Working with Airtec

 
Airtec blocks are extremely user-friendly. As well as being lightweight and easy to place, they can be cut, drilled and shaped using standard hand-tools and fixings. This allows for easy shaping of blocks and greatly reduces waste due to the accuracy of cutting achievable. This is particularly advantageous around bay windows and cavity closures. This section gives basic guidelines and tips for working with Airtec blocks and general site practice.
 
 

CUTTING

  • Wherever possible, avoid the use of circular saws for cutting Airtec.
  • A much cleaner cut with minimum damage will be obtained by using hand-saws or if necessary band-saws.
  • Special hand saws designed for use with aircrete blocks are widely available. These saws have large, widely-spaced carbide tipped teeth for ease of cutting.

DRILLING

  • Standard HSS steel drill bits should be used for drilling into Airtec blocks. Masonry drill bits are not recommended.
  • Use a slower drill speed without any hammer action.
  • Use a slow, constant speed.

CHASING

  • A disc saw can be used for cutting parallel tracks into the blockwork.
  • A woodworking chisel can then be used to clear the excess material and form the chase.
  • Vertical chases should not be greater than one third the depth of the thickness of the block and horizontal chases no greater than one sixth the depth of the block in compliance with the Building Regulations.
 
 

FIXINGS

An Airtec block wall provides a very good anchor for various fixings, screws and plugs. The ease and speed with which Airtec blocks can be drilled simplifies the task of fitting out and finishing off a construction.
 
  • Nails and screws should be long enough to provide adequate grip.
  • For light fixings (skirting boards, door frames) use cut nails skew driven at not more than 500mm centers and penetrating at least 50mm into the Airtec block.
  • Common wall plugs, anchors and wood screws can be used for light fixings. Proprietary plugs for aerated blocks should be used for heavier duty applications such as hanging wall units.
  • Spiral plugs and spiral (helical) nails are suitable for Airtec walls, made from stainless steel.
  • Where the fixing is subject to high stresses, vibration or load cycling, special fixings such as resin grouted screws and screw-in anchors may be required.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Further guidance can be found in our BBA certificate 06/4309 (available at www.bbacerts.co.uk)
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