Eco Friendly Property Construction Using Thermocellit Blocks
Posted: Friday, March 21, 2008
by Kirk Buyinland
1st2spain.com
INTRODUCTION TO CLAY BLOCKS
ThermoCellit honeycombed clay blocks are made from fired clay and have a honeycomb cross-section. The external walls of your property can be built rapidly with this single skin eco friendly build system which replaces conventional cavity walls. These thermocellit honeycombed clay blocks combine rapid build time with moisture protection, noise and thermal insulation all in one.
The blocks are laid with a horizontal mortar joint 8-12mm thick using a special light weight mortar.
Vertical joints are tongue and grooved and need no mortar. The ThermoCellit range includes special blocks for windows and corners, and lintels.
Internal walls can also be built with Cellit blocks.
ADVANTAGES
The main and obvious advantages gained by using Thermocellit build blocks are rapid build times and more importantly the eco friendliness of the system along with the following:
Easy to plan wall layout
Special shapes are available for corners, windows and door
openings
Easy to use
Blocks can be cut
No mortar is needed in the vertical joints due to a tongue and grooved edge, reducing mortar use by up to 40%.
Very little thermal movement results in less cracking and better building resale values
Surface fixings compare favourably with conventional masonry construction
The blocks are very strong and have a high impact resistance
GENERAL
The large block size, which allows rapid construction coupled with excellent thermal properties, makes this a very eco friendly build system and is becoming very popular. There are several great external and internal finishes available.
PRODUCT DATA
ThermoCellit block
Height 240 mm Length 260 mm Thickness 300 / 365 mm Weight 162 / 197 kg/m respectively
Vapour diffusion resistance, 4 U-value with external render and internal plaster
0.36/0.30 W/mK respectively Crushing strength of Thermocellit wall 4 N/mm
Sound reduction (with render + plaster finishes) 48 / 51 dB respectively
Cellit block
Height 240 mm Length 400 mm Thickness 100 / 125 / 150 mm Weight 74 / 90 / 108 kg/m
Crushing strength of Cellit wall 4 N/mm
Sound reduction (plaster both sides) 47 dB (125 block)
Mortar 30 kg bag (mixed with 10 litres water makes 30 litres wet
mortar). Sufficient for 1.00 m of 300 mm wall and 0.80 m of 365 mm wall at 8-12 mm mortar joint thickness.
Maintenance
No maintenance required.
Humidity and condensation
High protection against dampness penetration and the formation of condensation.
Acoustic Insulation
Good results are easily achieved.
Quality of living environment
Healthier living environment is assured by the lack of dampness, the good insulation values and the resistance against biological growth.
Air quality
The clay blocks do not contain pollutants such as fibres, organic airborne materials (benzene, toluene, solvents, ethers), formaldehyde and so on (there are about 100 possible pollutants in organic airborne materials such as PFA). No fungicides or insecticides are present and no radioactive components.
Recyclability
Thermocellit clay building blocks are totally recyclable.
In case of fire
Masonry clay blocks are totally fire proof (class A1). Furthermore no toxic gases will be released when exposed to fire.
In case of flooding
Prolonged exposure to water will not alter the structure of the clay blocks and their mechanical and thermal characteristics will be the same once dry.
In case of earth tremors
Excellent behaviour in seismic areas. The holding structure, with reinforcing rods contained in the column blocks and continuous lintels at each floor level is very efficient. The only recommendation is seismic areas is to fill the perp joints, an operation not necessary in other areas.
In case of pests and insects presence
The clay building blocks cannot be attacked by pests and insects.
Thermocellit blocks have less water absorption in the wall. The table shows a typical example in a wet climate zone. Condensation risk is virtually eliminated therefore there is less need to adopt heavy external waterproofing systems that do not allow walls to breathe. The little moisture absorbed will be eliminated through an appropriate vapour permeable render and the wall will dry out naturally.
Thermocellit Construction improves the energy efficiency of a property. Organic growth is non existent as the blocks are made with a mineral and non organic material, totally free of components that might encourage it. Thermocellit Clay blocks do not contain pollutant components, fibres, fungicides or insecticides.
A Thermocellit block construction provides a far healthier, pleasant environment, especially for individuals with breathing difficulties. The thermal properties are excellent and will ensure great energy savings. Acoustically the correct configuration will satisfy the requirements of Part E of the Building Regulations. Author: www.1st2spain.com eco friendly property construction
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