Today it is possible to call foam concrete block safely one of the most popular construction materials. It is caused by its high heat-insulating properties, small weight, available cost.
Modern foam concrete block represents the artificial stone with honeycomb made of cement, sand, water with addition of foaming agents. This material has become widespread thanks to the functional performance and the democratic price.
Characteristics of foam concrete block
The first what builders pay attention upon material purchase to – density (or "D"). This characteristic is measured in kg/CBM. The value of density can vary from 400 to 800 (usually sell foam concrete blocks with D=600), i.e. cube of foam concrete blocks with D=400, will have weight of 400 kg. Density is important when calculating foundation load of the house, but is not the characteristic determining material durability. For designation of the last it is used Latin "In". It is the major indicator to which seldom pay attention, but durability of all construction depends on value "B". For example, if B=1.5, then durability makes 23 kg / quarter see. The general durability of blocks can vary from B=1 (16 kg / sq. cm) to B=5 (35 kg / sq. cm). These are data for blocks at which D=600. It is curious that over time the block gains durability and in about 5 years material becomes more solid. Other, not less important indicator – heat conductivity. It will be better for those, than material density is lower. Therefore when choosing foam concrete blocks it is important to observe certain balance; too strong block carries better out heat and vice versa.
Visual determination of quality
In practice not each seller is ready to provide documentation on the sold products. Despite this, partially the quality of foam concrete block can be determined by visual method. For a start pay attention to color; the yellow shade demonstrates availability of excess amount of sand that sharply reduces block durability. The good stuff has grayish color. Further it is possible to check the sizes of the block and its geometry. Deviations from the stated dimensions should not exceed 2 mm, otherwise densely it will be difficult to adjust stones to each other. Look at block chip, inside you will see traces from air bubbles. They should not adjoin, otherwise the block will absorb moisture. Durability can be checked "manually": take piece of material and try to pound it palms if it worked well, then it is worth refraining from purchase. At the final stage of "control check" pay attention to packing: the conscientious producer for certain will cover the products with film to show goods in the best possible way and for a long time to keep it.