Building a house from foam blocks with your own hands. How to build a two-story house from foam blocks from the foundation to the roof? How to build a house from foam blocks

For the construction of houses, various types of block materials with a cellular structure are used, including foam blocks. With a small weight, they are distinguished by an increased volume, provide a long service life of buildings. The construction of a house from foam blocks can be carried out independently without significant cash costs. The thermal insulation properties of the building material contribute to the favorable microclimate of a residential building. Let us dwell in detail on the properties of foam concrete and the specifics of construction.

We plan to use a foam block for the house - characteristics of the building material

Foam concrete blocks are produced using a special technology that ensures uniform distribution of air cells in the concrete mass.

The technology involves mixing the following ingredients with water:

blowing agent;
sand;
cement.

The concentration of air inclusions in finished foam concrete blocks exceeds half of their volume.

Foam blocks are great for building a house

The main performance characteristics of foam concrete:

resistance to compressive loads. The strength of the foam block is marked with a capital letter B and a digital index in the range of 0.75–12.5;
density. It varies depending on the level of porosity of the material, which determines the purpose of the blocks. Makes D 200–D 1200;
integrity during deep freezing. Foam concrete blocks in terms of frost resistance are marked F15–F500;
reduced thermal conductivity. The walls of the foam block building reliably retain heat, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature;
the ability to pass steam. Due to the porous structure of the blocks, a comfortable level of humidity is maintained in the room due to the release of excess moisture.

Cellular building material, depending on the density, is classified into the following types:

structural products. They have a maximum density of more than 1.2 kg / m³, they are used for loaded structures;
thermal insulation products. It has an increased porosity, causing a decrease in density to 0.5 kg / m³, it is used for insulation;
structural and thermal insulation blocks. With a specific weight of up to 0.9 kg / m³, they optimally combine strength with thermal insulation characteristics.

Building a house from foam blocks

The rounded dimensions of the foam blocks are:

length - 30–60 cm;
width - 20–30 cm;
height - 10–30 cm.

A foam concrete house can be built quickly using products with increased dimensions.

Building a house from foam blocks - advantages and disadvantages

When planning to build a house from foam blocks, carefully study the positive aspects and disadvantages of porous building materials. The main advantages of foam block material:

reduced thermal conductivity. It helps to maintain a favorable temperature in the living room, and also reduces heating costs;
small mass of products with increased dimensions. This allows you to independently perform work and significantly reduce the construction cycle;
affordable price of products. The use of inexpensive building materials can significantly reduce the cost of the overall estimate for the construction of a foam concrete building;
incombustibility. The use of foam concrete blocks, resistant to open fire, increases the fire safety of the building;
long period of operation. The porous material does not crack as a result of freezing, retains its integrity for a long time;
ease of machining. Foam concrete is flexible, thanks to which it is easy to make holes and adjust dimensions;

The final design is distinguished by reliability, strength and durability, and the cost of construction will be quite budget

harmlessness of the material for health. There are no harmful ingredients in the composition of foam concrete;
effective noise absorption. The structure of porous concrete prevents the penetration of extraneous sounds into the room;
sufficient strength for the construction of residential buildings. Strength properties allow the construction of foam concrete houses up to 9 m high;
increased surface roughness of foam concrete. Decorative plasters and finishes adhere well to porous blocks.

The walls of the foam block building do not exert an increased load on the foundation, and during the construction process there is no need to use special lifting equipment.

Despite the advantages of the material, foam block structures have weaknesses:

require mandatory cladding in order to protect building materials from moisture absorption;
need to use special glue for foam block masonry, which at a price exceeds the cost of a standard solution;
have an unpresentable appearance, requiring additional decorative finishing of foam concrete.

The disadvantages include increased tolerances for block sizes that require adjustment. Before building a house from a foam block, study the operating experience of similar buildings, and also analyze the characteristics of the cellular material.

Its ability to keep warm makes it possible to use the material for the construction of houses in places with an unstable climate.

Building a house from a foam block - what materials and tools will be required

List of building materials required for construction:

blocks used as the main building material;
special glue, sold in loose form;
reinforcing bars used in the reinforcement process.

Pre-purchased materials should be protected from moisture.

For construction work, various equipment and special tools will be required:

drill with a nozzle for mixing the adhesive mass;
"Bulgarian" for cutting reinforcement and fine-tuning the geometry of block products;
rubber mallet for compacting foam blocks during masonry;
planer for foam concrete, facilitating the alignment of irregularities;
a hacksaw necessary for cutting foam concrete;
spatula with teeth, for applying the composition;
building cord, which is a guideline when laying foam blocks;
level for quality control of work performed;
plumb line to control deviation from the vertical;
capacious container for preparation of the working mixture;
spatula with a flat working part for grouting.

For self-preparation of the foundation mortar, you will also need a concrete mixer.

To cut the foam block, you do not need to use special tools; you can easily cut the material with a hacksaw

Construction of foam block houses - calculations

Before starting construction activities, it is important to correctly perform the calculations:

determine the dimensions and layout of the building;
calculate material requirements.

When determining the size of the house, consider the following points:

land area;
layout option;
total estimated costs.

Calculate the need for foam concrete blocks according to the following algorithm:

Determine the length of the foam block walls by summing their dimensions.
Calculate the area of the walls by multiplying the perimeter by the height.
Subtract the area of the openings from the obtained value.
Divide the result by the side surface area of the product.

We calculate the need for material for a building with dimensions of 6x8 m and a height of 2.8 m, which is planned to be built from blocks 59.8 cm long and 19.8 cm high:

We calculate the area of the walls - (6 + 8 + 6 + 8) x2.8 = 78.4 m2.
Let's determine the area of the door (0.8x2=1.6 m2) and the window (1.4x1.6=2.24 m2).
Let's sum the area of the openings - 1.6 + 2.24 = 3.84 m2.
We calculate the net area - 78.4-3.84 \u003d 74.56 m2.
Let us determine the area of the lateral surface of the blocks - 0.598x0.198 = 0.118 m2.
Let's calculate the need for material - 74.56: 0.118 = 631.8.

Door and window openings must be reinforced

Rounding the resulting value to an integer, we get the need for building materials - 632 blocks. Comparing the cost of purchasing block material for a house with dimensions of 6x8 m with the amount of bricks for building a building with the same dimensions, one can be convinced of the main advantage of the blocks - an affordable price.

Construction of houses from foam blocks - the choice and construction of the foundation

For foam block buildings, various foundations are used. The choice of the optimal option is determined by the following factors:

depth location of aquifers;
freezing level;
soil characteristics;
base load.

Thinking about how to make a house out of foam concrete, many prefer a tape-type foundation. This proven foundation type is best suited for foam block buildings.

Among the advantages of building a house from foam concrete, the following qualities can be distinguished: environmental safety of the material

The construction of the foundation for the foam block structure is carried out according to the following algorithm:

Mark the outline of the building on the construction site.
Remove vegetation, remove fertile soil and plan the area.
Dig a pit 60-80 cm deep, following the contour of the building.
Fill the base of the trench with a 20 cm layer of sand and gravel.
Assemble formwork from boards or boards, fix the structure.
Seal the gaps through which the solution can flow out.
Attach roofing felt to the inside of the formwork for waterproofing.
Cut bars to make reinforcement bars.
Assemble the reinforcement cage and place it inside the formwork.
Prepare concrete grade M400 and higher, pour into the panel structure.
Compact the concrete with a vibrator to release air bubbles.
Lay polyethylene on the surface to prevent moisture from evaporating.
Do not stress the concrete mass for four weeks.
Dismantle the formwork after the final set of hardness.
Lay two rows of bricks, providing ventilation holes.
Place steel mesh to reinforce the plinth.
Apply cement mortar in an even layer.
Lay the second two rows of brickwork, check the horizontal position.
Waterproof the base of the house with bituminous mastic or roofing material.

If necessary, you can insulate the foundation base. To do this, attach polystyrene foam to the outside of the base, and fill the pit with crushed stone. With an increased concentration of moisture in the soil, it is advisable to lay drainage lines along the perimeter of the foundation.

You can do the work yourself, step by step performing the indicated operations.

Due to the fact that foam concrete is not heavy and voluminous, it is possible to build a building much faster than using other building materials.

The construction of walls from foam concrete is carried out, observing the sequence of operations:

Lay the foam blocks in the corner areas of the base, pull the cord between them.
Lay the base row on the adhesive, checking the horizontal position.
Cut a groove in the upper plane of the bottom row.
Clean it of dust and debris, lay a reinforcing bar with a diameter of 10 mm.
Apply a bonding compound to the surface, ensuring that the groove is completely filled.
Lay 4 levels of foam concrete masonry, following the block installation technology.
Reinforce the foam block masonry at the next level.
Continue the installation of foam blocks, reinforcing them at intervals of 4-5 rows.
Form openings for doors and windows, reinforce them with steel lintels.
Assemble the formwork for the last tier of masonry.
Tie the reinforcing cage with knitting wire, place it in the formwork.
Concrete the armored belt for overlapping, plan the upper plane.

Now that the foam concrete walls have been erected, it remains to build a roof.
Foam block house - building a roof

For the construction of the roof of the house, the following work must be done:

Install rafters.
Perform a crate.
Lay insulating material.
Install the roof.

Overlapping can be made from various building materials, depending on the project and financial capabilities. The complex of measures for the construction of a foam block house is completed by the installation of windows and doors, facade decoration, as well as internal work.

Conclusion

Building a house from a foam block is a responsible task. For its implementation, it is necessary to understand the specifics of the technological process, to study the characteristics of foam concrete. Without skills, it is risky to start construction on your own. It is better to use the services of professionals who will perform the work efficiently and on time.

Many people dream of building a house with their own hands - this is not just the realization of their own design fantasies, but also significant cost savings. One of the most inexpensive and simple house projects is a house made of foam blocks. We will now tell about the main stages of the construction of such housing.

The foam block is a fairly new building material, consisting of a cement mortar with the addition of foaming agents. Due to this, foam blocks have a number of useful properties, and in some cases surpass other building materials in their performance.

The indisputable advantages of foam blocks include their excellent thermal insulation properties and good resistance to moisture penetration. This material is environmentally friendly and does not need special coatings for protection. Foam blocks, in comparison, for example, with bricks, are quite light, which saves on laying the foundation for high loads. And finally, the total cost of building a house from foam blocks with your own hands will be much lower than from brick or other materials.

Preparatory work

Preparatory work at the construction site is to free it from debris, unnecessary items and the delivery of building materials. You will need access to electricity and water. If possible, only those materials that are needed at a particular stage of work should be brought to the construction site so as not to clutter up the workspace.

The first stage of construction will be laying the foundation, for which it is necessary to remove about 10 cm of the topsoil and thoroughly clean the soil from stones. It is advisable to thoroughly grind the soil, for its denser shrinkage. It is critical to prevent any foreign objects from entering the ground, as this can lead to problems with the foundation.

The best option for a foam block house can be called a strip foundation - this is the easiest and most versatile option for building a house with your own hands. They begin work with markings: with the help of pegs and ropes, they mark the boundaries of the future foundation.

Next, start digging trenches. It is necessary to retreat about 20-30 cm from the pegs, but if the site has sufficiently dense soil, then you can limit yourself to the dimensions indicated by the ropes. However, the stock never hurts, although it will take more cement.

As for the depth of the trench, it is worth focusing on the depth of freezing of the soil in your area. Such data can be obtained from specialists. Digging a trench below the freezing level is necessary in order for the foundation to take its position tightly, because over time the structure will sag a little.

Next, go to the "pillows" tab. This is a special layer of crushed stone, sand, pebbles or brickwork, on which the concrete foundation layer will be directly laid. The height of the pillow should be at least 10 cm, and preferably 15-20 cm. To increase the density, the “pillow” must be poured with water and properly tamped. Note that you will not need a flat pillow, that is, there is no need to maintain the ideal forms of this stage. However, too large differences should not be made too, so that the concrete, during its pouring, can be evenly distributed over the area with approximately the same layer thickness.

It is imperative to carry out reinforcement - the procedure consists in installing steel reinforcement along the perimeter of the created trench. You should get a kind of frame that will add strength to the concrete structure.

After reinforcement, formwork is carried out - laying boards (or other even materials) along the edges of the trench, which will directly shape the future foundation and keep the concrete from spreading.

For mixing and pouring concrete, you need to have a concrete mixer and a few assistants on hand, since the work needs to be done fairly quickly. The period of initial hardening of concrete is about 3 hours, so during this time you should try to completely fill the entire foundation. It is necessary to avoid options when fresh concrete gets into places where already poured has seized a little, as this can lead to cracks in the foundation.

When building a house with your own hands from foam blocks, it is worth considering the period of complete solidification of the concrete foundation. Depending on weather conditions and ambient temperature, it can be about a month. It is recommended to cover the foundation with a plastic film in order to retain moisture and uniform solidification. This rule is especially relevant at insufficiently high temperatures. The norm for construction is considered to be a temperature of about 20-25 degrees above zero.

Walling

It is not difficult to build a house with your own hands from foam blocks, but when building walls, you should be careful and clearly calculate the verticals and horizontals. Before starting work, it is necessary to lay a waterproofing layer on the foundation.

Foam blocks are laid in the same order as in the case of bricks - this is called dressing. Each next block must be shifted by half the length of the lower one. This will ensure the overall strength of the structure.

The connection of foam blocks is carried out using a special adhesive solution. It is imperative to check the accuracy of the installation, for this a laser level or level is used.

In order for a house made of foam blocks to serve for a long time, and cracks do not appear in the walls, they must be reinforced. To do this, it is necessary to cut special strobes (4 × 4 cm) on the surface of the first row of blocks. The indent from the edge of the block should be at least 6 cm. Having made two parallel grooves in the blocks, gently fill them with building glue and lay reinforcement of a suitable diameter there. A similar procedure should be repeated every 4 rows of laying foam blocks.

Do not forget that over the door and window openings it is necessary to lay the corners along the edges of the blocks. The corners should protrude beyond the edges by about 5-6 cm to ensure the strength of the structure.

Roof

Roofing work should begin a few days after the walls are erected, so that the mass gluing the foam blocks is well frozen. As a rule, when building houses from foam blocks, wooden attic structures are used, since they are much lighter than other options. The shape of the roof is chosen at will - in most cases it will be a gable option.

First of all, a special thick bar called Mauerlat is laid on the upper edge of the existing walls. It performs the function of a supporting element for the entire attic structure.

Next, the rafters are laid - it is best to immediately assemble the attic box on the ground, and then lift it up and install it on the house. Here you need to be careful and evaluate the future weight of the roofing. If it is large enough (for example, the roof will be covered with natural tiles), then the step between the rafters should be small. In other words, the greater the weight of the roofing, the smaller the step between the installed rafters should be.

Pay attention to the reliable connection of parts at the joints. The design must not be allowed to "walk". For this, crossbars are used - special reinforcing elements that are installed between the joints. Along each rafter, it is necessary to install slats that will provide a ventilation gap between the supports and the roofing.

For insulation and insulation of the structure, a special film and mineral wool are used. This stage of work should not be skipped, since insulation seriously increases the life of the roof, and also prevents the accumulation of moisture in the attic.

Choose the finish according to your preference. Metal tile is considered one of the most popular materials today, and you may want to use it. Be sure to provide for the possibility of installing gutters, without which the walls of the house and the adjacent area will constantly be flooded with water in the rain.

A house made of foam blocks with your own hands will not look decent if you do not finish the facade. Over time, the material may darken, and the general appearance of untreated walls is not very beautiful.

Popular ways to finish the facade of the house include the following:

The use of special plaster for foam blocks;
Finishing decorative stone;
Siding and panels;
Silicone paint for grouting.

Each of these finishing methods requires the preparation of the surface of the walls. For example, for finishing with decorative stone, it is necessary to carefully level the surface and prime it well for better adhesion of materials. If you decide to use siding, be sure to leave a small insulating gap between the material and the wall itself. Stucco is the easiest option, but it does not give the same visual effect as other materials.

As for the interior decoration, here you can already give free rein to your imagination and use absolutely any materials and methods. The main condition is to level and plaster the walls.

As you can see, building a house from foam blocks with your own hands is not such a difficult thing. If you clearly follow all the existing instructions, as well as have the necessary equipment and assistants at hand, then you can build a house in about 1 month, not counting the time for solidification of the concrete foundation structures. If you decide to implement such a project, be sure to check out the available guides and expert advice. Then you will have a reliable and beautiful home.

Foam block is one of the most popular materials in suburban construction. Like any other, it has a number of advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before starting work. To build a house from foam blocks with your own hands, you need to carefully study the basic properties of the material and the technology of working with it.

Material characteristic

The foam block is an artificial building material with a light porous structure, which consists of a filler (sand) and a blowing agent (synthetic or organic surfactants). The pores in the material occupy more than 50%.

The main characteristics of the foam block include:

strength (strength classes B0.35 - B40);
density (density grades D200 - D1200);
frost resistance (frost resistance grades F15 - F500);
thermal conductivity;
vapor permeability.

Depending on the brand of density, the purpose of the foam blocks is determined:

Thermal insulation (D200 - D350) blocks with a density of 200-350 kg / m 3. Due to their high porosity, they have low thermal conductivity and are suitable only for thermal insulation. It is absolutely impossible to build load-bearing walls from such blocks due to their very low strength.
Structural and heat-insulating (D400 - D600). Universal blocks for the construction of load-bearing walls with a sufficient degree of thermal insulation. They are mainly used for low-rise buildings.
Structural (D700 - D1600). Blocks with a very high density, which are used to erect buildings of unlimited height.

If the height of your future house is not more than three floors, then it is more rational to use structural and heat-insulating foam blocks of D400, D500 or B600 strength grades. The sizes of blocks of the specified brands are accepted in accordance with GOST. The thickness is chosen, as a rule, depending on its purpose (internal, external wall or partition).

Table: ratio of block parameters

Advantages and disadvantages of a foam block house

The advantages and disadvantages of foam blocks as a building material are also characterized by the features of a house built from it. Compared to other materials, it has several advantages:

Low thermal conductivity.
Low weight, due to high porosity, which allows you to work alone without much labor and special equipment. Due to this, the structure loads the foundation less, which makes it not so powerful.
Large size, which increases the speed of construction.
The small price of the foam block affects the cost of the house itself.
Incombustibility of the foam block, which provides the house with the first degree of fire resistance.
Durability and no maintenance costs.
Flexibility that allows you to easily cut blocks into pieces and make holes in them.
Unique appearance, which is achieved by various finishing methods.

Due to the listed advantages, foam blocks are widely used in private housing construction. The erection of walls from them is within the power of a person without experience and without the availability of special equipment. Despite the obvious advantages of the material, it should be said about its shortcomings:

The use of special glue for the installation of foam blocks, which provides the entire wall structure with the necessary strength. It is much more expensive than cement-sand mortar, which will certainly affect the total cost of the house.
The need for exterior finish to protect the material from the effects of precipitation (plaster or facing brick).
Can be used in rooms with a relative humidity of not more than 75%. In other cases, it is necessary to provide vapor barrier protection, which again will affect the total cost of the house, especially if it occupies a significant area, for example, a swimming pool.
The need for additional thermal insulation, since a wall one block thick may not pass the heat engineering calculation.

Before choosing the wall material that you will use when building a house, you need to take into account all its features so that unexpected problems do not appear during construction or after the house is put into operation.

Photo gallery: options for exterior decoration of the house

Necessary materials and tools for building a house with your own hands

To build a house from foam concrete blocks, you need to prepare the blocks themselves, the adhesive mixture and reinforcing bars directly.

Materials must be protected from atmospheric precipitation throughout the construction.

The tools that you will need at different stages of construction must be prepared in advance:

notched trowel or trowel for applying the adhesive mixture;
hacksaw for sawing blocks to the desired size;
a pickaxe hammer for giving blocks an irregular shape;
rubber mallet (used to work on setting the blocks in the desired position);
the planer is designed to level significant irregularities;
sanding board for finishing surfaces;
building cord for orienting blocks along it during masonry;
level for checking the horizontalness of surfaces;
a plumb line to check the verticality of the masonry;
container for mixing the solution;
drill with a nozzle for mixing the solution;
a spatula is used for grouting joints, cracks and chips;
block brush.

Optimal dimensions of the house and calculation of materials

Before building a house, the most important stage is its design. When determining the dimensions, you should be guided by the following conditions:

the size of the existing site;
the number of people living in the house;
degree of complexity of the project;
the number of premises required;
desired construction cost.

The calculation of the required number of foam concrete blocks is carried out as follows:

The length of the walls of each floor is determined: L 1 = (6.0 × 4) + (8.0 × 2) + 3.0 = 40.0 m and L 2 = (4.5 × 4) + (8.0 × 2) = 34.0 m.
The area of the walls with a floor height of 2.5 m: S 1 \u003d 40.0 × 2.5 \u003d 100.0 m 2; S 2 \u003d 34.0 × 2.5 \u003d 85.0 m 2.
The net area of the walls is calculated minus window and door openings of standard sizes (window 1.5 × 1.5 m; door 0.9 × 2.0 m): S 1h \u003d 100.0 - (2.25 × 4) - ( 1.8 × 4) = 83.8 m 2; S 2h \u003d 85.0 - (2.25 × 2) - (1.8 × 2) \u003d 76.9 m 2.
The obtained values are summarized: S total = 83.8 + 76.9 = 160.7 m 2.
The required number of foam blocks 198 mm high and 598 mm long is calculated. For 1 m 2 of the wall, 8.5 pieces will be needed, therefore, for an area of 160.7 m 2: 160.7 × 8.5 = 1366 pieces.
The number of additional and blocks in case of a battle is also taken into account (24 pieces): 1366 + 24 = 1390 pieces.

In total, for the construction of a two-story house, 1390 pieces of foam concrete blocks will be required. If we compare the cost of a box of a house of the same size made of brick or wood, then one of the most important advantages of the foam block will be obvious - this is its price.

The price of foam blocks in different regions is slightly different. When choosing a manufacturer, you need to pay attention to the quality of products and the remoteness of production from the construction site.

Determining the type of foundation and its device

Before starting the construction of the foundation on the site, a geodetic breakdown of the axes is carried out clearly according to the project.

When determining the type of foundation for a house, you need to pay attention to the groundwater level of the site, the depth of freezing and the type of soil, and the load on the foundation. As a rule, when the owner builds housing with his own hands, he neglects high-quality design and survey work due to the significant financial costs for them. If the groundwater level and soil type can be checked independently by drilling a 2.5-3 m well, then it is best to entrust the calculation of the load on the foundation, the determination of the required laying depth and its type to professionals.

As a rule, if the groundwater level is at a depth of less than 2 m, then a slab monolithic foundation is mounted. If this figure is more than 2 m, the level of soil freezing does not exceed 1 m, the soil is slightly heaving or non-heaving, then most often they build a shallow tape monolithic foundation. Work on its device is not particularly difficult, and even a non-professional can do it.

For marking, they dig a trench of the required depth and width, lay sand and gravel bedding 15–20 cm thick on the bottom and mount the formwork, which is made of planed boards 5 cm thick. Spacers are installed in increments of 1 m so that the concrete does not deform the structure.

In parallel with the erection of the formwork, reinforcement is laid. Before concreting, the boards are moistened with water and the concrete is laid in stages with compaction of each layer by vibration. After completing these works, the foundation is covered with cloth or sawdust and kept moist to prevent cracking. Now the formwork can be disassembled, after which waterproofing work can be done. They are needed to protect the foundation from the effects of groundwater and precipitation. Waterproofing is applied to all external surfaces in different ways using materials that differ in price, application complexity and service life.

After all work is completed, the site around the house is planned to ensure water flow from the building. After the expiration of 28 days, the foundation can be loaded and the construction of walls can begin, this time is necessary for concrete to gain its strength.

Step-by-step instructions for building walls from foam blocks

After the foundation is completely settled, you can start building walls:

Before installing the first row of foam blocks, it is imperative to check the level of the foundation with a building level. Regardless of its type, the horizontal deviation should not exceed 30 mm. If this condition is not met, then the surface must be leveled.
Next, you need to apply a cement-sand mortar with a thickness of 1 - 2 cm, and lay a rolled waterproofing material on it. It is preferable to lay it with an overlap of 150 mm.
The device of the first row of external walls is the most important work throughout the entire construction. Blocks are installed strictly according to the project, because all subsequent rows will depend on the quality of the masonry of the first. Initially, building materials are placed in the corners of the building on a cement-sand mortar. The upper surface of the blocks is checked with a building level for strict horizontality and, if necessary, knocked out with a mallet.
A mooring cord is pulled between the corner blocks, relative to which intermediate ones are laid out on a cement-sand mortar, completely closing the first row of the building.
If there is a need for a block of non-standard size, then it is sawn with a hand saw. The surface is not always smooth, so it is leveled with a planer if necessary.
The second row of outer walls begins to be laid approximately 2 hours after the mortar of the first one has set. They begin to lay blocks from the corners of the building, subsequently filling the gaps with respect to the stretched cord. They are placed on the adhesive mixture, which is evenly distributed with a toothed trowel over the surface. Each block is checked with a level for horizontal and vertical.
The subsequent rows are laid with dressing with the previous ones to a depth of at least 100 mm. The resulting dust and dirt should be removed immediately with brushes.
The adjoining of the inner walls to the outer ones is carried out using dressing, while the walls are checked for horizontal alignment.
For the construction of partitions, special connections are used, which are laid in the seams. The anchors are placed with one end into the wall, and with the other end into the seam between the partition blocks. Flexible connections are installed every two rows of masonry.
To provide additional stability to the walls and protect the masonry from cracks, it is necessary to carry out reinforcement. The reinforcement is laid in recesses in the blocks, which are previously made with a wall chaser.
For the installation of jumpers over window and door openings, prefabricated structures of the required dimensions are usually used. First of all, you need to pay attention to the area of \u200b\u200bthe support and the accuracy of the installation. To ensure this, the jumper is knocked out with a rubber mallet. If its length is more than 125 cm, then it is necessary to provide additional supporting elements supporting it. The supports are dismantled after gaining the required strength with an adhesive solution.
If the height of the house is more than 1 floor, then an important stage in the construction will be the installation of interfloor ceilings. Plates do not rest directly on the blocks. For these purposes, a monolithic armored belt made of concrete is poured over the foam block walls, and floor slabs are already placed on it. The armored belt connects the load-bearing walls of the building along the perimeter and evenly distributes the load on the walls. The dimensions are almost always standard: width - 300 mm, height - 200 mm. Given that the armored belt violates the thermal insulation of the outer wall, it requires additional insulation.
After the concrete in the armored belt gains strength, floor slabs are supported on it.
The second floor is built similarly to the walls of the first. To obtain a smooth surface, significant irregularities are removed with a planer, excess adhesive solution is removed with a spatula, and the cracks are overwritten.
The attic floor of a house made of foam blocks is made by analogy with the interfloor or a beam structure made of wood or metal is used.
The roof can be single-pitched, gable, hip or mansard.
Work on the installation of the roof is carried out in the following sequence: installation of truss beams, the implementation of battens and counter-battens, thermal insulation, roofing material. As the latter, natural or soft tiles, metal tiles, roofing steel or rolled materials are often used.
After completing all of the above work, proceed to the exterior decoration of the house.

To provide the masonry with the necessary strength, the sequence of dressing the longitudinal and transverse seams should be observed. Several times it is necessary to check the evenness of corners and horizontal surfaces with the immediate elimination of the identified deviations.

Features of the interior decoration of the house from foam blocks

The main feature of the interior decoration of walls made of foam blocks is the undesirable performance of wet processes, because the water absorption of this material should be no more than 12% of its own volume. For this reason, the walls are very poorly plastered, and preference is given to finishing materials installed on frame structures. Most popular options:

plastic panels;
plasterboard (GKL) sheets;
gypsum fiber sheets (GVL).

All these materials require their installation on wooden or aluminum frames. The surface of GKL and GVL requires finishing with putty and subsequent application of decorative material (wallpaper, paint, textured plaster). In addition, wall surfaces in rooms with high humidity must be provided with a vapor barrier so that excess liquid does not accumulate in the foam blocks and does not lead to their premature destruction.

In the bathroom, for example, a vapor barrier film is pre-attached to the wall, and on top of it - a frame structure made of gypsum-fiber sheets, on which ceramic tiles can be glued. With the help of different methods of interior decoration, rooms can be given a unique and inimitable design.

Video: foam concrete blocks - pros and cons

The construction of any house must be treated responsibly, especially if the work is done on its own. Before they start, it is advisable to develop a project, calculate and purchase the required amount of building materials, prepare a tool and study in detail all stages of construction. A house made of foam blocks is not difficult to erect, but it is very important to follow the sequence of all work and steadily follow the technologies so that the structure meets the requirements for strength, stability and durability.

Self-construction of a house is a difficult and responsible process. First, the material from which the new building will be erected is selected. Currently, foam blocks have gained popularity. If we consider the construction of houses from foam blocks with our own hands, it turns out that this material is excellent for these purposes.

do-it-yourself foam block house without experience. Photo

Projects of houses from foam blocks

Before starting construction, consider foam block house plans and choose the best one for your family. Houses can be of different heights, layouts and sizes. Among the presented projects, there is sure to be the most comfortable home.

The first project of a foam block house is small building. On the lower floor there is a kitchen combined with a living room, and on the upper floor there is a bedroom. Above the living room is the "second light". The staircase leads to a balcony from which the door to the bedroom opens.

ready-made project of a house from foam blocks. Photo

One-story building with area 64 square meters. The foam block house project has a living room and an open kitchen with a dining area. There are two rooms of 14 and 9 square meters, as well as a bathroom with a bathtub. All the necessary premises are located in a relatively small area.

Here is a project of a house made of foam blocks with a total area 71 square meters. The house consists of two floors. On the ground floor there is a living room, a bathroom, a kitchen and utility rooms. Upstairs are the bedrooms and dressing rooms. Compact dimensions do not interfere with the reasonable organization of space.

Do-it-yourself ready-made project of a house from foam blocks. Photo

The presented project of a house made of foam blocks has two floors. On the ground floor there is a spacious kitchen with a comfortable dining area. Also on the ground floor there is a living room and a bathroom. The second floor is occupied by three bedrooms.

seventy three square meters. On this square there is a living room with glass doors overlooking the garden, two bedrooms and a bathroom. The kitchen is combined with the living room, which creates an additional feeling of spaciousness.

The project of a one-story house with an area 74 square meters. The layout of the space involves the allocation of small rooms. There are two bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room, a bedroom with a dedicated office space and a second smaller bedroom.

The project of a two-story house with a total area 87 square meters. On the ground floor there is a living room, a kitchen and a small bathroom. On the second floor there are three bedrooms and a fairly spacious bathroom. The staircase is provided comfortable, two-flight

The project of a two-story house with an area 95 square meters. The house has an open veranda and a balcony on the second floor. On the ground floor there is a living room and all utility rooms. Including a kitchen and one of the bathrooms. On the second floor there is a spacious parent bedroom and two relatively small children's rooms.

How to build a house from foam blocks?

Foundation

To build a house of foam blocks with your own hands, you first need to lay the foundation. The classic version of a country house - with a basement. Do-it-yourself foundation laying for a foam block house with a basement begins with earthworks.

house from foam blocks with their own hands. Photo

Dig up foundation pit in which the basement will be located. It is imperative to perform high-quality waterproofing of all surfaces, otherwise dampness will destroy the structure and rise into the living quarters.

If you are building a two-story house of foam blocks with your own hands, then you need to perform a thorough calculation for expected loads. This will allow you to choose the best option for creating a basement and choose the right materials. For a relatively light one-story house, ready-made solutions are often used. For example, a basement with block walls, cast floor and ceiling.

When the pit is dug, a pipe is installed for drainage. It should divert water from the walls into the drain well.

Further at the bottom they collect formwork for the basement floor. The soil surface in the formwork is covered with mats that level the surface and increase waterproofing. On top of this layer is placed reinforcing mesh with cells ten by ten centimeters. If such reinforcement is not used, then the basement floor will be unnecessarily fragile, which will shorten its service life.

Further, the creation of a basement foundation with your own hands under the house of foam blocks continues with pouring concrete. The most convenient will be the use of a concrete mixer with a supply sleeve. In this case, it remains only to guide the sleeve and evenly pour concrete onto the mesh, and then level it.

The resulting floor is covered with a film and left for two weeks to mature. A metal strip is placed along the contour of the slab for the installation of concrete blocks. The wall blocks are lowered with a crane and then steel connectors are used.

Further, the construction of foam blocks with their own hands involves the installation wall supports. They will hold the ceiling slab in the basement. The supports are made of steel corners, which are carefully connected to the floor. The ceiling is poured in the same way as the floor.

The construction of the basement is being completed with thorough waterproofing of all external surfaces. For this, resin and euroroofing material are used. Also, the walls of the basement are insulated, air ducts, ventilation are installed, and an electrical network is installed. On all sides, the structure is covered with gravel.

Walls

Foam blocks are not difficult to lay due to their precise shape and low weight. It is important to monitor the evenness of the walls in terms of level, correctly lay out the corners and prepare jumpers for arranging openings. After laying out the walls of the house from foam blocks with their own hands, the surfaces are covered with waterproofing, and the outside is finished, for example, with facing bricks.

The ceiling of the house is arranged by analogy with the ceiling of the basement. After pouring concrete, its surface is covered with a film and also aged for two weeks.

Roof

After arranging the ceiling, building from foam blocks with your own hands involves arranging the roof. The simplest construction is gable roof.

Supports from which it is assembled rafter system are purchased ready-made. They are exposed by a crane and the beams are connected to each other into a single structure. To protect the rafter system from moisture, it is covered with a film, and then a crate is installed. For a house made of foam blocks, almost any roofing material is suitable. Optimal in terms of cost and characteristics are flexible tiles and metal tiles.

Each type of roofing material has its own installation features. which must be considered separately.

How thick should the walls be?

To make a house of foam blocks with your own hands, you must first decide on all its parameters. One of the most important is the thickness of the walls. The bearing capacity and heat-insulating characteristics of the walls depend on it. In this case, the thicker the walls, the better. But on the other hand, there is economic feasibility. It limits the growth of the wall in thickness. It is the combination of these parameters that determines in each case individually the dimensions of specific walls.

What to consider when choosing an adhesive for foam concrete?

Since foam concrete is not particularly demanding, not only special adhesives can be used for masonry, but also a sand-cement mortar of a classic look.

A specific choice is made taking into account many factors, ranging from the thickness of the seam to the skills of a particular master.

Reinforcement

Availability reinforcement in the walls of foam blocks on their bearing characteristics is not reflected. But it is still worth reinforcing, since the likelihood of cracks during shrinkage is reduced.

Reinforce should:

bottom row;
every fourth or fifth row in the wall;
openings and arches;
places of additional load.

You can reinforce with reinforcement and mesh.

Reinforcement fittings

For reinforcement, steel or fiberglass elements with a diameter of six to eight millimeters are used. A groove (strobe) is formed in the block, into which reinforcement is placed. From above, it is closed with the material with which the blocks are connected, i.e. adhesive or mortar.

If the block is wider than twenty centimeters, then two strobes are made, and if less, then one. They should not be placed more than six centimeters from the edge. The reinforcement should bend smoothly, without corners.

Reinforcement grid

Such reinforcement is performed exclusively with thin seams, i.e. when using glue. The grid is used plastic or metal. It is laid on rows of foam blocks, and poured with glue on top.

The type of connecting composition is determined by the size of the grid. If the wire diameter is more than three millimeters, then it is not advisable to use glue, it is better to choose a cement mortar.

Wall insulation from foam blocks

If you want to make a house of foam blocks with your own hands warm and comfortable, then perhaps you should consider a method of warming. Typically, such houses do not require special thermal insulation work, since the material of the walls itself has a high level of heat retention, it is enough to choose its thickness correctly. In particular, for the central regions, for example, for the Moscow region, a wall 49 cm thick is sufficient. However, it should be borne in mind that the blocks must be connected with thin seams with a minimum number of cold bridges.

If insulation is still required, then a number of rules should be followed. A vapor barrier is laid on the surface with a vapor transmission coefficient like that of blocks or more. Heat-insulating materials can be mounted directly on the wall without gaps. This will prevent condensation from forming. Another option is to use ventilated facade systems.

Exterior finish

To make a house of foam blocks with your own hands beautiful, you need to finish it with suitable decorative materials. High-quality cladding of a house made of foam blocks will hide defects and create additional protection from external factors.

You can finish the walls of foam blocks with facing bricks. In addition, they get off with any kind of siding, clapboard. Another option is to plaster the surface, after which it is painted. Thanks to the finish, the walls of the foam blocks are less damaged by external factors.

The cost of foam blocks

The question of the cost of the material is of interest to everyone who is going to build their own house. Foam blocks may vary in price depending on the manufacturer and some other characteristics.

The indicators considered are average. The price of foam blocks ranges from 2700 rubles to 4900.

Pros and cons of foam blocks

Foam concrete blocks have a number of advantages and some disadvantages.

pros

Among the advantages of the material is called it environmental friendliness. Foam concrete is made from sand and cement with the introduction of foaming additives.

Blocks stably endure significant temperature fluctuations. They are not damaged by fire and chemicals. The porous structure causes good vapor permeability and low thermal conductivity.

The result is comfortable conditions in the premises of the house. Significantly less heating and cooling costs are required. Thanks to these characteristics, the walls can be made from one row of blocks, which significantly reduces construction costs.

Weight foam blocks are much smaller than bricks, so the buildings themselves are easier. They have less load on the foundation. Foam blocks are easily processed and quickly stacked, which facilitates construction.

Minuses

The disadvantages of the material include its brittleness. This is especially noticeable if the manufacturing technology has been violated. Walls made of foam blocks can crack and soak with moisture, which leads to rapid destruction. Disadvantages are eliminated by the correct choice of material and its external lining.

Recently, it has become very popular to build a house with your own hands. This is not only profitable, but also pleasant: it gives one more reason to be proud of yourself. And lovers of mysticism argue that such a house will have a special positive aura. But let's leave the lyrics. There are quite real advantages - you decide how to arrange the rooms in the house and, of course, save a lot on labor.

Foam blocks have a number of advantages over other building materials. The combination of the following characteristics makes this material universal:

Strength.
Environmental safety, non-toxic.
Large size, contributing to the faster construction of walls.
If necessary, the material can be easily cut with a hacksaw.
If you are thinking of a complex project that involves the combined use of building materials, the foam block will come in handy, because it is easily combined with most types of building materials.
Due to the porous structure, foam concrete has the ability to "breathe", while retaining heat. You will not freeze in winter and your house will be filled with light, not stagnant air all year round.
soundproof qualities.
Fire safety.
Ease. Due to its low density, the material is not very heavy. This means you don't have to sweat for weeks trying to install a heavy-duty foundation.

Project development

You should start with a plan for placing a house on the site. Determine the most sunny and shady sides. It should be borne in mind that by providing large windows on the side of the sun, you will provide several rooms with increased illumination and warmth.

Based on what financial opportunities you have, consider the dimensions of the future home. The 9×9 project is a typical, most popular option. Such dimensions make it possible to conveniently arrange rooms on the first and second floors. Below is an example of a ground floor plan.

This plan provides for the location (in the given sequence, from south to north) of the boiler room, bathroom, hall and hallway or vestibule in the western wing of the first floor. The right wing is one huge room, with a conditional division (without a wall in the center) into a kitchen-dining room (southern part) and a living room (western part of the room).

In an individual project, you can include everything that fantasy craves - an attached garage, a functional basement where you can place a workshop, personal office, hobby room or a whole gym. Now the attic on the second floor has become very fashionable. For those who do not know, the attic is something like a residential attic, equipped in houses with a mansard roof.

Like those residential structures that we are used to seeing in Hollywood films, where they often show a family living in a two-story house, where the attic is almost always a teenager's room. You don’t need these clichés, so you can arrange anything in the attic - a billiard room, a library, a trophy room, a collection room if you are fond of collecting anything.

In the picture below you will find another version of the ground floor project, more detailed, with the study of some interior elements, household items, furniture.

When developing a project, consider a few nuances:

It is best, in the course of work, to consult with a professional architect from time to time, showing him your drawings.
It is imperative to analyze the composition of the soil, determine the depth at which groundwater is located; it would be nice to even ask specialists to conduct a geological examination.
If the type of soil on your site is defined as heaving , consider the moment of warming the foundation. The soil tends to expand at too low temperatures, so pressure will be applied to the foundation, which can cause cracks in the foundation and even the subsequent destruction of its individual segments.

Stages of project development:

1). Calculate wall thickness. Building codes suggest that masonry of 10 millimeters can withstand a mass of 10 tons. Determine the weight of roofing materials, ceilings. Since foam concrete has high thermal insulation properties, walls with a thickness of 300 millimeters will be quite enough for your comfort. Such walls will not yield to brickwork in strength and at the same time will surpass it in terms of heat retention.

2). Gather a family council. Let everyone express their wishes on the subject of how many rooms they want to see in the new house and how they would like to arrange them. Try not to offend anyone, while keeping in mind the practical points: the rooms for the elderly should be on the first floor, if you have a large family, it would not hurt to make two bathrooms, etc. Find a modern design computer program.

Having understood it properly, you will not only simplify the process of drafting a project and calculating all the necessary quantities (the number of building materials, overall parameters, etc.), but you will also be able to arrange a real walk around your future home, examining in detail every millimeter of what you have designed and created artificial intelligence of three-dimensional space. In this way, you can find out whether your plan will really create a comfortable home. In the figure below you will see an example of a virtual project of the ground floor.

3). Carefully consider the location of windows and doorways. Be sure to mark them on the project drawing. Turn on your fantasy. Try to imagine how lit the rooms will be, how comfortable it will be to move around them.

4). A very important point is the stairs to the second floor. It can be straight or curved. The last option will save space, which is important. It is desirable that the steps are not too high. There were mistakes, thanks to which it was difficult even for a young man to climb the stairs to the second floor without the help of hands.

5). Choose the type of roofing material. Do not forget - most of the heat leaves the housing through the roof; take care of its multilayer insulation.

6). The floors must be warm. To do this, you can use both traditional, familiar methods, and innovative methods, including safe electric heating.

Finish planning

There are many options, it all depends on your financial capabilities. Often, siding, tiles or facing bricks are chosen for exterior facade decoration. Recently, facade plaster has become very popular. This material creates additional heat and sound insulation protection for the house.

In interior decoration, the range of possible materials is infinitely wide - from drywall to tiles. Here you should focus on your personal taste as well as practicality and aesthetic appeal. Below is another version of the project and a photo of the finished house.

Engineering Communication

Your project should take into account the convenient location of the water supply, sewerage system, electricity and gas, ventilation ducts, in general, all the elements of communications needed in the home of a modern person.

Landscape

The last stage is the development of landscape design for your site. Decide on the location of economic facilities. You can build a gazebo, a bathhouse, a building for livestock, determine a plot for a vegetable garden and a garden. Do not forget to comply with fire and sanitary safety regulations.