Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
AAC block is a concrete-type product and is strong, durable and weather resistant. Can be tornado or huricane proofed – see your structural engineer.
When using AAC block or panels, ther is no need for plywood or OSB paneling.
Is light-weight (40-66% lighter) meaning quicker and easier installation and lower transporation costs.
Is LEED evaluated for energy savings and environmental friendliness.
Offers standard and custom pre-facbricated panels for quick and easy installation.
Ultimately, AAC block can be up to 40% less than 3-coat stucco installations.
For the owner, property insurance can be lower.
Does not mold; a property can flood, be cleaned and re-occupied much quicker, cheaply and far less trama; water absorption will be very limited especially if properly sealed.
Fewer bugs; bugs can’t hide or breed in AAC block walls
Fire-resistent – won’t burn – is UL 263 certified and more; can be used in the construction of firewalls and shaftwalls; has excellent fire resistance.
Weather-resistent – won’t blow down – can be rated for exceptionally strong winds.
A building can be bui;lt without any wood products. The walls, floors and rooting can all be made from AAC block products.
Quiet. For example, flooring made from AAC panels is exceptionally quiet and reduces exterior sound.
Insulated. Want more insulation and all the related benefits, order thicker AAC block or panels.
Is very durability – AAC block is very durable can last for many decades and won’t chip or break-off like regular concrete.
Is green – AAC block and panels are made from cement, lime, silica sand and aluminum powder – all natural materials.
Energy Saving – when compared to many other building materials, AAC block can save 40%.
Utiliites, such as electrical wiring, is quick and simply to install.
Easy to fabricate – cut with a saw and drill a rebar hole with a core drill or hammer drill bit; can be used to fabricate many different styles and looks.
Is a well-researched and used product with millions of homes and commerical buildings built with AAC block.
Since the lighter-weight ACC block reduces the builidng’s overall weight, in theory, the foundation structure can be lessened saving time and expense especially for large or tall structures.
Reduced over all cost – while AAC block products might be slightly more expensive over competitive projects, when all factors are accounted for, AAC block is the clear winner for both the cost of construction and the long-term ownership cost.
Relatively gun-fire safe – while not formally tested at this time, AAC block is far more capable to resistent gun-fire and similar penetrants.
AAC block does not shatter or break like CMU or brick does; even when hit with a sledge hammer, AAC block simply dents which is easily repairable.
Inter-block ACC block sealing is exceptionally strong and without air-leakage when built properly; inter-block or panel tolerances are very tight down to the millimeters.
AAC block is made to tight tolerances meaning no bowed walls or aire leakages.
AAC block Is stable – won’t sag, warp, deform or crack and joints remaining invisible over time.
Fast construction – a 2-story 2400 sqft foot home with all AAC block products can be constructed in one month; or restated, a good target for an experienced crew is 700 sqft/day using a 2-3 person crew.
Disadvantages
AAC block is different – requires coming up to speed on AAC block construction methods and like most products, its structural limitations.
Installers need to be schooled on how to build with AAC block. However, once the first job is done, installers love it.
Structrual engineers and architects need to be trained on the intracies of AAC block.
Since the product is largely concrete, when cutting or driling, protective equipment must be worn to avoid the dust.
Since the prodcut is areaated, exposed surfaces must be floated or painted to prepare the surface.
Picture hanging (and the like) specialized fasteners designed for use with AAC block; a pounded in nail, for example, might simply slip-out.
AAC block is relatively unknown in the United States; it’s our mission to change this; there are about 100 ‘standard’ AAC block plants world-wide and pehaps that many non-standard plants in over 20 countries including the US.
There’s a lot AAC block misinformation on the Internet; purchase ACC block products from a reputable firm like US Block Supply.
To optimize for installation speed, AAC block construction requires a more accurately-built or level foundation or build-into infrastructure; since AAC block products are dimensionally accurate itsself and, if installed properly, installs are fast with small between-the-parts cracks.
