Aerated concrete or foam concrete - what to choose

Aerated concrete and foam concrete - related cellular materials that are equally popular in modern construction. Despite the external similarity, there are certain differences between them. How not to be mistaken when choosing the main building material?

The main differences between gas and foam concrete construction blocks are due to the difference in the technological processes of production. Autoclave aerated concrete is made exclusively in industrial conditions from such ingredients as quartz sand, cement, plaster, lime and water. As a gas formator, an aluminum crumb is applied or powder. The frozen gas silicate is cut by special strings, after which they are necessarily subjected to heat treatment in an autoclave furnace. Thanks to such technological procedures, the blocks are obtained absolutely even and homogeneous by structure, and therefore - strong and durable.

For the manufacture of foam concrete, almost the same component composition (cement, sand and water) is used, but various additives of synthetic or organic origin are used as foaming agents. The technology of manufacturing foam concrete blocks is quite simple and does not require existence of expensive equipment. The process of mixing the concrete mix and additives occurs in a conventional construction mixer. The foamed mass is poured into separate forms, the subsequent harvesting of the composition occurs naturally. It is important to understand that unstable quality indicators are characteristic of the structural conditions of block materials.

Now about the strength characteristics of building blocks. It is believed that the higher the density of the cellular material, the more stronger and, respectively, is more reliable. However, foam concrete (despite a higher density rate) still loses a gas concrete and mechanical strength, and in physical properties. Very often, the heterogeneity of the foam concrete structure becomes the cause of a significant shrinkage when drying, which is fraught with the appearance of deep cracks. The aerated concrete structures due to heat treatment, the qualitative component composition and the uniform density of the array are practically not exposed to deformation.

Another plus in favor of aerated concrete is the accuracy of the geometric sizes of building blocks. From foam concrete "conifers" gas blocks are distinguished by a clear geometric shape, so that they can not be laid on the usual cement-sandy, but on special adhesive solution. As a result, such a fine laying is flat (it can not be placed), hermetic (without "cold bridges") and economical (the cost of adhesive composition is an order of magnitude higher than a conventional solution, but during the operation of glue is consumed much less than cement).

As for the characterization of water absorption, the foam concrete almost does not absorb moisture due to closed porosity. Unlike the "foam" fellow, aerated concrete is more hygroscopic due to the presence of voids of both closed and open type. However, the question of the advantage of foam concrete blocks is rather controversial, since the airproof material in the future prevents the natural circulation of indoor air.

Another important factor when choosing cellular blocks is ecological. It is worth noting that both materials are made from mineral components, so they are absolutely non-toxic and fireproof, besides, they are not subjected to rotting and not covered with mold.

The following criterion is the cost of materials. As a rule, foam concrete is about 20-25% cheaper than gas silicate due to lower costs. Specialists argue that budget foam concrete blocks are the perfect option for building a warehouse, a country house for seasonal living, a garage or workshop. If we are talking about building a house in which you are going to live for many years, it is better to give preference to a better autoclave gas concrete.