Homeliness, Building
What is the difference between a foam block and a gas block - which is better
If you decided to choose a lightweight concrete for the construction of your house , you first need to understand what the foam block differs from a gas block. These materials have many differences according to different criteria.
Differences in production
If we make a comparison between gas and foam concrete, then we can note some difference in the production process. Thus, foam concrete is produced under the influence of pressure, during the production process, air is in solution. While in the process of production of aerated concrete there is an insignificant pressure of the external environment, it can be mentioned that, when pulled out, hydrogen forms pores. If you are thinking about what distinguishes a foam block from a gas block, you can pay attention to the fact that these two materials differ also by the method of solidification. Penoblok, for example, gaining strength in forms, they also get the final geometry, but high-quality aerated concrete is produced exclusively in the factory by the way of cutting the overall unit. This is done in order to obtain blocks of the required size.
Feature of formation of cells
By designation, light blocks can be structural-heat-insulating or heat-insulating, and also structural. This is the most important difference of materials. Foam concrete, like aerated concrete - is a derivative of lightweight material, as a difference between them can be identified method of forming air cells.
If you think about the difference between the foam block and the gas block, the comparison presented in the article will make it possible to understand. In a foam concrete, for example, bubbles are formed by means of a foam that mixes with the basic solution. The block eventually becomes not only light, but also strong enough, but its heat capacity is the main quality. Cells of foam concrete in the structure are closed. If we talk about bubbles of aerated concrete, then for their formation aluminum powder is used, which reacts with lime before the temperature rises and gas is released. The cells in this type of concrete are open.
Basic characteristics of foam and gas block
If you choose to think about the problem of how a foam block differs from a gas block, then you should also consider the main characteristics of these lightweight concrete. Thus, if we talk about dimensions, then at the foam concrete deviations can reach 20 mm, which can not be said about aerated concrete, the dimensions of which do not deviate from the set more than 2 mm. This indicates that the consumption of the mixing mixture during construction will be greater for the first variant of the building material, because if necessary, it is necessary to fill the cavities with a solution. In addition, dimensions affect the quality of thermal conductivity. If the dimensions of the block are incorrect, irregular and wide seams are obtained, through which heat will inevitably begin to escape. Also important are qualities such as density and strength. The foam characteristics of the first characteristic, like the second, is low, which can not be said of a competitor who has both parameters at a high level. This affects the convenience of transportation and styling. The thermal conductivity of the foam block is average and is 0.18-0.22, but in the second version of lightweight concrete it is even lower and equal to 0.12.
Quite often the builders, when they think about the question of what the foam block differs from the gas block, pay attention to the moisture resistance index, which is good for the gas block, which indicates that the material is practically unable to absorb moisture. The competitive material is also good quality, it is hygroscopic and able to repel moisture. Both materials do not rot, which indicates excellent biological stability. The same can be said about chemical resistance.
Fire resistance
When building private houses, masters often ask themselves about the difference between gas blocks from foam blocks, paying attention to the quality of fire resistance. In this respect, the products described are equal, they are able to withstand the effects of fire. Use such blocks for private construction without fear of the fact that they can do harm, because they act as environmentally friendly materials.
It is important for walls and the ability to protect from noise, blocks of foam and aerated concrete have good sound insulation qualities, with the only difference - they are better for a gas block.
Scope of use
If you are interested in the question of what distinguishes gas blocks from foam blocks, it is worth paying attention to the fact that, despite their similar qualities, they should be used taking into account the density. So, in order to use foam concrete for the arrangement of internal partitions, it is worth using a material whose density is 300 kg / m 3 or higher. As for aerated concrete, in order to use it for the same purposes, the density should be higher, the minimum value of this characteristic is 400 kg / m 3 . In the first case, external walls can be erected only at a density of 1000 kg / m 3 . In the second, this indicator can be reduced to 500-600 kg / m 3 . If a foam and gas block of the same density is used, the latter material will exhibit more impressive qualities of heat resistance and strength. In addition, it can be used for the construction of load-bearing walls, and it is not required to perform interior finishing work, which can not be said for foam concrete, which requires the surface treatment with a plaster mix.
Minuses of foam and gas block
If you still have not determined for yourself what the foam block differs from a gas block and what is better, then certainly it is worthwhile to consider the shortcomings that are expressed in foam concrete in the production of sufficiently wide joints during laying. They are obtained approximately 10 mm, which contributes to the formation of cold bridges. These walls after the erection must be covered with a protective mixture both from the outside and from the inside. In addition, such walls and partitions can not breathe, which in some cases becomes the cause of the emergence and development of fungus and mold.
Thinking about what distinguishes a foam block from a gas block, the difference is definitely worth considering. For example, the second type of cellular concrete does not involve interior finishing, but it's necessary to decorate the walls from the outside. This is necessary in order to protect the material from moisture. As a rule, they use ventilated facades, the arrangement of which involves the carrying out of rather complex works. You can replace this technology with a vapor-permeable paint or an alternative solution - plaster. However, the facade will not look so attractive at the same time.
Comparative cost of materials
When professional builders and home masters think about the difference between gas blocks, foam blocks, aerated concrete, they always pay attention to the cost of materials. It should be noted that the cost of these cellular concrete is approximately in the same price range, but you can still buy foam concrete at a more democratic price. The initial run-up of the cost of this concrete starts at 2,400 rubles per 1 m 3 , while the most impressive cost is 3,200 rubles for the mentioned volume of construction material. But the gas block costs 2,800 rubles per 1 m 3 , which is the lowest price for this material, while the highest is 3,295 rubles for the named volume.
Finally
If you are also one of those who are interested in the question of how the foam block differs from the gas block, the instructions for use will allow you to understand what material to use. Gas-block for an inexperienced master is preferable, since it has more precise dimensions, which indicates ease of operation with it.
Similar articles
Trending Now