In recent years, many new species have appeared among structural materials, in particular, the range of light cellular concrete has expanded. One of the representatives of the new family is foam concrete. A feature of foam concrete is the porous structure, the formation of which occurs during the manufacture during the reaction of the foaming agent with cement. Foam concrete, like any new material, causes itself a variety of consumer reviews, both positive and negative. However, this is inherent in almost any building material.
Positive reviews.
The main part of the positive reviews that consumers of foam concrete leave are associated with such properties as good heat – and sound insulation. Air, located in numerous pores, evenly distributed in the structure of foam concrete, is a poor conductor of heat and sound. This contributes to the presence of foam concrete of such a high degree of insulating properties.
The presence of pores filled with air also causes other positive reviews about foam concrete related to its low weight. The combination of large sizes of blocks and relatively small weight helps to reduce the complexity of laying work and reduces their production time. Small weight also contributes to the possibility of using a lighter foundation, which reduces the construction. He is well processed, which also facilitates work with him.
Good reviews about foam concrete are given by firefighters. The material belongs to category G1, non -combustible materials. This allows you to build fire walls and partitions from it. In its environmental properties, foam concrete is close to wood. It has vapor permeability, thanks to which excess moisture comes out of the room, thereby providing a healthier microclimate in the house.
The low cost of foam concrete compared to other structural materials also contributes to the positive reviews of consumers about themselves.
Negative reviews.
Pentate’s disadvantages also have. The main negative quality is insufficient strength. This causes not only restrictions in the supporting abilities of foam concrete, but also numerous consumer reviews about problems with the fasteners of various designs and details. To ensure reliable fasteners, it is necessary to use expensive anchors.
Another negative moment is indirectly related to low strength – the need to reinforce masonry. In addition to increasing the complexity and costs of masonry, this necessitates additional thermal insulation of the formed bridges of the cold. The porosity of foam concrete contributes to high hygroscopicity, which requires additional protection of the material from atmospheric effects. In the manufacture of blocks, an uneven shrinkage occurs, which leads to the need for the device of an additional leveling layer of plaster, or a brick cladding or a ventilated facade device.