Constructing a cellar or basement can greatly improve your home’s usability by adding more living or storage space. For this type of construction, aerated concrete blocks are a great option when thinking about the best materials. They are becoming more and more common in contemporary building projects because of their many advantages, which include insulation and durability.
When compared to traditional concrete, the lightweight nature of aerated concrete blocks facilitates handling and installation, making it one of the main benefits of using them. These blocks are ideal for basements and cellars due to their remarkable strength and capacity to support heavy loads despite their light weight.
The ability of aerated concrete blocks to insulate against heat is another advantage. These blocks contribute to the cellar’s or basement’s steady temperature maintenance, which is crucial for preserving things like wine and canned goods as well as for setting up a cozy living area. Long-term savings on heating and cooling expenses can also be attributed to this material’s energy efficiency.
Aerated concrete block construction, however, necessitates meticulous preparation and execution. Sufficient waterproofing and drainage systems are essential to avoid moisture problems, which are frequently encountered in subterranean areas. Furthermore, you can guarantee the longevity and security of your cellar or basement by being aware of the precise structural specifications and reinforcement required for your project.
All things considered, aerated concrete blocks provide a useful and effective way to build cellars and basements. You can design a sturdy and cozy area that satisfies your needs by taking into account their special qualities and adopting the required safety measures. This material offers a stable basis for your building project, whether your goal is to add a new living space or increase your storage capacity.
- Is it possible to install a basement??
- Suitable aerated concrete
- Basic requirements for walls
- Tools, materials and consumables
- Step-by-step construction with your own hands
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Difficulties and errors
- Video on the topic
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Is it possible to install a basement??
Even using aerated blocks, you can construct an underground or above-ground structure by hand.
All types of ground depressions, whether they are above ground, below ground, recessed, or semi-recessed, and made of cellular concrete, have all the elements required to help the underground room’s microclimate form.
This is how a basement with gas block walls will appear:
- strong;
- dense;
- vapor permeable;
- sufficiently insulating;
- fireproof and durable.
Aerated concrete also works well with any type of finishing material.
Aerated blocks fit well with reinforcement, have dependable seams, are easily and quickly worked with due to their light weight, and are firmly glued together when laid in checkerboard patterns. Since aerated concrete is based on minerals, it is regarded as environmentally benign.
Aerated concrete cellars or basements should be built adjacent to the house rather than inside, according to many builders, as this will prevent the structure from being subjected to unduly high loads.
Concrete with air It is preferable to build a two-story basement:
- the first layer – the structural and foundation base is made of a monolith;
- the second layer is thermal insulation, made of gas blocks.
In this situation, extra attention must be paid to every component that bears weight.
Aerated concrete block cellars and basements must be constructed with future dimensions, landscaping, soil freezing point, and neighboring communications in mind, as well as project and code requirements.
Aerated concrete blocks provide a cost-effective and useful option for homeowners looking for moisture resistance, durability, and energy efficiency when building a cellar or basement. Because aerated concrete blocks are lightweight and offer superior insulation, construction can be completed more quickly and easily. The basement will remain warm in the winter and cool in the summer. However, to guarantee the longevity and functionality of the space, it’s imperative to address specific nuances like appropriate waterproofing, ventilation, and structural support. You can build a dependable and cozy basement that increases the value and usefulness of your house by being aware of these important factors.
Suitable aerated concrete
Structural blocks, which serve as the load-bearing foundation for the walls and as thermal insulation for the second, adjacent layer (if you wish to make the cellar more comfortable), are appropriate for use in the construction of basements and cellars based on the types of aerated concrete material.
Moreover, you have the option of using thermal and structural insulation blocks, which are used to build partitions that separate rooms.
The type of block to be used—autoclave or non-autoclave—is irrelevant as long as it complies with all construction technological standards and regulations.
The image below illustrates how aerated blocks differ in size and shape:
The project determines which blocks should be chosen based on size. The most common wall construction materials are straight blocks or blocks with grooves, as well as U-blocks (for a monolithic belt). These materials have all the required quality attributes (density, strength, durability, and thermal conductivity), which are clearly displayed in the table in the images above and below:
The most widely used rectangular standard block is 600 x 400 x 300 mm. In this instance, you need to be aware of the product’s manufacturer, packaging, and required labeling. The density indicator D is particularly significant; the higher it is, the stronger and higher quality the walls will be. Structural type aerated concrete with the D500–D1200 mark is used for the basement structure.
Regardless of the D indicator, all types of aerated blocks have the same composition, which consists of cement, quartz sand, and a gas-forming agent (either aluminum powder or powder). The only minor variations come from incoming additives (gypsum, ash, lime, silica, slag) that improve strength characteristics.
Basic requirements for walls
Strict adherence to the design (scheme) and building the wall only after the foundation has been laid out are the two main requirements for building a cellar or basement.
Building codes state that a monolithic concrete foundation poured into a pit must not shrink after a year. Waterproofing is then installed along the foundation for the walls, and only then do dense structural blocks get laid.
For a structural (load-bearing) aerated concrete block, the standard wall thickness must equal 375 mm. The thickness value that is displayed is derived from SNiP standards 02/23/2003. Additionally, you must follow these documents when installing walls and working with gas blocks:
- GOST R 57334-2016/EN 771-4:2011;
- SP 339.1325800.2017;
- STO 501-52-01-2007.
In order to obtain a top-notch construction, you must The project must specify how ventilation and waterproofing are to be installed. Bitumen makes it simple to apply a waterproofing layer between the subterranean and above-ground portions of the future building, as well as to the foundation. The waterproofing needs to be covered with fiberboard sheets or a specific construction membrane before filling the base.
Apart from waterproofing, it’s a good idea to insulate the walls on the ground side, particularly in places with low winter temperatures and areas with heaving soils. The insulation provided will keep the wall from freezing underground if the project calls for a heated basement.
Because the material’s cellular structure can absorb moisture, another crucial requirement for aerated concrete walls is that it must be dry (which is why waterproofing is used). Before beginning work, the material must be completely dry as it will be challenging for it to dry underground. It is thus advised that aerated concrete construction be done during dry, warm seasons.
Basements and cellars are built with their walls on prefabricated foundations that are waterproofed and designed to take into consideration factors such as the soil’s quality and freezing indicators, the ground’s water level, the surrounding landscape and climate, and the proximity of other buildings and communications infrastructure.
Tools, materials and consumables
When arranging aerated block underground structures, the following tools will be needed:
- Block material of the selected size, in the required volume, with density markings
- Cement mixture (dry or ready-made), for arranging the first layer of the wall, as well as the final one, in the form of a concrete belt under the ceiling.
- Waterproofing (roofing felt) for the foundation, as well as between the above-ground and underground parts, polystyrene foam for insulation (at the request of the master).
- Glue or foam for wall mounting.
- Trowel, spatulas, shovel, containers for cement and adhesive mortars.
- Beams for creating beams, finished wooden doors, anti-fungal impregnation for wooden surfaces, and also, separately, for aerated concrete.
- Level, construction cord, rubber mallet, square, hammer, float, hacksaw, grip.
- Various types of fasteners (screws, nails, angles, bolts, etc.).d.).
- Reinforced mesh, rods.
- Slate, ondulin or metal profiles for external structures.
- Concrete mixer or construction mixer.
- Device for ventilation, wall chaser for arranging communications.
Throughout the task, work clothes and gloves are also required.
You can make a contract with any nearby construction company that possesses the required building supplies and equipment if you are unwilling to construct a building or do not have the necessary time. For consumables, the business always gives the customer an estimate.
Step-by-step construction with your own hands
Common characteristics of the technology used to lay basement and cellar walls include the need to develop a project, choose the type of structure to build, buy the necessary supplies and equipment, lay the foundation following high-quality excavation work, and allow the foundation to settle and build fortifications over the course of a year.
step-by-step construction consists of such moments
- The installation of waterproofing on the foundation begins; sand or crushed stone can be poured under it for drainage.
- Cement mortar is diluted, and along the marked building perimeter, using a construction cord, from the corners to a mixture thickness of 20 mm, the first block of aerated concrete blocks is laid.
- Then the blocks can be laid on glue or foam, in a checkerboard pattern, removing excess parts that extend beyond the line with a hacksaw.
- After every 2 layers, gas blocks can be strengthened with reinforcement using steel rods, checking during the installation process the correspondence of the angles between adjacent walls using a level.
- This is how the installation is carried out to the level where the concrete belt will be installed, under the ceiling.
- Then a ventilation system is installed, as well as entrance doors (for an external building, with an entrance from the street) or a hatch made of wood materials if the entrance is made inside the house.
- Check the operation of ventilation and perform work with a wall cutter to arrange communications.
- The outside of the walls is coated with liquid bitumen or bitumen mastic. This process is carried out as the masonry progresses. You can also lay a special waterproofing membrane (membrane) before starting work. Then polystyrene foam is applied, which can be used to insulate the walls from the outside.
- If you want an additional insulating layer, you can make a second layer of thermal insulation blocks.
- The ceiling begins with the laying of wooden beams, in the form of a frame or monolithic floor slabs (if the cellar is indoors, or a recessed version of the basement), according to the project. Fasteners are used, as well as cement-sand mortar of the best brand M500. Waterproofing and roofing material are then put on the frame (if the building is external).
- Backfilling of openings in the soil between a wall with waterproofing and insulation is carried out using fine crushed stone, sand or their industrial mixture (PGS).
- The walls from the inside are sanded and plastered with the chosen type of finish, treating them with copper sulfate, lime (especially recommended for cellars) or a special antifungal agent.
Pay close attention to the stairs, which can be built from a monolith yourself using formwork, reinforcement, and concrete mortar, or they can be specially purchased ready-made (wooden, metal). The project may include the development of a staircase option.
A good microclimate must be established in the cellar because the goods stored there must remain fresh. The basement needs more rooms equipped with equipment. Doorway belts and partition heat-insulating blocks are used for this purpose. It’s critical to consider how load-bearing walls are performing.
Building cellars and basements is best done in dry, warm weather with temperatures above +5 °C.
Advantages and disadvantages
The following picture provides a detailed presentation of the qualitative benefits of using aerated concrete blocks when constructing cellars and basements.
Along with quality attributes, this also has the following benefits:
- Ease and convenience of installation work, which facilitates quick laying of blocks with your own hands or by a construction crew.
- The material can be easily shaped with a hacksaw and wall chaser for laying communications.
- The construction is inexpensive, so aerated concrete with all consumables is not an expensive material and saves money.
- Minimal shrinkage and cracking potential.
- Maintaining a stable indoor temperature.
- Variability in the use of interior decoration.
- Stability of walls in any climate, regardless of the landscape.
The following are some of the building’s drawbacks:
- The need for thorough waterproofing of the foundation and walls from the outside.
- Large loads on load-bearing walls are prohibited.
- You cannot use gas blocks with voids.
It is very profitable to construct underground structures made of aerated blocks because the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The most important thing is to adhere to all the technical specifications.
Difficulties and errors
When building both above-ground and underground structures, such as cellars and cellars, common The subtleties listed below are deemed to be mistakes:
- Incorrect choice of the main building material, as well as consumables (cement, glue, waterproofing, etc.).d.). When choosing, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer, certification and labeling. Pay special attention to the color of the aerated block – it should be light gray. If it has a yellowish tint, this indicates poor quality and poor production technology (a lot of sand in the composition). This means you can’t do work with it. The glue must correspond to the expiration date, and the fittings must be intact and not rusty.
- Incorrectly drawn up project, without taking into account regulatory rules, soil freezing, groundwater occurrence, refusal of ventilation. If difficulties arise with drawing up a project drawing, calculating the required amount of material, and consumables, you can contact any construction company that provides such services for a fee.
- Failure to comply with technological construction rules. In case of refusal to comply with the regulations for the construction of walls, arrangement of a pit, foundation, installation of walls in a checkerboard pattern, non-compliance with angles, laying of concrete belts, the sequence of actions, construction of walls immediately after pouring the foundation, incorrectly selected type of foundation, work at temperatures below + 5 °C etc.d., cracks and distortions may occur. Also, if you use blocks with very large cells, the walls may become damp over time and not achieve the required strength. Therefore, the higher the density D, the better.
- Refusal of waterproofing and ventilation. There will be constant dampness and humidity in the basement or cellar, possibly a wet floor, especially if groundwater lies closer than 1 m, as required by regulatory standards. That is why so much attention is paid to waterproofing with bitumen inside and outside the building. Air access is a necessary condition for creating a favorable microclimate in the basement.
You should consider the manufacturer’s product range, certification, labeling, and warranty before making any purchases of building materials.
Topic | The nuances of building a cellar and basement from aerated concrete blocks |
Main Material | Aerated Concrete Blocks (AAC) |
Advantages | Lightweight, good insulation properties, fire-resistant, easy to cut and shape |
Foundation | Ensure a solid, level base; use appropriate waterproofing |
Structure | Stack blocks with thin-bed mortar; reinforce corners and openings for stability |
Insulation | Add external insulation or use AAC blocks with built-in insulation for energy efficiency |
Finishing | Apply suitable plaster or finishing materials compatible with AAC |
For many homeowners, constructing a cellar or basement out of aerated concrete blocks is a cost-effective and useful option. This material is perfect for spaces that need to stay dry and cool because it provides excellent thermal insulation. Its lightweight design also streamlines the construction process, saving money on labor and time.
But it’s important to be aware of the particular needs when handling aerated concrete. In order to avoid moisture issues that could jeopardize the structural integrity of the building, proper waterproofing and drainage systems are imperative. An enduring and healthy basement environment can be maintained by making sure the blocks are properly sealed and shielded from water intrusion.
The structural stability of the cellar or basement is another crucial factor. Even though aerated concrete blocks are robust, they must be appropriately reinforced to withstand the weight of the building above and the pressures of the surrounding soil. Ensuring the safety and durability of construction can be achieved by adhering to the relevant building codes and consulting experts.
Including these factors in your construction blueprints can lead to a cellar or basement that is both comfortable and useful. Aerated concrete blocks can give you a strong foundation that fulfills your requirements and endures over time if you take the proper approach. A well-built basement can significantly increase the value of your house, whether it is used for storage, a wine cellar, or extra living space.