Fixing to Thermalite, Durox and other lightweight blocks really requires special fixings which can grab the block from inside the hole you drill. Plugs and fixings that expand as you screw the fixing into the plug tend to break away the inner surface of the hole and become loose in no time at all.
Proprietary fixings can be bought in most DIY Stores and they will be labeled, "fixings for lightweight blocks" or "fixings for airated blocks".
What are Lightweight or Aircrete Blocks?
These are blocks that are used for modern building. They have many characteristics that make them better for building that traditional bricks and blocks. They are light which makes them easier to handle. In some cases they can be larger which makes building faster, as fewer blocks have to be laid.
They also have significantly improved insulation properties, which is very important now with building regulations ever improving. This means that you can reduce the cavity size and still achieve the required thermal properties (U-value).
It is very difficult to achieve the required standards in new construction without using these blocks therefore they are very commonly used.
Thermalite and other lightweight blocks have a micro-cellular structure which means they contain literally millions of tiny air pockets which make them lightweight but at the same time give them a great compressive strength.
Millions of tiny holes give blocks their lightweight and insulating characteristics
Lightweight blocks can also be sawn with a handsaw making bonding a great deal easier and because of their structure are moisture resistant, frost resistant and even fire resistant.
They cover pretty much every building regulation and as such are being used in every modern home construction. The only problem with them is that they are not as easy to fix to as the older, more traditional blocks unless you have the correct fixings.
For more information about the leading types of lightweight blocks that are most commonly used please see the manufacturers websites:
- Tarmac make Durox lightweight blocks – More information can be found here
- Heidleberg make Thermalite lightweight blocks – More information can be found here
Fixings for Fixing to Lightweight Blocks
There are a number of fixings that are designed specially for fixing to lightweight or aircrete blocks. It is worth using these are you will achieve a secure and lasting fixing point to the block wall.
Aircrete blocks tend to be powdery and can crumble easily which means that if you use normal wall plugs and fixings they will not get a secure grip and can be pulled out easily.
Fixings for lightweight or aircrete blocks
How to Fix to Lightweight Blocks
The procedure is pretty much the same as when fixing to normal concrete or masonry. A hole of the diameter stated on the fixing is drilled and the Lightweight block fixing is inserted, but with these they are screwed in, not just pushed in as you can see from the images below.
Most lightweight block fixings come with a special tool which allows you to screw the fixing into the block firmly with the help of a battery driver.
Steps for fixing to lightweight blocks:
- Drill a hole into the block: the size of the hole will be determined by the fixing. You can use an type of general purpose drill bit to do this as the block is fairly soft.
- Screw in the fixing: Screw in the fixing, either by hand (if you can) or using the drill attachment provided in the box of fixings
- Tighten the fixing so that it is flush with the block: Take care not to screw it too far and damage the hole, but use a drill and the attachment to drive the fixing into the block so that it is flush with the surface of the block
- Use your fixing to make a secure attachment to the block: Now the fixing is secure it is possible to screw what you need to to the block as you would for any other fixing
Drill hole in block with suitable sized drill
Push fixing into drilled hole
Tighten the fixing once inserted into hole
Hole drilled and proprietary fixing inserted
Fixing to lightweight blocks can also be done with resin bonding which sounds a great deal more difficult than it really is. You can find out about resin bonding and other types of fixing on our page entitled The complete guide to all types of fixings
