DIY Block foundation for a bathhouse

Practice shows that various types of foundations should be used for various structures. This approach allows you to use the most successful base, as well as ensure maximum reliability for construction. It should be understood that today the situation related to construction and the like are not the simplest. It is worth paying attention to the price issue, as well as the practicality of certain works.

If we are talking directly about the bath structure, which is often a fairly easy design, it makes sense to pay attention to concrete blocks. It is in such conditions that such building materials are the most practical.

Experts note that concrete blocks have a huge number of advantages, along with which the bath structure will become a really practical and durable space. It is important to pay attention to the low weight of concrete blocks, as well as their modest dimensions. We can safely say that in order to carry out work on creating a foundation based on blocks, you do not need to attract heavy equipment. In addition, some other processes that are carried out when creating classic types of bases also disappear.

Of course, it is worth recognizing that the foundation from the blocks has some disadvantages, so it is not always possible to easily make a clear choice in favor of such a basis.

In this material, we will consider issues related to the creation of the foundation based on blocks. Practice shows that all the necessary measures can be carried out with your own hands, so for such a case you should thoroughly know the technology.

Features of the foundation from blocks

As we have already said, blocks based on blocks are created in cases where there is a need to build a light structure. Accordingly, you need to immediately understand that for large building structures this foundation is better not to use at all. Thus, we will consider the issue related to the creation of a block foundation for a bath room. As you know, often baths are relatively small buildings, so no problems related to the use of such a basis should simply be.

It is also important to keep in mind that under the bath you can use another base. For example, this can be a strip foundation that will also provide a high level of reliability for the construction. However, often the hosts choose a block foundation due to the simplicity of construction work. In addition, there are many other advantages that should not be forgotten.

Often blocks are chosen by those people who do not want to deal with ordinary concrete. We are talking about creating a mixture, pouring and a sufficiently long period of time during which the design will gain the necessary level of strength.

Despite the fact that often the block foundation has such a name, in fact it can be tape or columnar. Accordingly, the main difference is that in the case of the usual foundation, you need to create formwork and pour concrete, and in the case of blocks we have ready -made units of material, which must form exactly the same shape as the usual bases. To delve into this information, just look at photos of ready -made foundations based on blocks, and then everything will immediately become clear.

The advantages and disadvantages of the block foundation

As always, in order to completely delve into all the features of the foundation, it makes sense to pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of the presented construction structure.

Pros:

• Strength. Concrete -based blocks are produced using modern technologies. Accordingly, it is impossible to doubt that this base will be fragile. Blocks are produced along with reinforcement. In addition, all the ratios necessary for obtaining quality products are observed here. Thus, this is the great news for the owners who have some fears associated with the creation of a high -quality mixture, as well as the correct arrangement of reinforcing elements. Of course, something can depend on the manufacturer of the material, since for the sake of saving, or simply by mistake, you can release not the highest quality product.
• Duration of construction work. As we have already said, to create a classic foundation, it is required to allocate a lot of time in order to create formwork, make the required amount of the mixture, and also fill and wait until the design gains the necessary strength. Accordingly, this is a huge period of time, which can not be lost with responsible or large -scale work. The use of concrete blocks means that the entire above period of time is simply lost. In cases where construction work should be completed in record time, blocks are almost irreplaceable components. Looking a little in advance, it is worth saying that this advantage will result in considerable cash losses, which can only be avoided by creating the usual foundation for many.
• Practicality. This is exactly the advantage that almost all the owners pay attention to first of all. The practicality of using the foundation from the blocks is that it is enough to deliver these products to the right place, after which it remains only to arrange it correctly and carry out some events that usually do not spend a lot of time. This very practicality, as we have already mentioned, saves a lot of time, especially in responsible construction. You need to understand that not all conditions are ideal for concrete blocks, so you should analyze the situation in advance and draw some conclusions.
• Product characteristics. We have already mentioned that the blocks in question in this article are full for construction work. The bottom line is that these products are not just an array of concrete, but also reinforcement, as well as other components that make the material completely suitable for creating strong structures. In such a situation, people who carry out construction events are completely confident in the high quality of the foundation, which cannot but rejoice.

Cons:

• Price. Obviously, the material that is already completely suitable for use can not be cheap. Of course, you can find inexpensive products, but in any case it will be more expensive than the foundation created from scratch (with conventional pouring concrete and creating reinforcement). Experts note that the creation of the same dimensions of the strip foundation will be 2 times cheaper, if you create formwork, fill and reinforcement. Thus, it is necessary to establish whether it makes sense in such cash expenses. Everything can depend on the dimensions of the structure, as well as on the existing budget. It is worth recognizing that in modern conditions the owners try to do everything possible to make any penny to be saved.
• Isolation and insulation of the foundation. If the base consists of blocks, then, obviously, some intervals will be present between the units of the material. They must be given insulation, since even because of small cracks, serious problems may arise related to moisture penetration, which will gradually destroy the structure. The situation is in such a way that isolation is a fairly simple process, so there should not be any particular difficulties. Often, bitumen is used for this case, which makes the structure completely inaccessible to moisture. If we talk about insulation, then this is also necessary, since at the level of the foundation of coolness it will really be felt. It is worth saying that insulation occurs on both sides of the foundation. The lack of thermal insulation is felt even at a time when the window is warm.
• Dimensions and weight of blocks. To date, on sale you can find various blocks that have various parameters, starting weight and ending with the presence of reinforcement. It should be borne in mind that on sale you can easily find blocks of huge sizes, which can be delivered to the desired place, as well as use directly during construction, only using special equipment.

Thus, we have a sufficient number of factors that are worth paying attention to when choosing a foundation. Again, everything can depend on existing conditions. For example, we can talk about a specific site, which, obviously, can make many problems during construction events.

The specifics of the foundation

Before considering the process of creating the foundation from blocks, it should be borne in mind that bath structures are often created on the basis of foam concrete or brick. Accordingly, in such conditions when the structure is distinguished by considerable dimensions, you should make a choice in favor of a fine -trimmed strip base.

In addition, experts note the fact that the strip foundation is much more convenient in those frequent cases when there is a need for continuous pouring of the floor.

Creating a column foundation from blocks

If we are talking about using small concrete blocks to create the foundation, then often their weight is about 30 kg. The dimensions of the unit of the material are 390x190x180 mm. It should be understood that on sale you can find the most diverse options for these products, so it makes sense to analyze this issue based on the most common option, which is indicated above.

Thus, we will have a foundation that is created on the basis of four rows of masonry. It turns out that to create one pillar of the base will require 6-12 blocks.

• First of all, you will need to completely clear the territory on the basis of which the foundation will be created. This is an extremely important question, since any extraneous objects and objects can significantly harm the future structure. You will also need to remove a small layer of soil. Often it is fertile soil, which often begins the decomposition processes under the structure. In some cases, the hosts use geotextiles that allows you to get rid of all common problems.
• Now the time comes to mark. Practice shows that this is an extremely important process, since often the plans that were compiled in advance have certain flaws. They should get rid of them at the marking stage. The easiest way is to make markings with a thread that is stretched between pegs. Accordingly, all intersections and other marking elements must fully correspond to the previously planned values.
• It is necessary to determine exactly where the pillars of our foundation will be located. In these places it will be necessary to create pits whose depth will be approximately 40 cm. The width of such holes often turns out to be a little larger pillars. It is important to remember that often construction occurs on the basis of fluffy soil, which can create many problems. In such situations, it is necessary to create a pillow of crushed stone, or a layer of sand. The pillow layer is often 30 or more centimeters. To seal the pillow, you need to use water.
• Laying of supporting pillars begins with the creation of a cement mortar. To do this, use 1 part of cement, up to 4 parts of sand. The laying of the pillars occurs approximately as the creation of a brick structure. The seams between the blocks should be approximately 1 cm. It is extremely important to use the building level so that there are no problems associated with the location of building materials. In this case, all pillars should be at the same level, otherwise the future construction may be under a serious threat.
• After the solution has dried, it is possible to waterproof, since under the influence of moisture (groundwater) the structure can simply become unusable, and quickly enough. Often, such work uses bitumen mastic, which is ideal for most of the necessary tasks. Before applying mastic to the surface, it is necessary to treat the surface of the blocks with a primer, after which drying occurs. The application of mastic occurs at once in several layers. This allows you to get the highest quality result of the work.
• Horizontal surfaces of such a foundation must be given waterproofing additionally, and you need to use roofing material. After all the above work, you can safely fill the pits with soil or sand. If everything is done correctly, then you can safely continue construction work.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that during various events you can make various mistakes. You need to understand that construction is a really serious process in which even small errors can turn into truly large-scale problems after a while. You should attract specialists who will evaluate the situation and share some tips.

Creating a strip foundation based on blocks

Many experts believe that the strip foundation is the best option that can be created on the basis of concrete blocks. It is known that such a base can easily cope with large loads, and even if it comes to a bathhouse. It is also interesting that floors based on such a foundation are often created with a heating system.

• As in the case of the last foundation, it will be necessary to align the site, as well as the removal of a fertile layer. It is important to remember that the most important thing here is to create a high -quality trench, which will be the basis for the strip foundation.
• The depth of the trench, as well as many of its other parameters, almost completely depend on the specifics of the future structure, as well as on many other aspects. Accordingly, all such details should be discussed with specialists who are guided by construction matters.
• The bottom of the created trench must be equipped with sand, or crushed stone. This will not only allow ensuring good waterproofing, but will also create good conditions for moisture removal. If we are talking about soils that are characterized by high humidity, high -quality drainage should be organized. A pillow of sand or crushed stone should be at least 20 cm high. It is also important that high -quality tamping of this layer, as well as alignment. In the event that it is planned to create a continuous floor, then it is necessary to carry out all the necessary communications.
• At the very bottom of the trench, you need to lay 2 layers of roofing material. And then the masonry of concrete blocks begins. This process is carried out so that the width of the elements of the base is equal to one block. For masonry, a mixture is also used, which consists of 1 part of cement and 3 parts of sand and water. The density of the mixture should be average.
• Experts recommend limited to four rows of masonry, and with an equal step, you need to have a reinforcing mesh that will significantly harden the structure. It is interesting that reinforcement also allows you to cope with possible deformations with frosty fusion.
• As for the waterproofing of such a foundation, everything is the same as in the case of a columnar foundation. In some situations, experts advise to carry out additional insulation based on polystyrene. Practice shows that the need for this is really present.

Conclusions

In the end, I would like to say a certain conclusion about the block foundation for the bath. As we have already said, such a foundation has both advantages and disadvantages. However, it is safe to say that the blocks to create the foundation are the best solution if there is a need to install the base as soon as possible. Such situations really have a place to be, so it is always worth considering existing options.

In addition, the block foundation will be an excellent solution if the construction occurs in fairly difficult conditions associated with not the best soil and other factors. In this situation, the blocks will again be the right decision.

At the same time, if we are talking about a price question, then often blocks are far behind the classic options for erecting the foundation. Accordingly, in most cases, this choice depends on the price tag for material, since in certain conditions the purchase of blocks may be simply unprofitable.