Aerated concrete blocks and gas silicate blocks. What is the difference between aerated concrete and gas silicate

The modern building materials market is so large that sometimes it is easy to get lost in this assortment, and it is also difficult to make the right choice. To choose what is still better - foam concrete or gas silicate, a comparison of their advantages and disadvantages will help. There are very few main conditions, but it is on them that the quality of the constructed building largely depends.

General information

The main advantage of these building materials is their low price with a small mass. This is the advantage of all cellular building materials. Although both of these materials are made of cellular concrete, they are fundamentally different from each other in terms of manufacturing technology. And this affects the properties and characteristics.

Similarities and differences in production

Foam concrete and gas silicate have almost the same composition. The components that are present in both materials are water, cement, sand. Since these cells have an identical composition, they have the following advantages:

fire resistance;
resistance to mold, fungus, decay;
resistance against damage to walls by various rodents;
ease of installation.

The production of foam concrete is much easier than gas silicate.

If you know the nuances of brickwork, then you can handle the masonry with gas silicate or foam concrete on your own. It is for these reasons that the majority is faced with a choice - brick, gas silicate or foam concrete?

It is worth dwelling on the consideration of the nuances, as well as gas silicate:

The foam block is obtained thanks to the production technology in which concrete is added to the concrete solution. Only after that, the resulting mass is poured into special forms, where it acquires strength and strength.
In the course of a chemical reaction of unslaked lime, together with aluminum, a gas silicate is made. The mass of this substance includes small parts of aluminum powder. In the course of this reaction, hydrogen rises in the form of a gas, which forms a cellular structure. This material is produced in the form of large blocks. Gas silicate can be used only after the mass has hardened and it has been cut into the necessary blocks.

It is these differences in production that affect the characteristics of the resulting building materials.

Feature Comparison

To know what to give preference to, gas silicate or foam block, it is required to initially conduct a comparative analysis of their technical properties. Unfortunately, despite the rapid technological development, there is still no building material that is ideal in all respects. For this reason, you have to make a choice based on the analysis and gas silicate.

To find out which of these materials takes the first place, we need to conduct a comparative analysis according to the following characteristics:

fortress;
soundproofing;
thermal insulation;
ecological cleanliness;
price;
ability to absorb moisture;
whether reinforcement is needed;
the need for decoration or decoration;
complexity of installation work;
the quality of the materials produced.

Strength

Gas silicate withstands loads better.

In the conditions of our country, houses are used to being built so that they stand for more than a dozen years. If we take into account the prices of building materials, it becomes clear that this is not only better, but simply necessary. Because of this, it becomes clear the desire to choose the most durable material for building walls. It must be remembered that the strength of gas silicate is much better than that of foam concrete. However, due to the reduced strength, such blocks are easily cut into the necessary parts, it is easier to make a hole or protrusions in them.

Gas silicate blocks resist various external loads much better. This helps them keep their original shape and not be painted during transportation or unloading. It follows from this that the erected building will come out much stronger.

From this comparison, it becomes clear that making a choice is difficult. Everything directly depends on what operations with the block will be performed. If it will need to be further processed, then foam concrete is better. If you need a building with strong and even walls, then gas silicate is the best choice.

Soundproofing

Due to the fact that foam concrete has a special porous structure, the level of sound insulation is higher than that of similar gas silicate blocks. But this does not mean that additional soundproofing will not be needed.

thermal insulation

Everyone wants to have a warm and comfortable home. And if we take into account that our winters are not too warm, then it becomes clear the desire not to constantly depend on heating appliances. Walls, in the construction of which foam blocks or gas silicate are used, need additional insulation. This is especially true for insulation outside the building. Gas silicate has a much higher thermal insulation, however, insulation work is necessary.

The difference between the blocks in the ability to absorb moisture

The ideal building must be dry. In this situation, it is, because they have an almost unique ability not to absorb moisture. Due to such resistance to moisture, experts advise waterproofing only outside the house, which is built from cellular materials. There are differences in gas silicate in terms of hygroscopicity, but not too significant. However, drying this type of material takes longer.

Installation work

An important advantage of gas silicate is the absence of "shrinkage".

An important factor in construction is the convenience of performing the main technological work. Therefore, the convenience of masonry with these materials is a big advantage. Foam concrete can be laid in any weather, even in rain, even in snow, even in frost. In addition, they can be used immediately after production. You can start construction immediately, as soon as the material was delivered to the right place.

And since gas silicate absorbs moisture quite strongly, it is used for construction only after the blocks are completely dry. However, plaster works more with them, and this has a beneficial effect on decoration and decoration.

The construction of a private building with your own hands leads to the need to study the technical aspects and nuances of construction. And one of the frequent dilemmas that arises in the course of getting acquainted with the information is the choice between gas silicate and foam block. After all, they have almost the same composition. So why is one better than the other, or are they only different in name? To make the right choice, you need to familiarize yourself in detail with the technical characteristics and properties of both building materials. And on the basis of this, make a purchase.

Foam additives and aluminum powder - looking for differences in building materials

The main components that make up the foam blocks and gas silicate are the same - sand, water, cement. It would seem that an identical composition should indicate the similarity of properties. But the characteristics are affected by radically different manufacturing processes.

In the production of foam blocks, foaming additives are added to a mixture of sand, water and cement. After thoroughly mixing all the components, the resulting mass is poured into special forms and left to solidify. During solidification, foam concrete gains strength. This process lasts for about 13 years, i.e. the main strength is gained already during operation. Over time, the building becomes only stronger.

In the manufacture of gas silicate blocks, aluminum powder is added to the mixture of the main components. It reacts with other elements of the composition, which leads to the formation of hydrogen. Due to this, a mass with a special structure is obtained. The composition is poured into molds, where it solidifies under the influence of temperature and pressure (autoclave). After that, it is cut into pieces of the required shape with a special fishing line. It is the processing in the autoclave that allows the building material to gain the necessary strength.

Foam concrete - positive and negative sides

Among its main advantages it is worth highlighting:

Strength - foamed concrete is strong enough, its density, subject to all stages of production, is 1200 kg / m 3;
light weight - this simplifies the process of erecting the walls of a structure and speeds up construction, you can build a structure with your own hands without the involvement of special equipment;
low thermal conductivity - the pores formed during production effectively save heat and absorb sound vibrations;
high level of environmental friendliness - only environmentally friendly, harmless components are used for production;
good soundproofing properties - due to the porous structure, it significantly reduces the noise level, which is especially important when building a structure near a railway or airfield;
easily amenable to additional processing - if necessary, it can be cut or polished;
high fire safety - unlike wood, cellular concrete does not burn, which reduces the risk of fire.

Among the negative points of this material are:

low resistance to moisture - when erecting a task from cellular concrete, this must be taken into account and vapor and waterproofing should be used, which will preserve the properties and strength of foam concrete.
difficult finishing - plaster is reluctant to lay on the walls, and during further operation it can easily crack, and you have to select special tools designed for plastering such surfaces.
masonry is implemented using a special adhesive composition with a fairly high price.

Gas silicate blocks - all the pros and cons

Gas silicate has found simply the widest application on construction sites. It is also used in the construction of load-bearing structures of a building, and for the device, and for the construction of household structures.

This popularity is due to:

low density - for specific climatic conditions, the wall thickness can be made smaller, because the lower the density, the lower the thermal conductivity and there is simply no equal in energy efficiency;
high strength - brick or reinforced concrete will be much stronger, but we are talking about porous non-reinforced building materials, and here "porous brick" will be the strongest;
stability of geometry - handicraft production is simply impossible, and the factories use modern precision equipment, which, with the implemented quality control, eliminates the spread in geometry;
small mass - delivery of gas blocks to the facility does not require an expensive heavy truck and it is quite possible to get by with a nimble and cheap truck with a crane for unloading (1 cubic meter weighs, on average, about 600 kg);
a small load on the foundation - 1 square meter of the wall with a block thickness of 400 mm weighs only 0.24 tons;
high laying speed - ease of fitting the block to size, ease of laying and a significant size of the element allow major work to be carried out in a short time, in just a season a small team of workers can complete the construction of a turnkey house;
low price - the total cost of materials and labor is significantly lower compared to most others.

But the blocks also have a number of disadvantages:

high water absorption coefficient - the wall on both sides must be protected from external influences by finishing. This may be a vapor-permeable plaster or other suitable method;
low frost resistance - the wall needs protection from the effects of negative temperatures, therefore, it requires insulation;
destruction at a temperature of more than 400 ° C - in ordinary life, such temperatures are unattainable, but if a fire occurs in the building, it will need to be rebuilt, even if the walls and ceilings stand outwardly - they will lose their margin of safety;
poorly withstands significant mechanical loads.

Despite all the shortcomings, their advantages still outweigh them. And there is simply no better solution in terms of price-quality ratio.

Foam blocks or gas silicate blocks - more quality, less hassle. Comparing the characteristics

To make the right choice and make the right decision, it is necessary to compare the main characteristics of foam concrete and aerated concrete. On the one hand, gas silicate has a higher strength. It withstands external loads well. Therefore, undoubtedly, the building from it will be stronger. However, the foam block is easier to process. Blocks can be shaped to the desired shape, allowing complex structures (such as arches) to be built. Therefore, in this situation, the choice should be made on the type of construction and the upcoming finishes.

As for sound insulation, here, of course, the foam block wins simply due to the properties of the material, despite the porous structure that is identical for both varieties. But additional insulation is still required in both cases. Therefore, this property is unlikely to have a great influence on the choice. However, so is energy efficiency. Indeed, despite the fact that gas silicate has a higher thermal insulation, additional heating for buildings will be required when using any of them.

Both materials are not resistant to moisture. They are highly hygroscopic and absorb moisture well. Salvation will be a layer of waterproofing outside and inside the house. But the effect of negative temperature tolerates foam concrete more easily, but insulation is required again in both cases.

Gas silicate, unlike foam concrete, is a breathable material. That is, in a house built from it, the air will always be fresher. The building does not require any special ventilation. But buildings made of foam concrete must be equipped with a high-quality and extensive ventilation system. Windows must be equipped with special valves. Otherwise, fungi and various microbes will quickly begin to develop in the "clogged" space.

For many, before the start of construction, the issue of reinforcement remains relevant. Therefore, it should immediately be noted that when erecting a structure, it is necessary to use reinforcing pads. For foam blocks, the "step" for a one-story building is 2 rows, and for gas silicate - three. Completing a floor requires an armored belt in both cases.

The cost is not quite a correct value for comparison, but when choosing it plays an important role. In most cases, gas silicate is 15-25% more expensive than foam concrete due to the technological features of its production.

Both materials have impressive advantages and disadvantages. With a very small difference between them, they will become an almost ideal option for budget construction. Being sheathed with clinker bricks, they will create the effect of a completely brick house, while they will turn out to be much cheaper, practical, warm solutions. Which is better - gas silicate or foam concrete - this question can be answered correctly only on the basis of the technical requirements that will be imposed on the construction site.

The construction of a house is associated with a constant choice: the project, the number of storeys, the materials used, etc. The reliability of the family hearth will depend on the correctness of the decisions. A cold house with an ever-leaking roof can become a constant strife in the family. To avoid unpleasant situations, a preliminary consultation at the initial stage of construction with architects and other specialists who will help you choose the material will help.

Recently, cellular concrete has been increasingly used. It is suitable for those who want to build a heat-saving and reliable housing in the shortest possible time. Among the variety of this material, foam block and gas silicate are distinguished, so it will be useful to find out what are their similarities and differences.

Differences

gas silicate blocks include Portland cement, sand, calcareous lime, water, blowing agent- aluminum powder and surfactant - sulfonic acid C. To obtain this product, only production conditions and high-tech equipment are used. From the above components, a monolithic layer of a given thickness is formed, and then it is cut into blocks of the desired size.

On the video - the use of foam concrete:

About what are the pros and cons of baths from expanded clay concrete blocks, as well as about the differences with the foam block, you can find out from this

Also, floors are often made from them in private houses and apartments. For greater comfort, foam concrete of different densities is used, and a layer of thermal insulation is laid between them. They are also used to decorate buildings that were built with bricks.

Despite some similarities with foam concrete, gas silicate still has high strength characteristics, which are used for thermal insulation of buildings and heating networks. It is well fastened and often ventilated facades are erected with it.

On the video - the use of gas silicate:

You can learn about which floor to use in an aerated concrete house from this

Summing up, we can say that it is more expedient to use gas silicate in multi-storey construction of capital structures. And foam concrete is better and more economical to use when laying utility rooms and cottages. Both materials can be used for interior partitions. The final decision in favor of one of them should be made after consulting with experts in their region, who will tell you which blocks will perform better in certain climatic conditions.

The optimal solution in the field of low-rise construction is the use of economical gas silicate or aerated concrete blocks. Everyone should make a choice in favor of one or the other on the basis of a thorough study of the material, an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages.

Structure and appearance of concrete

Aerated concrete and gas silicate are cellular concretes, so both products are similar in appearance and structure. Both materials consist of a large number of air-filled pores, thanks to which the walls have high thermal insulation properties. The number of cells determines the grade of blocks in both cases - the smaller, the stronger the block. However, higher strength grades lose in thermal insulation.

The gas silicate is white in color due to the lime used as a filler. Aerated concrete has a dark gray tint due to the use of cement as a binder.

Production features

Aerated concrete blocks are made from a mixture of water with cement (50-60%), sand, lime and aluminum powder, which works as a blowing agent. Blocks harden naturally or by force. The second method increases the strength, reliability, thermal insulation of the finished product.

The distribution of pores in gas silicate is more uniform than in aerated concrete, therefore its strength and thermal insulation properties are somewhat higher. The mass of the aerated concrete block is greater, so its masonry is more complicated and requires a more powerful foundation. Autoclaved concrete has precise geometry and is therefore considered more economical by reducing the consumption of masonry adhesive and finishing materials. Gas silicate masonry walls are smoother, easier and faster to build.

Gas silicate thermal insulation is superior. In frost resistance, it is inferior to aerated concrete, since the latter has a lower degree of water absorption. Due to the fact that it allows water to pass through without absorbing it, a favorable microclimate is created in the house. Gas silicate, on the contrary, is able to absorb moisture, from which it gradually begins to break down.

The white color of gas silicate blocks looks aesthetically pleasing, so the walls do not need additional decorative finishing. The fire resistance of aerated concrete is higher, although in terms of sound insulation it is inferior to gas silicate. The durability of both materials is difficult to assess, as they have been used relatively recently. One volume of gas silicate blocks upon purchase will cost more than aerated concrete, due to more complex manufacturing technology. Although the cost of the masonry itself from both materials is almost the same.

Material Comparison

To compare both building materials in detail, you should familiarize yourself with the main advantages and disadvantages of one over the other.

Advantages of gas silicate over aerated concrete

The uniformity of distribution of the formed air bubbles depends on the interaction of the components of the raw material. In this, aerated concrete products are inferior to gas silicate blocks. Due to this uniformity, the strength of the autoclave block increases, so the walls from it practically do not shrink and do not crack. This quality determines the possibility of using gas silicates in the creation of load-bearing partitions, the construction of high-rise buildings. At the same time, the density of the material is 600 kg/m3 and higher. A two- or three-story house can be built from aerated concrete only if its density is 800-900 kg / m3.

The more homogeneous structure of the gas silicate product increases its noise insulation properties, therefore, when building buildings with good noise protection, this material should be chosen. Thanks to autoclave processing, gas silicate blocks have a more even and smooth surface in a pleasant white color. Wall material can not be decorated, which will save on finishing. In terms of heat and sound insulation characteristics, gas silicate is slightly superior to the second product. It also saves on consumables.

Advantages of aerated concrete over gas silicate

The presence of a large number of pores in the gas-liquid structure not only endows the block with advantages, but also worsens its individual parameters.

Due to its denser structure, aerated concrete has a high degree of moisture resistance, frost resistance. Therefore, excessive moisture and temperature changes do not destroy it from the inside.

High fire resistance allows a block of aerated concrete with a layer of plaster to withstand an open fire without ignition for two hours. In autoclaved concrete, this ability is worse. It is unequivocal to say that the savings when using aerated concrete are greater, it is impossible. Despite the low cost, it is smaller in size than gas silicate. The possibility of saving on adhesive material is leveled if additional finishing is required to increase thermal insulation.

What to choose during construction?

From the foregoing, it follows that gas silicates have more advantages over aerated concrete blocks. The reason is that it is produced on high-tech equipment and is a modified material. However, both materials are suitable for building eco-friendly and economical houses.

The advantages of aerated concrete in the form of low water absorption, fire resistance and cost can become fundamental in the choice.

A decision on the appropriateness of using a particular material can only be made based on the needs and capabilities of the builder.

Output

It makes no sense to isolate foam concrete or gas silicate, since both products already have their own niche for effective use. In fact, aerated concrete is suitable for the construction of low houses. Higher buildings are built with gas silicate blocks. In many respects, both products are similar, in some there are practically no differences.

The difference between them is insignificant, but the effectiveness is the same. From cellular building materials, a structure of any complexity is built quickly with maximum savings on auxiliary and finishing materials.

Modern building materials different from their predecessors and if until recently houses were built of wood, brick or concrete structures, now multi-component blocks are widely used. In particular, they include the recently appeared foam concrete and gas silicate.

Foam blocks or gas silicate blocks, which is better, can be stated with certainty only after all calculations and third-party studies have been made, revealing all the individual features of each building in particular.

Technological process of production

Both aerated concrete and foam blocks are cellular materials, therefore they are often confused, although the type of production they are completely different. In particular, gas silicate blocks can only be produced in the factory, while foam concrete can be created independently.

In order to get a foam block, it is enough to pour a cement solution into the appropriate form, with special chemical and natural additives that will allow the concrete to foam and gradually harden in this state.

In addition to foam concrete blocks, which are made as a material used for the construction of residential and outbuildings, the foamed composition can be poured into fixed formwork, to obtain monolithic structures.

The main production difference between foam block and gas silicate is that for foaming concrete it is possible not to use chemical components but only natural substances. To obtain a foam concrete solution, cement, lime, water and gypsum are kneaded. To improve gas-forming processes, a small amount of aluminum powder is added to the solution. More rarely, aluminum is added as a chemical paste.

Unlike simple foam concrete gas silicate blocks require processing in special autoclaves. There, foaming processes also occur in the poured composition, but then the mass is exposed to certain temperatures and pressures.

Gas silicate is produced in large blocks of a given thickness, and from them, using string cutting equipment, small blocks of a given standard are cut. Thanks to this cutting technology, cuts are perfectly even, and at the same time equipped with curly locks that facilitate the process of laying out walls.

Thanks to ideal cuts, a building erected from such a material is practically no seams, which are conductors of temperatures that change during the year. In particular, cold in winter and hot in summer. The cut and plasticized aerated concrete elements are secondarily hardened at certain temperatures and humidity.

The main differences between gas silicate and foam concrete

Despite the fact that foam blocks and gas silicate are very similar materials in their structure, they have a wide range of differences:

Gas silicate blocks in order better resist open flame.
It is much easier to process foam concrete, although gas silicate can also be sawn with a conventional hacksaw for wood.
Gas silicate blocks have several better thermal insulation.
Given that foam concrete is poured immediately into separate formwork, and gas silicate in one block, followed by cutting, the latter has the best geometric shapes.
Foam concrete can be produced independently, but no gas silicate.

In terms of price, scope and ease of use, these materials do not differ. They are also very close in terms of resistance to moisture absorption and the ability to use in different climatic conditions.
The difference in appearance of these materials is also visible to the naked eye. Gas silicate blocks are much smoother, both throughout the area and along the edges. Aerated silicate has a uniform light tone, and foam concrete can be dirty gray with small streaks.
The ideally even surface of gas silicate in some cases can also play a negative role, in particular, it is more difficult to apply certain types of finishing material on it. That is why the smoothness parameter does not always determine which foam concrete or gas silicate block is better.
By structure. In gas silicate, as in foam concrete, it is cellular, but of a closed type, which can significantly reduce moisture absorption.

By strength Gas silicate is several times superior to foam concrete, this is due to the technology of its manufacture, during which it is hardened in autoclaves. The strength of individual elements ensures the reliability of the entire structure as a whole.
The risk that the building will crack decreases several times with the use of gas silicate. However, foam blocks and gas silicate blocks are recommended to be used during construction in conjunction with a tiled foundation, which in itself is able to compensate for distortions during shrinkage of the house and prevent it from deforming.

Trying to determine how the foam block differs from the gas silicate block in terms of environmental friendliness, we can say with confidence that nothing. Both of these materials absolutely harmless and do not emit harmful impurities even under the influence of an open flame. The reason for this lies in their composition, which is 90% natural, and therefore environmentally friendly materials. The percentage of chemical additives is so small that it is simply not taken into account.

Need structural strengthening. Again, this distinctive parameter is based on the different density and strength of foam concrete and gas silicate. Foam concrete is a less durable material and it is recommended to reinforce walls made of it every 3-4 levels of blocks. Gas silicate does not require reinforcement, the only exceptions are window and door openings, the reinforcement of which is due to the installation of window frames and door structures, as well as a violation of the integrity of the masonry.

Scope of application

Foam concrete and gas silicate blocks widely used in various fields of construction. Both internal and external walls of houses are built from this material. Most modern high-rise buildings are built from this material. This is due to the small weight of the blocks, which allows significantly reduce the load on the main frame and foundation of the house, while the blocks are strong enough not to worry about the integrity of floors and walls.

Foamed concrete is also used in the construction of many auxiliary, industrial and agricultural buildings. The only thing the exception is buildings in which constant high humidity such as indoor pools, saunas and baths.

Despite the fact that the permissible humidity standards for the use of cellular concrete are 75%, if a level of more than 60% is expected, then foam concrete and gas silicate blocks are not recommended. In some cases it is allowed to use this material if after installation they will be covered from steam moisture insulating materials that can protect the structure itself from the negative effects of high humidity.

They try to use gas silicate blocks somewhat more often in the construction of houses, since in addition to increased strength, they are distinguished by perfectly flat surfaces, which allows you to create even masonry and subsequently spend less time and effort on facing it.

The gas silicate is connected with a difficult cement mortar, and with a special glue, as a result of which the seams between the blocks remain thinner. This reduces cold bridges, improving the thermal safety of the entire structure.

Considering the difference in density and strength of materials, foam concrete is recommended to be used only in small buildings, for example, in private houses up to two floors high. It is not recommended to use it as load-bearing structures, and it is also better to combine foam concrete with brick or monolithic concrete columns.

It is allowed to build high-rise buildings from gas silicate blocks, as well as load-bearing supports in small buildings, without additional reinforcement with concrete belts.