Houses built with ceramic blocks: features, advantages, and disadvantages
Ceramic block houses are becoming increasingly popular. If we analyze the current market of building materials, this is a new product that has already proven itself well. It has gained trust not only among regular consumers looking to save money, but also professionals. Therefore, it’s worth learning more about its features, advantages, and disadvantages to understand whether investing in this building material makes sense. Currently, it competes strongly with aerated concrete and even brick.
Characteristics of ceramic blocks
Classic ceramic blocks are made from clay, and their composition is not much different from the one used for red brick production. However, the blocks may also contain peat or sawdust, which is something to consider, although these additives do not significantly affect the material’s parameters. The porous ceramic structure is formed during the firing process, where additives burn out.
Ceramic blocks are sold in various formats. Their minimum porosity is 15%, and the maximum can reach 50%. This structure makes the material practical, versatile, and very convenient. It is believed that thermal costs are reduced by up to three times due to this type of material.
The production technology is relatively simple and fast. It includes the following stages:
- Shaping
- Material processing
- Drying process
- Firing
The porous materials burn out, creating voids inside, which gives ceramic blocks their ideal level of sound insulation. You won’t even need to do additional work. Simply building walls from this material will ensure soundproofing, as well as heat retention in winter and cooling in summer. This helps save on heating or air conditioning costs.
Ceramic blocks are suitable not only for exterior walls but are also actively recommended for interior partitions and walls. Their sizes and weights vary, but typically one block can replace up to 15 bricks, which is quite a high indicator, especially for standard sizes. You won’t have to spend much on cement or installation, especially if experienced professionals do the work. Large sizes are available, so it’s best to create an individual project and choose materials accordingly to avoid overpaying for unnecessary items or running out of supplies unexpectedly.
In terms of weight, despite their larger size, ceramic blocks are very lightweight, with bricks being significantly heavier. This reduces the overall load on the foundation and makes it a more budget-friendly option, saving up to 40%.
Additionally, ceramic blocks have a unique interlocking system called “comb” grooves. This is a practical and convenient format, ensuring long-term and comfortable operation. All models have between 2 and 8 grooves on the inner side, which interlock during installation. If installed correctly, there will be no issues with tightness, sound, vapor, or thermal insulation. No need for extra treatment with special solutions, which also saves on the overall construction budget.
Advantages of ceramic blocks for house construction
Ceramic blocks are considered versatile, making them suitable not only for cement mortar but also for high-quality adhesive mixtures from reputable manufacturers. This can improve the overall airtightness since these mixtures fill the block cavities perfectly, enhancing the block’s properties. This increases energy efficiency, which means you won’t have to spend extra on heating fuel in winter.
Here are additional advantages:
- Reliable fastening system
- Extra thermal insulation
- High strength
- Resistance to weather conditions and mechanical impact
- Odor-free
It’s also worth noting that ceramic blocks are completely safe for both animals and humans. They don’t require any additional treatments, ensuring protection against potential allergic reactions.
Disadvantages of ceramic blocks for house construction
One significant downside is the brittleness of the material. Despite its overall strength, it can crack into several small pieces if subjected to strong impact. Therefore, you need to be very careful during transportation and handling. Extra attention is needed for heavy-duty work. When cutting, the master may also damage the block, so it’s important to choose the right saw blade and angle grinder specifically for the block’s dimensions, not just a universal tool. Using incorrect tools will damage the structure and could end up being more costly than purchasing the right tools in the first place.
Other disadvantages of ceramic blocks include:
- Susceptibility to dynamic loads
- Difficult to chisel
- Higher price compared to aerated concrete
If you follow the standards and take care to preserve the properties of ceramic blocks, there aren’t too many drawbacks. Yes, the price might seem high to some, but its thermal, vapor, and sound insulation properties are significantly better than those of aerated concrete. Without these qualities, you would have to spend extra on professional finishing, which could end up being more expensive than just purchasing ceramic blocks and avoiding further steps, as their inherent properties are sufficient for comfortable living.
Conclusion
Ceramic block houses are becoming more common. They attract attention due to relatively quick and simple construction, excellent technical characteristics, and minimal load on the foundation. While not the cheapest option, it can help save significantly with proper project planning.
Nowadays, ceramic blocks are used to build not only standard one-story houses but also large cottages. You can choose either traditional or original designs. Moreover, the market offers a wide range of colored materials with different textures and structures.