Aerocon Blocks or AAC Blocks – Pros and Cons

If you want your house with an ecofriendly option, then AAC blocks are a good option. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks is a certified green building material which is three times lighter than red bricks, strong, insulative, and long-lasting. As a leading house construction company in Chennai, KP Civil Construction is dedicated to using the best materials for durable, eco-friendly, affordable and long-lasting experience in your building or home construction.

What Are AAC Blocks?

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete blocks also known as AAC blocks, are a new material in the home construction market that are green, eco-friendly, low-maintenance, precast materials with excellent thermal insulation and durability which keep buildings cooler and prevent outside heat from entering, leading to significant savings on air conditioning. These blocks are cured under high-pressure steam, making them durable and energy-efficient. This material is an alternative to traditional red bricks which are made from cement, lime, sand, gypsum, and aluminum powder. Because of its light weight and superior insulation which saves on labor costs compared to brick or solid cement blocks.

Advantages of Aerocon (AAC) Blocks

Easy installationAAC blocks are easy to install and can speed up construction. AAC blocks are about half the weight and ten times the size of traditional bricks which provides flexibility for adjustments, cutting, and shaping. Where lightweight blocks are easy to transport, which reduces overall logistics and shipping costs compared to traditional brick transportation costs. This block is three times lighter than traditional clay bricks resulting in reducing the building’s overall weight which makes handling, transport easier and lowering labor costs. AAC blocks have fewer joints and consistent dimensions, making them easier to lay and speeding up the construction process. Lightweight partition walls are best advised and safe for the building. Walls built with Aerocon bricks, with a minimum thickness of 100mm, can resist fire for up to four hours which make them the safe choice. The edges of the blocks allow easy workability and accurate dimensions, which makes it easy to cut, drill, nail, and shape.
High Thermal InsulationAAC blocks provide thermal insulation, excellent heat insulation, and energy-efficient facilities throughout our lifetime which result in lower energy bills because of reduced air conditioning use by keeping indoor spaces cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Soundproof PropertiesAAC blocks are lightweight and porous, they reduce sound significantly with a high Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating, Aerocon Blocks reduce external noise, making them perfect for construction of studios, hospitals, and hotels.
Eco-Friendly and SustainableAAC blocks are lightweight, energy-efficient, and simple to install, they reduce labor costs. It is made from non-toxic, natural materials which are certified as environment-friendly which do not emit VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) which leads to environmental pollution. AAC blocks are produced with minimal waste using natural, non-toxic raw materials and produce less construction waste and require less water for curing than traditional bricks which makes the building more durable and steady, preventing rot and mold. Some of the waste or offcuts produced can be recycled or used to make aggregates. It can lower the carbon footprint of buildings.
Faster ConstructionAAC blocks speed up construction and complete projects faster due to their larger size, easy to handle or install and lightweight properties.
Fire and Pest ResistanceAAC blocks are noncombustible and fire-resistant for up to 6 hours compared to other building materials, providing better safety for homes and commercial buildings which can depend on their thickness and temperature. Unlike traditional bricks, they are resistant to termites and pests.
High Strength and DurabilityCompared to conventional bricks, AAC bricks can handle higher seismic loads. AAC blocks are extremely strong and can bear heavy loads resulting in a durable finished structure making them suitable for high-rise buildings designed to handle Earthquakes, Self-weight, and gravity.
Moisture resistant:AAC blocks offer better moisture protection. The macro-pores within AAC blocks ensure low water absorption.

Disadvantages of Aerocon (AAC) Blocks

Higher Initial CostAAC blocks which save costs for your long lifetime but the initial cost are higher than the cost of Bricks / Solid Blocks/traditional bricks. Easy to handle option and faster construction can balance the cost of using AAC blocks in house construction.
Requires Skilled LaborConstruction with AAC blocks requires specialized and experienced masons for proper installation.
Brittle NatureAAC blocks are more brittle than red bricks but they can break readily which makes them prone to breakage if not handled carefully and demand greater caution when handling and transporting than clay red brick.
Requires Special Plastering and FinishingAAC blocks have a porous surface, which may require specialized and experienced plastering techniques and masonry works should be done only by using proper adhesives made of OPC cement, polymers, graded aggregates, etc to avoid water absorption and cracks.
Higher water absorption rate:Interior finishes must have low permeability and exterior finishes must have high permeability. Due to macro pores in AAC blocks causing fissures in the structure as a result of their expansion when water is absorbed and contraction when moisture is lost.
Less AvailabilityWhile AAC blocks are not readily available in all regions, they cause additional transportation costs.

Types Of AAC Blocks

Fire Resistant AAC Blocks
Long-lasting AAC Block
Rectangular Fly Ash AAC Block

If you’re looking for a strong, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly building material, Aerocon Blocks may be a good option. As a trusted house construction company in Chennai, KP Civil Construction recommends AAC blocks for Residential apartments & villas, Commercial buildings, High-rise structures, and for Green and sustainable projects. For expert guidance on choosing the right materials for your construction, contact KP Civil Construction today.