During construction of houses one of the common materials used in Sri Lanka is cement blocks. The kind of block you use should be of vital importance in ensuring that your home is strong, secure and strong. Knowing that there are more types and sizes of block, they come in, it is essential to know which one is most preferable to be used in certain construction. In this guide, this will enable you to discuss the most appropriate cement blocks which are used in the construction of houses in Sri Lanka by comparing the features, advantage and usage of each.
Things to Consider in a Cement Block to Construct a House
Cement blocks are not all the same.
The home building block will need to afford:
- A strong compressive load on load-bearing walls
- Moisture-resistance and cracking-resistance
- Good sound and thermal insulation
- SLS (Sri Lanka Standards) compliant
- Simplicity to handle and fix
- Ease of handling and installation
A Trade off between Price and Performance
The best Cement Blocks to use in Sri Lankan Housing
1. 6-inch hollow blocks (150mm)
These are the most utilized blocks with regard to house construction. They become quite suitable in application in internal as well as external walls and can hold single-storied and even two-storied buildings. The hollow cores render them more lightweight and the electrical and plumbing lines can easily be installed.
2. 4 inch Solid Blocks (100mm)
These blocks with their lightweight property and compactness are the best when used in non-load-bearing internal walls. They are also cheaper to use in the walls to compartmentalize the spaces since they reduce the weight of the whole building.
3. Interlocking Blocks
They are becoming very common in the modern house construction. They save the construction time and are environmentally friendly and they use less mortar. Its use is suitable in low-cost houses and undertaking efficient and sustainable projects.
4. 200mm Hollow blocks (8 inch)
These blocks are heavier and stronger, which are common in bigger houses, garages or a foundation that needs denser foundation walls. They remain very beneficial in buildings that require extra strength; this is not normally the case in most housing units.
A Comparison of the Cement Block in Home Building
Selection of the Appropriate Block to Buy in Your Home
Choosing cement blocks, one should focus on aligning the product with your planning and surroundings:
Check structural type
Biscuits House is a single-storey house which can apply 6-inch blocks and reinforced blocks are necessary in a two-storey house.
Check quality
Quality should always be verified and the certification of SLSI is to be obtained as well as uniformity of size, shape, and finish.
Water absorption
Water intake rates should be checked because low absorption blocks can be used better in wet and humid conditions of Sri Lanka.
Purchase quality products
Quality blocks are available at a cheaper cost and the cost of transport in local suppliers.