Blocks to use for wall build up underground

[markblue777]

Hey all,
As I have posted before I am making a porch (timber framed) Well it getting time to where i dig foundation and fill and build to DPC and I was wondering what blocks I can use. I want to do a strip foundation and then bring up to DPC with breeze blocks and finish off with a couple of rows of engineered brick on top I was wondering what type of block I need to use, is it like the one below or is it a different type?

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Hanson-Thermalite-Aerated-Block-440x215x100mm-3-6N/p/120190

Cheers
Mark

 

[Monkey Mark]

Hey all,
As I have posted before I am making a porch (timber framed) Well it getting time to where i dig foundation and fill and build to DPC and I was wondering what blocks I can use. I want to do a strip foundation and then bring up to DPC with breeze blocks and finish off with a couple of rows of engineered brick on top I was wondering what type of block I need to use, is it like the one below or is it a different type?

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Hanson-Thermalite-Aerated-Block-440x215x100mm-3-6N/p/120190

Cheers
Mark

Yes they are fine to use. If you are doing a double skin wall, its sometimes cheaper to use foundation blocks. Basically the same but wider so you only need one row for both instead of one for each skin.

EDIT:

Foundation blocks. http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Foundation-Block-3-6-N-300mm/p/213639

 

[markblue777]

Cheers mark,

It's going to be a single skin as just going about 1 to 2 courses above dpc then the rest timber framed. So think I'll stick with the standard blocks.

Cheers
Mark

 

[Lons]

What Mark said though if I'm not using foundation blocks, I always use low density 7 n conc blocks.
One thing to be aware of with thermalites is that although very light and easy to cut to size, they are just as easy to break and knock lumps off if you're careless or inexperienced. Remember also that your brick courses will only be right if the found blocks are accurately set. Get it wrong and it will look like a dogs hind leg.

I'm a builder btw, retired just a few weeks ago.

Bob

 

[markblue777]

Hey Lons,
I was thinking about using the 7n blocks the ones on wickes

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Dense-Block-7-3-N-100mm/p/113505

dont say about being suitable for underground use. Know of any others that are or like a brand name that I can see if the building surplus yard has.

Cheers
Mark

 

[marcros]

I'm a builder btw, retired just a few weeks ago.

Bob

so, your not a builder then bob...

(hammer) (hammer) (hammer)

 

[blackrodd]

Good builders never retire, and Bob the Builder is too famous!
Rodders

 

[blackrodd]

Hey Lons,
I was thinking about using the 7n blocks the ones on wickes

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Dense-Block-7-3-N-100mm/p/113505

dont say about being suitable for underground use. Know of any others that are or like a brand name that I can see if the building surplus yard has.

Cheers
Mark

Down here in Sunny Devon, we alternate between Celcon and Thermalite for good prices, one is cheapest, then the other.
Trenchblock is one trade name, Celcon, I believe, just Google trenchblock or foundation block and all should be revealed.
I don't know what trade name Wickes uses, but have to say, they can be better than Jimmy Jewsons on masonry, guttering etc.
HTH, Regards Rodders

Ps, I suggest you check up on building regs and comply as you may get asked for proof or evidence of compliance,

 

[markblue777]

Hi rod
I have spoke to building regs and its exempt. But they said try to build to regs and document it as it helps you sell later

Cheers
Mark

 

[Lons]

Hey Lons,
I was thinking about using the 7n blocks the ones on wickes

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Dense-Block-7-3-N-100mm/p/113505

dont say about being suitable for underground use. Know of any others that are or like a brand name that I can see if the building surplus yard has.

Cheers
Mark

Dunno Mark never used Wickes but will be ok though they could be a bit heavy to handle, I always order lightweight 7 n from Jewsons and don't have the cost in front of me but nowhere near that price.
Trenchblocks are brilliant for cavity walls as saves the necessity of filling the cavity below ground level.

EDIT: Just checked Mark and it's mare than 6 months since I've bought but my cost was £6.95 M2 + vat that's 83p each inc

so, your not a builder then bob... (hammer) (hammer) (hammer)

Quite right :lol: :lol: Strange being retired, just can't get my head around it and I've turned down 3 jobs this week #-o I've been trying for 2 years and finally sold the van 3 weeks ago to make it final. Never been so busy and I can get up at 7.30 instead of 6 am catch up on all the outstanding jobs, sort my workshop and play golf twice a week !

Bob

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Slightly off tack, but someone did mention guttering - I found Wickes the cheapest by far with free delivery over £50. Why would anyone bother to pick their stuff up? It's any easy site to use as well.

 

[blackrodd]

Slightly off tack, but someone did mention guttering - I found Wickes the cheapest by far with free delivery over £50. Why would anyone bother to pick their stuff up? It's any easy site to use as well.

That would be me! I've found, as I said they are good for guttering, and most bagged stuff, including cement etc and when you're in a rush it's faster to go in there than poncin' about getting a quote for several items.
Regards Rodders

 

[Woodchips2]

I'm a builder btw, retired just a few weeks ago.

Bob

Congratulations Bob, hope you have a long and happy retirement :lol:

I've been retired for 11 years and enjoyed every minute of it.

Regards Keith

 

[Lons]

Thanks Keith, only been a few weeks. I've been trying for a couple of years but my customers wouldn't let me. I sold the van (sorry again that you didn't get it Andy!) because as long as I had that they just wouldn't leave me alone. I've turned down another 3 jobs this week.

What day is it today btw?