The Urban Renewal Guide

What exactly is urban renewal, how does it differ from “Pinui-Binui or NOP 38 projects, what are the process stages, and how long does it typically take? Here are the questions we frequently encounter, along with all the answers you need. 

No, Ashbond blocks are only suitable for interior partitions.

An Ashbond partition may be joined to existing walls and the ceiling by bonding sealing strips between it and the wall and/or the ceiling.

In conventional construction (black blocks) the walls must be aligned and smoothed with plaster following their erection. This stage adds to the construction costs, takes up more time and leads to interference with existing systems. The Ashbond technique is based on dry construction, i.e. all that is required on completing the erection of the partition is a thin putty layer without plaster, upon which the partition is now ready for painting or affixing ceramic tiles without sealing if wet spaces are involved.

Certainly. The Ashbond gypsum block offers a simple, speedy and flexible technique for building interior partitions. The block is very easy to mount (3 blocks = 1 sq.m.), having two sides with a trapezoidal protuberance and two sides with a trapezoidal hollow, respectively, fitting into each other (plug-socket). The blocks are attached during mounting using Ashbond mortar made of the same material as the gypsum block, with the addition of special resins. Since dry construction is involved, the partition may be built independently from the first till the last row, without interruption or the need for other materials. 

No, Ashbond partitions have no need for reinforced concrete girdles or lintels to reinforce and stabilise the structure’s walls, as we are dealing with a massive and stable partition possessing high monolithic strength. 

Certainly. Door and window openings may be made in Ashbond partitions without having to cast girdles, but just with the aid of temporary support of the row of blocks above the opening for 24 hours while construction proceeds. Openings of any shape (rectangular, round, arched etc.) may also be made following completion of the partition construction, simply and easily. All that is needed is to mark the size and shape of the opening in the partition and to saw it out accordingly. 

Absolutely. The construction of Ashbond gypsum block partitions provides for maximum flexibility and modifications to the design of the interior space without interfering with the flooring, even if already in place. Construction by the Ashbond technique is carried out without the need for guide rails or even adhesive, since the blocks are laid on top of existing flooring, which remains complete and protected. Removal of a partition due to modified subdivision of the structure or interior design is achieved easily and quickly by dismantling it without interfering with the flooring.

Thanks to its durability when exposed to humidity, the Ashbond block provides a convenient solution for building wet areas, making sealing unnecessary and thus significantly cutting construction time as well as costs. Tiles are affixed directly to the partition using acrylic adhesive without the need for prior preparation or special aids.

Openings in Ashbond partitions are bridged by installing two blocks on either side of the opening. They are joined using an adhesive as close as possible to the centre of the opening with a minimum support of 15 cm. on either side. This solution illustrates the monolithic strength of the blocks bonded together.

Both light and heavy elements may be suspended from Ashbond gypsum partitions with no need for special anchors. The partitions are also designed to take the weight of extremely heavy objects such as sinks, kitchen cabinets, shelves and so forth. Various attachment and anchoring means are to be used, including - galvanised nails for pictures and other lightweight elements, plastic dowels for shelves, turbo dowels for particularly heavy shelves and/or kitchen cabinets, and Ashbond bolts for sinks, suspended toilet bowls and the like. Jumbo anchors would not be suitable in this case. The Ashbond bolt is designed for the suspension of particularly heavy elements such as sinks, toilet bowls, water boilers and the like. Sinks and suspended toilet bowls may only be installed on 10 cm. thick block walls. Ashbond consultants or the company’s specifications should be referred to when suspending heavy objects from Ashbond partitions.  
To reference tables for selecting correct means of attachment and anchoring 
For acquiring suitable anchors you may contact Metad Bet HaDübel, 10 HeHarash St., Tel Aviv, tel: 03-6880213. 

Before erecting the partition, a levelled base is to be ensured by means of a concrete girdle, a row of concrete blocks, and/or a levelled floor. If the partition is erected on top of flooring tiles, a suitable and stabilised infrastructure below the tiles shall be ensured. When attaching an Ashbond partition to an existing wall, the location of the partition shall be marked on the wall with the aid of a level. 

The mortar shall be prepared by adding the powder to a bucket of clean water in the water/powder ratio recommended on the product package. Mixing may be done using an electrical stirrer at low speed or manually until there are no more lumps. Manual stirring extends the length of time that the portion may be used.  Ashbond mortar is not to be mixed with other materials and water should not be added to a portion that has started to set. Following use, close the bag properly to keep moisture out.

The function of the sealing strips (cork base strip and flat sealing strip) is to isolate the partition to which they are attached in all directions and enable the partition with the monolithic strength to function as a “joint”.

As part of its commitment to encourage green construction in Israel, Ashbond, together with the Israel Innovation Authority and the Ministry of Housing, has developed an improved thermal block for building insulation walls combining the advantages of the gypsum block with advanced thermal insulation materials. This innovative development, recently granted patent approval, constitutes a technological breakthrough in the building materials field, offering a 40% improvement in the level of thermal insulation, upgrading home climate quality, ensuring energy savings and meeting the most stringent Standard requirements.