Content
ABOUT US
Quality, Environmental & Sustainability
Responsible Sourcing
PRODUCT
Econoblok
TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Sustainable product - Product Review
Durability
Fire
Acoustic (Decibel Rating)
Thermal (U-Value)
DESIGN AND DETAILING
Wall Type
Structural
Movement Control
Wall Ties
Fixings
SITE WORK
Storage and Block Laying
Mortars and External Render
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
2
Quality, Environment and Sustainability
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABLE
MANAGEMENT POLICY
The purpose behind Econovate®'s development is to
radically improve the sustainability of construction
industry products. This objective has been achieved
with the successful reinvention of one of the most
fundamental and widely used building materials – the
construction blocks.
WHAT MAKES ECONOVATE® PRODUCT DIFFERENT?
Econovate® product Econoblok® is manufactured
from up to ~85% recovered unwanted waste fibre
cellulose used as its main aggregate and bound by a
sustainable cement, with up to 70% of recycled raw
material within its mixture. The fibre cellulose
diverted from landfill is a waste reject from Paper
Mills due to its contamination or unsuitability for the
production of white paper.
The units are manufactured by a bespoke production
process where the focus is in its raw material
preparation to achieve a standard regardless of the
source. To be able to deliver a product with the
strength and the enhanced performance on thermal
and acoustics insulation Econovate® has develop a
product with sustainability as a goal. The second focus
of this production is to have a low-tech low-energy
consumption process while achieving a product.
AUTHORITY AND STANDARDS
ARUP has calculated a LCA for Econovate® ’s product
Econoblok®. The methodology used to determine the
carbon footprint has been undertaken according to
the requirements of the following
Standards: ISO 14040:2006 Environmental
management–Principles and framework; ISO
We believe that businesses are responsible for operating in an
environmentally and sustainable way, and that it is our
responsibility to set an example of this to others.
We are therefore committed to proactively managing and if
possible reducing any environmental impact associated with our
activities, and will continually strive to improve our environmental
performance as an integral/fundamental part of our business
strategy and operating methods. It is our priority to encourage our
staff, customers, suppliers and all those businesses we come into
contact with to do the same. We believe that this not only makes
sound commercial sense for all, but that it is also our responsibility
to exercise this duty of care towards future generations.
It is Econovate® policy to:

Comply with, support and wherever possible exceed the
requirements of current environmental legislation and codes
of practice.

Minimise all forms of waste generated by our activities.

Minimise energy and water usage in the production.

Operate and maintain vehicles with due regard to
environmental issues as far as reasonably practical.

Champion alternative forms of transport, such as walking
and cycling. Actively make use of public transport.

Look for ways of continuously improving the impact of air,
water, noise and light pollution from any premises we use.

Assess the environmental impact of decisions / processes we
consider before implementation.

Ensure all partners understand our environmental policy and
support our work in this area.

Treat any feedback, observation, suggestion or complaint
concerning our Environmental Policy with utmost respect.
14044:2006 Environmental management –
Requirements and Guidelines and BS EN 15804: 2012
Sustainability of construction works. In addition the
study has used BS EN 16485:2014 Round and sawn
timber –product category rules for wood and wood
based products for use in construction; to inform the
work on carbon sequestration.
Materials
Enbodied CO₂ (kg/tonne)
Concrete – typical
130
Common bricks
220
Econoblok®
5N/mm2
-174
You will be able to find an EPD in our website.
www.econovate.com
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
3
RResponsibly
esponsibly sSourced
ourced RRaw
aw MMaterials
aterials
In common with the concrete block industry in
general, we manufacture from locally sourced raw
materials, support local jobs and economies and
minimize our environmental impact by sourcing as
close as possible to our manufacturing facilities.
We have therefore no requirements as an industry to
demonstrate compliance with stringent FSC or Chain
of Custody requirements placed on manufacturers
who may source their materials from countries with
poor ethical, social and environmental records.
Our paper-concrete block manufacturing process
produces no waste of any kind. Any product which is
not suitable for sale is completely recycled back into
the manufacturing process to make new blocks.
Transportation of raw materials into our factory and
product out of our factory is kept within local/regional
area on the whole which again minimizes our carbon
footprint and impact on the environment as well as
supporting local jobs and economies.
EconoBlok® is made of waste paper/cardboard
diverted from landfills. It’s a lightweight load-bearing
block with high thermal and acoustics performances.
It has an appearance of a standard concrete block,
however in some cases behaviour is that of wood. The
vast majority of raw material used in our lightweight
fibre cellulose breezeblocks is fully recycled or
reclaimed. In fact, over 90% by weight of these blocks
consist of recycled materials, primarily newspaper and
cardboard, which would otherwise be landfilled.
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
4
Econoblok®
LIGHTWEIGHT FIBRE CELLULOSE BLOCKS
Econoblok® is a zero carbon lightweight fibre cellulose
building block with a smooth surface.
Econoblok® is the perfect all round building block,
they are cost effective, and simple to use providing an
excellent background to renders and plasters straight
into the wall, no need for mesh.
Due to over 85% of genuine recycled raw materials,
the precise texture and shade of the standard blocks
may vary from batch to batch. Coloured blocks are
intended for use in decorative fair-faced applications.
TECHNICAL PROPERTIES
Test
Value
Face size (BS EN 772-3)
Dimensions Tolerance (BS EN 772-16)
Gross Dry Density (BS EN 772-13)
Compressive Strength (BS EN 772-1)
Manufacturing Category (BS EN 771-3)
440 x 215 x 100 mm
Category D1
1100 Kg/m³
5 N/mm²
Category II
Thermal Conductivity (BS EN 1745) –
(ʎ10, dry, unit) S2 - design data
Fire Reaction (BS EN 13501-1)
Moisture Movement (BS EN 772-14)
ʎ0.15 W/mK
Econoblok® is made of waste paper/cardboard
diverted from landfills. It’s a lightweight load-bearing
block with high thermal and acoustics performances.
It has an appearance of a standard concrete block,
however its usual behaviour is that of treated timber.
(protected blockwork)
Class B-s1, d0
0.27 mm/m
THE ADVANTAGES AND APPLICATIONS:
(moisture expansion)

No need to re-train workforce.
Configuration (BS EN 772-16)
Group 1 - Solid

Pulling Strength (BS EN 320)
3.38N
Extremely good fixing grip, no need for special glues or
plugs. Behaves like wood.

Accepts any type of cladding.

Does not need PVA coating before rendering, a splash
of waste is sufficient.

Accepts any render plaster without the need of mesh,
it goes straight onto the wall.

Blocks can be bonded with usual mortar like cement
and lime.

Pricing will be 10% to 30% more expensive to
represent savings that will be absorbed by the savings
in the overall building costs and will be all the
technical improvements.

The block reduces up to 98% of the embedded CO2
emissions.
(with 120mm concrete screw)
0.94N
(with 50mm wood screw)
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Block
Size
(mm)
100
Thermal
Value
W/mK
0.15
Walled
Weight
Kg/m²
Sound
Reduction
Rw,dB
(note 1)
(note 2)
110
46
Block
Weight Kg
10.5
1. Walled weight is to single leaf wall plastered on both sides
2. Sound reduction Rw Values are on one leaf with naked blocks.
3. The block weight quoted are approximated and this includes the natural moisture of the block.
This might vary slightly.
PACK DETAILS
Block Size
(mm)
100
Blocks per
pack
72
M² Per Pack
8.4
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
5
Sustainable masonry built to last
(Product review)
Masonry buildings can last for generations. Their
durability, high performance and versatility has been
proven time and again beyond doubt making them
the perfect sustainable long-term building solutions.
The high thermal performance of EconoBlok® brings
results in lower season temperature fluctuations than
for a similar lightweight framed building. This means a
reduction and possible elimination of secondary
mechanical heating and cooling technologies than
may be required for a traditional block building. The
consequences of this being a significant reduction of
CO2 over the lifetime of the building and lower energy
bills for residents.
At demolition EconoBlok® can be recycled and sent
back to the nearest Econovate® plant where the block
is re- used to produce more blocks.
The production of this block do not contain any
hazardous chemicals and does not reduce hazardous
waste.
Econovate® is committed to zero waste and is
working in synergy with other industries to sell its
waste (flimsy plastic and minerals) for its refuse.
Other waste from the claiming process will be reused
in our own production process. Rejection at
production, post production and after sales will be
recovered and reprocessed to reintroduce back into
the production process.
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
6
Durability
Masonry buildings can last for generations. Their
durability, high performance and versatility has been
proven time and again beyond doubt making them
the perfect sustainable long-term building solutions.
EconoBlok® has proven through its technical tests and
assessments designed by ARUP’s technical team that
can match masonry solutions for the following
reasons:
The novelty of our product and the behaviour is
showing a durability tests based on timber
performance was the most appropriate. Growth
infestation BS EN 350-1 test was chosen. The results
has proven the product pass the required time.
This standard is designed to assess the preservative
efficacy of timber through half burying stakes in the
ground for extended periods of time. Each year, the
test samples will be tapped with a hammer to assess
integrity and inspected for biological damage.
Although not directly applicable, a similar test may be
suitable for Econovate® to better understand the long
term durability and to address concerns about
moisture, rot insect and other vermin resistance.
The methodology used was to compare with the
European oak natural durability: Fungi -1 (very
durable); Anobium - S (susceptible); Termites -M
(moderately durable)
EconoBlok®
Fungi – 1 (very durable)
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
7
Fireand
, therAcoustics
mal and acoustics
Fire
FIRE
Historically, buildings formed from masonry have
proven time and again to be among the safest and
most reliable fire resistant building methods available.
With tests done on walls made with EconoBlok®
blocks, Econovate® has proven that the product not
only has the same safety quality as any other
masonry / wood product but they are also noncombustible with zero spread of flame and no
generation of smoke.
Because of the behaviour of the EconoBlok® a
product that take characteristics from the concrete
and the timber, the block was tested for fire as it was
timber on the fire resistant test. Timber classification
is B as oppose to A1 for concrete blocks. EconoBlok®
has being classify as category B-s1, d0 of the Euroclass
in accordance with BS EN 13501-1. Classification B in
relation to its reaction to fire, s1 in relation to smoke
production, meaning there is not production of smoke
and d0 in relation to flaming droplets/particles,
meaning there is no production of particles.
Fire resistance test has proven that EconoBlok® with
only 5N behaves the same as any other concrete or
aerated block with 7N. Test was done on a cavity wall
with two 100mm leaf walls.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Block Size (mm)
100
Cavity wall with naked blocks
59 min
DECIBEL RATING
The following table shows the predicted sound
reduction Rw value of single-leaf masonry walls using
our block type. The predicted figures shown are based
on wall mass and calculations in accordance with BS
EN ISO 10140-1 and BS EN 717-2 are intended for
indicative purposes only. Actual tested performance
may vary significantly and will be affected by multiple
factors including workmanship, wall ties, finishes,
floor, roof & flanking junctions and transmission of
sound from other parts of the building and
neighbouring structures. We recommend the use of
our solid blocks for Part E separating walls.
Block type
Thickness
& config.
mm
Approx.
Block
Weight
Walled
Weight
Sound Reduction (single leaf) Rw, dB
Unfinished
Plastered
Dry Lined
Econoblok
100
10.5
105
46dB
52dB
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
52dB
8
Thermal
EXAMPLES U-VALUE
Our product’s thermal conductivity give the specifiers
and builders a wide variety of options to finding the
most practical and economical solution.
Exceptionally low u-value can achieve results that will
improve SAP calculations ratings.
PERFROMANCE REQUIRIMENTS: PART L
In The 2013 edition of Approved Document L1A,
Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings, is
the current edition for use in England. It came into
effect on 6 April 2014 and replaces the 2010 edition
(incorporating further 2010 amendments). This is the
document Econovate® will follow.
In October 2010, the approved document part L was
introduce. There were an important number of
changes from the 2006 regulations version. The aim
was to improve up to a 25% over the 2006
regulations. The key changes were:
 Improved limiting u-values for building elements as
a sustainable product to reduce thermal bridge.
 Party wall u-value and acoustics
LIMINTING U-VALUE
Element
external walls
Part L 1-2013 Part L1-2013
(new build)
(existing build)
2
0.28 W/m K
0.30 W/m2K
In practice, lower u-value than the limiting values
shown above are aimed for the help of achieving the
reduction in CO2 emissions with the rating of SAP.
In the table below we are providing some examples:
Econoblok®
1
103mm Outer leaf brick/ 75mm Kooltherm/100mm
inner leaf Econoblok 5N /plasterboard
External render/100mm Outer leaf
Part L 1A
U-value
0.21 W/m2K
Econoblok
2 5N / 75mm Kooltherm/100mm inner leaf
0.20 W/m2K
Econoblok 5N /plasterboard
External render/100mm Outer leaf
Econoblok
3 4.9 / 25mm cavity/ 100mm Kooltherm/100mm
0.17 W/m2K
inner leaf Econoblok 5N /plasterboard
The walls thickness are 1) ~293mm and has one layer
of Econoblok without a cavity; 2) ~345mm and has
two layer of Econoblok of the same density without
cavity; 3) ~370mm two layers of Econoblok with a
cavity including internal finishing.
 Improved airtightness requirements
PARTY WALL
 Lineal thermal bridging.
A new concept was introduce into Part L in 2010 and
is the party wall bypass and this is to do with the loss
of heat through the cavity of party walls. This has
being further enhanced by taking into account the
importance of the sound insulation to the party wall,
to improve quality of life for the occupants.
these measures are part of the “fabric first” approach
which basically attempts to get the building as
thermally efficient as possible before adding on the
renewables and other energy saving technology.
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
9
Wall types
Our Econoblok® can offer solutions for all types of
masonry walls, from internal partition walls to high
performance acoustic separating party walls
compliant with part E of the Building Regulations.
There are a number of basic rules of thumb to follow
when constructing various wall types, which are
outlined here.
INTERNAL WALLS & PARTITIONS
Our block is suitable for the construction of internal partition walls and will provide a
durable and robust building.
Our blocks is non-combustible and are categorized as Class B-s1,d0 fire resistance in
accordance with the very latest standards and will provide fire resistance internal walls.
SEPARATING PARTY WALLS
We recommend the use of our Econoblok® for party walls. The block has high sound
absorbent characteristics which will ensure a high sound insulation for party walls.
Party walls should always be constructed without vertical movement joints. Movement
can be accommodated by the use of horizontal bed-joint reinforcement.
EXTERNAL WALLS
Our Econoblok® can be used for external walls. They are not however intended to be
left unfinished and exposed to the element due to the fact that our fibre-cellulose
based blocks in general are not fully resistant to moisture like any other cement block.
Therefore, external walls should be protected from exposure by rendering or cladding.
If blocks are to be left on an extremely exposed wall, we recommend the use of
external waterproof paint blocks. All mortar joints must be fully filled and preferably
tooled. Un-tooled and recessed mortar joints are more susceptible to rain penetration.
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
10
Structural
Our product is suitable for use in meeting with the UK
structural Building regulations and codes currently in
use:
Approved document A of the building regulations
BS 5628 (code of practice for use of masonry)
BS EN 1996-1 (aka “Eurocode 6”)
BS 8103 (Structural Design of Low Rise Buildings)
The following rules of thumbs for selecting block
strength to storey height is taken from approved document a of the building regulations England and
wales:
Econovate® has currently one product. This product
has a strength that is in between the two most used
product strength, 3.6 and 7.3N. This puts Econoblok®
in the position to be able to perform in any of the situations described in the graphics.
EconoBlok®
Block Strength 4.9N/mm²
Notes
1. If Hs is not greater than 2.7m, the compressive strength of bricks or blocks should be used as
indicated in the ‘key’ table above.
2. If Hs is greater than 2.7m, compressive strength of the bricks or blocks used in the wall should be
at least Condition B, or as indicated by the key, whichever is the greater.
3. If the external wall is solid construction, the masonry units should be have a compressive
strength of at least that shown for the internal leaf of a cavity wall in the same position.
4. The guidance given in the diagram for walls for 2 & 3 storey buildings should only be used to
determine the compressive strength of masonry units where the roof construction is of timber.
CHARACTERISITICS COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
Mean Compressive Strength of Block, N/m²
Block size
3.6
5.0
7.3
EconoBlok®
Solid (Group 1) blocks using designation iii (M4) mortar
100mm
x
4.9
x
Aggregated & aerated concrete masonry unit strength to BS EN 771-3 & 4.
Econovate® will be considered within this group of masonry.
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
11
Horizontal Movement Control
Bed joint reinforcement is particularly suitable for
houses and low-rise dwellings wherever a vertical
movement joint is impractical and for acoustic
separating party walls where vertical movement joints
are prohibited.
Horizontal movement control can be in the form of
steel ladder-type mesh or flexible movement control
mesh.
Horizontal movement control is particularly effective
at relieving stresses around areas of point loading
such as joists and lintels as well as above and below
openings such as doors and windows.
Some examples below:
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Horizontal movement control should be placed in the
2 courses above and below any opening and below
any area of higher stress such as lintels and floors
joists.
The reinforcements should extend at least 600mm
beyond the width of the opening into adjacent
blockwork. (See diagram below)
Ideally, the reinforcement should be of suitable length
so that any stresses are transmitted to vertical
movement joints or adjacent areas of blockwork.
Reinforcement should normally have a mortar cover
of at least 13mm on the face of the internal blockwork
and 25mm on the external blockwork faces.
Where a wall is supported by a floor, the first two
courses above the floor junction should be bed-joint
reinforced.
Masonry grade reinforcement should be used.
Plastering grades are not suitable.
Reinforcement must never bridge a vertical
movement joint.
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
12
Wall Ties
Wall ties should be flexible enough to accommodate
the relative movement between both leaves of a
cavity wall by stiff enough to transmit axial loads.
Stainless steel wall ties should be specified
conforming to BS EN 845-2 or BS DD 140-2.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
For conventional 10mm mortar construction, butterfly or
double triangle type wall ties should be embedded at
least 50mm into the mortar joint on each leaf.
When partial-filling internal cavity with insulation,
suitable retaining devices should be used to support the
cavity insulation batts in position.
The leaves should be coursed so that the ties slope
slightly down towards the outer leaf and the drip is
facing downwards in order to prevent water penetration
across the cavity to the inner leaf.
WALL TIE SPACING & POSITIONING
Wall tie spacing and positioning should be in accordance
with BS 5628 with tie density of 2.5 ties per m2 of wall.
Ties should be evenly distributed over the entire wall
area using a staggered pattern when both leaves are
greater than 90mm thick.
The distance from vertical movement joint or the vertical
edge of any opening (e.g. door, window) should be no
greater than 150mm.
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
13
Fixings
Econoblok® behaves like treated timber, for fixings
treat the block as a piece of timber.
Fixings can be used in our product without the need
for plugs, glues or any other aid. The block can use all
type of screw, nails without plugs.
Econoblok® has good pull-out strength and provide
good grip used on its own. In the case of wanting to
use plugs all kinds such as Fischer and Hilti are
suitable for our product. There are other fixing
manufacturers available whose equivalent products
would be suitable as well.
Block Type
Light-duty
Applications
Heavy-duty
Applications
EconoBlok®
4.9N
Fischer: no plug
straight into block
5mmx50mm
woodscrew
Fischer: no plug
straight into block
120mm concrete screw
GENERAL GOOD PRACTICE POINTS FOR FIXINGS
 For heavy duty applications involving potential
loading and vibration cycles, Econoblok® will be
able to absorb these strengths. We would
recommend to use concrete screws for these
situations.
 Avoid fixing into mortar joints. If using chemical
resin anchors, always following the manufacturer’s
instruction.
GENERAL GOOD PRACTICE POINTS FOR DRILLING

Drilling can be done with drilling parts for wood.
Any size for drilling bits can be use.

Do not drill less than 20mm from the borders of
the block, this might crack or disintegrate.

Drilling should be done with the same
precaution as any other drilling on wood. The
block will not crack under drilling, unless you
pressure with extreme force.

We recommend the use of dust mask while
drilling as it generates a cloud of fibre dust that
could harm your lungs.
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
14
Storage and Lying of Blocks
STORAGE OF BLOCKS - General good practice
 We can deliver on a variety from 6-wheeler rigid wagons
to articulated crane and flat vehicles. Always be sure to
check that the site can accommodate safely the vehicle
type requested.
 Minimize repeated handling and lessen the potential for
damage to the product by storing in positions as near to
the point of use and as horizontal possible.
 The pack will always have the same size and quantity.
Our blocks will come in pallets if buying large amounts
(from 30 pallets and onwards). Please contact our
purchase manager Callum, to learn about our pallet
recovery scheme. www.econovate.com
 Econovate® may supply voided packs for handling with
forks without the need for wooden pallet.
 Always check load and pack details with your sales
office to ensure that the site is equipped with the
correct offloading and handling equipment.
SAFETY & MANUAL HANDLING

Packs should be stored on firm, level ground no more
than 2 packs high and protected from exposure to
severe weather to preserve their quality.

Packs are banded and care must be taken when
removing these bands as individual blocks may fall out.
Never un-band packs above shoulder height.

For further guidance on safe manual handling, see HSE
Construction Information Sheet 37 (CIS 37).

Load units out to above knee height.

When cutting, drilling or chasing blocks, ensure that
suitable eye protection is worn and if using mechanical
cutting, suitable dust suppression and extraction
measures should be provided on site.
BLOCKS LAYING - General good practice
Blocks should not be laid if the temperature is at or below 3
degrees Celsius and falling unless it is at 1 degrees Celsius
and rising. Remove all dirt and debris from the block
surfaces.
Blocks should always be laid on a full bed of mortar and the
vertical perpend joints filled.
It’s recommended to slightly wet the blocks before applying
mortar. The consistency of the mortar mix should be
adjusted to suit the suction of the block. For example, a
slightly thinner mortar mix would suit Econoblok® whose
suction is higher than traditional concrete blocks.
When building cavity walls, both leaves should be brought
up together. However, if construction using Econoblok®
and thin-joint masonry the inner leaf can be built ahead of
the outer leaf for external cavity walls.
BLOCKS BONDING
Blocks should be laid to achieve a good bond normally not
less than one quarter of the length of the block. Other patterns may require the inclusion of bed Joint reinforcement.
PROTECTION OF FINISHED BLOCKWORK
Block work should be protected from inclement weather
with weatherproof sheeting, which must properly tie down.
Care must be taken to cover all of the newly laid blockwork
particularly if there is any possibility of extreme hot or cold
weather.
CHASING
Vertical chasing should be restricted to 1/2 the depth of the
block thickness and for horizontal chasing, 1/3 the depth of
the block.
Chasing is not permitted in acoustic separating party walls
and always avoid ‘back to back’ chases in any type of wall.
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
15
External Rendering & Cladding
Soft texture Paper Concrete blocks provide an
excellent key for adhesion. These blocks have
moderate suction and no special pre-treatment of the
surface is normally required other than ensuring that
all dust and debris is removed. It’s recommended to
slightly wet or spray with water to ensure a strong
bonding.
Traditional renders should be applied in 2 coats.
However the Econoblok® can hold up to 25mm render
of single coat. The humidity hold within Econoblok®
will ensure that the render on plaster releases its
humidity slowly allowing for the curing process to be
slow. This will ensure a strong bond and no cracks will
appear at any time.
Recommended renders are:
Lime base render and plasters to allow for the breathability of the wall. The used of cement based render
will have a good finishing and will not show cracks
however will compromise the breathability of the
product.
The bonding and durability of rendered finished is affected by the weather conditions at the time of application. However, the tolerance for rendering under
unsuitable weather conditions are wider than any
other block.
In hot weather or where the wind can dry out the
render to quickly, the applied render should be kept
slightly damp for the first day.
The same protection is needed from driving rain and
freezing conditions. Where sheets are used, ensure
that they are hung so as not to contact the applied
render and cause chafing and scuffing. Econoblok®
emanates heat allowing for more tolerance of
temperature. It’s advised in extreme weather
conditions to do a trial patch.
For the unique characteristics of the Econoblok® its
behaviour allows for flexibility however the strong
fixing to the block will ensure that the render will
remain on the wall.
Block type
Econoblok®
Background
Pre-treatment
None
Number of
rendering coats
1
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
16
External Rendering & mortar
GOOD PRACTICE FOR APPLYING EXTERNAL RENDER
 Clean all dirt and debris from the block surfaces.
 There is generally no need to wet the blocks prior
to applying the render. Slight spraying of water will
ensure strong bonding.
 Provision should be made for external fixings,
brackets and supports prior to commencing
rendering work.
 Corner beads and stop beads suitable for external
work should be used.
 Cement, lime, sand mixes without air
entertainment are preferred.
MORTAR
 Sands in accordance with BS EN 13139 should be
used. Sands that are too fine tend to have high
Mixes should be accurately gauged, the ingredients
being thoroughly mixed before adding the water.
The minimum amount of water required to provide
a workable mix should be used.
Econoblok® surface offers an excellent surface for
accepting mortars and not pre-treatment is required
other than ensuring that the block surface are clean
and free of dust and debris and the blocks are slightly
wet as the workmanship usually does.
 Design detailing should ensure that there are good
overhangs at eaves, sills and other projections in
order to throw away from walls.
 Rendering must not bridge the dc.
PRE-TREATMENT OF WALLS USING ECONOBLOK®
Econoblok® have a smooth texture, however the
humidity in the fibre cellulose will ensure mechanical
key for the render to adhere stronger. Although not
necessary when using proprietary renders (See
renders manufacture’s literature). Econoblok® should
be wetted prior to applying renders in dry, warm
conditions to overcome their natural suction and
prevent the render from drying out too quickly.
Proprietary pre-rendering treatment such as Rend-Aid
can be applied if desired.
If the block are not wet at all the absorption of the
mortar moisture will be absolve by the fibre in the
block and a slight crack of no more than 1mm between the block and the mortar will appear. This is
due to the shrinkage of the mortar once it has lost all
its humidity. However this cracking will not compromise the structure of the wall and this can be remedied with the render.
Wetting the block can be done with spraying and or
with submerging few second on a bucket of water before laying the block. This will ensure the humidity
balance between the mortar and the block and will
ensure a strong grip of the mortar.
Any type of mortar or pre-mix mortar can be used
with the Econoblok®. The consistency of the mortar
mix should be adjusted to suit the suction of the
block.
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
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Our block manufacturing location
Unit 4 Frogmore Industrial Estate
Frogmore Road
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
HP3 9RW
Tel: 01442 212427
www.econovate.com
For further information visit: www.econovate.com
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