AAC vs Other Materials

So, what are the advantages of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC)?

  • Lightweight (80% lighter than concrete- it will even float on water!)

  • Strong against extreme weather conditions. Structure can be engineered according to weather concerns of the area Earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, wildfire, etc.

  • Non-combustible * UL fire rating of 4 hours for a 4-inch non-load bearing wall * Does not expel toxic gases when exposed to fir * Ideal for wild-fire prone areas

  • Energy efficient in hot and cold climates * AAC cellular structure creates unique thermal properties resulting in a “mass enhanced R-Value.” * Combining high heat loss resistance with thermal inertia * Great for large day to night temperature swings * Monthly savings on heating and cooling cost

  • Impervious to pests, termites and other wood boring insects.

  • Mold-proof and vapor permeable walls * As an inert mineral product, AAC will not succumb mold and decay.
  • Reduced sound transmission * AAC has a high STC rating (Sound Transmission Class) due to the porous structure of the material it performs as an acoustic insulator, therefore reducing sound transmission.
  • Eco-friendly materials and building process * Manufacturing AAC materials does not emit any pollutants into the environment and uses a minimal amount of energy and natural resources to produce.
  • Flexibility with remodeling and decorating * Interior walls can easily be moved and reassembled for simple remodeling.       * AAC can be cut, drilled, shaped and sanded easily with hand or power tools. * Electric chases are easily sawn or routed in.
    * Screws and nails can be used just as a wood build house.
  • Legacy Value– the home will easily outlast the life of a wood-frame home while requiring less maintenance. Reducing the overall long-term expense of a home.
  • Design options * AAC exteriors can be designed with the aesthetic of your choice. It can be fitted with stone, cement board siding, brick, metal & wood siding, etc. * Interior walls can be sanded down, and no additional materials are needed for a finished product. * However, interiors can be direct plastered with a base coat, followed by stucto-lite plaster or drywall compound if desired.
  • Eliminates the need for sheetrock.

There are countless other advantages to using AAC not listed above. Over 60% of new home construction in most central European countries are currently built using Autoclaved Aerated Concrete. The build process is fast and efficient with a contractor trained on using the material.

Currently a wood-framed home in the US is 4-10% less expensive to build up front, but the long-term cost of owning a wood-frame home can easily offset that cost within just a few years.

 

How different is this material from traditional wood homes build in the USA? Below is a breakdown of just a few key issues and expenses you will find in a wood framed home:

 

  • Wood burns easily and cannot withstand a wildfire.

  • Easily destroyed in an earthquake o If survives seismic activity, the home is still in danger of fires resulting from gas line damage (Kobi Earthquake, Japan 1995).

  • Termite damage.
  • Mold and dry-rot * Especially relevant in areas with regular snow and rain.
  • High wind and hurricane damage can completely destroy or cause significant damage.
  • Flooding treatment is much more extensive and expensive than with AAC * Remove sheetrock to dry-out the frame and treat wood against mold before rebuilding (AAC would only require pressure washing.)
  • Extra cost for sound-proofing.
  • Need for insulation products which have been found to be toxic over time.
  • Higher annual energy costs due to poor insulation products.
  • Susceptible to structural damage and requires more longterm maintenance than AAC.
  • Certain treated wood products used in homes are toxic and no longer permitted in parts of Europe.