How to lay cinder blocks yourself - step by step instructions. Building a house from cinder blocks with your own hands: fast, economical and fun! Reinforcement of cinder block masonry

One of the most popular building materials is cinder block. It is inexpensive and can be used to build houses, garages, sheds and other buildings.

It is not difficult to work with it, and all work can be carried out by the developer himself. However, there are some nuances that must be followed in order to get an excellent result. Therefore, the question of how to lay cinder block correctly worries many developers.

If a heavy cinder block can be used for construction multi-storey buildings, then light - not recommended. This is due to the fact that the material cannot withstand heavy loads.

  • 33 If you know how to correctly lay cinder blocks with your own hands, you can save a lot during the construction process. After all, services professional builders They are not cheap, and it is not difficult to do the masonry with your own hands. If you approach the masonry process responsibly, you can avoid many problems in the future. And a building can last up to a hundred years if it is followed the right technology construction. You can see how to earn time by laying cinder block walls with your own hands in the video:
  • Figure 1. Cinder block can reduce the time of building a house.

    Preparatory activities

    Cinder block - perfect construction material. Compared to conventional brick, its use can reduce the construction time of a building several times. In addition, laying cinder blocks with your own hands allows you to significantly save money.

    The material is used for the construction of various structures (Fig. 1). But in any case, it is necessary to remember that walls made of cinder blocks will retain heat well and not allow moisture to pass through only with properly equipped thermal insulation.

    Before starting construction, you need to decide how the masonry will proceed.

    To build cinder block walls, you can use several methods: 0.5 blocks, 1 block, 1.5 or 2 stones. Masonry using half a stone will not cause difficulties, since the cinder block can be easily sawn. A hacksaw or Circular Saw.

    Scheme of laying cinder blocks.

    Before you start laying cinder block walls, you need to prepare tools and supplies personal protection. You will need:

      respirator and construction gloves; circular saw or hacksaw; construction level and hydraulic level; plumb line; cord; hammer; trowel; ordering; sand, cement; container for mixing mortar.

    In addition, it is necessary to prepare scaffolding, which will be used for laying the top rows of cinder block walls. In this case, a stepladder will not provide sufficient safety for the work and convenient placement of the tool.

    In order for the solution to have sufficient viscosity and not “float”, it must be diluted with ash or red clay in the ratio of 1/3 container of fillers per 4 containers of solution. During the construction of cinder block walls, it may be necessary to make different marks. For these purposes, it is best to stock up on crayons of different colors.

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    Figure 2.

    Scheme of a cinder block wall. Before erecting cinder block walls, it is necessary to pour the foundation and complete all construction activities, including waterproofing. The width of the foundation should be the same as the cinder block itself (or a little wider). The surface must be carefully leveled; there should be no defects on it. You need to start laying out walls from cinder blocks by setting the corners. In this case, you must strive to set up a regular rectangle with even corners.

    Place 4 cinder blocks at the top of each corner. A cord is stretched between them, along which subsequent masonry will be carried out. A mortar is applied to the surface of the foundation and you can begin laying the initial rows. The mortar layer for constructing cinder block walls should be no thicker than 10-15 mm. If you increase the layer thickness, then the thermal insulation characteristics future walls.

    This is due to the features internal structure blocks, inside of which there are small voids. They create air cushion, which is responsible for maintaining heat. To preserve these qualities of the material during the construction of cinder block walls, you should not fill these voids with cement. This will only be an unnecessary additional consumption of mortar. In walls made of cinder blocks, the first and next 2-3 rows are the most important (Fig.

    2).The masonry must be constantly monitored using a level and a plumb line in order to achieve the most even walls possible. Before laying a cinder block, you must firmly remember that each block must be taken in the middle and brought to the wall at an angle of 45°. Then turn it parallel to the wall and place it in the prepared place, pressing it tightly against the previously installed block. Be sure to tap it with a hammer. Excess solution should be immediately removed with a trowel; it should not be distributed over the surface.

    All other blocks are laid in this sequence. In order for the masonry to hold securely, the seams should not be made too large. Experts advise leaving no more than 10-15 mm. After the masonry of the walls is completed, they need to be filled with slag and compacted. If the walls in the finished building are planned to be left in their “pristine” form without further finishing, then the seams must be embroidered (Fig.

    3). For this work, it is necessary to prepare a piece of a hollow tube, the diameter of which corresponds to the width of the future seam. At one end of the tube, you need to make an oblique cut, which must be passed along the cement between the blocks. The result will be a beautiful seam.

    If subsequent cladding is planned, then jointing is not necessary. Construction of a house from cinder blocks The construction of buildings is improving every year. If previously preference was given only to brick or shell rock, now cinder blocks are very popular. Laying cinder blocks is no different from brick technology.

    Where are cinder blocks used in construction?

    Laying cinder block walls can be done:

      During the construction of residential buildings. During the construction of garages. During the construction of any utility rooms.

    We can conclude that cinder block is a universal building material that can be used in any construction of a structure with any functionality.

    What is a cinder block made of?

    What is a cinder block? This is a building stone, which is presented in the form of large bricks.

    It consists of several elements:

      Crushed stone. Pebbles. Sand. Cement. Water. Fillers and binders.

    There are two types of cinder block:

    The material described above is a composition of heavy cinder block. During production lightweight material used instead of gravel and crushed stone:

      Sawdust.Shavings.Expanded clay.Needles and much more.

    If a heavy cinder block can be used for the construction of multi-story buildings, then a light one is not recommended. This is due to the fact that the material cannot withstand heavy loads.

    It is worth considering that the consumption of cinder blocks during laying depends on the structure and size of the material. All these parameters depend on the type of raw material from which the cinder block is made.

    Types and properties of cinder block

    Types of cinder block

    Cinder block masonry is performed:

      Hollow blocks. Solid ones.

    Cinder block has a porous structure.

    If you are laying a cinder block fence, then it is necessary to finish such a structure using plaster or any other means. The front side of the wall made of this material will also require cladding.

      Due to its porous structure, it is not recommended to leave a cinder block in an unprotected state. The pores can absorb moisture and, after finishing, will begin to release it. As a result, mold and other fungal diseases may appear on the walls.

    Solid cinder blocks:

      They have an integral structure that does not have holes or cavities. They are practical and durable. The strength of such material is ensured by the structure. They do not react to high and low temperatures. They can withstand heavy loads. They do not react to deformation in sunlight and various weather conditions.

    This type of cinder blocks also requires exterior and interior finishing.

    Hollow cinder blocks:

      They have a density of 70-72%. The rest is occupied by cavities that are located inside the block. The price for this type of cinder block is several times lower than for solid material. This is the reason for the high popularity of the material. Commercial buildings and structures are built from it quite well. provide sufficient heat and sound insulation. The blocks are also practical and durable. Laying 70% cinder blocks is carried out similarly to solid bricks.

    It is not recommended to construct the walls of a multi-story building from hollow cinder blocks.

    Properties of cinder blocks of any type:

      Frost resistance and fire resistance. Does not have the ability to react with deformation to various temperature changes and climatic conditions. The material allows you to save on mortar, since the material itself has a good bond with any fastening agent.

    In addition to the above listed properties and advantages of cinder block, there are a number of its disadvantages:

      It is impossible to save on building cladding, since the material has a porous structure. It has a high thermal conductivity, which will negatively affect temperature conditions indoors. The sound insulation of the cinder block is not on high level and for this reason, it will be necessary to make additional insulation of the structure. Masonry of cinder blocks is characterized by rather difficult laying of any communications in the walls. It is not possible to accurately determine the environmental friendliness of the raw materials for the manufacture of cinder blocks.

    All manufacturers of such material try to use only certified ingredients for the material.

      Special additives play a big role in environmental friendliness. Some manufacturers use synthetic substances to bind the solution. High moisture susceptibility.

    The cinder block has a standard size of 390x190x190 mm. Quite large parameters help to save on material calculations for building a house. For the same reason, laying cinder blocks is quite quick and simple.

    Preparing to lay cinder block

    Cinder block laying.

    Laying cinder blocks with your own hands requires certain preparatory work:

      Construction of the foundation in accordance with the size and design of the house. Insulation of the foundation, since cinder block is quite susceptible to moisture. Calculation required quantity masonry materials. Finishing (internal and external).

      Work is carried out on any basis. If it is monolithic, then it will not require additional strapping. If the foundation is columnar or pile, then it is recommended to make a wooden frame using a monolithic fill. The foundation is insulated using: rolled bitumen or any other modern insulating sheet material. It must be placed on top reinforcement mesh with small cells, which will ensure the strength of the base and increase the resistance to the mass of the cinder block.

    The surface of the foundation for laying cinder blocks must be perfectly flat.

      This is due to the fact that the structure of the cinder block is quite fragile. It is capable of deforming even under its own weight. This will have a detrimental effect on the walls made of cinder blocks, which will begin to collapse.
      The technology for laying cinder block walls can be different. It all depends on what type of material is used in construction.

    Before you start laying cinder blocks, you need to prepare a solution for this.

    You can prepare the solution yourself; for this you will need:

      Portland cement. Water. Purified river sand.

    All these ingredients are mixed using a certain technology. Their number depends on the type of material and its masonry.

    It is best to mix the solution in a concrete mixer, since only in it will it be homogeneous. You can add to it various substances to increase moisture resistance and strength.

    Types of cinder block masonry

    Cinder block laying

    How to lay cinder block masonry? There are several ways to do this:

      Laying in half a block. In one block. In one and a half blocks. In two blocks.

    It is worth considering that the cement consumption for cinder block laying depends on its type. The most expensive is masonry in two blocks. It takes the largest amount of solution.

      Half of the block is laid with slag concrete for interior partitions or the construction of country houses. One and a half blocks are used to lay the material when performing load-bearing walls buildings. Cinder concrete is placed in two blocks during the construction of two-story and three-story buildings. During the work, one and a half blocks of masonry are used to construct interior partitions.

    Laying a hollow cinder block does not differ in its technology from laying a solid one. All work must be done in the same way.

    Laying cinder block

    Instructions for laying the material

    The cinder block laying technology involves initially making markings based on future door and window openings.

    Consider:

      After marking, the future corners of the building are aligned. To do this, use a plumb line or a building level. Thanks to such tools, lighthouse blocks are set at an angle of 90 degrees. It is on these exposed blocks that the level and plane of the masonry depends. After this, all exposed corner blocks are fixed with concrete mortar. Its thickness between the blocks should not exceed 15-20 mm. The most the best option will be 15 mm.

    For a more even laying of the material, not only a building level or plumb line is used.

    You can use a mooring cord. It is mounted on already exposed and secured lighthouse blocks using a cord and nails.

      The laying of each subsequent block is carried out exactly along the cord. The time period for laying the next block should not exceed ¼ hour. During the process, it is necessary to apply the solution not only to the underside of the cinder block, but also to its sides. This ensures the connection of each masonry element.

      If as a result of work during the masonry process there is excess mortar on the surface, then it needs to be collected. A special tool (trowel) is used for this. The mortar can then be used again.

    It is not enough to simply place a cinder block on the mortar. It must be tapped with a trowel.

    The video shows the laying of cinder blocks using such tools.

    It is always useful for homeowners to have some construction skills. This not only simplifies the arrangement and maintenance household, but also saves significantly family budget. When the need arises to build utility rooms, the ability to correctly lay a cinder block with your own hands will come in handy.

      Pros and cons of slag concrete Installation technology step by step Features of masonry

    Characteristic features of slag concrete blocks

    The material is of artificial origin and looks like a large compressed element.

    The binding component is cement. Blast furnace slag, granite or stone screenings, coarse sand, ash, perlite, and broken glass are used as fillers. To improve technical and operational parameters, plasticizers are added to the composition.

    Standard dimensions are 390x190x188 mm. Such large products are much easier to lay out than brick. Laying time is reduced and mortar is saved.

    By appearance There are several types of cinder blocks for their main purpose: hollow, solid, semi-blocks and decorative. The latter option is used to decorate and enhance the moisture resistance of the external walls of the house.

    Advantages:

      low cost; wide distribution; large sizes.

    Flaws:

      high thermal conductivity; insufficient noise insulation; poor frost resistance; strong moisture absorption.

    It would be correct to use them for the construction of unheated premises. With your own hands you can lay out a shed, garage, summer kitchen, workshop. If you build a residential building from such material, then the walls inside and outside must be seriously insulated and lined.

    Step-by-step instructions for laying blocks

    Considering the scheme for constructing walls, we will assume that the foundation for them is already ready and insulated. The main thing is that the base is the same (or slightly larger) width as the cinder blocks. There should be no bulges or pits on the surface.

    1. Preparation.

    The toolkit includes:

      water level; plumb bob (line or twine); trowel; rubber hammer (mallet); ordering; hand-held circular saw or hacksaw; respirator (must be worn when cutting blocks).

    Place 4 elements at the tops of the corners, achieving a regular rectangle, and secure the rows with marks.

    It will be easier to lay blocks on them, focusing on their thickness and the width of the seams. Stretch a cord between the rows, which makes it convenient to adjust the styling. Prepare cement mortar in a concrete mixer.

    First row. The evenness of the walls and the durability of the entire structure depend on how correctly the initial layer is laid. Apply a layer of cement mortar and distribute it evenly over the surface of the foundation. Take one block with your left hand in the middle and bring it to the masonry site at an angle of 45°. Then unfold it parallel to the wall and lay it. Fit the stone under the tensioned cord, lightly tapping it with a hammer. Remove excess compound from the cracks, which was squeezed out under the weight of the stone. Install the second and third stone using the same scheme. Check the evenness of the row using a plumb line and a hydraulic level. Continue laying bricks until the end, periodically checking their placement.3. Subsequent rows. Installation of the second and all even layers begins with half a block in order to move the row. Otherwise, they follow the same technology as for the first layer: applying the mortar, placing the stone, leveling along the cord, removing excess. Nuances of masonry work1.

    Raw materials. You need cement grade M400 or M500. Any sand is suitable, but it is better if it is gray(river). The addition of plasticizers gives elasticity, reduces porosity and facilitates application. To save money, the special substance can be replaced with red clay or wood ash(a third of a bucket for 4 buckets of mixture), as well as household detergent.2. How to prepare a masonry composition yourself? Pour a dry mixture of cement and sand into the drum of a concrete mixer, maintaining a ratio of 1:3.

    Turn on the unit and, adding water in small portions, knead a solution of medium viscosity. Add the plasticizer at the very end.3. How to determine the volume of one batch? When preparing CSP, follow this rule: knead enough to last for an hour and a half of work. It takes a bucket of mixture to install four blocks.

    Unused composition quickly hardens and becomes unsuitable for further use.4. What is the optimal thickness of the joints? Cement joints must reliably hold the masonry, so it is very important to carefully seal all cracks, maintaining a thickness of 10-15 mm. The wet solution that is released after leveling is removed and placed between the stones. According to the instructions, it is not recommended to smear it on the surface of the cinder block, filling the unevenness - this worsens the insulating qualities of the material.

    Where to start installation? Determine the method and thickness of the masonry. Depending on the purpose of the building and climatic conditions, it can be placed in one, one and a half or two stones. For internal partitions They usually use the spoon construction method - half a cinder block.6. What is jointing? If the walls are not supposed to be lined, then the seams need to be “embroidered”.

    For this purpose they use special knife in the form of a curved hollow tube with an oblique cut. Its diameter should be equal to the width of the seam. Use a tool to move along all interblock connections, applying light force. The result is a beautiful and even joint.7. What is reinforcement used for? To strengthen the walls, reduce the load and prevent cracks from appearing, reinforcement must be placed between the cinder blocks.

    This rule is mandatory for the first and every fourth row of the wall. The following materials are used for work: Metal mesh with cell sizes of 50×50 mm - to prevent rusting, it is covered with a masonry compound. Steel rods - placed in the grooves between the blocks and protected from above by the central fiber board .Reinforcement frame - made of galvanized steel strips, connecting them together with wire. They are fixed in the wall using mortar or glue. According to the instructions, window and door openings are also subject to mandatory reinforcement. Recommendations Before you begin, you should think about how to carry out work at height yourself. An ordinary ladder or stepladder is not suitable for this purpose.

    It is best to use scaffolding or a special platform with height adjustment. Accessories and a bucket of mortar fit well on it. Laying hollow cinder blocks is always done with the holes facing down. During the work, you have to repeatedly place marks on the wall. This is convenient to do with the help of colored chalk, which are clearly visible on cinder blocks. If necessary, you can change the color of the seam joints: add soot, lime or copper sulfate. The seams will turn black, white or bluish.

    Cinder block is one of the most affordable building materials. It is famous not only for its low cost, but also for the fact that this material can be made independently. In this case, you can save even more.

    How to lay cinder block?

    If you build from blocks with your own hands, the costs will be minimal.

    Moreover, this is not difficult to do. It doesn’t matter what type of building is planned - a house, an outbuilding, a bathhouse, a garage. If you learn how to lay cinder blocks correctly and approach this process responsibly, the future building can last for decades.

    Types of masonry

    There are several types of cinder block:

      hollow; solid; semi-block; decorative.

    Decorative cinder block is used to increase moisture resistance outside walls

    Typically, a hollow block is used for walls. In this case, the load on the foundation will be less.

    The weight of one hollow block can reach 23 kg, and a solid one - 28 kg. Therefore, the latter is not used in the construction of walls. A solid block is used when constructing a foundation (but not in the case of building a building made of cinder blocks), when constructing basement floors, load-bearing structures and columns.

    There are also several types of masonry:

      one stone; one and a half stones; half a stone (spoon method); two stones.

    The method should be chosen based on the type of future construction.

    But you need to remember that the thicker the wall, the warmer the building will be. If you plan to build a small outbuilding, for example, a barn, then in this case you can use the half-stone method. Half blocks are perfect for this.

    Mortar for laying cinder blocks

    Masonry mortar has different proportions.

    Usually, they proceed from what type of building is planned to be erected. You can buy a ready-made dry solution in the store, to which you just need to add water and stir. But in this case, the price of masonry increases.

    Therefore, more often the solution is prepared independently. The simplest and most standard mortar for laying cinder blocks is prepared in the following proportions:

      3 parts sand; 1 part dry cement; water.

    It should be noted that water must be added so that the solution becomes viscous and does not spread much when laying the cinder block. You can also add a plasticizer to the solution. It increases frost resistance, reduces porosity and increases the density of the solution.

    After adding the plasticizer, the solution will have the following properties:

      stickiness; plasticity; homogeneity; frost resistance; self-compacting; strength; moisture resistance.

    Home craftsmen use, for example, cheap shampoo instead of purchased plasticizer. But such experiments are a personal risk for the developer

    When preparing the solution, it is also necessary to take into account the weight of the future structure. The solution must withstand all loads. The mixture must be mixed in a concrete mixer, which will ensure greater homogeneity and quality of the solution.

    Foundation for laying cinder blocks

    You need to know how to place a block on a foundation. After all, this is the most First stage works

    Usually the foundation for a cinder block building is made monolithic. As a result, it should be so that the foundation rises above the ground level by about 0.7 meters.

    The thickness of the foundation should be equal to the thickness of one cinder block or slightly more. Before laying the cinder block, the foundation must be waterproofed from the wall, after which you can proceed to the laying process. But you need to understand that the base must be level for the successful laying of the first row of blocks, otherwise the entire construction process will be in vain.

    Required Tools

    For proper masonry you need to acquire the following tools:

      construction trowel; construction level; cord for leveling rows. You can use a regular clothesline or fishing line; hammer; plumb bob; ordering; masonry template; circular saw or hacksaw.

    Laying cinder blocks with your own hands, step-by-step instructions

    In principle, the process of laying blocks is similar to brickwork, with the exception that the block is larger than the brick, so the laying is carried out several times faster.

    Laying the first row of cinder blocks must be taken especially seriously, since it determines the evenness of the entire wall

    How to place blocks yourself, step-by-step instructions:

      the mixture is prepared in a concrete mixer; the solution is placed on the foundation, and the thickness of the solution should not exceed 1.5 cm, otherwise the thermal insulation of the masonry will be damaged; the mixture is leveled and, using a pre-tensioned cord, a cinder block is laid; the cinder block is leveled by tapping reverse side trowels to the required place of the cinder block; immediately remove from the cracks the excess mortar that was squeezed out under the weight of the cinder block; when laying the next row, place the floor of the block in the corners. To get it, you can saw a whole cinder block in half using a grinder or a hacksaw.

    After the row is laid, it must be carefully leveled again using a string and a building level. Subsequent rows are laid in exactly the same way as the first.

    You will notice that the process of laying blocks is practically no different from laying foam blocks, which can also be done with your own hands. The masonry is the same due to the fact that both materials have almost the same dimensions.

    Wall reinforcement

    In order to increase the strength of walls, distribute the load and reduce the risk of cracks, reinforcement is used.

    The following materials can be used for reinforcement:

      reinforcing mesh (reinforced mesh) for masonry. Usually this is a mesh with a cell of 50x50 mm. It is placed between the rows; reinforcement or reinforcement cage.

    The first row of masonry must be reinforced. Every fourth row of the wall is also reinforced. In addition, door and window openings must be reinforced.

    Template for laying cinder blocks

    Professionals usually lay cinder block without any tools. But if a beginner is doing the laying, you need to have a template on hand for laying cinder blocks, which you can make with your own hands. Such a template can be made from available materials, for example, from wooden boards.

    The size of the template is calculated based on the size of the cinder block. After all, the dimensions of one cinder block can vary, especially if the material was made at home. The height of the template should be 1-1.5 cm, based on the thickness of the seam.

    Price category

    A construction site is a high-risk place. Therefore, it is necessary to observe safety precautions and work with gloves and a helmet.

    Before laying cinder block walls, you need to find out the price for the work. Builders usually charge 20 rubles for laying one cinder block.

    Based on this, you can find out how much it will cost to build the required building, knowing its dimensions. Of course, it is better to lay cinder blocks yourself, and you can save a lot. In this case, the costs will only be for the material itself.

    Price for 1 piece of cinder block:

    Type of cinder blockPrice per piece Solid 36-42 RUR Hollow 22-30 RUR Semi-block 22-24 RUR Decorative block 60-65 RUR

    To determine how much material will be used for construction, you need to know the dimensions of the future building, as well as the dimensions of the cinder block itself, which are 390x190x188 mm. It can be seen that the dimensions are quite large, so the speed of construction increases significantly compared to ordinary bricks.

    The evenness of the masonry along the cord and the building level should be checked as often as possible to avoid curvature of the walls and rows in the future.

    If the walls are not planned to be finished with anything in the future, then the seams between the rows should have an attractive appearance. To do this, you can use a small rounded stick, which you need to slightly press the seams after each laid row, while the solution has not yet hardened.

    When marking blocks, you must use colored crayons. They are best seen on cinder blocks, compared to, for example, a regular pencil.

    To increase plasticity, you can add a little detergent to the solution.

    It is necessary to mix exactly as much solution as will be used at one time. Otherwise, unused mortar may harden and will not be suitable for construction.

    It is advisable to plaster the outer walls, because cinder block is afraid of moisture.

    In this case, the plaster will protect the material. But since the plaster is poorly applied to the cinder block and can fall off over time, it is necessary to use a reinforced mesh. Internal walls can be covered with plasterboard.

    Conclusion

    If you know how to correctly lay cinder blocks with your own hands, you can save a lot during the construction process. After all, the services of professional builders are not cheap, and doing masonry with your own hands is not difficult.

    If you approach the masonry process responsibly, you can avoid many problems in the future. And a building can last up to a hundred years if the correct construction technology is followed.

    You can see how to earn time by laying cinder block walls with your own hands in the video:

    Cinder block is an excellent material that is successfully used in construction and has many advantages, thanks to which its popularity is becoming more and more popular every year. The main and most significant advantage is that cinder block laying can be done on its own, without the help of specialists.

    Cinder blocks are the cheapest and most accessible building material, not inferior in strength to brick, if the manufacturer followed all technological processes during production.

    Where to begin

    Before starting work, you need to have a clear idea of ​​what kind of material it is, what properties it has, how to lay it correctly, what scheme is used for this, and much more, which will allow you to do everything at a high level of quality.

    The production of cinder blocks occurs through vibrocompression and pouring concrete mixture into molds.

    Blast furnace slag is a good raw material for the production of various insulating and building materials, including cement.

    Another advantage of this building material is the ability to use a wide variety of available components for its production: cement, sand, gypsum, lime, blast furnace slag. For work, you should prepare the following tools and devices:

    • hand saw or circular saw;
    • a respirator for use when sawing cinder blocks;
    • hydraulic level;
    • building level;
    • mallet or hammer;
    • plumb line;
    • mallet or hammer;
    • order.

    If the foundation of the future house is already ready, then laying cinder blocks begins by setting the corners, which should form a regular rectangle. To do this, 4 cinder blocks are placed on the tops of the corners, which are leveled using a building level. Next, stretch the fishing line or cord along which the laying will be carried out. After this, a solution is applied to the foundation, and the first row of cinder blocks begins to be laid. As you work, it is important to remember that each subsequent second and third row of cinder block masonry is considered the most important. Therefore, experts recommend checking the masonry with a plumb line and level as often as possible so that the wall being built is perfectly level. Otherwise, a situation may arise when the work needs to be redone. And this, in turn, leads to additional material and physical costs.

    Construction process

    The following methods can be used for laying cinder blocks:

    • bonded method - masonry is carried out in one stone;
    • half a stone - for this, the cinder block is cut with either a circular saw or a hacksaw;
    • two stones;
    • one and a half stones.

    Due to the characteristics of the cinder block, the solution must be applied 1.5 cm thick.

    When laying cinder blocks, the solution must be applied 1.5 cm thick. If the layer is thick, then the thermal insulation properties of the future wall will be significantly reduced. This is due to the characteristics of the cinder block, inside of which there are voids that form an air cushion that retains heat. For the same reason, voids during work should not be sealed with cement mortar. You need to lay the cinder block as follows. It is taken by the middle with the left hand, brought to the wall at an angle of 45 0 and, turning it parallel to it, pressed tightly against the adjacent block, tapped with a trowel handle or a hammer. Using a trowel, remove excess solution. As soon as the laying of cinder blocks is completed, the resulting wall must be covered with fine slag and compacted.

    In order for the work of laying cinder blocks to be carried out correctly, it is necessary to take into account following instructions specialists:

    1. Before starting work on building a house from cinder blocks, it is necessary to build a special platform and scaffolding so that in the future it will be convenient to lay the upper rows of cinder blocks. There is no need to use a stepladder for these purposes, since it will not be possible to place tools and materials.
    2. In order to put various marks on the blocks, colored chalk is used.
    3. To achieve good viscosity of the solution, red clay or ash is added to it. For 4 buckets of solution, take 1/3 of the bucket of components.

    Material characteristics

    The scope of application of cinder blocks is quite wide, but the main one is their use for the construction of a cottage, country or country house. This is due to the fact that the speed of construction of a structure made of cinder blocks increases several times, and their cost, at the same time, remains low. Quite often, garages are built from cinder blocks, extensions are made, fences and partitions are erected. In any case, it must be remembered that no matter what purpose cinder blocks are used, prerequisite is to carry out high-quality waterproofing to prevent direct exposure to moisture. For each option of work in construction there is a unique instruction, it is impossible to consider everything.

    Cinder block as a building material is gaining increasing popularity. This is due to several factors. First of all, it is cheap, which can be further reduced by making the blocks yourself. The second reason for its popularity is that cinder block laying can be done with your own hands.

    Cinder block is artificial stone, which is based on compressed cemented slag concrete. Slag is used as a filler, granite crushed stone, granite screenings, gravel, broken glass, sand, dried pieces of cement. Cinder block dimensions according to standards: 400x200x200 or 390x190x190. In the second case, 10 mm is left for the mortar joint.

    There are two types of cinder block:

    • solid is used for laying the foundation, ground floor, load-bearing structures;
    • hollow acts as a building material that can be used to line walls and partitions.

    Its properties also depend on the type of block. The higher the hollowness, the lower the thermal conductivity, which means that the heat of the rooms will be retained. However, the strength of the material decreases as a result. The masonry scheme remains virtually unchanged.

    What should you consider before starting work?

    If you do the masonry yourself, the cost of construction can be significantly reduced. All you need to do is select high-quality cinder blocks and learn how to lay them correctly.

    1. Choosing a installation method.

    The laying pattern is influenced by the cinder block used, which depends on the type of material and the nature of the future construction. You can place blocks in one, one and a half, two and half stones (spoon method). It is worth considering the fact that the thicker the wall is, the warmer the building will be.

    2. Preparation of mortar for masonry.

    The manufacturing technology is the same, but the proportions depend on the nature of the future building. You can now buy it in stores ready-made mixtures, to which it is enough to add a certain amount of water. However, this will significantly increase the cost of masonry. Therefore, the solution is usually prepared independently. The standard proportions are as follows:

    • 3 parts sand;
    • 1 hour cement;
    • water.

    The amount of water is adjusted for each specific case. The result should be a viscous, non-spreadable solution. If so, then you did everything right. At the end of cooking, it is necessary to add a plasticizer, which is used to increase frost resistance and increase density. A composition that has the following parameters is considered to be of high quality:

    • adhesion;
    • plastic;
    • uniformity;
    • frost resistance;
    • self-sealing;
    • strength;
    • waterproof.

    The main rule is that the solution must withstand the upcoming loads of the building. If the block manufacturing technology is strictly followed, then the product will ultimately be of high quality.

    3. Preparation necessary tools.

    If you don't know where to start laying cinder block, start by choosing the necessary tools. You will need:

    • A hand-held circular saw can be replaced with a hacksaw, since cinder blocks are quite easy to saw.
    • Respirator. You should not neglect safety measures and still use the specified device during the sawing process (it cannot be avoided). And the price should not be a reason to refuse a purchase.
    • Construction level, laser or bubble, your choice. You must be absolutely sure of the quality, so it is recommended to check it.
    • Hammer or mallet.
    • A trowel that you can make yourself, which will further reduce the cost of construction.
    • Plumb. Its role is performed by any weight on a fishing line or cord.
    • Order. This instrument is usually made of wood and is a river with a cross-section (50x50 or 70x50 mm), length - about two meters. The goal is to mark the rows of masonry, fix the marks of the top and bottom of the openings.

    After the preparatory work, you can begin to lay the cinder block directly.

    Step-by-step instructions for laying

    1. The beginning of laying cinder blocks is pouring the foundation, the width of which should slightly exceed the width of the blocks. The surface must be perfectly flat, without flaws in the form of bulges and holes.

    2. Setting the corners. For this purpose, rows are used that are attached to each corner. It is necessary to select a tool taking into account the thickness of the blocks, as well as the thickness of the two seams. A thread or cord is stretched between the row marks of each row, which indicates the level of the row.

    3. Directly laying the cinder block. The most important is the first layer, so this process is given Special attention. First you need to spread the adhesive mixture even layer using a trowel, on which you need to place a cinder block. After 3 blocks have been laid, the installation must be checked by level and plumb. Then repeat this procedure as often as possible, as required by the instructions. This will avoid re-laying, which means the price for the work will be lower. The following layers are laid in a similar way with level control. It is not recommended to make the seam thickness more than 1.5 cm. The gaps are also filled cement composition. If you are laying hollow cinder blocks, then under no circumstances should you fill the voids inside the blocks with mortar, as this will lead to a loss of thermal insulation properties.

    4. Completion of the work consists of facing the wall or “joining it” (using cement between blocks with outside pass the cut hollow pipe with an oblique cut).

    If the wall will not be covered, then you can add soot to the cement mortar. This will allow you to decorate the structure, but you need to be careful not to stain the blocks.

    Other builder tips

    There are little tricks that will help make your work a little easier, since laying walls with your own hands can be difficult for an inexperienced builder.

    1. Specialists, as a rule, lay cinder blocks without using any additional accessories. If you are doing this yourself for the first time, then you can use a template, the size of which depends on the dimensions of the blocks (you will have to make it yourself).

    2. Red clay is used as a plasticizer, especially since it is affordable.

    3. You also need to take care in advance of making a special platform, which will be needed so that you can lay out the top layers. A stepladder is not suitable for this purpose, because you can’t take a bucket with you, and you have to constantly move it, and it’s easy to fall.

    4. It is necessary to monitor the thickness of the seam. It should be no more than 1.5 cm, otherwise heat will escape from the building to the outside.

    Every year there is an increase in the popularity of such a technique as cinder block laying. The material used belongs to the budget category, but at the same time has decent technical properties, which provides the opportunity to construct both ancillary facilities and residential buildings. There is no need to hire a team of workers, since the installation process is quite simple, thanks to which you can save your family budget and try your hand at construction.

    Description

    The material was given its name by the previously used base for manufacturing - ash, slag and other combustion products. But today, fillers such as sawdust, broken brick, expanded clay, and crushed stone with a fine fraction are mainly used, due to the fact that slag-based blocks have insufficient strength and a significant degree of water absorption. Construction is also often practiced, which is made independently on a personal plot. But its use is more rational for creating outbuildings due to the fact that materials for residential buildings have established rules environmental safety, which cinder block does not correspond to.

    Manufacturing

    Slag and cement are used to form products, followed by pressing and drying. They became widespread precisely due to available technology And budget materials, the end result is a cinder block, the price per piece of which becomes minimal.

    The manufacturing process consists of three stages - mixing the ingredients, filling pre-prepared forms and hardening. As noted above, the basis is combustion waste, water and astringent components. For increase performance characteristics crushed stone, expanded clay, gravel are added, and they can also completely replace slag.

    A cinder block, the price per piece of which starts from 40 rubles, must have standard dimensions, despite the wide range of characteristics added by the fillers used.

    Classification

    The material is divided into several types depending on the presence or absence of voids. Blocks are monolithic one-piece design, having no internal empty spaces. They are distinguished by a high degree of strength, but at the same time they have insufficient thermal insulation properties and are heavy. The most popular products are those with a void ratio of within 30%. They have average strength and thermal conductivity characteristics.

    With an increase in voids to 40%, there is an increase in heat capacity with a simultaneous decrease in strength, compared to other types.

    Laying cinder block: advantages and disadvantages

    Low price is the main advantage of the building material. It is also worth noting the possibility self-production and installation technology that everyone can handle. Despite this, negative aspects enough. Blocks do not tolerate the influence of factors environment- temperature changes and precipitation, have low strength and degree of sound insulation, and insufficient resistance to frost.

    As noted above, this material is not the most the best option for the construction of a residential building due to low environmental properties. Before laying is carried out, you need to decide on the type of products, depending on the required characteristics.

    What to pay attention to

    Many are puzzled by the question. It is primarily influenced by the climatic conditions of the construction site and the purpose of the future building.

    It is necessary to prepare tools in advance, among which there should be a device for mixing the solution, a circular saw, hammer, plumb line and level. The materials you will also need are mesh for reinforcement or metal rods, sand and cement.

    Laying cinder blocks is similar to installing conventional bricks and is most often done in 2, 1.5 and 1 blocks. When choosing a technique, it is worth remembering that the building becomes warmer with increasing thickness of the wall structures, as this increases the thermal insulation characteristics. But at the same time, more load is placed on the foundation and additional expenses arise. The optimal wall thickness for a building with one floor is 1 block.

    Foundation

    Arrangement quality basis is the first step in creating reliable masonry. As with any other construction, its choice depends on the depth of location groundwater And general view soil at the selected site. A reinforced concrete monolithic base is optimally suited for heaving, complex soil.

    A strip foundation made of cinder blocks is an excellent option for stable soil, provided the groundwater is low. It is distinguished by the possibility independent arrangement, without the use of expensive tools and rental of special equipment. It must be taken into account that the width of future walls should be slightly less than the width of the base. A composition of sand, cement and crushed stone can also be used for pouring.

    Protection of the material from moisture is achieved by installing a waterproofing coating mounted on concrete base after final hardening, roofing felt can act as it.

    Solution

    You can make the mortar for laying cinder blocks yourself or purchase a ready-made version in a specialized store. Due to the high cost of dry compounds, many prefer the first option. The basis of the masonry mass is sand and cement. By adding plasticizing compounds, it is possible to increase frost resistance and plasticity. Ready solution, when properly prepared, should have a viscous structure and a small degree of spreading during work.

    Work progress

    Laying cinder blocks with your own hands, as well as other building materials, starts from the corners. Special care is required here, since the reliability of wall structures directly depends on the correct alignment of all angles. First, a little mass is placed on them, which is leveled using a trowel. Next, two blocks are mounted in compliance with right angle, then another one, while you need to remember about dressing the seams.

    Similar actions occur with other angles. Do not forget about systematically checking the vertical and horizontal levels using a plumb line and special device for measuring.

    When selecting any part from general design, it is adjusted by lightly tapping it with a trowel. As a guide when installing the main row, there is a cord stretched on nails that are driven into the seam between the lower and upper elements. After completing the first row, the subsequent laying of the cinder block begins, observing the same conditions.

    Installation seams must have a minimum width, since the room loses heat through them. Optimal size seams should not exceed 15 cm. At the same time, there is a tendency to reduce strength with a width of less than 10 cm.

    Reinforcement of masonry allows you to increase its reliability and ensure uniform distribution of loads throughout the structure. For strengthening, either steel rods are used. This procedure is most important for the first row.

    Reliable and beautiful masonry cinder block consists of approximately 10% theory and 90% practice, but despite this ratio, without 10% theory it is difficult to master practical skills and begin to apply them on a construction site.

    In the image: illustration of the three basic rules for laying blocks (bricks), 1 - the direction of the load force on the wall, 2 - the direction of the destructive forces when laying wedge-shaped stones, 3 - the distribution of the load over the surface of the wall.

    1. Cinder block and any other stone, both natural and artificial, tolerate compression well and do not easily break or bend. This is where the first rule of reliable masonry arises - the overlying stone must rest with its entire surface on the underlying masonry. To achieve this, when laying cinder blocks, apply the solution to the entire surface of the underlying block, and not just along the edges.

    2. The side edges of the stones should be located only at right angles to the horizon. If this rule is not followed, the stones begin to act as wedges, which, under load, push the masonry apart, destroying it.

    3. Each next row of blocks should be shifted relative to the bottom one by a quarter or half of the block, that is, the vertical seams of adjacent rows should not be allowed to coincide. If the seams do not match ( correct masonry), then the vertical load spreads across the entire wall, and if the seams coincide (wrong masonry), then the load spreads along the column, sharply increasing the likelihood of destruction of part of the wall.

    And a few tips: when working in hot or windy weather, it is advisable to moisten the blocks, this increases the adhesion between the solution and the cinder block; if a break is expected during the laying process, then the mortar should not be spread on the top row; Every 3 - 4 rows it is necessary to check the horizontality and verticality of the rows.

    In the image: cinder block elements: 1 - upper bed, 2 - large side edge - spoon, 3 - small side edge - poke.

    To make it easier to understand what kind of cinder block masonry can be used when building a wall, you need to remember that the block has 6 faces: 2 opposite ones on which the block is laid - the upper and lower beds; big side faces- spoons; small side edges are pokes. The masonry is carried out in horizontal rows and cinder blocks are laid on beds.

    The height of each horizontal row is formed from the height of the stone and the thickness of the horizontal mortar joint, which is usually 10 - 12 mm.

    In the image: 1 - masonry in half a cinder block, 2 - masonry in a cinder block, 3 - one and a half cinder blocks.

    The width of the masonry, which ultimately is the thickness of the wall, should be a multiple of 1/2 of the cinder block.

    Factors affecting the reliability of a wall made of cinder block or any other stone

    The strength of the masonry is determined by the quality of the cinder block and the properties of the solution. The maximum strength of masonry made from blocks is equal to 40 - 50% of the tensile strength of the blocks themselves. This situation is explained as follows: during laying, the mortar is laid on the blocks in an uneven layer, microscopic kinks and voids appear, this leads to the formation of different pressures on the cinder block in different parts of the wall, bending stress arises in the block, and just such a load cinder block does not hold up well.

    In the image: stages of destruction of masonry, 1 - appearance of cracks, 2 - formation of individual columns, 3 - complete destruction of the wall.

    If a wall experiences excessive load, it first becomes covered with vertical cracks, which are most often located along vertical seams. Over time, the cracks expand and monolithic wall turns into a set of columns that can move out of the plane of the wall and eventually the masonry collapses.

    The reliability of the masonry largely depends on the quality of the mortar; the plasticity of the mortar is especially important. The plastic solution lies evenly on the stone, as a result, the bending stress decreases and the reliability of the wall increases.

    When mixing the solution, strictly observe the proportions, taking into account the quality of sand and cement, do not prepare for future use.

    The strength of the masonry also depends on the thickness of the seam; the thicker the layer of mortar, the harder it is to evenly place it on the cinder block and the likelihood of fracture stress increases. For this reason, each type of masonry is made with a certain thickness of the seam (for a cinder block this is approximately 1 cm), and it is not possible to increase this thickness without the risk of reducing the strength of the structure.

    Cinder Block Laying Tools

    In the image: tools needed for masonry stone wall, 1 - trowel (trowel), 2 - mortar shovel, 3 - jointing for convex and concave seams, 4 - hammer-pick, 5 - plumb line, 6 - square, 7 - construction level, 8 - tape measure, 9 - level, 10 - folding meter, 11 - duralumin rule, 12 - order.

    1. A trowel is a steel shovel with a wooden handle, with the help of which the mortar is leveled, the seams are filled, and excess mortar is trimmed.

    2. The mortar shovel is designed to mix the mortar without allowing it to separate, apply it to the wall and spread it.

    3. Joints with which the seams can be given a convex, concave, triangular, rectangular recessed shape.

    4. A pick hammer is used when chopping and hewing bricks or blocks.

    5. A plumb line, with its help the mason controls the verticality of the wall, piers, corners, and so on. This tool, depending on whether the verticality of masonry is checked within one or several floors, has different weight. For the first case it is 200 - 400 g, for the second 600 - 1000 g.

    6. The square is used to check angles.

    7. Construction level, which is designed to control horizontal and vertical plane. Available in lengths of 300, 500 and 700 mm. Structurally, it consists of an aluminum case with two glass ampoules filled with non-freezing liquid, in which an air bubble remains. The principle of operation of the device is simple: place it on the surface of the wall and look at the position of the bubble. If it measures in the middle between the divisions of the ampoule, then the surface is horizontal; if it is shifted in any direction, then there is a deviation.

    8. Tape measures and folding meter are designed for measuring short distances.

    9. Rules-level - this tool is made from trimmed wooden (section 30 × 80 mm, length 1.5 - 2 meters) or duralumin slats with a special profile. With its help, the front surface of the laid wall is controlled.

    10. Order - represents wooden slats(section 50 × 50 or 70 × 50, length 1.8 - 2 meters) with divisions every 77 mm, which is equal to the thickness of one row with mortar (65 mm + 12 mm). The order can also be made from a metal corner, on the edges of which divisions with a depth of 3 mm and a pitch of 77 mm are cut.

    Sequence of work when constructing cinder block walls

    In the image: 1 - laying the outer spoon verst, 2 - inner spoon verst, 3 - butting row.

    One of the first questions that arises before starting to build walls is how thick should they be? The best answer to this question is to get it from project documentation, but many people build houses without plans, in this case you can rely on these numbers. During construction 1 storey building and at an air temperature in winter - 20 C, the wall thickness is 350 - 400 mm; temperature - 30 C thickness 450 - 500 mm; temperature - 40 C thickness 550 - 650 mm.

    The cinder block laying is carried out by a master and an assistant. The latter stands in front and, moving along the course of the masonry, delivers the blocks onto the wall, laying them out in steps equal to the length of the block being laid and at a distance from the wall equal to two lengths of the stone. With this arrangement, it will be convenient for the master to spread the mortar and lay the blocks on the wall. The assistant’s responsibilities also include supplying the solution.

    Cinder block is a “fast” building material that speeds up the work of a mason.

    The master lays the mortar with a shovel on the upper surface of the wall, the width of the strip is several centimeters narrower than the width of the block. The cinder block is laid on fresh mortar and pressed close to the laid block, after which it is pushed down with both hands and, if necessary, with a hammer. The protruding mortar is cut off with a trowel and the vertical seams are filled. If the cinder block does not have a recess on the bonded surface, then a solution must be applied to this face before laying the block on the wall.

    Additional articles with useful information

    Whether or not to use cinder block as the main building material when building a house can be decided only after taking into account the positive and negative aspects of this artificial stone.

    Many developers can be helped out frame walls, especially if you take into account their features during construction and operation, since they can be built without special equipment and they are much cheaper.

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