What kind of brick to build the basement of the house. Brick plinth on a strip foundation: plinth device and step-by-step do-it-yourself installation instructions. Basement brickwork

12.05.2020

For any home, the foundation is the most important part that ensures the stability and reliability of the entire structure. The value of the plinth is also very high, because its task is to create an even strong support for walls and roofs, as well as to protect people and their property from dampness and cold. It is for this reason that it is impossible to save on the construction of this part of the building - only the highest quality material is used here, which guarantees durability and functional suitability.

About which brick to use for the base, we will describe in detail in this article.

For bricks used for basement walls, the main qualities are described in three words:

durability;
strength;
decorative.

However, if later you intend to completely plaster the structure, then the last point can be ignored. The building material, first of all, must retain its shape and integrity, despite the rather high loads and the action of external negative factors.

In general, now more and more often the base is being built from monolithic concrete, but as practice shows, bricks are not much inferior to it in terms of reliability, and often cost much less.

For Russia, there is another physical parameter that cannot be ignored - frost resistance. Equally important is low hygroscopicity - dampness, as is known, is a common thing in most regions of our country.

Bricks for the base must meet the following requirements:

have a uniform structure (check them for cracks, deformations and chips);
do not differ in size;
have high technical characteristics;
be environmentally friendly;
adhere well to the solution.

Best of all, these requirements are met by clinker or traditional red (exclusively solid) bricks.

Why are frost and moisture resistance the most important properties of a suitable plinth material? The thing is that water has an unpleasant property to seep into cracks, from which it is almost impossible to eliminate it. AT cold period it turns into ice and expands, breaking the structure of the brick. As a result, the blocks gradually fall apart. The more freezing cycles indicated in the technical documentation, the longer the material will retain its strength.

When choosing a brick that is ideal for your regional conditions, check out the technical characteristics of its different types. Below we will consider three main types sold throughout our country:

ceramic;
silicate;
red.

silicate brick

Despite the apparent strength, this variety does not tolerate long-term exposure to high humidity. The technology of its manufacture gives them a rather large porosity, and therefore, being in dampness, silicate brick:

actively absorbs water from both the soil and the atmosphere;
gradually loses strength;
falling apart soon.

For this reason, the type of building material in question is suitable only for private houses built in dry and warm regions, and even then, provided that the foundation is reliably protected by waterproofing, and is also separated from the basement by a moisture-proof membrane.

Traditional red brick

The essential difference between this type of building material and the previously described one is the principle of manufacture. If silicate is produced by pressing, then red is fired after molding in special furnaces. As a result, clay significantly changes its properties, which makes it possible to use products from it for the construction of the basement of the building.

At the same time, ordinary red brick is quite hygroscopic, therefore only some of its grades are suitable for our purposes. Quite decent and relatively inexpensive option can be called M150. This building material is able to maintain its performance properties even after 50 freezing cycles. Moreover, many modernized enterprises produce bricks under the brand name, the strength of which is higher than required by GOST. One has only to understand that the M150 is recommended to be used exclusively in dry areas, where it does not rain too often, and water does not linger in the ground for a long time.

For regions with high humidity the M250 brand is most suitable.

ceramic brick

This material is recognized by all merit experts as the most ideal option for building plinths. Today, the domestic industry produces a lot of varieties of ceramic blocks. This category, in particular, includes the clinker bricks we mentioned at the beginning of the article.

The variety in question is made from a special grade of clay, and the molded blocks are fired at very high temperatures, turning the raw material into glass. It is not difficult to distinguish clinker bricks - when struck, it emits a high-pitched ringing.

Ceramic brick:

not afraid of damp;
calmly withstands severe frosts;
not inferior in strength to concrete.

Basic requirements for the base

If the walls of the house are also made of brick, then the plinth must be built at least 51 centimeters thick. For log structures, 25 cm is enough.

The composition of the masonry mixture, as well as its consistency, is extremely important. The recipe is the following:

cement (minimum M200) -1 part;
sand (quarry) - up to 7;
lime test - 0.7.

The correct ready-made solution is well kept on the trowel with a lump. In too liquid sand quickly settles, which reduces the overall strength. For better plasticity, it is allowed to add:

liquid soap;
washing powder;
special formulations.

In the first 2 cases, the dose is no more than a tablespoon per bucket.

Before proceeding with the construction of the basement, lay waterproofing on the end of the foundation. At a minimum, two layers of roofing material glued with bitumen are suitable. More efficient use modern materials- They are more durable and reliable.

The minimum width of the plinth is four rows (30 centimeters), but experts recommend making it higher. The farther the floor of the first floor is from the ground, the more comfortable it is to live in the house.

It would seem, well, what else can you think of with this old building material, when suspended ceilings and self-leveling floors are in use. However, improvements have also affected him. In the age of rapid individual construction, brick turned out to be indispensable as a very convenient material that is always in demand.

Perhaps concrete looks like a more preferable material for such a critical part of the building as only a do-it-yourself trowel can successfully replace concrete, welding, a metal frame and a concrete mixer.

Yes, the use of brick looks much more convenient in terms of the cost of doing the work. But first you need to understand the evaluation criteria.

Evaluation criterion

The main criteria for assessing the quality of a brick are two, given the conditions of its operation:

strength, primarily compressive strength, and,
frost resistance.

Here is a classification according to these indicators:

solid brick:

strength - from M75 to M300 (usually denoted that way, but often the letter is omitted);
frost resistance - from F15 to F50 (also through a letter, which is sometimes also not used);
average density (kg per cubic meter) - 1600 - 1900;
porosity (%) - 8;
thermal conductivity coefficient (W per meter) - 0.6 - 0.7.

hollow (characteristics respectively):

M75 - M300 / F15 - F50 / 1000 - 1450 / 6 - 8 / 0.3 - 0.5.

facing:

M75 - M250 / F25 - F75 / 1300 - 1450 / 6 - 14 / 0.3 - 0.5.

clinker:

M400 - M1000 / F50 - F100 / 1900 - 2100 / 5 / 1.16.

furnace fireclay:

M75 - M250 / F15 - F50 / 1970 - 1900 / 8 / 0.6.

Helpful advice! When choosing a brick according to its characteristics, we advise you to take a closer look at some of the so-called "super-efficient" offers of some enterprises. So, for example, NPO Keramika produces hollow with a strength of 1100-1150, and facing - with a porosity of 43 to 45.

Based on the above data, we conclude that the most suitable when answering the question of which brick is suitable for the basement will be clinker with a strength of at least M400 and a frost resistance characteristic of at least F50.

Types of clinker bricks

Thus, the further choice is to find a solution to the problem - what kind of brick to make the base, given such a variety of clinker options.

There are 5 main types here:

A - facing;
B - construction;
C - single;
D - one and a half;
E - double.

The choice largely depends on the expected degree of load and wall thickness, but all things being equal, we answer the question of what kind of brick is needed for the basement, we answer - one and a half clinker brand M500 and frost resistance - F75.

Requirements

But no matter how you answer in practice the question of which brick goes to the base, the requirements for it will be quite serious:

it must have increased strength;
there should be no signs of deformation or chips on it;
it must be made in accordance with all GOSTs of sizes;
it must be very frost-resistant,
must have high environmental performance;
it must not pass moisture, and,
be resistant to its effects;
given the use of cement slurry as a binder, it must have good adhesion to the slurry.

Arguments and conditions of application

We present arguments in favor of our choice.

The advantages of clinker

Among the positive characteristics of clinker we note:

it is durable, strong and reliable - three characteristics that determine the choice;
it has minimal moisture absorption - no more than 5% by weight of the building material, which ensures good frost resistance;
at the same time, it is quite light and easy to work with.

But there are also some worrying points:

the price of such a brick is quite high;
instructions for handling it require accuracy - traces of the trowel remain easily, but then it is very difficult to get rid of them;
the same applies to the traces of the solution.

Applicants

In addition to clinker, acid-resistant with very good performance types can also be used:

this one perfectly resists external influences of any nature (acid resistance of at least 97.1%);
it has very high strength (at least M520);
practically does not absorb moisture (from 1.2 to 4.8%);
in addition, acid-resistant perfectly resists fire.

Although, in terms of frost resistance, this species still has something to work on - it is not higher than F15.

Helpful advice! We do not recommend using other types of bricks. Silicate and ceramic do not have sufficient resistance to external influences. And fireclay, maybe good for stoves, but not suitable for outdoors, it has insufficient frost resistance.

Operating conditions - masonry scheme

Speaking about the operating conditions, first of all we determine its convenience in terms of compliance with the accepted masonry schemes, here we need the convenience of obtaining brick shares, despite its strength.

They are used in two versions:

a - chain ligation of corners with a thickness of one brick;
b - chain dressing in one and a half.

The diagram also shows the dimensions of the bricks:

1 - three-four;
2 - half;
3 - four.

Operating conditions - types of basement masonry relative to the wall of the building

There are three types of masonry, which clearly demonstrate the increased requirements for strength:

1 - protruding plinth - the plinth wall protrudes forward, outward, relative to the main wall;

2 - sinking - the wall goes back, inward;
3 - plinth on the same plane with the wall; The diagram also shows:

a - waterproofing;
b - wall.

The laying diagram relative to the wall indicates the layer of waterproofing used, which is mandatory.

The following diagram shows the correct order for using this layer:

left- correct application of waterproofing - two layers, above and below the base;

on right- only one layer is used on top, which is completely insufficient, and you should not rely on frost resistance, even F100.

Operating conditions - insulation

The environmental friendliness of the brick used is clearly demonstrated - the brick will come into contact with many other materials:

A - a layer of internal plaster;
B– ;
C - layer of mixture for gluing insulation;
D - insulation boards made of mineral wool or expanded polystyrene;

E - strengthening solution;
F - fiberglass mesh;
G - again a solution for strengthening;
H - primer;
I - finishing plaster on the facade.

Operating conditions - clinker laying

If we talk about the use of clinker bricks, then its environment will look like:

A - brick requires very precise and careful anchoring;
B - use building mixtures only to match the material itself - high-quality;
C - the bricks are hollow, but this does not release ventilation through the wall;
D - waterproofing - an indispensable attribute;

E - in the air gaps, debris and mortar residues are unacceptable;
F is a mandatory requirement when using such a large number materials - the terms of manufacture and operation should be as close as possible to each other;
G - masonry requires, however, reinforcement and stress relief;
H - the quality of the materials must correspond to the main one - there is also a clinker brick, but smaller;
I - masonry without recessed joints is shown.

Helpful advice! Considering large volume market offers building materials, we strongly advise you to demand quality certificates from sellers for all materials sold. Not all called "clinker" is actually such in its real characteristics.

findings

The question of what kind of brick is needed for the base should not be clarified to a narrower and simpler one - what brand of brick is needed for the base - the choice does not end with the brand. Frost resistance and ease of use are also very important, because you can’t do without halves.

Most likely, you will choose a clinker brick, but do not forget about acid-resistant. But, in both cases, pay attention to the quality of the material, which is mentioned more than once in the additional video in this article.

The basement brick is intended for facing the upper part of the foundation, which rises above the ground. Due to its special shape, it is possible to carry out laying to a height of up to 2 m. The appearance of the part of the building made of basement bricks has a massive and impressive appearance, visually separating the ground part of the foundation of the building from the main walls. Select and determine which brick better fit for the basement, the classification of types of bricks will help.

Requirements for basement bricks

Since the basement structure is in direct contact with the ground, which is periodically exposed to moisture, increased requirements for strength and aesthetics are imposed on the brick for this part of the building. The main requirements include:

High strength and ability to withstand heavy loads.
Moisture resistance and resistance to various atmospheric precipitation.
Frost resistance and low water absorption.
Environmental friendliness and safety.
aesthetic appeal of the material.
Affordable price.

The technical performance characteristics of the base brick are indicated in the certificate of conformity, which must be issued to the buyer upon purchase.

Regardless specifications the plinth of a brick building should have an attractive decorative appearance.

Types and brands of bricks for the basement

Since the basement of the building must be made of the most durable and quality material, many developers are interested in what material it is better to make it from. In construction, the following types of brick materials are used for lining the basement.

Clinker brick

The material for the manufacture of clinker bricks is a special type of clay, which is fired in special kilns at a temperature of about 1200 degrees Celsius. Clinker consists of refractory clay (chamotte), feldspars and clay materials.

Brick after firing can have different color shades. This type of building material belongs to an expensive elite class and is distinguished by high strength characteristics and attractive appearance. Sometimes clinker bricks are used as paving stones for sidewalks.

If we compare with ordinary ceramic bricks, then the clinker material will have a clear advantage:

The strength index (the ability to withstand the load without destruction) is more than 300 kg per 1 cm2.
Water absorption (the ability of the material to absorb water until completely saturated) is at least 6%.
Frost resistance (the ability to withstand repeated freezing and thawing without complete destruction of the material) is more than 100 cycles.
Heat resistance.
High soundproof properties.

Possessing all these advantages, the basement clinker brick perfectly protects the ground part of the foundation and gives a beautiful elegant look to the building.

The service life of clinker reaches 100 years, so this type of material is ideal for lining the basement of a building.

Acid-resistant basement brick

This type of brick, without exaggeration, can be attributed to the "eternal" building material. Acid-resistant brick for the base is made from special clay raw materials with high technical indicators of plasticity, refractoriness and fire resistance. The composition of the clay includes silica, alumina and iron oxide. After firing in special kilns, the brick becomes saturated yellow. Chemical composition and increased technical indicators provide resistance to high temperatures and aggressive environments.

The production of such material is standardized and manufacturing plants produce the following grades:

Straight brick with dimensions 230 x 113 x 65 mm.
Brick end double-sided 230 x113 x 55 mm.
Double-sided ribbed wedge brick 230 x 113 x64 mm.

Acid-resistant brick has a low water absorption rate, such a brick practically does not get wet, which makes it an ideal material for lining the basement.

For laying acid-resistant bricks, a special masonry mortar is used from acid-resistant powder with reagents.

silicate brick

In the case of the use of silicate bricks for the basement of the building, an external protective finish in the form of various plasters will be a mandatory requirement. The main advantage of building materials based on silicate is low and affordable price. Silicate brick is made from a mixture of quartz sand and lime using autoclave steam processing technology, so this building material is not recommended for use in high humidity conditions. environment.

Under the action of moisture, the brick will soak, lose its technical strength indicators and eventually completely collapse. It is possible to use silicate brick for plinth installation only in arid areas with low precipitation.

When using silicate for the plinth of a building, it is best to perform high-quality gasket waterproofing from 2 layers of roofing roll material.

The strength index is determined by the brand of brick for the base, which for silicate brick is denoted by the letter "M" followed by numbers indicating the limiting value for compression, after which the brick collapses.

Red ceramic brick for plinth

Red ceramic brick refers to the universal building material known since ancient times. It is made from clay by firing in kilns and then drying in drying chambers. It gained its popularity among builders due to its excellent performance, durability and reliability.

Red basement brick has good resistance to both capillary and atmospheric moisture. The red brick for the construction of the basement of the building must necessarily be solid with a dense structure, since atmospheric moisture will condense in the hollow, which will lead to the destruction of the masonry array. Of all the types of building materials for the basement, red ceramic brick is one of the most popular and common types.

A plinth made of this type of material will serve as a reliable protection of the building from precipitation and other environmental influences.

The material for the foundation plinth must be of the same size and shape.
The surface of the selected material must be smooth, without cracks and external chips.
The color scheme of the basement brick should be the same.
The presence of a certificate or technical passport indicating the brand of brick, the date of its manufacture and a list of technical characteristics.

At correct selection basement bricks in the house will retain more heat, and the building structure will be better protected from the penetration of cold air from outside.

Video example of the use of clinker bricks for the plinth:

When choosing which brick is needed for the basement, one should take into account the aesthetic component, that is, that the selected material should be well combined with other wall materials of the building. For example, if you make a plinth of ceramic bricks, then walls with a smooth surface will be the best combination. All varieties of basement bricks can be laid out with figured masonry, in which the brick itself will serve as a decoration for the basement.

You can not choose a brick for the basement without understanding what kind of architectural element it is, when it is needed and what requirements are put forward for it. Only taking into account these data, it is possible to choose the optimal brick for the base, take into account all the parameters and performance characteristics.

A basement is the part of a building that protrudes above ground level. This may be a continuation of the foundation tape (called the basement of the foundation), reinforced concrete blocks or brickwork.

The parameters of the base depend on the maximum loads. If the house has reinforced concrete floor slabs on the ground floor, then the basement must be much stronger than the walls, its width increases, building materials with suitable bearing capacity are used. In all other cases, the plinth may not differ in size from ordinary facade walls.

It is often not economically feasible to make a basement out of concrete; brickwork will cost much less. A separate basement is also installed when the basement is planned to be equipped for residential. Brick is much warmer than concrete, which improves comfort and reduces the cost of maintaining a favorable microclimate.

We have already mentioned one feature of the plinth - it must hold the heaviest loads of all the architectural structures of the building. But that's not all - the base is operated in the most adverse conditions.

Proximity to the ground increases the negative impact of precipitation and ground water. If a top part the walls are slightly wetted during rain, then all the water from the area of \u200b\u200bthe facade walls gets on the basement.
Due to frequent and intense wetting, it is extremely negatively affected by temperature changes from plus to minus.
The plinth has ventilation for natural ventilation underground. This means that it is more than all elements of the building in adverse operating conditions.
If the house has a basement, then the materials must have low thermal conductivity. At the same time, the requirements for strength indicators are not reduced.

The use of various grades of bricks makes it possible to construct structures with the required thickness and height parameters in the shortest possible time and with little financial loss. Indicators of physical strength vary depending on the thickness of the base, thermal conductivity is regulated by the special characteristics of the brick or through the use of modern heaters. To protect plinth surfaces from negative impact climatic conditions, wall finishing is used. By the way, it also improves the design of the facade of the building. This factor must be borne in mind, not all types of bricks are allowed to use finishing, and if it can be done, then expensive materials and complex building technologies will have to be used for this.

Requirements for basement structures are prescribed in SNiP II-22-81. They indicate that the use of stones and blocks made of cellular concrete, ceramic or other bricks of dry manufacturing technology is not allowed. This means that the assertion of some "experts" in construction that hollow bricks cannot be used for plinths is unreasonable. The types of building materials listed in building codes and regulations are unsuitable for plinths for one common reason - they react extremely negatively to high humidity. Under such operating conditions, there is a significant loss of load-bearing characteristics and accelerated destruction.

SNiP II-22-81. "Stone and reinforced masonry structures". Download file

For all other types of bricks, the main requirement is compressive and bending strength indicators. Modern manufacturers have mastered the most advanced technologies that make it possible to obtain very durable hollow bricks, grade M 150 or more, they are used to build load-bearing walls of two-story and more buildings.

Why can't such material be used for the basement of one-story brick or wooden buildings? If the load allows, feel free to use them for the base.

One more nuance. When choosing bricks, it must be borne in mind that the larger the area of \u200b\u200bthe base, the more significant the effort it holds. Based on the total load, the material of manufacture and linear dimensions are selected. As for the heat-saving characteristics, there are no regulatory requirements for the base.

What is the result?

It is impossible to put a basement without knowing the total weight of the house, the height of the snow cover, the seismic characteristics of the area and other factors that affect the foundation and the basement.

From the maximum load, the strength parameters of the brick and the dimensions of the base are calculated. In practice, brick grades below M 100 are rarely used for the basement, but this is an optional condition. Two bricks M 50 withstand almost the same load as one M 100, only it must be distributed over the entire surface of the masonry. The project includes a safety factor, which compensates for minor deviations from the regulatory requirements. And deviations always occur during the laying of any architectural structure.

Remember that putting the base "by eye" is a very risky business. By the way, all residential premises must have a project, otherwise they cannot be put into operation. And without an act they do not connect network engineering, registration is not given, such buildings cannot be sold, donated or bequeathed by inheritance. Legally, they simply do not exist.

As mentioned above, our recommendations do not apply to residential buildings, they should be built only according to the project, and in it all the requirements and parameters of the bricks are indicated. Consider the cases of choosing a brick for a basement only for non-residential buildings and outbuildings. According to what characteristics should the material be selected?

Frost resistance

Bricks, depending on the brand and manufacturing technology, have this indicator from F15 to F100 or more. This means that the material can withstand 25-100 freeze/thaw cycles at maximum humidity. And moisture permeability ranges from 2% to 12%. State standards regulate the minimum period of natural wear and tear of buildings, it is 50 years. If an F50 brand brick is dipped fifty times in water and then exposed to frost, it will lose about 30% of its original strength, which is considered a critical value. But the basement brick will never get completely wet, it is always plastered or protected by other coatings. In practice, the F50 brand brick holds much more than fifty freeze / thaw cycles.

Why do bricks lose strength during freezing / freezing and what does it depend on? During freezing, water expands in volume by about 10%, while the forces of ice are so great that no known building material can withstand them. The more water there is in the brick, the more ice microcrystals in the brick, the faster the destruction occurs.

Strength

Determined according to GOST 530-2007, brand of brick for masonry bearing walls must be at least M125, with a margin of safety, designers recommend using bricks of the M150 brand for plinths.

GOST 530-2007. Brick and ceramic stone. Download file

According to these indicators, bricks made from many materials and using various technologies are suitable, but some of them cannot be used in conditions of high humidity.

Let's consider one example. The M100 grade means that the brick can withstand a load per square centimeter of at least 100 kg and not more than 125 kg. The surface area of a standard brick is 25 cm x 12 cm = 300 cm2. One M100 brand brick is designed for a load of at least 30 tons.

We have given a calculation so that you can more clearly imagine what efforts bricks of various brands can withstand. Of course, these values assume that the load is evenly distributed over the entire surface (bed), in practice this rarely happens due to the presence of air pockets in the masonry.

What types of bricks can be used for a plinth?

Name	Brief performance indicators
	Water absorption ≤ 12%, strength ≥ M100, frost resistance not less than F50. Most commonly used universal application. The front surface must be protected from negative impact atmospheric precipitation.
	Water absorption ≤ 16%, strength ≥ M150, frost resistance not less than F50. it is used for plinths of light buildings without reinforced concrete floor slabs. The outer surface must be plastered cement-sand mortar or lined with durable materials. Afraid of mechanical damage.
	Water absorption ≤ 5%, strength ≥ M250, frost resistance not less than F100. In all technical parameters, it surpasses ceramic samples. It is recommended to use two or more bricks wide during the laying of the plinth as an external front row. The surface of the plinth of this option does not need to be additionally finished with various building materials. The disadvantage of clinker bricks is the high cost.

Now, having an idea about the requirements for the base and the technical parameters of the bricks, you can consciously choose specific materials and start laying the element.

Step-by-step instructions for laying the plinth

Step 1. Calculate the required amount depending on the width and height of the masonry. Take the data on the approximate number from the table.

How many bricks are needed per 1 m3 of basement.

Brick sizes	Quantity, parameters of seams are not taken into account	Quantity including seams
	512	394
	378	302
	242	200

If you work with bricks of non-standard sizes, you will have to independently calculate the volume of the base and divide it by the volume of one brick. The calculations do not represent anything complicated, there is no need to describe them.

Step 2 Check the horizontality of the foundation tape. If the foundation was made by responsible builders, then the deviation from the horizontal at the corners of the building will not exceed two centimeters, such a spread is easily eliminated without additional operations during the preparation of the base of the first row of the basement. It is necessary to check the horizontalness of the foundation using a water or laser level. Were there significant deviations? You have to straighten the tape.

Fasten straight rails in a vertical position at the corners of the foundation. The sizes are arbitrary, you do not need to take long ones.
Beat off the horizontal on one of them, transfer the value of the horizontal to the second rail.
Pull the rope along the marks, do not let it sag. Measure the distance between the rope and the foundation plane along the entire length of the tape. Thus, you can estimate the approximate amount of work and calculate the amount of materials.
If the irregularities exceed 2 centimeters, you will have to cook concrete mix, the spread is less - you can use an ordinary cement-sand mortar. One condition - during the manufacture of the material, increase the amount of cement, it should be at least three parts per one part of sand.
Spread the finished solution on the surface of the foundation tape and align it with a stretched rope. Work can be done by eye, in the future the bricks of the basement will be set according to the level and all flaws will be eliminated.
It will take at least two weeks to harden. If the weather is very hot and dry, then the solution should be abundantly moistened with water at least three times a day.

Do not rush to immediately start laying the base, strictly adhere to the recommended technology.

Step 3 On a flat tape, lay two layers of roofing material to waterproof the bricks. This is very important, without waterproofing, the plinth will quickly collapse.

Step 4 You need to start laying with laying two corners. The technology depends on how many bricks are in a row in width. You can lay corners from one, one and a half, two, two and a half and three bricks. If you do not have experience in the production of such works, then practice. Lay bricks first without mortar, then work with mortar. Movements should become automatic, during training, constantly use control tools. Be sure to do the dressing, alternate the spoon and poke rows. There was an experience - put the corners directly on the foundation tape. The height of the corners is 5–7 bricks. For a start, the height is enough, so it is easier to control the correct laying and timely correct possible deviations in the position of the base.

Step 5. At the height of the first row of each corner, drive in carnations, pull the rope. Make sure that the rope lies exactly on the edges of the bricks. On this preparatory work plinth corners are completed, start working on straight sections.

Further work on the plinth is no different from work with the wall, the rows are constantly dressed. If you use clinker bricks for external surfaces, then use them only on the visible side.

Beginner mistakes

Prices for building levels

Building levels

The basement is a very important element of the structure and the only one that cannot be repaired. Even problems with the foundation can be solved, there are special technologies for its strengthening. True, this will take a lot of time and is expensive. If the base began to collapse due to incorrect calculations, then nothing can be fixed. We focus on this not in order to scare developers, but in order to force them to carefully follow all the recommendations of professionals and proven technologies over the years. We will try to answer a few questions that are often asked by novice masons.

Is it possible to lay a mortar with a thickness of more than one centimeter to level the base? Such a need arises most often on foundations made of reinforced concrete blocks. Only competent specialists under the guidance of an experienced foreman can properly lay foundations from such materials. He must constantly monitor the position of each block with a professional level. If the variation in height does not exceed 2-3 centimeters, then it can be eliminated with a solution. But be sure to use a metal reinforcing mesh, the wire diameter is at least 5 mm. No plastic materials can withstand the load on the plinth, they are only suitable for plastering walls.

Laying out the solution

Is it possible to use bricks made without firing for the plinth? It is possible, but undesirable, we have already discussed this issue above. But if you really need to put these bricks somewhere, then laying them is allowed only inside the basement, all sides should be covered with ceramic bricks. Accordingly, they can only be used on plinths with a width of at least two bricks, otherwise it is impossible to make the correct strapping and fulfill the described condition.

In what cases can you do without leveling the foundation tape with concrete mortar? This is a rather difficult technology, let's dwell on it in detail.

Prices for cement and mixture bases

Cement and mixture bases

The foreman at each corner of the foundation beats off (shoots off) the values by which it is necessary to raise the upper plane of the base. These measurements are made with a level. For example, +12 cm is written on one corner of the foundation, +20 cm on the second, +15 cm on the third, etc. Such marks are made on all sections of the foundation on which floor slabs should lie, in these places the base should go to zero mark - the level of floor coverings. Of course, a large variation in the height of the foundation tape indicates that it was made by frank hacks.
Develop a preliminary plan for getting to the desired height. You need to start from the corners, then all the rows are aligned along them. Make a plan to solve the problem first. If, for example, you need to raise the height of the base by 15 cm in two rows, then this can only be done with the help of a solution. Lay about 2.5 cm on the foundation with the obligatory use of a metal reinforcing mesh, the upper beds of the bricks are equal to the net mass. There are cases when it is necessary to use bricks of different thicknesses, you will have to buy them additionally. It is forbidden to use bricks split with a hammer over the entire thickness for the base, they can only be cut on a special machine with diamond disc and water cooling.
After all the corners are made taking into account the measurements, start laying the rows, while using a stretched rope to control the position. We must say right away that such works are complex, we do not recommend beginners to deal with them. It is better to invite a professional for a few days, he will lay out the corners, and it is already easier to work on them.

What are the types of plinths?

Depending on the position of the front surface in relation to the front wall, the plinth can be:

speakers. It is used if it is necessary to increase the bearing performance of the base, the plane of the element protrudes several centimeters beyond the plane of the wall. The disadvantage is that special measures must be taken to drain rainwater coming from the walls;
sinking. The facade wall hangs over the plinth. It is recommended to use in cases where the plinth is made of durable building materials that do not require finishing;
in one plane. The facade wall and the plinth are located in one line. The option is rare, most often on irresponsible outbuildings. Finishing the facade and the plinth are made with the same materials and using the same technology or not done at all.

What should be the height of the plinth? There are no special requirements, it all depends on the presence and purpose of the basement and the horizontalness of the foundation tape. If the building does not have basements, and the tape is even, then there is no need to make a special base. As for the advice “at least 50-60-70” and so on centimeters, you should not pay attention to them. The final decision is made only taking into account the architectural features of the structure.

And the last. Do not forget to leave air in the plinths for natural ventilation. underground space. Unless, of course, the design of the house provides for their presence.

Video - Plinth masonry

The plinth is the outer part of the foundation and the base of the facade. It takes on the same loads as the foundation and experiences the same aggressive weather conditions as the facade. It also interacts with soil and melt waters bordering on frozen ground.

Regardless of all this, the plinth, being part of the facade, must not only perform its main functions, but also look good.

Socle brick is both strong, durable, wear-resistant and aesthetic material. How to choose a brick for the basement?

What kind of brick to use for the plinth?

Basic requirements for a brick for a plinth:

high strength and rigidity: the material should not deform under high loads;
weather resistance, moisture resistance;
frost resistance, low water absorption;
the standard size of the basement brick, which simplifies laying;
good adhesion to mortar;
ecological cleanliness;
affordable price;
attractive appearance.

Testing of the main performance characteristics of bricks (strength, moisture level, frost resistance) is carried out in the factory. Based on these tests, the manufacturer receives a certificate. The certificate must be presented to the buyer upon request.

Which brick is better to use for the base depends on the conditions in the area. The main types of bricks that are widely used in construction work:

silicate brick

Water absorption - 8-16 percent. It is made using pressing technology from a mixture of quartz sand and lime.

It turns out a strong and durable material, but it has a serious disadvantage: low water resistance.

note

Silicate brick absorbs water, swells and loses strength. For the plinth, it can only be used in areas with a very dry climate and in compliance with enhanced waterproofing measures.

For the middle lane, this is not a suitable option: even if the walls are built from silicate bricks, the base is made from varieties with greater water resistance.

It is made using heat treatment technology (“baked”).

Water resistance is higher than that of silicate, but ordinary solid brick also absorbs moisture.

This property affects the frost resistance of brick structures: when freezing in the pores, water expands and gradually destroys the material.

When choosing this brick for the base, you should focus on the brand: different brands of brick for the base have different frost resistance. For example, the M150 can withstand up to 60 freeze and defrost cycles. With an increase in the brand number, frost resistance increases.

Red clay plinth brick, best suited for use in areas with high rainfall - M250.

Ceramic Acid Resistant Brick

Resistance to moisture and temperature extremes, frost resistance, low water absorption. Good thermal and sound insulation properties.

High density allows you to build structures on this basis for more than one floor.

An important property is the ability to resist aggressive environments: this is relevant, since chemically active substances are present both in the soil layer and in the composition of precipitation.

The composition of the raw materials for the manufacture of bricks of this brand includes special grades of clay and dunite.

Clinker brick

Water absorption 3-5 percent. Like clinker, this brick is made from special grades of clay using the technology of single high-temperature firing.

The bearing capacity is higher than that of a simple red brick. Good decorative qualities, color fastness. Some firms give a guarantee of up to 100 years for clinker bricks. But the price is much higher than other varieties.

For the construction of plinths, most often they take a solid red brick, made using plastic molding technology. It can be burned, this is not an obstacle to use.

How to choose a basement brick

When buying, you need to follow:

so that the bricks are of the same size and shape;
the surface is smooth, without chips, cracks;
color - uniform, saturated.

basement brick cost

The price of a basement brick today (2016) is something like this:

silicate - from 10 rubles apiece;
red full-bodied - 10-15 rubles;
- from 25 rubles.

Features of the construction of a brick basement

The thickness of the plinth part depends on the facade materials. If the facade is made of bricks, the width of the plinth should be at least 51 centimeters, 25 cm is enough. The masonry is usually one and a half or two bricks wide, the total is not less than 30 centimeters.
For masonry, it is recommended to use a cement mortar of at least M200 with lime and sifted sand in the ratio of one part of cement to 6.7 sand and 0.7 lime or clay. The consistency should be quite thick, pasty: about 0.8 parts of water are taken for one part of cement. To thicken a too liquid solution, lime or clay is added to it. It is also advisable to add a little plasticizer (you can use washing powder in this capacity).
For use roofing material or only. They are placed on hot in two layers with a layer of the same mastic.
How to calculate the material (approximately): the size of the basement brick is 25 by 12 by 6.5 centimeters. For one cubic meter you need 390 bricks and 25 centimeters of cubic mixture. We round up (taking into account broken bricks and other losses). The number of bricks is 400 per cube, the mixture is 30.