Aerated concrete, porous clay blocks, or sand-lime brick? Hello,
unfortunately, I couldn’t find satisfactory answers to my questions using the search function here.
We are just starting to plan a single-family house and are now going through catalogs and building specifications from various home builders.
The building descriptions mention different wall construction materials. Aerated concrete seems to be the most commonly offered.
We are looking for a manufacturer- and supplier-independent source of information that clearly explains the advantages and disadvantages of the different materials.
In particular, we are interested in structural stability, durability, as well as thermal insulation and indoor air quality.
How do the cost differences between these materials compare?
Is there perhaps even a source with a neutral comparison?
Best regards, Jasper
unfortunately, I couldn’t find satisfactory answers to my questions using the search function here.
We are just starting to plan a single-family house and are now going through catalogs and building specifications from various home builders.
The building descriptions mention different wall construction materials. Aerated concrete seems to be the most commonly offered.
We are looking for a manufacturer- and supplier-independent source of information that clearly explains the advantages and disadvantages of the different materials.
In particular, we are interested in structural stability, durability, as well as thermal insulation and indoor air quality.
How do the cost differences between these materials compare?
Is there perhaps even a source with a neutral comparison?
Best regards, Jasper
We are currently looking into this question as well. Our architect refuses to use Ytong blocks or aerated concrete blocks. These need to be protected from driving rain before being plastered, as they absorb water. He recommends using bricks or a concrete composite block with insulating beads instead. This block is also lighter than brick and provides good insulation.
The only advantage of Ytong blocks is their good insulation properties and the speed of construction due to their light weight.
The only advantage of Ytong blocks is their good insulation properties and the speed of construction due to their light weight.
But I think 99% of new buildings have exterior walls made of aerated concrete. If the risk of these aerated concrete blocks absorbing rainwater during rain and getting "damaged" or significantly losing quality is that high, then almost all new buildings should be considered defective, right???
My main question was whether it would be better to construct the interior walls from sand-lime brick or not... In my opinion, the advantages are clearly the much better sound insulation, since the thermal insulation inside the house provided by aerated concrete is probably of secondary importance? Because if the house is not well insulated on the outside, well-insulated interior walls won’t help me much, will they???
My main question was whether it would be better to construct the interior walls from sand-lime brick or not... In my opinion, the advantages are clearly the much better sound insulation, since the thermal insulation inside the house provided by aerated concrete is probably of secondary importance? Because if the house is not well insulated on the outside, well-insulated interior walls won’t help me much, will they???
The good sound insulation properties of calcium silicate blocks for interior walls mainly refer to noise generated within the house in adjacent rooms: flushing toilets, loud music, children crying...
Apparently, for exterior walls, effective thermal insulation is more important. The additional external insulation and possibly a facing layer also contribute to sound insulation.
A home builder told us that using calcium silicate blocks for exterior walls makes sense from a soundproofing perspective only in very noisy outdoor environments—such as urban locations.
Jasper
Apparently, for exterior walls, effective thermal insulation is more important. The additional external insulation and possibly a facing layer also contribute to sound insulation.
A home builder told us that using calcium silicate blocks for exterior walls makes sense from a soundproofing perspective only in very noisy outdoor environments—such as urban locations.
Jasper
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Bauexperte25 Feb 2013 14:52Hello,
Your architect is simply afraid of shrinkage cracks, proper workmanship, and nothing else. If what he told you were true, all the projects of this type that we have sold and built over the past years would still be tied up in court today.
If you read the links posted by E.Curb, you will find that there is no single ultimate block for all construction projects. Every material has its pros and cons, and in the end, the choice of block is always a personal building decision.
Best regards from the Rhineland
hanpetz schrieb:When I read statements like this—especially from architects—I get quite frustrated. The only thing missing is that he recommends an external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS).
We are currently dealing with this question as well. Our architect refuses to use a Ytong block or an aerated concrete block. These need to be protected from driving rain before plastering and absorb water. He recommends using bricks or a concrete composite block with insulating beads instead. This is also lighter than bricks and provides good insulation. The only advantage of Ytong blocks is their good insulation and the quick construction because they are light.
Your architect is simply afraid of shrinkage cracks, proper workmanship, and nothing else. If what he told you were true, all the projects of this type that we have sold and built over the past years would still be tied up in court today.
If you read the links posted by E.Curb, you will find that there is no single ultimate block for all construction projects. Every material has its pros and cons, and in the end, the choice of block is always a personal building decision.
Best regards from the Rhineland
Hello!
The emotional reactions to this topic are always quite interesting.
Of course, proper construction practices must be assumed – but some materials are more prone to errors.
My personal opinion on
aerated concrete
Is only really an option as a facing shell – sound insulation is quite limited. Advantages: reasonably good insulation. You don’t need a drill.
brick
Is probably the most versatile all-round solution. Sound insulation is decent, insulation is okay (with proper execution). But impact sound – at least in my house – is really poor.
sand-lime brick
My actual favorite; I still have so many Fischer anchors . Not great insulation, so a monolithic wall isn’t possible. Best sound insulation. Best structural stability.
Conclusion: Sand-lime brick is great, brick is okay, aerated concrete = compressed cat litter – and now everyone can complain.
Best regards,
TomTom1
The emotional reactions to this topic are always quite interesting.
Of course, proper construction practices must be assumed – but some materials are more prone to errors.
My personal opinion on
aerated concrete
Is only really an option as a facing shell – sound insulation is quite limited. Advantages: reasonably good insulation. You don’t need a drill.
brick
Is probably the most versatile all-round solution. Sound insulation is decent, insulation is okay (with proper execution). But impact sound – at least in my house – is really poor.
sand-lime brick
My actual favorite; I still have so many Fischer anchors . Not great insulation, so a monolithic wall isn’t possible. Best sound insulation. Best structural stability.
Conclusion: Sand-lime brick is great, brick is okay, aerated concrete = compressed cat litter – and now everyone can complain.
Best regards,
TomTom1
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