Mass application of gas-concrete blocks has begun rather recently; material has drawn attention of builders with the high utilization properties. However, when choosing gas concrete as material for construction it is necessary to consider also minuses of product.
The foam concrete blocks widely nowadays widespread in construction, gradually begin to concede part of the market to rather new construction material – gas concrete. It is connected with its best functional performance which allows to use this type of foam mortar at construction of the most various objects among which house construction is high on the list. At rather small amount of shortcomings the gas-concrete blocks have essential pluses.
Advantages of gas concrete
Advantages of this material allow to build the building which positive utilization properties will remain for a long time (up to 100 years). One of the main pluses – ease; density of blocks is in limits of 400-1200 kg/CBM. It allows to reduce sharply foundation load that considerably reduces the price of its cost since need of construction of thorough, monolithic basis under the building disappears. Besides, it is simpler to apply light material in construction, and rather big dimensions of the block allow to put up walls quickly.
Two other important pluses – vlago- and frost resistance. In the first case the high resistance to moisture penetration is provided with honeycomb; even at humidity of the environment in 90%, the gas concrete absorbs only 8%. In the second case of test show that gas-silicate products do not react to change of temperatures in any way; sharp defrosting and freezing does not lead to material destruction. Besides these qualities, the gas concrete has also other advantages: - fire resistance: products do not contain the substances sustaining combustion, and at influence of high temperature in the atmosphere toxic substances are not emitted; - biological firmness: in gas concrete there is no Wednesday which would favor to development of mold, fungus; - low heat conductivity and high level of noise isolation: these qualities are provided by cellular structure; - environmental safety.
Gas-silicate shortcomings
First of all, it is hygroscopicity. Material does not pass moisture in the building, but accumulates it in time that can lead over time to material strength reduction. This shortcoming can be corrected if during construction to carry out the strengthened waterproofing by means of, for example, waterproofing tape. Other minus – possibility of emergence of cracks. Most often their education is connected with the wrong calculations for loading, message which professionals have to. And the last shortcoming – the high price if to compare to the same foam concrete blocks. However gas concrete – rather new material therefore there are all bases that over time it will be improved, and negative qualities will be minimized.