Plastering of expanded clay concrete blocks: work technology

A smooth, long-lasting finish can be achieved with expanded clay concrete block plastering, but proper technique is essential. Although expanded clay blocks are well-liked for their insulating qualities and portability, plastering with them can provide certain special difficulties.

We’ll walk you through each step of plastering these blocks in this article. You’ll discover how to successfully handle every step, from surface preparation to plaster application and finishing touches. Whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or working on a larger project, knowing the proper techniques will help you produce results that are professional.

We’ll also go over some typical problems you might run into and how to prevent them so your plastering project is effective and durable. Let’s explore the fundamentals of plastering concrete blocks made of expanded clay and get your project off to a terrific start.

It’s imperative to use the proper technique when plastering expanded clay concrete blocks in order to achieve a smooth, long-lasting finish. Begin by thoroughly cleaning and repairing any imperfections from the surface. To improve adhesion, prime the blocks and then evenly coat them with a plaster mixture. To get a polished look, pay attention to drying times and finishing touches. This method increases the longevity of your walls while also making them look better.

Features of expanded clay concrete blocks

Owners of their sites have long used expanded clay concrete blocks to construct houses and other structures. Several components are combined to create blocks by vibrating pressing them together. Expanded clay is made from fired, foamed clay, sand, and cement that have been thoroughly combined and compacted under high pressure using vibration loads.

The blocks’ surface and structure have the following characteristics:

  • The composition of the material contains foamed gas or diluted granules of concrete insulation, which gives the structure of the material heterogeneity with many pores, through which moisture is actively absorbed. This disrupts the normal maturation of the plaster solution, it will dry out and crack.
  • Unfilled pores draw in moisture with the solution, which leads to strong shrinkage of the layer. This disrupts the geometry of the surface, the wall becomes crooked, masonry seams and block contours may appear on it.
  • The presence of a large number of pores and inclusions of foreign materials weakens adhesion when applying the coating to the surface. Without timely measures to improve adhesion, the finish will quickly crumble and fall off.
  • The block material has high vapor permeability.

Advice: Vapor permeability should rise from the inside out when finishing walls. Make sure you choose the right coating material before plastering expanded clay concrete blocks.

  • Strong absorption of moisture by cellular concrete requires the use of a moisture-resistant, durable, frost-resistant and elastic coating for the exterior decoration of the house. Polymer cement mixtures correspond to this.

Buildings made of this material can be constructed more quickly and affordably than those made of regular brick.

The following are the principal drawbacks of homes composed of this material:

  • Not very presentable appearance.
  • The porous structure of the block is easily blown through.

Expanded clay concrete blocks have the following benefits:

  • Small weight, up to 8 kilograms, facilitates construction work without outside help.
  • Increased strength.
  • Absolute non-toxicity of expanded clay concrete blocks, which makes the materials the most environmentally friendly when building a house.
  • Weak moisture absorption, which prevents the blocks from being exposed to steam and water, which distinguishes them from wood.
  • Excellent thermal insulation properties, allow you to retain heat well inside a room such as a bathhouse without too much insulation work.

Plastering the walls on both sides of the building is required to strengthen it and keep it from being blown through.

Additionally, the completion of expanded clay concrete blocks occurs when:

  • There is a need to additionally insulate the room (see. Finishing and insulating the facade of the house: choosing a material): external plastering is performed, which includes insulation and a vapor-permeable membrane, or without them.
  • Construction of a residential building: finishing it outside and inside.
  • Construction of basements, semi-basements, other underground structures – a special waterproofing coating is made on the outside of the walls.

Requirements for materials for plastering blocks

Making the right material selection is crucial when hand-finishing cellular concrete. A number of requirements must be satisfied by the solution.

  • High strength. Cellular blocks are not durable, which requires their protection from wear, abrasion, mechanical impacts, scratches and other damage.
  • Good moisture resistance. The pores on the surface actively absorb moisture, due to which the wall gets wet, this requires that the exterior finishing be done with a waterproof layer.
  • Sufficient adhesion. Otherwise the composition will simply fall off. It is better to use mixtures made on the basis of a cement binder composition and various additives that increase adhesion.
  • High plasticity. It is necessary that the layer can withstand small surface changes in geometry that arise from temperature changes and shrinkage. For these purposes, the composition must contain polymer plasticizers and other elements that make the dried layer sufficiently flexible.
  • Frost resistance.

What kind of plaster is suitable for expanded clay concrete walls

Depending on the use of the space, a building composed of these blocks has a surface covered in:

  • A solution made on the basis of sand and cement (see. Optimal ratio of cement and sand for plastering). The price of such a composition is relatively small, and its purchase is available to everyone.
  • Special cement-based mixtures with various additives, plasticizers and fillers. It is more convenient to work with such plaster, it is more durable, has a number of positive characteristics.
  • Water-repellent compounds. Used to protect the walls of buildings erected in difficult climatic conditions, or surfaces located below the zero mark of the soil.
  • Gypsum-based solutions. Used only for interior plastering of residential premises with normal humidity.

Suggestion: The capacity to apply finishing materials in thick layers and having good vapor permeability are the two most important requirements.

Features of gypsum plaster for expanded clay concrete houses

Among the benefits of using gypsum plaster are:

  • The blocks are based on cement, and the plaster is gypsum.
  • These two materials have different acidity levels or pH levels.
  • Expanded clay concrete has an alkaline reaction, and gypsum gives an acidic. When mixing such media, a neutralization process occurs.
  • After applying gypsum plaster to a wall made of expanded clay concrete blocks, a neutralization reaction occurs. As a result, the strength at the interface between the media is lost, which can lead to peeling of the plaster.

To tackle this issue, you’ll need:

  • Prime the wall surfaces well with a primer specially designed for concrete bases. In this case:
  1. The first layer is diluted with water so that the composition penetrates deeply into the material, creating a reinforced layer;
  2. After the first layer dries, an undiluted second layer is applied, creating the necessary film at the interface between the media separations.
  • Gypsum plaster is used.

Suggestion: Before applying any kind of finishing, the wall surface must be primed. This greatly strengthens the base’s and plaster’s adhesion.

Any ready-made dry mix used for gas silicate or foam concrete blocks with high vapor permeability can be used to finish expanded clay concrete walls (cm. Plaster for cellular concrete: how to choose).

Step Description
Preparation Clean the surface of dust and debris. Ensure the blocks are dry and any cracks are filled.
Primer Application Apply a primer to help the plaster adhere better to the surface of the blocks.
Mixing Plaster Mix the plaster according to the manufacturer"s instructions until it reaches a smooth, workable consistency.
Applying Plaster Spread the plaster evenly over the blocks using a trowel. Apply in a thin, even layer and smooth it out.
Drying Allow the plaster to dry completely. Avoid rapid drying by keeping the area well-ventilated but not too hot.
Finishing Once dry, sand the surface if needed to remove any imperfections. Apply a final coat if required for a smooth finish.

With the correct procedures, plastering expanded clay concrete blocks is a simple process. Smooth, long-lasting plaster can be achieved by using the right plaster mix and surface preparation. Be mindful of the particular requirements for expanded clay concrete, since it necessitates a little more setup than other materials.

Make sure you prime the plaster in order to improve adhesion and avoid moisture problems. Applying plaster correctly in layers and letting each coat dry completely will contribute to a strong, durable finish. Your plastered walls will function well over time in addition to looking fantastic if you use the proper techniques.

In general, if you adhere to these instructions, plastering expanded clay concrete blocks will turn out professionally. Whether you’re renovating or building something new, following these pointers will guarantee a well-executed project.

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Dmitry Stepanov

Professional decorator with 10 years of experience. I know everything about renovating apartments, houses and offices. I will be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.

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