Modular houses are buildings that are constructed from ready-made components produced in factories. Very often, expanded clay is used in their production, which is important both in terms of price and building performance. What distinguishes modular construction? What are the benefits of using expanded clay in modular homes? Answers to these and other questions can be found in this article.
What is expanded clay and its use in construction?
Expanded clay is a porous aggregate that is fired from clay loam at a temperature of about 1200°C. It is used in construction, both for lightweight concrete (expanded concrete) and other building products, called expanded concrete products. Prominent among them are:
- masonry wall construction elements (bricks, blocks and hollow blocks),
- dense-rib floor elements,
- crown elements and lintels,
- chimney and ventilation systems,
- elements of small architecture.
The use of expanded clay in the construction industry is growing steadily, due to the fact that the resulting building materials are used, among other things, for the construction of modular homes. It performs excellently due to its parameters, which include not only a high insulation factor, but also durability.
Modular construction - a modern solution for your home
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, expanded clay is used, among other things, in the manufacture of prefabricated modular house components. Indeed, modular construction is steadily gaining in popularity, which is due to the fact that it is modular homes are an investment, which is not only quick to build, but also attractively priced. What's more, modular homes in many cases can be built as a buildings for application, which not only reduces the formalities to a minimum, but also speeds up the implementation of the project. At this point it is also worth emphasizing the fact that prefabricated houses are ecological construction, which is possible thanks to the appropriate parameters of the building. After all, thanks to good insulation and the technology used, not only their energy requirements are reduced, but also the amount of waste generated during construction, which translates into reduced environmental pollution.
Keramzyt in modular homes - why is it so popular?
The popularity of the use of expanded clay in modular homes is due primarily to the parameters of this material, which make it ideal for the manufacture of prefabricated elements. This is primarily about:
- high resistance to the negative impact of biological agents, namely mold and various types of fungi;
- moisture resistance, which means that modular homes made of expanded clay can be built regardless of the season and the prevailing weather;
- vapor permeability, which means that prefabricated expanded clay products provide quick and trouble-free drainage of excess moisture to the outside;
- low density, which translates into ease of processing, which means it can be used to produce finished building components;
- surface roughness, which makes plastering easier;
- The ability to accumulate heat, so that the walls made of expanded clay, when heated, will give heat to the interior of the house for a long time;
- frost resistance;
- very good sound and thermal insulation, so that structural elements in modular buildings (such as walls) can be relatively thin;
- the ability to freely combine with other building materials, but it is worth noting that this is not always recommended.
Benefits of using expanded clay in modular homes
The parameters of expanded clay mentioned in the previous paragraph, undoubtedly affect the popularity of its use in modular homes. This is because it translates into benefits, chief among which is good thermal insulation, thanks to which modular houses are characterized by low thermal energy requirements. As a result, they are cheap to operate and environmentally friendly, due to the limited amount of pollution emitted into the atmosphere. An unquestionable benefit of using expanded clay in modular homes is also the speed of construction, which is made possible by the ease of processing expanded clay elements and the possibility of using this material in any conditions. The result is that a year-round modular house can be ready for occupancy even within a few months of placing an order. An important benefit is also its durability, since both expanded clay and the construction technology used mean that the building can serve for at least several decades.
The future of expanded clay in modular construction
Modular construction is becoming more popular in Poland every year, which automatically translates into an increase in the use of expanded clay. Indeed, the future of expanded clay in modular construction seems to be bright, because the building materials and finished elements produced from it have parameters that are perfect for modular houses. This is important both from the point of view of the characteristics of this type of building (good thermal and acoustic insulation, durability, or lightness) and the technology of their erection. After all, modular homes made of expanded clay can be finished in any way you like, both in terms of the exterior facade and interior design. In addition, expanded clay will gain increasing use in modular construction due to the cost of constructing such buildings. It is certainly not the cheapest material used in this technology, but it stands out for its good value for money.
In conclusion, it should be said that the role of expanded clay in the construction of modular houses will certainly grow. This is a result of both the parameters that distinguish this building material and the ease of its processing, which translates into the possibility of manufacturing prefabricated units.