the surface allows this method to correct minor errors in their laying. Therefore, it is necessary to plaster with a layer of at least 5 mm.
• The low adhesive properties of porous structures, which include aerated concrete, require the mandatory use of either expensive primers or fiberglass reinforcing mesh (other materials dissolve in the alkaline environment of hardened plaster).
• The high vapor permeability of the material dictates the following order of work on plastering walls: first, plastering is carried out indoors, and then, after the inner layer of mortar has dried, outdoors. If the order is reversed or work is carried out simultaneously on both sides, then moisture will be trapped inside the wall, which will destroy it during frosts.

How to plaster aerated concrete

How can walls made of aerated concrete be plastered inside a home? This question lacks a definitive response. Other than the cost factor, there are no issues if you purchase ready-made plaster mixtures. Dry plaster is always for sale on different bases:

• lime and cement – the most popular mixture for plastering aerated concrete walls;
• liquid glass (silicate mixture) – the cheapest type of dry mortar, but incompatible with decorative plaster based on acrylic, silicone, latex;
• silicone – the highest quality plaster mixture with, naturally, the highest price;
• cement and mineral chips that replace sand.

As a point of reference, while acrylic mixtures are available for purchase, decorative plaster is the best use for them.

The family budget will be severely impacted by the purchase of ready-made plaster, so you should think about your options for making the solution yourself. Thus, which plaster works best for plastering walls made of aerated concrete? Depending on the kind of prepared adhesion between the plaster and the wall, there are two blocks of answers provided here.

1. The plaster mortar is applied directly to the wall, pre-treated with a penetrating primer with the slots cut with a chainsaw (the slots are necessary for better adhesion of the mortar to aerated concrete).
2. Plastering the wall is done using a plaster mesh mounted on a special glue, which has become fashionable lately.

In the first instance, the properties of the substance must be considered:

• the presence of cement and lime components;
• porosity;
• high vapor permeability.

Cement mortar and sand are instantly eliminated from the list of mixtures due to this unusual combination of properties close to the wall. Even with a premium primer, it clings to such a surface very poorly.

Here, you must make use of:

• gypsum with light perlite sand;
• gypsum with lime;
• lime with cement, fine sand, aggregates and plasticizer.

In the second scenario, any mix of mortar ingredients is permissible, including a 1 to 5 ratio of cement to sand.

Calculation of material consumption

Getting the quantity of material right is crucial when beginning the plaster layer application process. Let us first point out that it is impossible to determine precisely how much of anything will be required because it is impossible to account for all the variations in wall surface height and the existence of vertical walls. However, computations can be performed with a small error in any direction.

The first thing you should do is identify the area that needs plastering. This can be accomplished by multiplying each wall’s length by height, then adding the results. The area of the doors and windows should be subtracted from the resultant number. The amount of mortar in cubic meters is obtained by multiplying the end result by the average plaster thickness.

As a point of reference, the final multiplier is the mean of the addition of the thickest and smallest plaster layers, ascertained during beacon installation.

It is not difficult to calculate the number of components of the mixture given the total volume of the solution.

Tools required for work

The following equipment and accessories are necessary for work:

• stepladder (you can prepare a special portable platform – sawhorses);
• Phillips screwdriver or screwdriver;
• metal profiles for lighthouses;
• roulette;
• plumb line;
• rule with a level 2.0-2.5 m long;
• metal scissors (grinder);
• hammer:
• paint brush (spray gun or roller);
• primer tray;

Be aware that seasoned pros follow two guidelines. Short—no more than 1.5 meters—to check the caliber of the work done; long—to level the plaster application—is more convenient.

• construction (bubble) level;
• steel brush or scraper (another name for cutting);
• container for preparing plaster;
• hacksaw or chainsaw;
• falcon;
• trowel, also has other names – trowel, plaster spatula;
• grater;
• grater;
• fry;
• ironer;
• set of spatulas.

Note: The material "How to plaster a brick wall" contains photos and information about each tool’s function.

Surface preparation

The first step in plastering indoor aerated concrete walls is surface preparation. The caliber of the preparatory work has a major impact on how long-lasting the plaster is. Experience gained over many years has shown that tasks should be completed in a precise order:

1. all general construction and installation work on installing the floor, installing door and window blocks, etc. is completed.d.;
2. the walls are cleaned of old plaster, paint, wallpaper and whitewash;
3. wall blocks are repaired (if necessary);
4. various types of contaminants are removed.

Note: The material "Preparation of surfaces for plastering" provides a detailed description of the technology used to carry out the aforementioned work.

Making sure the plaster adheres to the wall is the most crucial and subsequent step in the plastering of aerated concrete. Applying the solution to a plaster mesh or a primed wall are the two possibilities. Let’s take a closer look at the second option, which is becoming more and more popular.

To get started, you’ll need to purchase fiberglass plaster mesh, tile adhesive (for ceramic products, such as Knauf or Yunis 2000), and a deep penetration primer for aerated concrete (Ceresit).

Simple step-by-step instructions are provided.

• Two layers of penetrating primer are applied to the wall. For the first layer, in order to saturate the aerated concrete with moisture, the soil is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:1. For the second layer, its consumption should be in the range of 150-180 g/m2 . To apply the solution, you can use all known methods: roller, brush, garden sprayer, compressor, etc.d. The second layer is applied only after the first layer has completely dried.

• Apply diluted glue onto the dried primer with a trowel. Work is carried out from the bottom up, with a width slightly larger than a roll of reinforcing mesh. The thickness of the layer after leveling should be within 5 mm.

Be careful: dilute the tile adhesive and use it strictly according to the directions on the package.

• A mesh cut to length, flush with the ceiling, is sunk into the glue, and then the same is done below, near the floor. Using a spatula with teeth 5-6 mm long, the plaster mesh is pressed as deep as possible into the glue. Work is carried out from top to bottom. At first, the movements of the spatula can be chaotic, and in the final stage – strictly horizontal. This is necessary to form horizontal ordered strips about 5 mm high from the glue squeezed out through the mesh, which will serve as an ideal connecting element between the wall and the plaster solution.

The adhesive surface cannot have any gaps in it. Every mesh sheet is worked on one at a time. Every mesh after that should have a 10-cm overlap with the one before it. Using a spatula, create a few vertical stripes along the glue-treated strip’s edge for easier joining (these stripes must later be changed to horizontal ones during the work).

When using plaster mesh and tile adhesive to reinforce an interior wall made of aerated concrete, how should the walls be plastered? Glue and reinforcing mesh allow any kind of plaster that is currently used in construction to be used.

We look at useful advice and methods to create smooth, long-lasting finishes in our guide to plastering aerated concrete walls indoors. Plastering with aerated concrete offers certain benefits and challenges because of its lightweight and insulating qualities. We go over all the ins and outs of surface preparation, material selection, application simplicity, and attaining a perfect finish coat. Whether you’re building new interiors or remodeling existing ones, knowing these tricks will help you make your indoor spaces look better and last longer. Does this sum up what you’re looking for in its entirety?

When can plastering begin after masonry?

One should take their time constructing the walls inside and outside the house when using aerated concrete. The blocks have a property whereby they will shrink even when placed on glue. It is unnecessary to describe what will happen to the wall’s shrinking plaster—continuous fissures and a total replacement of the plaster layer.

According to experts, you should wait seven months after wall construction is complete before beginning plastering. This recommendation, however, is not acceptable. Since there is no pressure on the blockwork, simple wall construction prevents shrinkage. The entire shrinkage process doesn’t start until the roof is installed. As a result, the countdown should begin as soon as the roofing project is finished.

Plastering technology

How are walls made of aerated concrete plastered inside? The same technology used to plaster other types of walls can also be used to plaster aerated concrete walls indoors.

As a point of reference, beacons for aerated concrete walls are not typically installed. This is because the wall is level after the blocks are laid; the material’s precise geometry and the thin connecting seam make it simple to keep the vertical. Beacon guides are only utilized in cases where foundation settlement has resulted in a loss of verticality. The work "How to plaster a brick wall" describes how to install them on the wall.

• The solution is mixed in small portions.
• Before work, the plaster should “rest” for a few minutes.
• When applied to a bare wall, plastering work is carried out in three layers, on a mesh with glue – in two (primer and covering).
• The spray solution is prepared in a ratio of 1:2 until the consistency of sour cream.
• Applying plaster begins from the lower left corner. Lead from bottom to top, left to right. Spray thickness – 4-5 mm. Apply with a trowel by sharply throwing a small amount of mortar onto the wall.

• The soil is placed with a thicker solution (approximately like bread dough) and a different ratio of cement and sand – 1:5. Apply after the spray has completely dried. The thickness of the soil should not exceed 2.0 cm. Applied to the wall with a trowel. Then the rule aligns. The final treatment of the soil is carried out with a trowel. They can work left and right, up and down. If the soil layer thickness exceeds 2 cm, then the correct solution is to apply it twice.

• The coating is applied to the well-dried second layer. The solution is made liquid and preferably only from cement. When mixed with sand, the parts should be equal and the components should be sifted on a fine sieve. Apply with a trowel in a layer of 1-2 mm. Leveled with a trowel and smoother.
• Finishing work – grouting, done with a float. You will also need a small amount of solution to eliminate minor defects.

A float is used to grout in a circular motion. Some experts perform this much more challenging technique—"acceleration"—using vertical movements.

The final step in creating long-lasting and visually beautiful surfaces for the interior of your house is plastering aerated concrete walls indoors. Because of its lightweight and insulating qualities, aerated concrete needs extra care during the plastering process to produce a smooth and durable finish.

The first step in plastering aerated concrete walls is to ensure that the surface is dry and clean. Clear the walls of any loose particles, dust, or debris. This guarantees improved plaster adherence and guards against uneven areas or cracks over time.

Selecting the proper kind of plaster is essential to getting the desired effects. Because cement-based or polymer-modified plasters work well with the lightweight structure of aerated concrete, they are frequently used for these types of walls. These plasters have good flexibility and bonding strength, which makes it easier to adjust for the small movements that sometimes happen in aerated concrete.

Apply the plaster according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, layering it on evenly. To evenly distribute the plaster across the surface, use the proper tools, such as trowels. To guarantee even coverage and a seamless appearance, pay close attention to the corners and edges.

Before applying any finishing touches, like painting or sanding, give the plaster enough time to dry according to the product’s instructions. This improves the longevity of the plastered walls and contributes to their polished appearance.

Aerated concrete wall plastering improves your home’s overall structural integrity and insulating qualities in addition to its interior design appeal. You can guarantee a well-finished, durable interior that endures over time by using high-quality materials and appropriate techniques.

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