Foam block or gas block: which is better for building walls? Comparison of aerated concrete and foam concrete blocks What is foam concrete or aerated concrete most often used to build from?

The field of modern construction invariably pleases us with new products, thanks to which the process of constructing buildings becomes less time-consuming, and its result – the most consistent with expectations. As soon as foam blocks and gas blocks appeared on the building materials market, they created a real sensation. However, this was quite expected, because their advantages are obvious, and the range of applications is quite wide. However, if you decide to buy one of these building materials, first you need to thoroughly understand not only their differences, but also their individual advantages and disadvantages.

The main thing is not to rely on the subjective opinion and experience of pseudo-specialists, but to trust the recommendations and reviews of professionals. They, in turn, divided into several camps, two of which consist of adherents of one or another category of goods. others are among those who are convinced that the whole controversy regarding their differences is far-fetched and is nothing more than a marketing ploy and therefore there is no need to argue whether foam block or gas block is better for construction.

Naturally, the main differences between the building materials mentioned above arise at the stage of their direct production. Both products belong to the category of lightweight concrete, which is traditionally made exclusively from highly environmentally friendly raw materials. At first glance, they may seem similar, however, the procedure for their manufacture is significantly different. Even the pores that define these building materials appear in the blocks as a result of completely different technological manipulations.

Features of foam concrete manufacturing

The entire production process can be divided into a number of operations:

• the ingredients of the substance are combined, the foaming element is added last;
• using a mechanized method, concrete and foam are mixed;
• Under natural conditions, the finished solution hardens.

All the necessary equipment required for the implementation of such technology is very democratic in its price category, and therefore quite accessible even for novice entrepreneurs. Because of this, foam block manufacturers, as a rule, are small, almost home-based enterprises.

The products of such organizations, as a rule, are not at all ideal. The final products do not have a smooth surface or proportional parameters, which significantly complicates their use.

Production of building materials of the second type

IN in this case The following sequence of operations is carried out:

• due to the mixing of ingredients, a chemical reaction occurs, as a result of which pores appear;
• In order to increase their strength, finished products are processed in a specialized autoclave.

Comparison of the main physical and technical indicators of traditional building materials with foam concrete
Indicators	Unit	Construction brick			Building blocks			Foam concrete
		clay	silicate	expanded clay concrete		aerated concrete
Density	kg/m 3	1550-1700	1700-0950	900-1200		600-800	200-1200
Weight 1m 2 walls	kg	1200-1800	1450-2000	500-900		200-300	70-900
Thermal conductivity	W/m2	0,6-0,95	0,85-1,15	0,5-0,7		0,18-0,28	0,05-0,38
Frost resistance	cycle	25	25	25		35	35
Water absorption	% by weight	12	16	18		20	14
Compressive strength	MPa	2,5-25	5-30	3,5-7,5		2,5-15	2,5-7,5

Such a product is mainly produced in factories, since there is a need for fairly expensive and high-tech equipment. However, despite the cost of production, it fully pays for itself in the form of blocks that are almost ideal in terms of geometry High Quality. Practice shows that masonry using materials of this type can be called ideal and takes a minimum amount of time.

What ingredients are included?

It is gas silicate products that repel many builders due to the presence of aluminum powder, but the finished blocks ultimately do not contain it. Meanwhile, these types of cellular concrete are perfect not only for the construction of houses in which you plan to live, but also for other buildings.
The foam blocks mentioned above contain the following ingredients:

• blast furnace slag and other types of waste from production processes;
• water;
• lime;
• cement;
• lye, both soap and sulfide lye are suitable.

The last ingredient - lye - is mandatory, because it is what gives the material the necessary porosity.
Aerated concrete, in accordance with regulatory documentation, consists of:

• quartz sand;
• cement;
• water;
• aluminum paste;
• lime

It is the aluminum paste that alarms buyers of such building materials, but it causes harm only in its pure, independent form. Manufacturing process almost completely dissolves its particles.

Aerated concrete products are more diverse

Obvious differences in structure

The pores of an aerated block are much smaller than those of its foam counterpart. The color of the surface of the first is white, and to the touch the surface seems quite embossed and rough. At the same time, its competitor has a smooth gray surface. Therefore, we can come to the conclusion that the differences between these products are visible even to the naked eye.

Parameter	Aerated concrete	Foam concrete
Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/mx o C	0.10-0.14	0.0-0.38
Volumetric weight, density, kg/m 3	400-800	400-1200
Concrete compressive strength class	Class B2.5 at D500	Class B2.5 at D750
Vapor permeability, mg/mchPa	0.2	0.2
Water absorption,% by weight	20-25	10-16
Frost resistance no less	50 cycles	25 cycles
Masonry... / masonry joint thickness, mm	Tlieo on glue / 2-3 mm	For glue, solution / 10 mm
Average shrinkage of finished masonry	0.3 mm/m	2-3 mm/m
Average thickness of a single-layer wall, m	0.4	0.63
Soundproofing	Worse	Better
Pore ​​structure	Closed	Open
Appearance	Better	Worse
Average cost for pickup, rub./m3	3100.00	2500.00
Brand by density	D350, D400 … 700	D400…00, D1000…1200
Possibility of masonry reinforcement	Eat	No

Structure determines properties

Since foam concrete is a material whose pores are closed, it itself has good properties of both sound and heat insulation. In addition, it practically does not absorb water, but this does not mean that it will not need exterior finishing. Aerated concrete blocks have small pores containing microcracks. Due to this structure, the masonry will be exposed to active moisture. To avoid the negative consequences of this feature of the building material, it is necessary to cover the masonry with a special substance that can protect the blocks from water.

As for the strength of analogues, conclusions can only be drawn in practice. After all, theoretically, density is proportional to strength, but in reality, aerated concrete, which is weaker in theory, is practically not inferior to its competitor. Construction industry experts claim that in the area practical use It is gas blocks that are more durable and therefore their use in the process of erecting durable buildings is more relevant. However, money spendings for such work will also increase.

Aerated blocks, due to their structure and composition, do not have very high thermal insulation properties. But thanks to the excellent geometry of the products, the frost resistance of the masonry can be significantly increased by using cement-adhesive compositions. In addition, the monolithic nature of the masonry is ensured, which also minimizes the so-called “cold bridges”.
It is believed that foam blocks have much more attractive thermal insulation properties. But to ensure decent heat retention indicators, it is necessary to erect walls that are neither more nor less thicker than aerated ones - twice as thick. The conclusion is this: with equal wall thickness, aerated concrete wins.

Areas of application

Blocks from materials of both categories are used mainly in the construction of buildings with a small number of floors. Foam concrete is suitable for:

• load-bearing walls located no higher than the third floor;
• partitions;
• various partitions.

At the same time, more durable and expensive aerated concrete is used for:

• creating partitions;
• construction of load-bearing walls;
• filling voids between the frames of monolithic buildings.

The use of foam concrete involves the exterior decoration of the building

In addition, compacted with a stiffening belt, blocks of such a product are also suitable for buildings above three floors.

The main question is the cost

Often, it is the cost of the product that largely determines the buyer’s choice. Therefore, it is very important to study this aspect in order to objectively answer the question “What is better to use foam block or gas block for construction?”

Difficulty of creation gas products This category, among other things, requires the use of special equipment, the price of which often exceeds the hundred thousand dollar mark. Foam block products, at the same time, are often manufactured barely in the field, and often even on the construction site.

Perhaps the differences are far-fetched

Thus, a completely obvious and expected conclusion arises: gas blocks will cost much more than their analogues. However, you should not rush to make a decision in favor of foam concrete products. The fact is that the money spent must be fully recouped by at least the durability of the structure, simplicity construction work and minimal consumption of related building materials. All this is ensured precisely if you choose gas blocks. The almost ideal geometry of products of this type reduces the period of construction activities to a possible minimum, and the use of a special adhesive significantly improves the masonry in all existing parameters. Other experts speak in favor of the foam block. They argue that by taking the time to select products with proportional parameters, builders can create almost the same building, but at a lower price, not to mention incredible savings during the heating season.

Gas block or foam block what? better construction for home updated: December 14, 2016 by: Artyom

Today there are many building materials on the market. And cellular concrete blocks are among the most popular building materials. They are widely in demand both among specialists and among home craftsmen.

Nowadays, two types of blocks are produced from lightweight cellular concrete: gas block and foam block. In this article we will look at what is better: foam concrete or aerated concrete.

Foam concrete or aerated concrete

Due to the wide distribution of building materials on the modern market, many home craftsmen are trying to figure out what is better than cinder block or aerated concrete, not forgetting about such a popular material as foam concrete.

These materials are characterized by almost identical chemical composition.

The common components here are:

• Cement.
• Water.
• Sand.

Due to the same composition, foam block and aerated concrete have the following positive properties:

• Non-flammability.
• Resistance to various biological factors (damage by rodents, rotting, etc.)
• Resistance to the influence of chemically active substances.
• Easy to install. Knowing the principles brickwork, you do not need instructions to build a wall from foam block or gas block with your own hands. Therefore, most home craftsmen face exactly this choice: foam block, gas block or brick.

What's the difference

Let's consider the production technologies for these materials:

1. Foam concrete is obtained by adding to concrete mortar foaming agent. After this, the composition is poured into prepared molds, where it gains strength.
2. Aerated concrete is obtained due to chemical reaction quicklime with aluminum. Part of this material includes tiny particles of aluminum powder. As a result of the reaction, hydrogen gas escapes, which forms a porous structure. This material is made in large blocks. After the block hardens, it is cut into products of the desired shape.

It was these differences in manufacturing that influenced the properties of the resulting materials.

Comparing the characteristics of materials

In order to decide which blocks are better, gas silicate or foam blocks, you must first compare them specifications. Despite rapid technological progress, today there are no ideal building materials, so you always have to choose by comparing the advantages and disadvantages of different blocks.

When determining whether foam block or aerated concrete is better, we will compare according to the following parameters:

• Strength.
• Heat and sound insulation.

• Environmental friendliness.
• Price.
• Hygroscopicity.
• The need for reinforcement.
• Ready for finishing work and installation.
• Production quality.

Let's look at these points in more detail:

1. Moisture resistance. A good home should be dry. And foam concrete in this case is an ideal material, since it practically does not absorb moisture.

Advice!
To verify the high water resistance of the foam block, you can carry out the following experiment: place the block in a container filled with water, leaving it in it for a long time.
The material will float on the surface of the water both after a week and after a month, etc.

Due to such high hygroscopicity, experts recommend waterproofing only the outer walls of buildings lined with foam blocks.

Aerated concrete is also waterproof, but to a slightly lesser extent. In addition, drying of this material takes longer.

1. Thermal conductivity. Warm housing is the dream of many of our compatriots. Considering quite harsh winters, everyone dreams of forgetting about the cold, drafts and electrical heating appliances located throughout the house.

Walls built from cellular concrete require insulation. Especially outdoors. Aerated concrete has lower thermal conductivity, but thermal insulation is still a mandatory procedure.

1. Soundproofing. Separate pores in the structure of foam blocks provide a higher level of sound insulation than that of aerated concrete. However, such walls still need to be soundproofed.
2. Strength.

In our country we are used to building “to last forever”. Considering the cost of modern building materials, this desire is very easy to justify. Therefore, durable material is needed for load-bearing walls.

The strength of the foam block is lower than that of the gas block.

Advice!
Due to its lower strength, foam concrete is easier to process.
If necessary, you can easily cut such a block into the required parts, drill a hole or grind the protrusions.

Gaso concrete blocks They withstand external loads better, as a result of which they do not lose their shape and do not crumble during loading and unloading operations. Accordingly, the structure is more durable.

As you can see, in terms of strength, the answer to the question: “Which is better, a gas silicate block or a foam block?” depends entirely on the nature of the proposed work. If the material will be processed, then you should choose a foam block, but if you need a building with smooth, strong walls, choose products made from aerated concrete.

1. Wall installation. Let’s figure out what is better than gas silicate or foam block when doing masonry, because ease of use is a very important parameter for any home craftsman.

Related articles:

Foam concrete blocks are not afraid of either cold or rain. They are ready for use immediately after production. Therefore, you can begin work immediately upon the arrival of the material at the construction site.

Aerated blocks, in turn, absorb moisture, so they should be used in masonry walls only after drying. On the other hand, plaster adheres better to them, which greatly simplifies finishing work.

1. Reinforcement. When determining whether foam blocks or aerated concrete is better, one cannot ignore the topic of reinforcing the material in order to strengthen the structure.

Laying reinforcing bars prevents the appearance of cracks in foam concrete walls. Due to their reduced strength, this procedure is mandatory. Aerated concrete walls are also subject to reinforcement, but in this case reinforced blocks installed only in ceilings doorways and windows.

Advice!
When constructing one-story buildings, aerated concrete may not be reinforced at all.

1. When deciding whether foam blocks or gas blocks are better, many will focus on cost. Both materials fall into the category of inexpensive building blocks. However, there is still a difference in price. Since the manufacturing process of aerated blocks is more complex, they are more expensive. And the difference can be about 20%.

Ease of manufacture makes it possible to produce foam blocks not only semi-industrially, but also in a handicraft way. At the same time, the costs of purchasing equipment and producing the material itself are significantly reduced. Products made in artisanal conditions can be significantly cheaper than factory-made aerated concrete (up to 40%).

1. Calculating transport costs. When determining whether foam blocks or gas silicate blocks are better, you should not least pay attention to transportation costs, because delivering the material to the construction site is a mandatory step, since building a house requires a large amount of building materials.

Foam concrete blocks are less resistant to transportation. Demanding high-quality styling, they can suffer miles of damage when transported over bad roads. Aerated blocks are more durable, but are usually transported in covered vehicles to prevent moisture from entering.

1. Fakes. When determining whether gas blocks and foam blocks are better, few home craftsmen think about the fact that in the modern market it is quite easy to encounter counterfeits by purchasing material of dubious quality. And if the production of aerated concrete blocks eliminates such cases completely, then foam blocks that are easy to manufacture are often counterfeited by small cooperatives and fly-by-night companies.

Industrial production of aerated concrete products becomes possible only with the purchase of specialized, expensive equipment, so all building materials of this type meet all quality requirements.

But there is quite a lot of low-quality foam concrete on the modern market. And besides the low price, such building materials may have a number of other, more unpleasant characteristics, including increased fragility and low environmental friendliness.

Facts and Misconceptions

Today, there are several questions about these materials that interest most home craftsmen:

1. How harmful is the aluminum contained in aerated concrete to human health?

Such worries are completely groundless, since aluminum, being one of the most common materials on earth, is also present in ordinary ceramic bricks. Moreover, its mass fraction in brick is much greater than in aerated concrete. Any harmful effects This material has no effect on the human body.

1. The gas block is laid with glue, while cement mortar is used to lay the foam block. Will work with a gas block be cheaper due to the saving of solution?

The layer of cement mortar when laying a foam block is at least 1 cm. The adhesive layer when building a wall of aerated blocks is only 2 mm. Accordingly, glue consumption is 5 times less, while its cost is only 2 times higher than the cost of concrete.

Advice!
Laying with glue allows you to practically eliminate the occurrence of cold bridges, which will allow you to significantly save on wall insulation.

Conclusion

As you can see, modern building materials have certain differences, which are reflected in both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, even experts, among whom there are different opinions, cannot decide whether a gas block or a cinder block is better. Therefore, taking into account all of the above, the final decision should be made by you.

In the video presented in this article you will find additional information on this topic.

Modern construction technologies country houses Foamed concrete blocks are widely used. They are lightweight, durable and large in size, allowing walls to be erected quickly. It’s just not always clear what is better to choose – foam concrete or aerated concrete. And is there a difference between them?

There is a difference, and it is in the method of obtaining the material. Foam concrete and aerated concrete are related materials; both of them are lightweight concrete with small air bubbles inside. In essence, it is concrete that has been foamed and frozen in this state. But the ways these bubbles form are different.

Why is concrete foamed?

As you know, the best heat insulator is air. The most effective heat-insulating materials are those that contain a large number of air pores inside. But the more voids inside, the less durable such material is. Foamed cellular concrete successfully combines the strength of concrete and good thermal insulation properties of air.

Production Features

Foam concrete made from a cement-sand mixture with the addition of a chemical reagent - a foaming agent. The foaming agent for foam concrete can be of synthetic and organic origin. The mixture is thoroughly mixed and poured into molds. Hardening occurs naturally, which makes it possible for small enterprises to produce foam concrete blocks.

Aerated concrete or autoclaved foam concrete is made only in factory conditions. It does not contain any chemical additives for foaming; it consists entirely of mineral raw materials: sand, lime, cement, gypsum, water and aluminum powder as a blowing agent. As a result of a chemical reaction, bubbles are formed, which form pores. The material hardens at high temperatures in an autoclave under pressure.

What are the benefits of houses made from foam concrete and aerated concrete blocks?

Both foam concrete and aerated concrete are durable building materials, they do not burn, are not environmentally harmful, durable and, at the same time, easy to process. Houses made from these materials are much cheaper than those made from traditional brick. There are several reasons:

• Low cost of the blocks themselves.
• Savings on heat and sound insulation. The low thermal conductivity of materials makes it possible to build walls of reduced thickness, but the house will still be warm.
• Big sizes blocks allow you to spend less connecting material (cement or glue) and build faster.
• Both aerated concrete and foam concrete are lightweight materials; building a house does not require the construction of a massive foundation.

Comparative characteristics of foam and aerated concrete

The advantages and disadvantages of these building materials are approximately the same. The advantages include the following characteristics:

• High strength.
• Ease.
• Easy to process and use.
• Good heat insulating and sound insulating properties.
• Does not rot, is not damaged by rodents.

Disadvantages of materials:

Compared to conventional concrete, both aerated concrete and foam concrete can withstand lower mechanical loads.

How to distinguish aerated concrete from foam concrete

Differences between the foam block and the gas block are clearly visible:

• Foam block: gray shade, smooth surface.
• Gas block: color – white, surface rough, embossed.

If you break off a piece, the pores of the foam concrete are much larger. Having placed pieces of both materials in water, after a while you will notice that open-cell aerated concrete will quickly absorb moisture and sink to the bottom, while foam concrete will remain on the surface for several days.

Strength

They are made in different densities depending on the purpose of the materials. At the same density, foam concrete is slightly inferior to autoclaved aerated concrete in terms of strength. Aerated concrete is stronger. In addition, the quality of aerated concrete is controlled by a large manufacturing plant, but when producing foam concrete in small enterprises, it is difficult to control its strength. Its strength depends on the quality of the foaming agent. It is no secret that manufacturers can use low-quality, cheap foaming agents to reduce the cost of blocks.

Strength is also influenced by the fact that the structure of aerated concrete is more uniform. Foam concrete may have larger or smaller pores, which affects its strength.

Ability to retain heat

The denser the structure of a concrete block, the worse it retains heat. Therefore, foam concrete, which has a low density, will be a better heat insulator than aerated concrete.

Exact block sizes

The accuracy of the geometric dimensions of autoclaved aerated concrete blocks is greater. It is regulated by GOST, the permissible deviations are up to 3 mm in length, up to 2 mm in width, up to 1 mm in thickness, while for foam blocks deviations in geometric dimensions in thickness can reach 5 mm.

This is due to the fact that when filling molds for foam blocks there are always deviations in size. Gas blocks are cut after hardening with a special string and their dimensions are more accurate.

At first glance, 5 mm is small relative to the overall size of the block. But violation of the geometric dimensions of foam concrete blocks leads to deterioration of the masonry and greater consumption of masonry materials.

Environmental friendliness

Autoclaved aerated concrete is an absolutely environmentally friendly material. During its production, a reaction occurs between lime and aluminum. The hydrogen released as a result is not all released during the hardening of the material, but it is not a poisonous gas. Aerated concrete is made from mineral raw materials, therefore it is not at all susceptible to rotting, and due to the ability to regulate air humidity in the room, the likelihood of fungi and mold appearing on it is completely eliminated.

Foam concrete is also safe construction material. It is made from cement, sand, ash, waste from crushed stone production, and chemical additives are used as foaming agents. Foam concrete-forming foaming agents, both protein and artificial, harmful substances do not contain. The quality and environmental friendliness of such additives cannot always be strictly controlled. Large enterprises producing aerated concrete use this fact to promote their product on the construction market. But even if there is a possibility that the chemicals are not entirely safe, their concentration in the foam concrete itself is extremely low. In addition, the pores of foam concrete are closed and sealed.

Both building materials do not have significant shortcomings in environmental terms, and this parameter cannot be decisive when choosing.

Water absorption

Both foam concrete and aerated concrete have a porous structure, which means they absorb moisture to one degree or another.

Aerated concrete absorbs more moisture than foam concrete. This is due to the fact that there are pores in foam concrete closed type, and in aerated concrete there are pores of both open and closed types. A wall made of aerated concrete must be covered with a protective layer, otherwise it will pick up a lot of moisture. During frosts, wet aerated concrete does not show itself in the best possible way- cracks. Plaster or tiled cladding is used as a coating.

Foam concrete can be used without a waterproof coating, but usually the walls are finished, leveling them, and also for decorative purposes.

Price

Foam concrete is cheaper, the components for its production are not very expensive, and the equipment is not complicated. The production of autoclaved aerated concrete is more expensive. But when building, foam concrete may need more than aerated concrete due to the fact that it is less durable.

It is also important that aerated concrete is laid on an adhesive mixture, and for foam blocks, inexpensive cement mortar is quite suitable. True, with glue, installation is faster, and you will need much less of it than cement mixture.

Conclusions:

If you need to build a low building, cover the wooden structure with blocks, make an extension to country house, That best choice there will be foam concrete.

If you need to build a large house with reliable load-bearing walls, use aerated concrete. But do not forget that you need to build quickly; you cannot leave an unfinished house to get wet in the rain.

We hope that this comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of foam concrete or aerated concrete was timely and helpful to you. Good luck with your construction!

When building a house it is important to choose the right material, which will be quite durable, lightweight and at the same time be able to retain heat in the house. Among the building materials for private construction, the most popular are gas blocks and foam blocks. The difference between them is insignificant at first glance, but their technical indicators differ significantly.

Comparative characteristics of foam blocks and gas blocks

Foam concrete and aerated concrete refer to cellular concrete, and they have a similar structure. But thanks to the different raw material composition and production technology cellular blocks have different properties and technical characteristics. Weighing the difference between aerated block and foam block is important for the correct choice of building material. The difference between them must be carefully studied.

The main indicators by which these building materials differ are summarized in a table for ease of analysis.

Technical indicators	Foam block	Gas block
Color	Grey	White
Surface structure	Smooth	Rough
Brand by density	700, 800, 900	350, 400, 500, 600, 700
Strength	Class B2.0 at D800	Class B2.0 at D500
Durability	70 years old	50 years. Because this modern material there was no way to test it experimentally
Vapor permeability	Below	Higher
Thermal conductivity	Higher, but in the case of this indicator, this is a disadvantage for the walls of the house	Below
Masonry	The masonry is carried out using a cement-sand mortar with a joint thickness of 10 mm. This promotes the formation of cold bridges	Masonry gas blocks performed with special glue. The seam thickness is 1 mm, which eliminates the formation of cold bridges
Geometric parameters	Production is carried out in molds and deviations can reach 5 mm.	Autoclaved aerated block is cut into modern equipment and the deviation of dimensions from the norm is ± 1 mm
Shrinkage	3 mm/m	The shrinkage process takes place in an autoclave, so it does not exceed 0.1 mm/m
Because of more specific gravity the load on the foundation is higher	Below
Convenience of work	More difficult due to greater weight	Easier, because It’s more convenient to work with light material
Soundproofing	Below	Higher
Ease of handling	More difficult	Due to the lower density of the material, it is easy to saw
Eco-Friendly Factor	4	2
Moisture resistance	Higher	Below
Frost resistance	Below	Higher
Fire resistance	High	High
Price	Below	Much higher

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All about foam blocks

Foam blocks are made from foam concrete, which formed by mechanical mixing of concrete mixture with foam. Thus, the weight of the material is significantly reduced. The pores of the foam blocks are closed, which contributes to increased moisture resistance.

Components of foam blocks:

• sand;
• cement;
• water;
• foam.

Specifications:

• dimensions foam blocks and gas blocks are the same - 200x300x600 mm;
• weight one block of the appropriate size – 22 kg;
• density
• water absorption – 14%;
• frost resistance – 35 cycles;
• compressive strength – (0.25 – 12.5) MPa;

Advantages of foam blocks:

Their disadvantages:

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All about gas blocks

Aerated concrete blocks are made in autoclaves from aerated concrete. It is formed due to a chemical reaction that releases gas. In the structure of aerated concrete, many small cracks are created under the action of escaping gas, so this material allows air and moisture to pass through.

Components of aerated concrete:

• cement;
• quartz sand;
• lime;
• water;
• aluminum powder;
• chemical additives.

Specifications:

• dimensions aerated concrete blocks – 200x300x600 mm;
• weight one block of the appropriate size – 18 kg;
• density material – (300 – 1200) kg/m3;
• water absorption – 20%;
• thermal conductivity – (0.1 – 0.4) W/m*K;
• frost resistance – 35 cycles;
• compressive strength – (0.5 – 25) MPa;
• material consumption – (21 - 27) pcs/m3.

Advantages of gas blocks:

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Manufacturing technologies for these materials

The process of creating foam concrete blocks:

1. In an industrial concrete mixer cement and sand are poured in the required proportions. All components necessary for the manufacture of the product are pre-weighed. Depending on the proportional ratios of sand and cement, the strength grade is determined from D400 to D1000. The higher the grade of foam concrete, the stronger and more massive the material.
2. The required amount of water is added to the dry mixture to obtain a solution of the desired consistency.
3. The composition is mixed until a homogeneous consistency is formed.
4. When the solution is ready, foam is added to the industrial mixer.
5. The cement-sand mixture with foam is mixed.
6. After the solution is ready, it poured into molds.
7. After filling the form should stand for up to 4 hours, during this time primary setting occurs.
8. After 4 hours, the forms are loaded and transported to a place where the foam concrete will dry under natural atmospheric conditions. Behind three weeks the material reaches sufficient strength for construction load-bearing structures building.
9. The remaining strength is gained over the next six months. In the future, the strength of the material only increases. This process lasts for 50 years of operation.

Manufacturing technology of aerated concrete blocks:

Separately, we note that the equipment for making blocks from aerated concrete is quite complex and expensive.

Having studied what gas blocks and foam blocks are made of, their technical characteristics, production technology and differences, it is easier to decide what to build a house or cottage from. What material to choose for the construction of a building: foam block or gas block depends on technical requirements and financial capabilities future owner of the house.

Didn't find the answers in the article? More information on the topic:

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Aerated concrete or foam concrete, what is the difference?

Before building a house, you need to decide what to build it from. It is the chosen material that determines how strong and comfortable the home will be. Nice walls and the heat will not be given off to the street, and extraneous noise will not be allowed to enter the rooms. They must also be environmentally friendly and fireproof. Nowadays, lightweight and durable cellular materials for walls are at the peak of popularity. Often, a developer thinks for a long time about what to buy: aerated concrete or foam concrete - what is the difference between them. At first glance, it doesn't exist at all. Let's take a closer look.

Understanding the terminology

Cellular concrete is a name given to lightweight cement-based materials. Their feature is the presence of numerous cells, due to which the material acquires many beneficial properties– both physical and mechanical. Cellular concrete has several varieties. In addition to the foam concrete and aerated concrete already mentioned above, there is, for example, aerated concrete. Porous concrete can be autoclaved or non-autoclaved.

According to the method of formation of these cells, the following materials are distinguished:

• Aerated concrete;
• Foam concrete;
• Gas foam concrete.

According to the method of hardening, porous concretes are divided into:

• The autoclave method involves hardening the material at elevated pressure in a sealed container into which saturated water vapor is added.
• The non-autoclave method assumes that the material hardens in its natural environment. At the same time, it warms up using electricity. It is also possible to treat concrete with saturated steam. But, unlike the previous method, the pressure does not increase.

Foam concrete and aerated concrete differ quite significantly from each other. They have different composition and characteristics. And in operation, both materials manifest themselves in completely different ways.

Features of the production of foam blocks and gas blocks

1. To make foam concrete, mix a cement base with special additives. They are necessary for foaming the mass. These foaming agents are either based on synthetic substances or organic. The foamed mass falls into special molds, where it hardens in its natural environment. As a result we get foam concrete blocks. The material, called monolithic, is poured not into molds, but into formwork. After hardening, the removable formwork is dismantled. The permanent formwork remains in place.

The structure of foam concrete.

2. There is a significant difference between foam concrete and aerated concrete produced by the autoclave method. The latter, unlike foam concrete, can only be produced in production conditions. In order for it to foam, no special chemical additives are needed. Aerated concrete consists of natural substances - water, cement, lime and gypsum. A certain amount of aluminum is also added to it - in the form of powder or paste. It is this substance that promotes gas formation.

Aerated concrete is produced in a special container - an autoclave. To give the material strength, it is exposed to high pressure and temperature, as well as water vapor. During the production process, a chemical reaction occurs between the components, and a substance with new properties is formed. And its crystal lattice is similar to the lattices of some organic substances. These are, for example, calcium silicates, in particular tobermorite. The chemical reaction is accompanied by the release of hydrogen - it is this gas that makes the material porous and fills these same pores.

Structure of aerated concrete.

When the aerated concrete finally hardens, it’s time to cut it into neat, identical blocks. For this purpose, strings are used, which provide an almost perfect even cut. Thanks to this, when laying aerated concrete blocks, the seams are very thin. So cold bridges, through which a lot of heat can escape to the outside, can be avoided.

Video: Production and differences between aerated concrete and foam concrete

Let's compare the characteristics of foam concrete and aerated concrete

GOST standards for the manufacture of both materials are the same. Deviations from them are not permitted. It would seem that the characteristics of both porous concretes should coincide. In fact, there are differences.

Moisture absorption and frost resistance

The difference in manufacturing technologies affects these two parameters. So, aerated concrete absorbs water like a sponge. Because of this, during frosts it does not perform well. Foam concrete has much lower water absorption. But it should be remembered that usually walls made of cellular materials are not left “as is” - they are covered with a protective layer. This could be stucco, siding or tile cladding. So in practice, the difference in water absorption can be ignored. But you can know that aerated concrete loses here.

Video: Aerated concrete sinks or floats

Which is stronger

The density of both porous concretes can vary from 300 to 1200 kilograms per cubic meter. If we compare aerated concrete and foam concrete of the same density, it turns out that the latter is less reliable and strong. In addition, the strength of this material directly depends on the quality of the foaming agents. Since a good foaming agent has high price, some manufacturers cheat and replace it with a cheaper one. The strength of foam concrete is unstable over the entire surface of the block. But the aerated concrete block is homogeneous and manifests itself equally at all points.

Environmental Safety

During the production of autoclaved aerated concrete, a reaction occurs between lime and aluminum. The hydrogen released as a result is not all released during the hardening of the material. Some of this gas (however, quite a bit) can escape both during construction and later, when the walls of the house are already folded. But hydrogen is not a poisonous gas, so it does not produce a toxic effect on the human body. The foaming agents that form foam concrete, both protein and artificial, also do not contain harmful substances. In addition, the pores of foam concrete are closed and sealed. It turns out that both of these materials do not have significant disadvantages in environmental terms and this parameter cannot be decisive in the choice of one material or another.

Video: Is it true that aerated concrete is poisonous and banned in Europe

Which material is more susceptible to shrinkage?

Cracks may appear in a wall made of foam concrete blocks. After all, the shrinkage rate of this material ranges from 1 to 3 mm/m. Aerated concrete blocks practically do not crack, since they have a similar parameter - no more than 0.5 mm/m.

Ability to retain heat

The denser the structure of cellular concrete, the worse its thermal insulation ability. Therefore, foam concrete, which has a low density, is a better heat insulator than aerated concrete. But load-bearing walls cannot be built from it - it is not strong enough. Therefore, it is necessary to use denser material, but make the walls thicker, because its thermal conductivity is higher. For example, for Novosibirsk, the walls of a house made of D600 foam concrete blocks should be no thinner than 65 centimeters. Then the house will be warm enough.

If, under the same conditions, you lay walls made of aerated concrete, then they will turn out no thicker than 45 or 50 centimeters. Yes, and the density will be sufficient D 400 or D 500. As you can see, aerated concrete is much better able to retain heat, and the wall made from it is lighter and stronger. However, it’s up to you to decide whether to use aerated concrete or foam concrete for your home.

Fire resistance

Both materials perform well in this regard. Moreover, these cellular concretes allow air to pass through well, and also contain only substances of natural origin. They are lightweight and easy to use. As for resistance to frost, aerated concrete in this regard is twice, and sometimes three times, more reliable.

Comparing the cost

Foam concrete is significantly cheaper - about 20 percent. After all, the components for its production are not very expensive, and the equipment is not complicated. But during construction you may need more of it than aerated concrete. Therefore, you should not look only at the price of a cubic meter of material - first calculate the entire project of your future home.

It is also important that aerated concrete is laid on an adhesive mixture, and for foam blocks, inexpensive cement mortar is quite suitable. True, with glue, installation is faster, and you will need much less of it than cement mixture. As a result, it turns out that the cost of laying foam blocks (including all materials) exceeds the cost of laying gas blocks. In addition, a thin layer of glue, unlike cement, does not create cold bridges. As a result, the house turns out to be more energy efficient.

Comparing sizes

Since aerated concrete blocks are manufactured in a factory, their dimensions are more stable than those of foam blocks. After all, foam concrete can be made directly on the construction site - using special installations. As a result, both the consumption of materials for laying and the convenience of laying itself are different for both cellular concretes. But this does not mean that aerated concrete is a winner on all counts.

We hope that this comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of foam concrete or aerated concrete was timely and helpful to you. Good luck with your construction!

Video: Which is better? Aerated concrete or foam concrete?

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Gas block or foam block - what to choose?

Similarities and differences between materials

An aerated block or a foam block is chosen based on the fact that these are similar building materials and they belong to lightweight concrete; they differ from each other only in the way air cells are formed in the block itself.

Layout of the foam block device.

Air bubbles in the foam block are formed by foam, which is mixed with concrete. The result, after the concrete has dried, is a block of the appropriate size, the foam in which has frozen in the form of air bubbles. This block is durable, light and warm. The foam block cells have a closed structure, that is, when they harden, air bubbles envelop the concrete. As a result, all bubbles are enclosed in concrete. You can buy foam blocks here on the website mi-2.ru.

Gas block and foam block are porous materials that absorb moisture, but this happens when completely immersed in water. If you simply leave them outside, moisture absorption will not be critical; in this case, comparing aerated concrete blocks and foam blocks will lead to the same result. The most important thing during construction is proper organization drainage system, do not allow water to stagnate in the area of ​​the base and foundation.

To create air bubbles in the gas block, aluminum chips are used, which, when heated, reacts with oxygen and releases gas. The result is aerated concrete. In aerated concrete, the cells have open type, that is, air bubbles interact with each other. Aerated blocks are usually produced industrially and are dried in an autoclave. To form a block, string cutting is used, which can provide correct form, which makes the laying of blocks high-quality and speeds up the process.

The density of the foam block is 600-700 kg/m3, and the density of the gas block is 400-500 kg/m3. Therefore, the foam block will be stronger.

The statement that the strength of a block depends on its density is absolutely true. But we must remember that good quality cement plays a significant role in the strength of the block. If cement with an admixture of slag or low grade is used (using cement grade 400 instead of 500), this will affect the quality. Moreover, in the private production of foam blocks there is no way to check the quality of concrete, and large factories producing aerated concrete must check the quality of cement in the factory laboratory.

Ecology and economy

Foam block is an environmentally friendly material.

Aerated concrete contains aluminum, which has harmful properties to health, and foam block is an environmentally friendly material.

During production, aluminum chips are introduced into aerated concrete in a ratio of 400 g/m3. This is necessary for the formation of air bubbles; particles of aluminum powder react with the hydroxo groups of the solution, converting aluminum oxide into oxygen. The released oxygen swells the gas mass almost twice in volume, and no metallic aluminum remains in the composition of aerated concrete.

Aerated concrete contains aluminum oxide; it gets there with cement and other components of the aerated block. If we compare the aluminum content in a regular brick, it has up to 400 kg of oxide, which is found in simple clay, and in a foam block the aluminum oxide content is 50 kg. Therefore, there is no point in worrying about the fact that the gas block contains aluminum.

The cement mortar for foam blocks is usually applied in a layer of 1 cm, and the masonry for high-precision gas blocks is 2 mm thick. The difference in the volume of material can be 5-6 times. Accordingly, you will need 6 times less glue for the gas block. And it is only 2 times more expensive than cement mortar. If you consider that a foam block is cheaper than a gas block, then laying it with glue is not more expensive, and even a little cheaper than laying it with cement mortar.

There are two types of technology for the production of cellular concrete: non-autoclave and autoclave.

What is made using an autoclave is called aerated concrete. The porosity of this material is formed due to a chemical reaction. It consists of lime, cement and aluminum powder.

A foam block (non-autoclave block) consists of the same components as concrete (sand, cement, water), plus a foaming agent.

http://youtu.be/oQ-jkHBKrzI

These materials are manufactured according to the same DSTU or GOST, since they have similar technical and physical characteristics.

Production of concrete blocks

Table of production of aerated concrete blocks.

Large enterprises produce aerated concrete, taking into account difficult process its manufacture.

Foam concrete is easier to produce, so portable equipment for its production has recently appeared. Since the cost of such equipment is low, people who are far from the basic concepts of strength, density and thermal conductivity began to manufacture this material. This pretty much ruined the reputation of the foam block. But this is an excellent material that has certain advantages and is not much inferior to aerated block in its properties.

When purchasing a foam block, you must contact serious manufacturers who have been present on the market for many years, have a quality certificate, conduct laboratory tests, follow technology and work with cement grades of at least M500.

The gas block is distinguished by more precise dimensions, and technological requirements are most carefully observed, since it is produced in the factory. Foam concrete is often produced directly on construction sites, where it is difficult to comply with impeccable technological requirements.

Due to the difference in production technology, foam concrete and aerated concrete are frost-resistant and absorb moisture differently. Aerated blocks absorb water more easily, and, naturally, their frost resistance is lower. To increase their service life, both foam block and gas block require protective and decorative finishing with siding or facing bricks, thanks to which this problem is reduced to zero.

Comparison of foam concrete and aerated concrete

Table of characteristics of aerated concrete and foam concrete.

It can be noted that the gas block, compared to the foam block, has a more “strict” geometry (permissible deviations). This eliminates problems when laying gas blocks using cement-adhesive mortars. Consequently, it reduces cracks and gaps between blocks, and therefore “cold bridges” are minimal.

Aerated concrete is aerated concrete cut into pieces. And aerated concrete is a porous, artificially created stone obtained by hardening the mixture in an autoclave. The mixture consists of a hydraulic binder, a finely dispersed silica component, a blowing agent and water. It differs from other building materials in its extreme strength and lightness.

If you wish, you can make gas blocks yourself. Equipment for this production is sold freely and almost everywhere.

First of all, foam blocks and gas blocks differ in production technology.

Lime, cement and sand are dosed and mixed in a special mixer, then water and aluminum powder are added to them. Then the mixture is poured into a mold and left for several hours. During this time, a chemical reaction occurs in the mixture, during which carbon dioxide is released.

Due to the interaction of aluminum with water, pores appear in the material and, consequently, the total volume increases. At this time, the material “sets” or gains its initial strength.

After “setting”, a kind of half-raw mass is formed. Blocks are cut from it using a special installation. The remaining excess mass is collected and sent back to production. Sliced ​​aerated blocks are fed into autoclave units and steamed for several hours at 180 °C and a pressure of 11.5 atmospheres. During the chemical and physical processes that occur during steaming, gas blocks gain 100% strength. In the final phase, aerated blocks are placed on pallets and packed in plastic to prevent moisture from entering.

Foam concrete production

Foam concrete production diagram.

Cement and sand are poured into an industrial mixer, then water is added. The mass of each ingredient is determined by preliminary weighing. Depending on the proportions of cement and sand, the strength grade for future blocks is set: D400-D800, D1000. The higher the grade of the block, the stronger, stronger and heavier it is. The resulting solution is stirred until a homogeneous concrete solution is formed. Then foam is added to the industrial mixer where the solution was mixed. And then the concrete solution mixed with foam is poured into molds.

After pouring, foam concrete is left to stand for 4 hours, during which time initial setting occurs. Then the blocks are loaded onto pallets and sent for further drying. Under natural atmospheric conditions, foam concrete blocks dry for 2-3 weeks. During this period, foam concrete blocks acquire the performance qualities required for laying floors and walls. Foam concrete achieves the bulk of its strength over the next 6 months.

The minimum set of equipment for the production of foam blocks includes:

• installation for the production of foam concrete;
• foam generator, foam mixer;
• pumps and compressor equipment;
• molds for making foam blocks.

If we compare high-quality aerated concrete blocks and foam blocks, aerated concrete has one advantage: at an early stage, with the same density, it is stronger, but inferior to foam concrete in all other parameters. If you choose aerated concrete, then you need to take into account that it has maximum strength at the time of manufacture, and then there is a slow decrease in this indicator.

In concrete, strength gains occur over decades. That is, at the time of production, foam concrete or concrete products have the lowest strength, which will further increase.

Foam block or gas block

Foam concrete differs from aerated concrete in its closed porosity structure; air bubbles are separated from each other inside the material. In aerated concrete, air bubbles communicate with each other, therefore, having the same density, foam concrete floats in water, and aerated concrete sinks. Thus, due to the lack of water absorption, foam concrete has high frost-resistant and heat-protective characteristics. Thanks to these qualities, it is worth choosing foam concrete for use in places with high humidity and at hot-cold junctions, where condensation forms. Aerated concrete blocks cannot be used in such places. To do this you need to use special technologies and high-quality performance of such work.

Foam concrete is an environmentally friendly material. This is another advantage over aerated concrete. The main material used in the production of aerated concrete is quicklime (an aggressive, chemically active substance). When it reacts with aluminum powder, it releases gas, which, in turn, forms gas bubbles in the structure of aerated concrete.

If the technology is strictly followed, quicklime enters into a chemical reaction and is “quenched.” This is virtually impossible to achieve in production, so aerated concrete always contains unreacted lime. The consequences of this are most clearly seen in low-quality bricks, in the production of which lime is used. The surface of such a brick is covered with small chips and gouges, with white small dots, their cause is lime. When exposed to moisture, it is extinguished, releases heat, increases in size and destroys the brick. Processes similar to this also take place inside the material. This is not possible with foam concrete, since it does not contain quicklime.

Advantages of foam block

1. Heat. Due to the high thermal resistance, a building made of foam blocks is warmer. During operation, this allows you to reduce heating costs by 20-30%.
2. Microclimate. The foam block prevents significant heat loss in winter. Foam concrete blocks are not afraid of dampness and allow you to avoid high temperature in summer and adjust indoor air humidity by releasing and absorbing moisture. This helps create a positive microclimate.
3. Quick installation. The low density and lightness of foam blocks, the impressive size of the blocks in comparison with bricks make it possible to increase the speed of masonry several times. Ease of processing foam blocks and their finishing, the ability to make holes, channels for pipes and electrical wiring. The elementary nature of laying foam blocks.
4. Soundproofing. Foam concrete has a high sound absorption capacity. Buildings made of foam blocks are provided with current sound insulation requirements.
5. Environmental friendliness. When using foam blocks, no toxic substances are released and in terms of their environmental friendliness they are second only to wood.
6. Beauty. Due to their ease of processing, foam blocks can be used to make corners, arches and pyramids of various shapes.
7. Economical. High accuracy The geometric dimensions of the foam blocks make it possible to lay foam blocks with glue, to prevent “cold bridges” in the wall and to significantly reduce the thickness of the external and internal plaster. Compared to standard heavy concrete, the weight of foam blocks is 10-87% lower. A significant reduction in weight leads to significant savings on the foundation.
8. Fire safety. Foam blocks prevent the spread of fire and have the first degree of fire resistance. Therefore, foam blocks are suitable for use in the construction of fire-resistant structures. Under the influence of intense heat, such as blowtorch, the surface of the concrete does not explode or split, as happens with heavy concrete. Therefore, the fittings are protected from heating for a longer period. Tests have shown that foam blocks 150 mm thick protect against fire for 4 hours.
9. Transportation. The favorable ratio of foam block volume, weight and packaging makes building structure convenient for transportation.

Concrete strength ratio table.

When a steam-forming component is added, a reaction occurs that is accompanied by the release of gas, causing the mixture to become porous, resulting in the formation of cellular aerated concrete. There is another method in which foaming agents are added and the concrete mixture is foamed mechanically.

Foam block is an almost ageless and virtually eternal material that is not afraid of the effects of time. It does not rot and has the strength of stone. High compressive strength allows the use of foam blocks in the construction of products with low volumetric weight, and this increases the thermal resistance of walls made of foam blocks.

Comparison table of the main physical and technical indicators.

According to their intended purpose, aerated concrete and foam concrete are classified as structural and heat-insulating materials. Hardening of the blocks occurs under natural conditions. Foam blocks are recommended for laying internal and external walls and installing partitions in buildings with a relative air humidity of no more than 75%. Blocks for wet walls should not be used in basements, as well as in places where the concrete may be heavily moistened or there is an aggressive environment, without the use of water-repellent coatings. It is recommended to use blocks for self-supporting and load-bearing walls in buildings with a height of up to three floors, but not more than twelve meters. The number of floors of buildings in which blocks are used to fill non-load-bearing walls or frames is not limited.

Foam block or gas block are building materials with low density, which determines lighter walls compared to brickwork. This reduces the load on the foundation and reduces labor costs, predetermining the low cost of the construction project.

Concrete, brick and wood are the most popular building materials. In the construction of houses, aerated concrete (foam concrete) blocks, which combine the best properties of these materials, are now gaining an increasingly important position.

So, after comparing foam concrete and aerated concrete, we can come to the conclusion that each of them is good in certain conditions.

o-cemente.info

which is better, warmer and more durable

When building a house, it is necessary to use materials that guarantee the strength and longevity of the constructed structure. Some of the most popular are “light” concretes - foam concrete and aerated concrete, the differences between them at first glance are insignificant, but technical properties vary.

Consumers, when choosing materials for construction, first of all, select those that have the following properties:

• Reliability;
• Durability;
• Frost resistance;
• Moisture resistance;
• Thermal insulation.

These are the main indicators that are taken into account when purchasing; a factor such as efficiency is also often taken into account.

Cellular concrete meets these criteria and is presented in various types. In this article we will focus on foam concrete and aerated concrete, find out what the difference is between foam block and aerated concrete, consider the characteristics of the materials and be able to compare foam block and aerated concrete according to the main indicators.

Foam and aerated concrete are a type of “light” or cellular concrete; the body of their blocks is saturated with air bubbles, which lighten the weight of the material and retain heat.

Depending on the density indicator, they are divided into three types:

• Structural;
• Thermal insulation;
• Structural and thermal insulation.

Aerated concrete and foam concrete, despite the similarity in structure, have different composition and manufacturing method, so their characteristics differ from each other. Let's carefully consider gas blocks and foam blocks, the pros and cons of the material and choose the best option.

Characteristics of gas blocks

The porosity of aerated concrete blocks occurs when a gas-forming agent - aluminum powder - reacts with lime under the influence of high temperature and pressure in an autoclave oven.

During the reaction, gas appears, which, when released, forms a network of microcracks and bubbles in the body of the block. The resulting cells are open in nature and allow air to pass freely, which has a positive effect on the vapor permeability of the material.

Composition of aerated concrete

• Portland cement grade not lower than M400;
• Fine sand;
• Lime;
• Water;
• Aluminum powder or paste;
• Chemical additives and plasticizers (if necessary).

Advantages of aerated concrete blocks

The advantages of aerated concrete include the following properties:

• Durability – manufacturing takes place using an autoclave method, which guarantees high levels of strength and longevity;
• Lightness - the presence of voids in the structure of the block makes it noticeably lighter in comparison with conventional concrete;

• Easy to process - aerated concrete does not require special tools for additional processing - cutting, drilling, sawing, etc.;
• Low thermal conductivity - gas blocks retain heat well, the room quickly warms up and cools down slowly;
• Fire resistance – blocks can withstand up to 8 hours of exposure to fire, maintaining technical characteristics;
• Sound insulation – voids in the body of the block absorb noise;
• Biostability – aerated concrete is not susceptible to damage from fungus, mold, insects and rodents;

Cons of aerated concrete

Among the negative properties is poor resistance to moisture. Gas, during the manufacture of blocks, formed a network of microcracks in the structure of the block, which absorb and conduct water. Therefore, during construction it is necessary to carefully consider the waterproofing of the structure.

Developers also note low bending strength and difficulty in attaching additional elements. To hang a shelf or cabinet on a wall made of aerated blocks, you need to use special fasteners.

Characteristics of foam blocks

Foam concrete is formed by mixing cement mortar with a special foam, which, when the blocks dry, forms many closed cells. The composition of foam blocks includes sand, M400 cement, water and foam.

It is necessary to distribute the foam evenly so that the structure of the block has a homogeneous composition.

Advantages of foam blocks

The advantages of the material include:

• High thermal insulation performance;
• Light weight - reduces foundation and transportation costs, makes it easier to move and build;
• Durability - load-bearing walls up to three floors are erected from foam concrete;
• Air permeability – foam concrete does not interfere with natural air circulation, creating a comfortable microclimate in the room;
• High resistance to temperature changes and frost;

• Fire resistance – foam blocks do not burn, can withstand more than 4 hours of open fire without loss of properties;
• Environmental friendliness - foam concrete contains only safe materials that do not emit toxic substances;
• Resistance to fungal and mold infections;
• Moisture resistance.

Minuses

The disadvantages of foam concrete blocks are:

• Shrinkage of the structure – up to 3 mm per meter of wall;
• The need for waterproofing - foam concrete, like any cellular concrete, does not tolerate moisture well;
• The need to use special fasteners - ordinary nails and dowels do not hold well in a foam concrete wall;
• The opportunity to purchase low-quality goods - foam blocks are not difficult to manufacture, so handicraft production is widely developed.

Block comparison

Let's compare foam block and aerated concrete according to the main criteria, and find out what is better to build foam block or aerated concrete from.

Thermal insulation - what is warmer: foam block or gas block? The thermal conductivity of both materials is quite high, there are no significant differences.

Strength - What is stronger: foam block or gas block? The strength of aerated concrete is higher, this is explained by the manufacturing method. Aerated blocks harden under high temperature in an autoclave, and foam concrete dries naturally.

So which is stronger: gas block or foam block? Definitely aerated concrete, aerated concrete with strength grade B500 has a strength class of B2, while foam blocks have this class with blocks with grade D800.

Geometry - there is no fundamental difference in shape and size; manufacturers produce blocks different forms depending on the scope of application of the material.

Aerated blocks are distinguished by the accuracy and evenness of the lines, the deviation from the norm is no more than 1 mm, since the material is cut in production. But the foam block cannot boast of these; the dimensions of the foam concrete can deviate up to 5 mm.

Speed ​​of construction - the dimensions of the foam block and gas block can reduce the time by several times, and the low weight reduces the load on the foundation.

Biostability - both materials are not susceptible to the appearance of fungus and mold formations. They also have indicators of durability, fire resistance and sound insulation at the same level.

Vapor permeability – the air exchange rates of a gas block are significantly higher than those of a foam block due to the openness of the pores.

Resistance to moisture - foam concrete has the best performance, but aerated concrete absorbs water like a sponge, so careful protection is necessary.

Cost-effectiveness - the cost of aerated concrete block and foam block differs; building a house from aerated concrete will cost much more. This is explained by the fact that the production of aerated concrete is possible only at the factory using special equipment.

Masonry and finishing - ordinary cement mortar is suitable for foam blocks, but this is not permissible for gas blocks. For aerated concrete, only special glue solution for cellular concrete, deep penetration primer and gypsum-based plaster are also used for its finishing.

Shrinkage – structures built from foam blocks are subject to shrinkage, approximately 3 mm/m; aerated concrete does not suffer from this, since complete hardening occurs in an autoclave oven.

Main indicators of materials

Specialists and developers leave many positive and negative reviews about foam blocks and gas blocks, which can influence consumer opinion. To verify the veracity of the information, we not only examined, but also compared foam and gas blocks, which is better to choose for yourself.

Which material to choose depends on the purpose of use and financial condition. For example, when choosing a foam block or aerated concrete block for a garage, you can take foam concrete, but for building a residential building it is better to use aerated concrete.

betonov.com

Comparative characteristics of gas block and foam block. Which material is better? +Photo

In this article, we’ll try to figure out together which material is better for building a house – gas block or foam block.

And it will help us with this Comparative characteristics main qualities of these materials.

We will learn the secrets of the technology for producing aerated concrete and foam concrete, what determines the cost of the material, and what professionals advise you to choose.

New materials for building houses

In the modern construction market, new materials for building houses appear with enviable frequency. Among them are gas block and foam block, which made a kind of revolution in construction.

Although, this is not surprising, because the materials have remarkable qualities that make the process of constructing buildings easy.

Gas block or foam block, which is better?

This question is probably asked by site owners when they are faced with the choice of materials.

Let's try to figure out what characteristics each of these building materials has, and which one should be preferred. In this matter, it is important to take into account the opinion of experienced developers and not use word of mouth. People's opinions can differ, and quite radically.

Features of manufacturing aerated concrete and foam concrete

These materials are made from raw materials with a high environmental friendliness and are included in the category of lightweight concrete.

It is quite difficult for non-specialists to distinguish these materials by appearance, because they are very similar. But their production technology is different. Even the formation of pores in blocks occurs as a result of different technological procedures.

Foam block production

The production technology includes several stages:

The equipment used for the production of foam concrete is very affordable, and even beginners in this field can afford it.

Quite often, manufacturers of foam blocks are small companies.

This leads to the fact that the original products do not have an attractive appearance and proportional shapes, which forces builders to adjust each block to size during the process of building a house.

Gas block production

Manufacturing stages:

Given the complexity of the technological process, gas blocks for building a house are produced mainly in specialized factories, which in turn affects the final cost of the product. It a priori cannot be cheap. But, building houses from aerated concrete blocks is a pleasure, and the process itself takes a little time, because nothing needs to be cleaned, cut, or adjusted to size.

Components

Foam concrete composition

• Blast furnace slag and waste from other production processes.
• Lime.
• Water.
• Lime.
• Cement.
• Soapy or sulfide lye (gives the blocks recognizable porosity).

Note. Air bubbles in foam concrete are formed due to the reaction of the concrete solution and the foam former. They represent a closed cell filled with oxygen.

Many people are unknowingly afraid to buy gas blocks due to the presence of aluminum powder in the composition. But experts say that it is not in the final product, and the harm comes from the component in its pure form.

Composition of aerated concrete

• Quartz sand.
• Cement.
• Water.
• Aluminum paste.
• Lime.

How to distinguish a foam block from a gas block?

You can distinguish a foam block from a gas block by the size of the pores. For a gas block they are small, for a foam block they are larger.

The color of aerated concrete blocks is white, the surface has roughness and relief. Foam blocks are smooth to the touch and have a gray tint. Knowledge of these nuances will help beginners distinguish between these two materials by appearance.

Important! Before purchasing foam concrete blocks, be sure to inquire about the presence of a quality certificate, so as not to buy a pig in a poke.

Due to their closed pores, foam blocks have excellent heat and sound insulation qualities. In addition, the material does not absorb water, but at the same time needs to be treated with special water-repellent compounds.

Gas blocks for building a house, which have small pores with microcracks, are more susceptible to the destructive effects of moisture, so the blocks must be covered with waterproofing substances.

The strength and reliability of each material can only be judged in practice. As the theory goes, strength is directly proportional to the density of the material. But in fact, even fragile at first glance, aerated concrete is in no way inferior in strength to foam block.

Important! The heat conductivity coefficient of a gas block with a density of D 500 is 0.12, of a foam block with a density of D 700 and above is 0.24.

What is better: aerated concrete or foam concrete?

The opinion of experts is clear - the best material for the construction of housing for permanent residence, as well as other types of buildings, is a gas block. Because it has already proven itself to be a reliable and durable material.

Although aerated concrete cannot boast of good heat retention properties, thanks to its wonderful geometric shape and frost resistance, this deficiency can be compensated for by using a high-quality cement-adhesive composition when laying. In addition, the unique monolithic masonry allows the penetration of cold masses to be reduced to a minimum.

Penobenon has good performance heat preservation, but in order to build warm housing, it is necessary to make thick masonry walls, which will entail the purchase of more material. The result is that the gas block holds the palm with the same wall thickness.

Aerated concrete and foam concrete are mainly used in low-rise construction. Foam concrete is most often used for load-bearing walls no higher than the 3rd floor, different types partitions.

Aerated concrete is ideal for the construction of load-bearing walls; it covers the spaces between the frame in monolithic structures, and also build partitions. Also, gas blocks are suitable for the construction of houses above 3 floors, provided that stiffening belts are used.

Very often, the pricing policy of the material influences the answer which is better: aerated block or foam block. But, in any case, before making a final decision, you need to analyze all the features and nuances of using these building materials.

Above, we have already described the production technology of each material, and concluded that the cost of building a house from aerated blocks is higher.

It is important to take into account the fact that financial costs should be recouped by the durability of the house, ease of installation and low consumption additional materials. All this is possible when using aerated concrete.

What can be said about the beneficial qualities of foam concrete? If you are willing to spend more time looking for proportional blocks made of foam concrete, with a desire to save money on the material, professional builders will build a strong house for you, and it will cost less than one made from aerated concrete.

In addition, you will be able to save your family budget on heating during the cold season, because foam concrete retains heat perfectly. The result is that houses made of aerated concrete are warmer than those made of foam concrete with equal wall thickness.

Installation of ventilated facades and proper insulation at home, will create a favorable climate in the house.

Results. comparison table

What is the price on the market and where to buy?

1. Aerated concrete blocks - buy construction yard in the online store, go>>
2. Aerated concrete blocks - buy in Petrovich, go to the online store>>
3. Building blocks in Leroy Merlin, go to the online store>>

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difference, characteristics, which is better to choose?

For construction residential buildings, garages and outbuildings, concrete blocks with a cellular structure are widely used. They are distinguished by high thermal insulation characteristics, light weight, increased dimensions and allow you to complete the work in a short time. When planning construction activities, owners analyze the properties of materials, trying to choose best option. One of the frequently asked questions is which is better, foam concrete or aerated concrete. We will try to figure it out and give a detailed answer to it.

Foam block or gas block - which material to choose?

Both foam concrete and aerated concrete are common types of porous concrete, the distinctive feature of which is the cellular structure of the concrete mass. Upon superficial examination, blocks made of foamed concrete and gas-saturated composite are identical.

Choosing material for building a house

They have a lot in common:

• light weight;
• increased volume;
• fire safety;
• frost resistance;
• thermal insulation properties.

Despite many common characteristics, there are fundamental differences related to the following points:

• ingredients used;
• specifics of the manufacturing process;
• strength properties;
• features of the cellular structure;
• degree of moisture absorption.

In addition, there are differences related to appearance, features of masonry materials, their shrinkage, as well as a number of other distinctive points.

Private developers and professional builders constantly debate the topic: “Foam block and gas block - which is better.” Trying to answer this question, they cannot come to a consensus. In order to give an objective answer to the question about the fundamental differences between building materials, let’s compare their characteristics, production process, operational properties, as well as cost.

Foam block and gas block - which is better?

The difference between foam block and gas block within the technical process

Having set out to compare the foam block and the gas block, we will consider in detail the technological aspects that influence the method of forming cavities in the concrete mass. Gas-filled blocks are produced using the autoclave method at industrial enterprises, and foam concrete products are manufactured using simplified technology and harden naturally. Fundamental differences in the properties and structure of composites are caused by the components used for manufacturing, as well as by the features of the technology.

How does a gas block differ from a foam block in composition?

The aerated concrete block includes the following ingredients:

• Portland cement marked M400, the concentration of which reaches 50% of the total volume of the mixture;
• quartz-based sand fraction, which is a filler and is introduced in a volume of 30–40%;
• lime in an amount of 10–25%, participating in the chemical reaction of gas formation;
• aluminum powder, which promotes vaporization and is introduced in an amount of no more than a tenth of a percent;
• calcium chloride and calcium silicate, introduced into the working mixture as special additives.

To ensure the required consistency, add water heated to 50 ºC. The technology allows the introduction of special modifiers that affect the strength characteristics of the composition.

The amount of ingredients introduced into foam concrete products is determined depending on the required specific gravity of the blocks. Simplified technology makes it possible to obtain products with a density of 0.35–1.25 t/m³.

Cement grade M500

The mixture contains the following components:

• cement grade M500. Added as a binder;
• medium coarse sand. It is possible to replace sand with expanded clay;
• foaming additives. Their quantity determines the porosity of the product.

The amount of sand exceeds the volume of cement by three times for foamed composites with increased volumetric weight.

What is the difference between aerated block and foam block based on manufacturing technology?

To decide which material to use for construction - aerated concrete or foam block, consider the manufacturing methods:

• aerated concrete composites are manufactured only in production conditions using special equipment. The product manufacturing technology involves high-temperature processing of the concrete composition in closed tanks, in which operational properties are achieved under the influence of increased pressure. After hardening, the formed aerated concrete mass is cut into products of various dimensions and shapes, which allows expanding the range of products;
• the production of foam composites does not require the use of special equipment and can be carried out in small enterprises, as well as by private owners. The working mixture is poured into special molds that determine the dimensions of the products. When the foaming agent is mixed with the working mixture, a cellular structure of the massif with closed pores is formed. The hardening process of the foam concrete composition occurs in cast molds at a temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature.

The laboratory quality control system operating at industrial enterprises guarantees compliance with the characteristics of manufactured aerated concrete products. Privately produced foam concrete composites may differ significantly from the requirements of the standards. When purchasing aerated concrete, foam concrete and other types of block materials, pay attention to the availability of certificates of conformity.

Aerated concrete composites are manufactured only in production conditions

Foam block and gas block - difference in cells

Despite the fact that both building materials have a cellular structure, the shape of the air pores is different:

• in an aerated concrete mass, pores formed as a result of a chemical reaction of aluminum powder are evenly distributed throughout the volume and have open form. Gas-filled building material, like a sponge, intensively absorbs moisture. Aerated concrete blocks absorb up to 50% of liquid with a corresponding increase in mass. Increased hygroscopicity significantly reduces the thermal insulation properties and causes cracking of unprotected blocks when they freeze;
• foam concrete products are characterized by a closed form of air inclusions, which occupy up to 80% of the total volume. Air cavities with a diameter of 4–5 mm are unevenly located in the foam concrete mass, which is caused by the peculiarities of the distribution of the foaming agent. This reduces the strength of the material. However, the closed configuration of the cells contributes to the resistance of the foam concrete mass to moisture absorption. It is not difficult to verify the hydrophobic properties of foam concrete blocks - the material immersed in water does not sink.

The porous structure is easy to see during visual inspection. In addition, the products have different colors. A gas-filled composite containing lime has White color, and foam concrete blocks are gray.

What is the difference between foam block and gas block - let’s compare the characteristics

Comparing the characteristics of materials will help answer the question of what is better: foam block or gas block.

When constructing buildings, the question of choosing a building material almost always arises. In this article we will look at two types of materials for building walls: foam blocks and gas blocks, and try to figure out what to build a house from and what is better - foam blocks or gas blocks.

Technology for the production of gas blocks and foam blocks

These are two types of building materials that are produced from different components and in different ways.

Foam blocks

Foam blocks are made from foam concrete - a porous material consisting of cement, sand, water and foam. Sometimes some other ingredients, such as ash, may be added to them. It becomes porous thanks to special chemical reagents included in the solution. This foam-like solution is poured into special molds and after hardening, finished products are obtained, including foam blocks. Due to their porous structure, foam blocks are lightweight, have low thermal conductivity and good sound insulation. This building material is very durable and strong.

Gas blocks

Now, to answer the question of what is better - a foam block or a gas block, let's consider

Properties also have a porous structure and the same properties that are inherent in foam blocks, but they are manufactured using a different technology. The composition of aerated concrete includes cement, lime, sand, aluminum powder and water. Pores appear when aluminum powder reacts with cement. The finished mixture is stirred and kept for a certain time until it reaches the desired condition. Then the resulting mass is cut into blocks using special strings. Next, they are placed in an autoclave, where all excess water evaporates from them, they acquire their final appearance and properties, and become ready for consumption. They are lightweight and have good soundproofing characteristics, just like foam blocks. Gas blocks have high strength and low thermal conductivity. These indicators are slightly higher than those of foam concrete, but still determining which is better - a foam block or an aerated concrete block - is not easy due to the many advantages of foam concrete.

Differences between foam blocks and gas blocks

In search of an answer to the question of what is better - a foam block or an aerated block, it must be said that these materials have only one difference - the high hygroscopicity of aerated concrete. Foam concrete, on the contrary, has low hygroscopicity.

What is better to build from?

Both materials have many similar benefits. So what is the best material to build a house from? A foam block is just as suitable for this as a gas block. Both materials make excellent one-story buildings and they have thermal conductivity values ​​that compete with wood and are in many ways superior to ceramic bricks. Since they do not contain harmful substances, they are environmentally friendly for humans. But gas blocks have one drawback, due to which they are inferior in efficiency to foam blocks - this is the complexity of the technology for constructing walls from this material, due to its hygroscopicity. Aerated blocks are supplied from the factory with high level humidity, so after building a house you cannot immediately carry out exterior finishing. You need to wait several seasons until the walls dry completely or install a ventilated facade, and this leads to increased construction costs. So, when determining which is better - a gas block or a foam block, the scales tipped towards the latter because of its efficiency.