This material will consider blocks of autoclaved aerated concrete (also called aerated concrete, gas silicate, gas block), all this is the same material. Such material can provide high strength and durability of the structure, good heat saving characteristics of the future building. Many consumers are mistaken and confuse the foam block and the gas block, which is not true. If we consider these materials in more detail, it becomes obvious that they are completely different.
So what material to buy to build your house? The decision is of course yours to make. It is recommended to compare both foam concrete blocks from different manufacturers with each other, and aerated concrete blocks. Foam concrete is inferior in terms of basic indicators to aerated concrete. The main advantage of foam concrete is its low price. Foam concrete is not made by autoclave, it is produced by pouring the mixture into special molds.
The main disadvantages of foam concrete blocks:
– The first disadvantage is the inaccuracy in geometric shapes.
– Second, the heterogeneity of the structure, which is reflected in the strength indicators.
– Third, follows from the second, indicators of vapor permeability, and, accordingly, thermal conductivity.
– High density of the material, which increases the weight of the finished product, increases the load on the supporting structures of the building.
Aerated concrete blocks differ radically from foam blocks, consider:
– Autoclave method of hardening aerated concrete products, which gives a stable structure to the finished block.
– Stable product density and more stable strength indicators.
— Precise dimensions of the blocks with a low deviation in geometry, which makes it possible to use glue for masonry with a thin seam.
– Good thermal insulation qualities of the material.
– Low shrinkage rates, exclude the appearance of cracks in the finished walls.
— High rates of frost resistance, from 100 cycles and more.
As you can see in the comparisons above, all indicators are on the face. This, of course, does not mean that foam concrete blocks should be removed from the market. But, for the consumer, who has the ability and desire to build from a better material, the choice is obvious.
When comparing aerated concrete blocks with each other, you should pay attention to the following indicators:
- The branded strength of aerated concrete should be on average B2.5.
- The density of gas blocks is mainly D 400 and D500
- Not high thermal conductivity, which depends on the density. The coefficient for grade D 400 is 0.095 W/m°C.
Further, when choosing and comparing aerated concrete blocks with each other, it is necessary to take into account the indicators indicated above. It is necessary to understand for what specific purpose aerated concrete will be used. The number of storeys of construction, the total area of the building and the design features of the building. Aerated concrete is a material that is easy to process and lay. The construction of walls takes place in the shortest possible time with minimal cost.
Based on all of the above, you need to conclude that it is better not to save on the construction of the walls of your future home. The consumer needs to familiarize himself with the characteristics of competing brands and compare them with each other. Read reviews from buyers who have purchased such material before.
We wish you successful construction!