Building Materials and House Construction Guide
Building a House: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Structural Elements of a House
Foundations
Foundations transmit the weight of the entire structure to the ground. They support the pillars and concrete beams, which in turn hold the roofs and upper floors.
Roof
The roof protects the building from rain and weather. It can be sloped or flat (a terrace).
Exterior Walls
Exterior walls, typically made of bricks, protect the interior from the elements. Double walls with insulation improve energy efficiency.
Interior Walls (Partitions)
Interior walls, usually brick, divide the house into rooms.
2. Pre-Construction Considerations
- Land Requirements: Ensure your lot meets local planning regulations and is suitable for construction.
- Architectural Plans: Work with an architect to create a house plan that aligns with your vision and complies with building codes.
- Building Permits: Obtain the necessary permits from your local council before starting construction.
- Occupancy Permit: After construction, secure an occupancy permit to legally inhabit the house.
3. Building Materials
3.1 Cement
Cement is a key binding agent used in construction.
Exterior Walls
These walls protect the interior from weather conditions like wind, rain, cold, and heat.
Interior Walls
These walls separate rooms within the house.
Stairs
Stairs connect different floors of a building. A common calculation for stair dimensions is: 2 * riser height + tread depth = 64cm. For a dwelling with a ground floor height of 3.10 meters, the number of steps, riser height, and tread depth need to be calculated accordingly.
4. Material Properties
Cement
Cement is produced by grinding and heating clay, limestone, and iron ore in a furnace at 1500-1600°C. The resulting clinker is finely ground and mixed with gypsum to control setting time. Cement is sold in bags or in bulk, with various types available.
Concrete
Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water. Proper dosage of these components is crucial for achieving the desired compressive strength. Reinforced concrete, which incorporates steel rods, is commonly used in structural elements. Concrete reaches maximum hardness after 28 days.
Mortar
Mortar, a mixture of cement, fine sand, and water, binds bricks and blocks. Common mix ratios are 1:4 and 1:6 (cement to sand).
Gypsum
Gypsum, used for plastering walls and ceilings, is made from crushed and heated gypsum rock. Different types of gypsum exist, including black chalk (fast-setting), controlled gypsum (slower setting), and plaster (high-quality).
Ceramics
Ceramics, made from clay, feldspar, and talc, are shaped, dried, and fired at high temperatures (900-1400°C). Common ceramic products include bricks, tiles, and paving stones.
Glass
Glass, used for windows and fences, is made by melting sand, lime, and metal oxides at high temperatures. The molten glass is then rolled into sheets.
Insulation
Insulation materials like fiberglass, polystyrene (coleloblanco), and polyurethane foam help regulate temperature and reduce noise.
Steel
Steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, is used in building construction as structural steel (beams) and reinforcement in concrete. Other elements like silicon and magnesium can be added to enhance steel’s properties.
Granite
Granite, a durable igneous rock, is used for flooring, stairs, facades, and other applications. It comes in various colors and takes a high polish.
Marble
Marble, composed primarily of calcium carbonate, is used for flooring, stairs, columns, and decorative items. It’s available in various colors, with notable sources in Italy and Spain.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a composite material made of marble chips and cement, used for flooring and can be polished to a shine.