The strength and toughness for walls in a house are perhaps the key aspect of its structural integrity. Residential masonry construction projects need to take this under consideration to ensure a structure’s stability for many years. Using materials like granite, bricks, stones, and concrete blocks boosts the durability of a wall. Here are five sorts of walls which can be frequently used in homes.
1. Load Bearing
For such a wall, stones, concrete, or cement blocks are usually the preferred options. Load bearing walls carry the body weight that is transferred in the rooftop for the foundation. They are also perfect for both exterior and interior use. Many people prefer these walls to people which feature framed structures since they’re often cheaper. The necessary thickness with the wall will depend on the amount of rooftop load. For example, buildings with several floors will normally have thicker load-bearing walls.
2. Reinforced
For those surviving in areas that happen to be prone to harsh weather, reinforced walls are a great option. They are not prone to cracking, which is often caused by external pressure. Reinforcement is frequently placed in the walls in vertical and horizontal positions at specific intervals to be sure added strength. The amount of reinforcement might also depend on the number of support the wall must give.
3. Composite
These walls usually use several materials. For example, they’re able to contain hollow bricks together with standard bricks or stones. These walls are economical and lend an exceptional appearance on the building. The materials are bonded together, and sections are interconnected using steel ties. Horizontal joints could also be used to guarantee optimal reinforcement.
4. Hollow
In residential masonry, hollow walls is known to prevent moisture from reaching the interior in the house. This functions creating a space between the within and exterior wall. The space prevents heat from penetrating on the interior, making these options well suited for homeowners which control inside temperature. The exterior face might have features called “weep holes” to drain water which could cause a buildup of moisture in the space. A water-repellant coating or damp proofing could be applied to your structure in order to avoid possible water damage.
5. Post-Tension
Post-tension walls are built to withstand extreme weather events, for example earthquakes and tornadoes. These options most often have post-tension rods that run over the core with the walls. They can be tensioned and anchored to some steel support structure at the very top after they have cured to be sure maximum strength.
It a very good idea for homeowners to use a professional residential masonry contractor to guarantee a successful project. Like many construction projects, the strength and longevity of the finished product count on the type of materials used plus the purpose with the structure.