The correct technology for building a cellar and basement from foam blocks

For many homeowners, constructing a cellar or basement out of foam blocks is a cost-effective and useful option. Foam blocks are a dependable option for building a solid and energy-efficient subterranean space because of their insulating qualities and simplicity of use. Whether your goal is to build a wine cellar, extra storage, or a living space, knowing how to use foam blocks properly is crucial to the success of your project.

The lightweight nature of foam blocks is one of their main benefits as it makes construction easier. Foam blocks are easily handled, unlike conventional materials like concrete, which lessens physical strain on workers and expedites the building schedule. They are perfect for areas that need temperature control because of their insulating qualities, which also aid in keeping the cellar or basement at a constant temperature.

When using foam blocks, there are certain procedures that must be followed in order to guarantee a sturdy and moisture-resistant structure. Excavation and drainage done correctly lay the groundwork for a successful construction. The stability and lifespan of the structure will be increased by carefully designing the layout and reinforcing the blocks. Additionally, the cellar or basement will be shielded from potential damage and water infiltration by using the proper sealants and waterproofing materials.

Following these guidelines will help you build a cellar or basement that suits your needs and is both durable and functional. Foam blocks are a flexible and effective building material; however, to fully realize their potential, one must grasp the appropriate technology and methods. It’s important to take the time to learn about proper foam block construction whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or hiring an expert to ensure the sustainability and success of your project.

Construction of a room made of foam concrete blocks

Because of the material’s qualities and technical features, a cellar or basement can be constructed using foam concrete blocks for any kind of recess—external, internal, recessed, or semi-recessed.

The characteristics of foam concrete material are as follows:

  1. sufficient density;
  2. vapor permeability;
  3. thermal insulation properties;
  4. fire-fighting properties;
  5. strength and durability;
  6. interacts with any type of finishing materials.

The material itself is easily installed, adheres well to special glue and cement mortar, and can be joined with reinforcing devices. Furthermore, he is regarded as environmentally friendly, which is a crucial characteristic for functioning and establishing a specific indoor microclimate.

While the structure is not a concern when working with foam blocks to arrange cellars and basements, it is advisable to address other load-bearing components in this type of construction (building a cellar or basement is impossible only if the ceiling walls are subject to too much overload, for example, according to the project Houses).

Therefore, building a monolith basement is preferred when there are excessive load-bearing loads. In other situations, a foam block can be used.

Basement construction has unique qualities of its own:

  • basements are allowed to be built in any place, taking into account the groundwater level;
  • the total area of ​​the basement may be smaller than that of the cellar, and the microclimate will be more humid;
  • the basement can perform the functions of storage and pantry; you can arrange a cellar in it, but not vice versa.

Foam block is a great substitute for cinder block because of its qualities and attributes.

Types of suitable stones

Construction of cellars and basements can be done with blocks that meet GOST 215 20-89.

The foam block, which resembles a building stone, is created by mixing a cement mixture with a unique foaming agent to produce low-weight, gray products with a cellular structure.

Special factory packaging in the form of polyethylene film, indication of markings, density, and size errors provide protection against block counterfeiting. It is advised that the material only be stored in its packaged state to prevent cell damage from precipitation and external damage.

The following are some of foam concrete’s primary qualities:

  1. Density – from D 400 to D 1 100 (the higher it is, the denser the material).
  2. Weight – from 8.5 to 47 kg (depending on type, size and density).
  3. Standard dimensions – (height, depth, length) for walls:
  4. external – 20 x 40 x 60 cm;
  5. load-bearing – 30 x 20 x 60 cm;
  6. partitions or regular – 10 x 30 x 60 cm.
  7. Frost resistance (depending on brand) – from 15 to 75 cycles.

Based on their technical indicators in relation to walls, foam blocks are categorized as follows:

  1. By density:
  2. thermal insulation (D 400, D 500; weight – 11-19 kg; thermal conductivity – 0.12 W/m ºС) – for insulation;
  3. structural and thermal insulation (D 600, D 900; weight – 23-35 kg; thermal conductivity – 0.14-0.29 W/m ºС) – for load-bearing;
  4. structural (D 1,000, D 1,100; weight – 39-47 kg; thermal conductivity – 0.36 W/m ºС) – load-bearing and for ceiling.
  5. By technology:
  6. threaded;
  7. molded;
  8. reinforced.
  9. By purpose:
  10. wall;
  11. septal;
  12. non-standard (customer"s wishes).

The best grade foam blocks are used for cellars and basements; the first row serves as structural support, and the second layer acts as thermal insulation. Because basement walls also function as foundations in part, they need to be sturdy.

The blocks are only used in conjunction with steel reinforcing bars to attain maximum strength. However, one should not overload walls or ceilings (preferably beams). It is important to pay attention to special plasticizing additives and waterproofing, particularly in areas where groundwater is nearby.

In addition to checking the level of groundwater and soil freezing, ventilation is an important consideration when designing cellars and basements.

Wall requirements

The preceding section lists the foam concrete material’s types, qualities, and technical specifications. The following table provides an overview of the general specifications for foam block walls in cellars and basements:

Given that the walls support weight, the following two fundamental guidelines are used to determine the necessary thickness for the basement:

  • 2 foam blocks 200 (structural) mm + 200 (thermal insulation) mm + plaster;
  • foam block 400 (structural) mm + careful reinforcement with plaster.

The following conditions must be fulfilled when building subterranean utility structures:

  1. Any settings above the cellar or basement are excluded.
  2. It is better to use ceilings in the form of beams.
  3. In case of high humidity, it is necessary to provide high-quality waterproofing for the walls, as well as organize exhaust ventilation.
  4. The room must be kept clean and dry.

It is also important to monitor the degree of soil freezing. Living in an area with severe winters can seriously damage the material; therefore, it will require reinforcement with specific mixtures along the outside surface of the blocks as well as along their seams.

In contrast to cellars, many craftsmen recommend utilizing foam blocks with voids inside basement walls in order to distribute the load-bearing load evenly.

Foam blocks require careful consideration of technology and technique when building a cellar or basement in order to ensure moisture resistance, durability, and insulation. Because of their exceptional thermal qualities and low weight, foam blocks are perfect for developing energy-efficient subterranean spaces. To manage soil pressure and stop leaks, the procedure calls for careful planning, appropriate waterproofing, and reinforcement. Through proper block laying techniques, joint sealing, and drainage system installation, homeowners can build a sturdy, dry, and well-insulated cellar or basement that endures for many years.

Materials, consumables and tools

In order to perform construction, you will require:

  1. Foam blocks of the selected size and brand (structural + thermal insulation).
  2. Cement mixture (river sand, cement, gravel (for the composition of concrete belts), water), diluted in the correct proportion.
  3. Waterproofing materials.
  4. Plaster and tools for spreading and spreading (trowel, spatula, brushes).
  5. Bars for beams, wood for doors, special anti-fungal impregnation for wooden surfaces.
  6. Level, plumb line, hammer (regular + rubber).
  7. Fastening elements (screws, self-tapping screws, nails).
  8. Construction mastic (sealant).
  9. Concrete mixer, shovel.
  10. Hacksaw.

Additionally, remember to:

  • work clothes;
  • gloves;
  • containers for diluting cement mortar.

If the building is outside, slate for the roof and a screed mixture might be helpful.

When signing a contract for services, a construction company will supply the consumables (calculated based on the estimate) and the required tools (free of charge to the workers).

Step-by-step construction instructions

Particularly in the pre-construction phase, the general algorithm for constructing a cellar and basement out of foam blocks shares certain characteristics.

Some subtleties of preparatory work are as follows:

  1. The type of structure is selected – recessed (in areas with no risk of flooding) or semi-recessed (in areas with elevation).
  2. A calculation is made and a diagram is developed in detail, indicating the level of groundwater flow (they should be 1.5 m lower), as well as the characteristics of the soil with which you will have to work.
  3. The construction site is marked out, cleared of fertile soil, closely planted small plants and trees.
  4. The excavation of the pit is carried out according to all technological rules, calculations carried out, with careful compaction and arrangement.
  5. The foundation of the future building is being prepared. It can be done by pouring concrete over the reinforcement or by first making a pour on which to lay a layer of foam blocks, which then need to be tightly fixed. Here it is important not to forget about the lower dense drainage layer of sand and crushed stone and waterproofing material (for example, roofing felt), which protects against groundwater leakage.

Upon completion of the sinus foundation and backfill, compaction, and drying, the primary task utilizing the following technology (cellar) commences:

  1. The blocks of the first layer are laid on cement mortar (20 mm), along the perimeter (in a “circle”).
  2. Particular attention should be paid to corners. They must be laid exactly with the markings, and after that, construction cords must be pulled from them, along which further work will be carried out.
  3. The following layers are laid on top of each other in a checkerboard pattern (like brickwork), the excess parts at the corners are sawed off with a hacksaw. The laying order is also called circular. To do this, you can use either cement mortar or special glue, which is applied with a notched trowel. Most builders believe that it is better to use cement for cellars, but you need to choose the strongest grades (for example, M 400).
  4. It is advisable to strengthen every 3-4 layer of foam blocks with steel reinforcement.
  5. During construction, it is necessary to pay attention to the correspondence of the angles between adjacent walls, and each laid layer is measured with a level.
  6. The walls are left to dry, and the seams between the blocks are rubbed with sealants or cement.
  7. If desired, you can make a second row of block contours, which will be thermal insulating.
  8. Finished walls need to be plastered with any finish.
  9. Then wooden doors and exhaust ventilation are installed using two built-in pipes.
  10. Installation of the ceiling of an external cellar with an entrance from the street begins with the arrangement of the ceiling, which is installed on wooden logs (double-sided frame) using fasteners.

After applying and fixing waterproofing material to the frame, slate is laid and fastened. If the cellar is inside the home, the piles and frame are covered with high-quality wood, and a folding top is used to create an entrance.

Should the cellar be of the basement variety, with an interior entrance via a staircase situated beneath the floor and door levels, its ceiling could be composed of a reinforced concrete monolith. In the room design (cellar or basement), any of the best choices is always developed.

After grouting the blocks with an emery coating, finished walls can be treated with copper sulfate, whitewashed with lime, and finished with contemporary methods. Lighting is given special consideration, which is contingent upon the creativity of the builders.

However, maintaining a specific temperature and humidity level in the space is still crucial to construction since the primary goal is to preserve food for an extended period of time. In contrast to the cellar, the basement has more room for arrangement. According to the project, interior walls are constructed for this reason in addition to load-bearing walls composed of foam blocks.

Any work related to building a basement or cellar should ideally be done in dry weather with temperatures above + 5 °C, ideally in late spring.

Difficulties and errors

The most frequent errors made when building foam block cellar and basement walls are as follows:

  1. Purchasing low-quality building materials. This applies to both foam blocks and cement, glue, sealants, insulation, wood, fittings, etc.d.
  2. Lack of drainage system and insulation. This is a mandatory point that cannot be ignored, otherwise the humidity in the room will be higher than normal, and vegetables and fruits will rot due to accumulated condensation. Fungi may also appear on the walls, and constantly wet floors.
  3. Lack of groundwater accounting. The distance between the cellar and the waters must be at least 1.5 m (more is better than less than the technical indicator).
  4. Using foam block with large cells. It is absolutely not suitable for arranging underground buildings, so the choice of block should be aimed at high density.
  5. Failure to comply with the technical rules for constructing a building, which relate to digging a hole, pouring the foundation, laying, diluting cement mortar, and general laying rules.

When selecting a foam block, its color is important; it should have a grayish hue. It may have an excessive amount of sand in it if it has a yellowish tint, which will reduce its strength. The material must also match the specified dimensions and be intact.

Pros and cons of construction

The excellent qualities of foam blocks (durability, density, lightness, durability, frost resistance, brand, and compliance with GOST) and their ease of installation, which allows you to do the work yourself, are thought to be the advantages of building a basement or cellar. You can outfit more rooms with the basement’s construction materials.

Among the benefits are also:

  1. High laying speed.
  2. Ease of use (easy cutting with a hacksaw).
  3. Budget option (you won’t have to pay much for the required number of foam blocks).
  4. Minimal shrinkage, crack protection.
  5. Environmental friendliness and fire protection.
  6. Stable temperature preservation and maintenance of the desired microclimate to preserve the freshness of food products.
  7. Resistance to any climate.
  8. Approved overall dimensions.
  9. Using wall decoration to suit every taste.
  10. Execution of structures in the depths of the soil or outside.

Considered as disadvantages

  1. Prohibition on the use of coarse material due to the increased tendency to absorb moisture.
  2. The need for external and foundation waterproofing.
  3. Use of minimal loads, despite the fact that it is a load-bearing structure.

The benefits of foam block cellars and basement construction outweigh the drawbacks by a wide margin.

Cost of work in the Russian Federation per m2

The following table shows the order of work for building cellars and basements using foam block materials:

Cities of Russia (regions) Cost of services (RUB./m2)
Moscow 1 600
Krasnodar 1 200
Novosibirsk 1 500
Nizhny Novgorod 1 650
Khabarovsk 900

These numbers are an estimate and could change based on whether an employee (working under contract) or a professional construction company completes the work.

Benefits of placing an order with experts:

  • carry out construction quickly, accurately, professionally, using their own tools;
  • can provide consumables according to the estimate;
  • make accurate calculations;
  • act strictly according to technological rules and help in obtaining the necessary permits (for example, if the basement (cellar) is a separate building on the territory of the house).
Step Description
1. Planning Start with a detailed plan, including size, location, and design of the cellar or basement.
2. Excavation Dig the area where the cellar or basement will be constructed, ensuring proper depth and width.
3. Foundation Lay a strong foundation using concrete to support the foam block structure.
4. Foam Block Walls Assemble the foam blocks, using mortar to bond them securely, ensuring walls are straight and level.
5. Waterproofing Apply a waterproof membrane to the exterior walls to prevent moisture penetration.
6. Insulation Insulate the walls if needed to maintain a stable temperature inside the cellar or basement.
7. Ventilation Install proper ventilation to allow air circulation and prevent mold growth.
8. Flooring Lay a moisture-resistant floor, such as concrete or tiles, for durability.
9. Finishing Finish the interior with suitable materials, like plaster or paint, for a clean look.
10. Inspection Conduct a thorough inspection to ensure all construction steps are correctly followed and safety standards are met.

For many homeowners, constructing a cellar or basement out of foam blocks is a wise and effective decision. Because foam blocks are lightweight, easy to work with, and provide good insulation, building projects go more smoothly and economically. Additionally, they offer strong resistance to pests and moisture, which is crucial for any subterranean structure.

A successful foam block cellar or basement is largely dependent on using the right building methods. Commence with a carefully thought-out design that incorporates suitable waterproofing and drainage techniques. This aids in preventing water infiltration, which over time may cause major structural problems. Making sure the foundation is level and stable is another important step in laying the groundwork for a strong construction.

When building, focus on the little things, like using premium mortar and rebar to reinforce the blocks. This improves the structure’s overall durability and strength. Incorporating adequate ventilation is also crucial to preserving air quality and halting the growth of mold. Adding a membrane or protective coating to the outside of the walls after they are built will help to further protect against moisture.

All things considered, using foam blocks in construction can result in a stable and durable cellar or basement. You can design a room that not only accommodates your storage needs but also increases the value of your house by using the right construction techniques. You can get many years of use out of your foam block cellar or basement if you plan ahead and pay close attention to detail.

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