The first row of bricks on the foundation of an aerated concrete house. Do you need it??

Every little detail counts when constructing or remodeling a house, starting with the foundation’s first row of bricks. However, how does this apply to homes made of aerated concrete? Is the first layer of bricks necessary, or is it just an extra layer that they don’t need? In order to answer this question, let’s examine whether the first row of bricks on an aerated concrete house’s foundation is actually necessary.

Let’s start by defining aerated concrete and discussing its growing popularity as a building material. Sand, cement, lime, and aluminum powder are the ingredients of aerated concrete, sometimes referred to as autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), which is a lightweight building material. Because of its special makeup, it has superior thermal insulation qualities and is both ecologically and energy-friendly. Aerated concrete also offers good sound insulation, durability, and fire resistance.

Returning to our original inquiry, are aerated concrete homes required to have that initial row of bricks on their foundation? Traditionally, the damp-proof course (DPC), the top layer of bricks, keeps moisture from rising through the walls and into the house’s structure. However, because of its composition and production method, aerated concrete itself has a high level of moisture resistance.

What does this mean for the requirement of the foundation’s first row of bricks? Some contend that the DPC may not be necessary because aerated concrete is naturally resistant to moisture. Some, on the other hand, support its use as an extra layer of defense, particularly in areas where high moisture content is a problem or where building codes require it.

In summary, the necessity of the first row of bricks on an aerated concrete house’s foundation ultimately depends on a number of variables, including local building codes, weather, and individual preferences. Although aerated concrete is highly resistant to moisture, adding a damp-proof course could give you an additional measure of protection against any potential moisture-related problems. In the end, homeowners and builders should carefully consider these variables and seek professional advice to decide which course of action is best for their particular circumstance.

The question of whether the foundation’s initial row of bricks is required often comes up when building a house with aerated concrete. While some maintain that it’s an unnecessary step, others assert that it increases stability and aids in preventing moisture infiltration. Nonetheless, it’s imperative to take into account elements like climate, soil type, and local building codes. To find the best course of action for your particular situation, it is advisable to consult with a structural engineer or skilled builder. Ultimately, even though the first row of bricks might have some advantages, its necessity should be assessed on an individual basis based on a variety of factors.

The first row of bricks

You can start building the main walls of your future home after the aerated concrete foundation is poured, either in a strip or pile form. Many people think that laying gas silicate or cinder block or making a few rows of regular bricks first is an absolute must.

Let’s examine what motivates this brick laying, whether it is required, and what unavoidable effects result from shoddy construction or technological violations.

Features of bricklaying

There is a belief that brickwork shields the wall from moisture, mold, and dampness by preventing the capillary suction of moisture from the foundation. However, this viewpoint is incorrect. Compared to concrete or gas-silicate blocks, brick absorbs moisture more quickly, dries much more quickly, and has a longer drying time. Naturally, during construction, you can create effective waterproofing in a number of locations. However, this is useless because waterproofing multiple times is costly and unprofitable. This will also have an impact on the entire house’s seismic stability, which is significant for areas near the coast and in seismically unstable areas.

Purchasing bricks, mortar, sand, and other necessary materials makes the process of laying bricks time-consuming and expensive. Experts think you can skip the first row of bricks and start building the building’s walls right away using the primary material; all you need to do is know a few shortcuts and use basic building techniques.

Uneven foundation

It must first be leveled before the first row can be laid if our foundation is improperly poured and the difference in the corners exceeds 3 cm, when 2-2.5 cm is acceptable. The foundation’s corners should ideally not diverge by more than 1.5 cm, never by 1.

But, because bricks have a specific size, leveling the foundation with just mortar and brickwork will not be feasible if the formwork has collapsed or if an unanticipated event has occurred. The foundation cannot be leveled without sacrificing quality, no matter how much mortar is added.

A small allowable difference of up to 1 cm may be present, but if the difference in the foundation is greater than 3 cm, it must be reinforced and leveled again, almost to zero. You can then begin laying the first row in order to continue building the wall. It will be quicker, more accurate, and more dependable.

Structural strengthening or weakening?

Many people believe that by placing bricks in the first row, they will strengthen the structure and increase its dependability and durability. However, this is untrue. Although a row of bricks cannot support a wall, water and moisture can cause it to collapse quickly if proper waterproofing is not done. Therefore, a good waterproofing that can shield the brick from moisture and rainwater is more important than the material used for the first row.

This pertains to instances where the foundation is laid precisely as per the project plan, and it is then anticipated that the house’s walls will be built. However, out of the blue, an advice is given to build the basement portion of the brick row.

However, if the brick is still placed in the first row, there is still a second option. Let’s talk about how to do this kind of work properly and the consequences of doing it wrong.

Correct laying of bricks in the first row

There are various major and minor stages that comprise the entire construction process:

• Preparation of the trench for the foundation and communications.
• Pouring the strip foundation.
• Laying the basement row.
• Wall laying.
• Erection of the roof and partitions.

In order to place the walls of the future building on it, the basement portion is constructed. If you plan to use silicate bricks for the first row, you should be aware of how well they absorb water. As a result, waterproofing is required to shield the brick from exposure to low temperatures and atmospheric water damage. However, this will require two separate installations of the waterproofing, which will be costly and time-consuming.

Is it feasible to avoid waterproofing the house’s basement and is there a way to prevent the first floor’s brickwork from being destroyed? Regular bricks quickly absorb moisture and become saturated with it, much like a sponge. It essentially rests on the ground, collecting raindrops and subsurface water. Naturally, it is preferable to finish as soon as possible, but that way the material’s drying time will be overlooked. Its quick demise will result from wet bricks beginning to crumble and crack in the frost. Waterproofing is therefore crucial.

Backfilling to the basement’s zero mark, where we will also install the floor, lay insulation, and perform backfilling, is an additional feature. It is important to remember that the interior of the building will be damp, and that the brick will also absorb moisture. As a result, this area of the building also requires waterproofing—and good waterproofing at that.

In order to avoid doing waterproofing twice, let’s attempt to remove one layer and replace it with a different substance.

Every detail matters when constructing a home out of aerated concrete. Including the first row of bricks on the foundation is another detail that frequently causes controversy. While some contend it’s not needed, others maintain it’s critical for stability and moisture management.

Proponents of skipping the first row of bricks contend that aerated concrete is sufficiently strong and lightweight on its own. They contend that adding an additional layer of bricks will only make building more expensive and complex.

Advocates of incorporating the first row of bricks, however, highlight the advantages it provides. This layer acts as a shield to keep moisture from penetrating the walls and eventually causing damage. It also strengthens and stabilizes the foundation by an additional layer, guaranteeing the house’s long-term structural integrity.

The decision to put the first row of bricks on an aerated concrete house’s foundation ultimately comes down to personal taste, climate, and financial constraints. Some people might decide not to do this step in order to save money, but others might see it as an investment that is essential to the longevity and robustness of their house.

It’s crucial to thoroughly consider the advantages and disadvantages and speak with a licensed builder or engineer before making a choice. Homeowners can guarantee the long-term durability of their aerated concrete house by taking into account all relevant factors and making an informed decision.

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