Compare aerated concrete block with brick. Which is better - brick or aerated concrete: comparison, characteristics, reviews. Video: Which is better brick or aerated block
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Anyone who wants to build own house I had to make a choice of building materials. Someone recommended purchasing brick, someone liked aerated concrete elements, and there were those who recommended combining both materials.
What is better for building a box - brick or aerated concrete? To find the correct answer to a question, you need to study the features and characteristic differences the specified materials. The point is that even professional craftsmen do not have a common opinion.
Each type has positive and negative aspects that are recommended to be taken into account.
Brick characteristics
Before choosing “brick - aerated concrete”, consider the characteristics of the first material. It is environmentally friendly, has a sufficient level of strength, and can be used for a long period.
A building made of brick will last at least a hundred years.
Reinforced concrete slabs are used as floor coverings on such walls, making it possible to arrange large rooms and build multi-story buildings.
There are two types of brick material - silicate and ceramic.
The first option is made from sand, lime and water. Production molds filled with raw materials are placed in an autoclave and fired under pressure.
The silicate material produced using the technology is different great value density, strength and ability to withstand cold and precipitation.
Ceramic brick material made from clay. Firing is carried out in temperature chambers, which determines the strength of the material and its resistance to frost.
Ceramic bricks are:
Characteristics of aerated concrete
A comparison of brick and aerated concrete is only possible if all the features of the blocks are known. Today they have become popular in the construction industry.
For production use:
- quartz sand;
- aluminum powder;
- cement;
- quicklime;
- water.
Some manufacturers, in an effort to increase income, mix slag, ash and other industrial waste into the feedstock.
During the manufacturing process, the components are mixed, water is added, and the finished mass is poured into molds. Due to water and aluminum, a reaction occurs, the result of which is considered to be numerous pores. At this time, the mixture increases in volume and begins to harden. The blanks are cut into blocks and sent to autoclave units to impart final strength.
The porosity of the structure allows the thermal insulation qualities to be several times higher than that of brick material. The blocks are light, so a wall made of brick and aerated concrete will be the best choice.
Gaso concrete blocks have good sound insulation properties. The material's characteristics are similar to wood - it breathes, retains heat, and is environmentally friendly.
Advantages and disadvantages
To make the final choice between brick or aerated concrete, it is recommended to compare their positive and negative qualities.
Sand-lime brick material is different:
- environmental cleanliness;
- excellent sound insulation properties;
- resistance to low temperatures;
- long service life;
- a range of color shades, which allows it to be used as a finishing raw material.
Flaw - low level resistance to water and high temperature.
The material is not used in the construction of stoves, wells, chimneys, foundations, fireplaces.
Ceramic bricks resist frost well and protect against extraneous noise. Its advantages include low moisture absorption, high-quality adhesion to plaster and putty layers. The material is durable, resists external influences, and has many textures and colors.
It's expensive. For this reason, the question of what is cheaper, brick or aerated concrete, does not even arise.
When conducting facing works The brick used must be from the same batch.
Aerated concrete blocks are distinguished by their environmental friendliness, ability to retain heat and protect from extraneous noise. The material is durable, does not shrink, and is easy to process.
The disadvantages include fragility and the ability to absorb water. Blocks are recommended for use in low-rise buildings, since the load-bearing capacity of brick and aerated concrete is significantly different.
The difference between brick and aerated concrete
To finally decide which is better, aerated concrete or brick for building a house, it is necessary to compare these materials.
Compressive strength index
This parameter will determine the strength of the object under construction and maximum load that the walls can withstand. For brick, this value ranges from 110 to 220 kg per sq. cm. But aerated concrete can only boast an indicator of 25 - 50. Hence the conclusion is drawn that the foam block is not suitable for constructing a load-bearing wall.
Ability to conduct heat
The thickness of the wall made of brick material must be at least fifty centimeters. This will be enough to ensure that the thermal insulation is within normal limits. To increase this parameter, it is allowed to install an insulating layer.
Block walls, which have a similar effect, are forty centimeters thick. And if you have to live in regions with cold climatic conditions, then you can easily understand which house is better, made of aerated concrete or brick.
Resistance to low temperatures
This value is characterized by the ability of a building material to retain its original properties during numerous cycles of freezing and thawing and in a state of high humidity.
Brick resists sharp temperature fluctuations of up to five dozen cycles; for aerated concrete this figure is 25–30 periods. It turns out that in this regard the brick lasts longer.
Moisture absorption
This parameter determines the duration of the operational period of the object. With significant absorption, water accumulates in the pores, and fungus and mold appear.
For an aerated concrete block this figure is 100%, while brick can boast a value of 6–14%.
It is possible to reduce the water absorption of the block by finishing the surface of the walls waterproofing material and plaster mortar.
Construction work of this nature is carried out exclusively in dry weather.
Fire resistance
All materials under consideration belong to the group of non-combustible materials assigned class A.
Shrinkage
Aerated concrete blocks are susceptible to this characteristic, which can cause cracks to appear on the surface of the walls. This phenomenon is not typical for a brick wall if a solid foundation is prepared.
Weight of a cubic meter of masonry
The weight of the building is the determining parameter in choosing the type and parameters of the foundation. Walls built from brick material are significantly heavier than their aerated concrete counterparts, so the base for them will be massive.
Brickwork of 1 cubic meter exerts a force equal to 1.2 - 2 tons, for an aerated concrete block this figure is 0.2 - 0.9 tons. It turns out that with the same dimensions of the building, a foam block object is six to ten times lighter than a brick building.
So, which is better, a house made of brick or aerated concrete? The blocks store heat better and are vapor permeable. However, brick material is characterized by compressive strength, resistance to water and low temperatures. Consequently, its operational period is much longer.
However, a house made of aerated concrete or brick - the choice is yours. The fact is that the shortcomings of the blocks are removed by high-quality cladding, which prevents the process of getting wet. In addition, wet aerated concrete does not retain heat well.
The blocks are large in size, which allows you to build the box quickly, and the geometry of the material is better. Only the seams between block rows should be made thin to reduce heat loss.
If a house is being built from aerated concrete blocks, it is recommended to perform reinforcement. This feature is not typical for brickwork.
The conclusion suggests itself that there is no unambiguous solution problematic issue There is no information related to the choice of material.
Source: http://betonov.com/vidy-betona/sravnenie/kirpich-ili-gazobeton-chto-luchshe.html
Brick or aerated concrete: choosing material for building a house
Choosing materials for building a house is a responsible matter. It is important to take into account all the features of the components used so that the house is warm, dry and comfortable. Next, we will compare brick and aerated concrete and identify the main features of these materials in order to understand which material is better suited for building walls.
Production and sizes
The first indicator by which we will compare is the size of the building elements and the material used to make them.
Brick
Ceramic bricks are made from natural clay by molding and firing. Up to 90% is used for the production of silicate element quartz sand, 10% mixture of lime and water.
Ceramics has high strength and frost resistance, especially if the product contains pores and voids. The characteristics are affected by the type of clay, firing time and temperature. Sand-lime brick is a popular material for construction residential buildings up to 5 floors, it is similar to ceramic in terms of performance, but is less presentable in appearance and does not particularly like moisture.
Aerated concrete block
To make aerated concrete blocks, quartz sand, cement, water, lime and aluminum powder are used. After mixing the components, aluminum, interacting with water and alkali, begins to release hydrogen, which forms pores in the body of the block.
Specifications
The next most important parameter is performance indicators. They are taken into account when designing a future home. Should you choose porous brick or aerated concrete for construction? Let's compare the characteristics:
The characteristics of materials may vary depending on the size of the elements: aerated concrete blocks have different shapes and a wide range of sizes. Bricks are full and hollow, single, one and a half, double. This affects the dimensions and weight of products.
What is warmer: brick or aerated concrete?
This important parameter, on which the thickness of the wall depends, the need for additional insulation. As can be seen from the table, the lowest thermal conductivity of an aerated concrete block is 0.1 W/m*C. This means that the element almost does not conduct heat, the losses are extremely insignificant.
This makes the material a leader among the components of load-bearing external walls. Ceramic brick has an average thermal conductivity value of up to 0.4. This figure depends on the structure of the block: a solid one retains heat worse than a porous and hollow one.
An independent wall without additional insulation must have a thickness of at least 510 or 640 mm.
Price
The third, but decisive parameter for comparison is the price of materials.
Average cost of 1 m³ ceramic bricks– from 3500 rub.
An aerated concrete block can be purchased from 2,500 rubles.
The question arises: why is it cheaper to build a house from aerated concrete than from brick?
The price is determined by several factors:
- Brick is a small piece material compared to large blocks. Its production requires high firing costs, and molding bricks takes longer.
- The thermal conductivity of aerated concrete and brick is determined by the second factor - concrete blocks allow less heated air to pass through, respectively, the thickness of the walls is less than brick, less material is required;
- Labor costs. Building a house from small blocks requires more time, masonry mortar, effort and inspection. Therefore, the cost of laying a cubic meter of wall reaches 100% of the price of a cubic meter of brick. It’s easier with an aerated block - the structures are put together faster, less mortar is needed, and the cost of installation is an order of magnitude lower.
Conclusion
What to choose: a house made of brick or aerated concrete - which is better?
Better not, yes different features. Both materials have the right to exist, they consist of environmentally friendly components and are safe to use. It should be taken into account that the thickness of a ceramic wall without additional thermal insulation is 510...640 mm, and this is a large load.
The foundation must be solid; this will increase the cost of construction. On the other hand, aerated concrete without finishing looks sloppy and breaks down over time. It is rational to combine both of these materials in tandem: the block serves as the base, which retains heat, and the brick covers the facade.
Source: http://StroikaDialog.ru/articles/stenovoi_komplekt1/kirpich_ili_gazobeton_sravnenie
Brick or gas block: which is better to build a house from?
Today, two types of bricks are used in construction: ceramic and silicate. The raw materials for the production of sand-lime brick are quartz sand, lime and water. The brick molds are loaded into the autoclave and exposed to heat treatment- exposure to high pressure saturated water vapor at a temperature of about 200 degrees.
The choice of material must be approached seriously; the final appearance of the structure depends on the material.
Made from lime and sand using technology long known to mankind, sand-lime brick is an environmentally friendly building material that has good sound insulation.
Compared to ceramic bricks, sand-lime brick has a higher density, and in terms of strength and frost resistance it leaves far behind existing brands of lightweight concrete.
Suffice it to say that builders provide a guarantee of 50 years or more for walls built from it.
At the same time, buildings made of sand-lime brick are unpretentious and resistant to the vagaries of nature. Walls made from it retain their color for a long time, except in cases where they are exposed to long-term exposure to high humidity.
It should be noted that for all its advantages, sand-lime brick has low water and heat resistance, so it cannot be used in the construction of foundations, sewer wells, as well as furnaces and chimneys.
One of the most durable and frost-resistant building materials today.
Burnt (ceramic) bricks were used in housing construction by humanity already in the 3rd-2nd millennium BC. In Rus', baked bricks have been used since the end of the 15th century. During this time, he has come a long way from an exotic stranger to a proven and reliable assistant.
It is clear that at the beginning of its journey it was significantly different from the brick we are familiar with today. Its manufacturing technology has been updated in accordance with the requirements of the time, and it is not without reason that today builders all over the world value brick for its great strength and durability.
The raw material for the production of ceramic bricks is ordinary clay. Depending on its composition - natural or artificially saturated - various types of ceramic bricks are made. The clay is fired in a drying chamber.
Firing technologies (fluctuations in raw material humidity, temperature fluctuations, firing duration) are developed individually for each clay.
The strength and frost resistance of the finished brick directly depend on the firing temperature and its duration.
A significant disadvantage of brick is its small size, which increases construction time.
Ceramic brick is divided into ordinary (the technology of its production is described above) and facing, which is made using a special technology, thanks to which it acquires additional strength and amazing resistance to adverse environmental influences.
Both types of ceramic bricks have significant frost resistance, high strength and stability.
Ceramic brick made from clay is an environmentally friendly building material; it absorbs little moisture, and in cases where this happens, it dries quickly and is not deformable.
And he also has high density, which allows it to withstand significant loads and is a fairly good sound insulator.
Specifics of aerated concrete
Aerated concrete (or aerated concrete) in last years has become one of the most popular building materials. It has a number of advantages, but before we talk about its advantages, let's figure out what a gas block is.
The low weight of aerated concrete will allow you to save on foundation construction.
Aerated concrete is a type of cellular concrete, artificial material with air pores evenly distributed throughout the body.
An ordinary gas block consists of quartz sand, aluminum powder, lime, cement and water. Some manufacturers add production waste to this composition: ash, slag, etc.
Which significantly reduces production costs, but ultimately has a negative impact on quality.
The technology for producing aerated concrete is simple: the composition is mixed with water and poured into a mold. In this case, the gas-forming agent (aluminum powder) reacts with lime with the help of water.
The consequence of this reaction is the release of hydrogen, which forms pores. This allows the mixture to rise like yeast dough and then harden.
The resulting mass is cut into blocks, which are then “reached” under pressure in an autoclave.
As a building material, aerated concrete is quite young - the first successful experience in the production of aerated concrete was carried out 85 years ago. Due to its porous structure, the gas block has high thermal insulation qualities.
These properties are several times higher than those of brick and heavy concrete. According to their own physical properties aerated block is similar to wood: environmentally friendly, breathable and warm material. It, like wood, is quite easy to saw, drill, etc.
At the same time, aerated concrete (unlike wood) is rot-resistant and fire-resistant.
The finely porous structure of aerated concrete creates good sound insulation of walls.
Aerated block is a fairly durable building material that allows the construction of buildings and structures. From aerated blocks you can build a building with different wall thicknesses and different thermal conductivity. But it must be borne in mind that it is not recommended to build buildings higher than three floors entirely from aerated blocks.
The average aerated block weighs about 22 kg, while its size is several times larger than the size of a brick. For comparison: a brick volume similar to an aerated block will weigh about 64 kg.
At the same time, cellular aerated concrete is 10 times better brick and absorbs sound, which eliminates the need for additional sound insulation.
Aerated concrete (like brick) is a non-flammable material that does not release toxic elements in a fire.
Comparative technical characteristics of brick and aerated concrete
The compressive strength for ceramic bricks is 110-120 kg/cm2; for aerated blocks - 25-50 kg/cm2;.
Weight 1 m3; brick walls - 1200-2000 kg, gas block walls - 200-900 kg.
Familiarization with the table presented in the photo will allow you to navigate the choice of material.
Thermal conductivity for brickwork is 0.32-0.46 W/mk, for masonry made of aerated blocks - 0.09-0.12 W/mk.
Frost resistance: brick - 75-100 cycles, gas block - 50 cycles.
Water absorption for brickwork is 8-12% by weight, for aerated concrete - 20% by weight.
Fire resistance: brickwork - 1 (lowest) class, aerated block masonry - 1st class.
Product size: brick - 65x120x250 mm, gas block - 200x300x600 mm.
Weight: for brick - 1800 kg/m3;, for aerated concrete - 400 kg/m3;.
Quantity: brick - 380 pcs/m3;, gas block - 28 pcs/m3;.
Knowing these characteristics, you can more accurately determine whether the material you choose is suitable for building your home.
It is logical that there is a big difference between a two-story residential mansion in the north and a summer cottage in the south.
To finally clarify this issue, let's consider each indicator and how it will affect the strength, stability and durability of the built house.
Compressive Strength Coefficient
A wide selection of shapes and sizes of aerated concrete will make it easy to choose the option necessary for the construction of any part of the building.
The strength of the house frame directly depends on the compressive strength. The more floors in a house under construction and the heavier the interfloor floors, the higher the compressive strength should be.
Let's say you want to build two-story cottage With basement. The height of each floor is 2.5 m. Interfloor ceilings are made of reinforced concrete slabs.
In this case, the external (load-bearing) walls should be made only of brick, because it can easily withstand the weight of the load-bearing walls and those placed on them interfloor ceilings. But walls made of aerated concrete are unlikely to withstand the same load; cracks may appear along the walls.
But self-supporting (those that transfer only their own weight to the foundation) and non-supporting (for example, interior partitions) the walls in this example can be built from either brick or gas block.
It must be emphasized that it is only possible to determine the weight that a load-bearing wall will bear “by eye” only very approximately. So that you have absolute confidence in the correct choice of material, when designing a house, instruct your designer to make the necessary calculations.
Wall mass coefficient
A special feature of the foam block is its easy cutting, which allows you to adjust its size to any needs.
An indicator such as the mass of the wall determines the weight that the walls and interfloor ceilings. From correct definition This indicator directly depends on the type of foundation of the house being built.
From the above comparative characteristics it can be seen that the mass of brick exceeds the mass of aerated concrete by almost 20 times.
Hence the logical conclusion: the foundation for brick walls needs to be made stronger, and therefore more expensive, than for walls made of aerated blocks.
Unlike brick, aerated concrete absorbs moisture, so it should be plastered.
The thermal conductivity coefficient determines the ability of a material to transmit heat through itself. The higher it is, the worse the thermal insulation properties of the material. From the above comparative characteristics it is clear that the thermal conductivity coefficient of brick is almost four times higher than that of aerated block.
In practice, in modern construction the masonry of a brick wall is rarely more than 25 cm, and in order to reduce the thermal conductivity of bricks, more internal and external thermal insulation materials are used than when constructing walls made of aerated blocks.
Water absorption coefficient
The absorption coefficient is determined by the ability of the material to absorb water and retain it inside. Water absorption worsens the properties of the material and reduces its strength.
From the comparative characteristics it is clear that aerated block absorbs 1.5 times more moisture than brick.
In practice, this means that external walls made of aerated concrete require additional protection, and it is necessary to clad the façade of the house.
Frost resistance coefficient
Frost resistance of a material shows the ability of a wet material to maintain strength during alternating cycles of freezing and thawing. From the comparative characteristics it is clear that the frost resistance coefficient of brick is higher than that of aerated concrete, therefore buildings built from aerated concrete require additional insulation and insulation from temperature changes.
Fire resistance coefficient
Both brick and aerated concrete have high class fire resistance and can withstand open fire for at least 2.5 hours.
The fire resistance coefficient is the ability of a material to resist exposure to high temperatures.
Simply put, this indicator shows after what time the structure is made of of this material will collapse in a fire.
In accordance with current fire safety standards, both brick and aerated block belong to the first class of fire resistance and have a reserve of time to fight fire of at least 2.5 hours.
One last thing important point. There is a strong belief in our minds that a good house can only be built from brick. And this is confirmed by the buildings that have stood for several centuries and are perfectly preserved to this day.
Of course, traditions, including in construction, are wonderful, but we must not forget that time does not stand still, and that once upon a time brick was also new to construction. Modern technologies allow you to build houses faster, easier, cheaper.
The main thing is that the use of new building materials is not a tribute to fashion, but a thoughtful and balanced decision.
Brick or aerated concrete: which is better?
In fact, one brick is 13 times less than one gas block, and weighs 3-4 times more. 1 m³ of aerated concrete masonry weighs 400 kg, and the same volume of brickwork weighs 1800 kg. In practice, this means that it will take half the time to force out the box of a house made of aerated blocks than to force out a box from brick.
What is the best material to build your house from? This is solely your choice, and no one will make it for you. But it can be made easier by carefully considering all the advantages and disadvantages of both materials. Here is a summary of our research:
- A good gas block is cheaper than a good brick. Moreover, find today good brick- the task is extremely difficult.
- Ceramic brick as a building material is about 500 years old; aerated concrete blocks have been used in construction for no more than 80 years. How are they saved? brick buildings, built 100-200 years ago, are well known. No one yet knows how buildings made of aerated concrete will behave after the same time.
- By technical specifications aerated block is warmer than brick. 40 cm masonry made of aerated block, lined with brick, does not need additional insulation, 60 cm brick masonry requires such insulation.
- Although a gas block is much better in thermal conductivity than brick, brick is much better in heat capacity. Simply put, in an insulated brick house the heat will stay in the walls longer, leaving it outside more slowly.
- The load-bearing capacity of brick is higher than that of aerated block. But bricklaying takes much more time. Yes, and plasters on brick wall will go much more than on the same wall made of aerated concrete.
What conclusion suggests itself from all that has been said? It is almost impossible to give a definite answer as to which is better - brick or aerated concrete. In one case, you can use only brick, in another - only aerated block, in the third - both brick and aerated block. But no matter what material your home is built from, it is important that it provides warmth and comfort to you and your loved ones.
Source: https://1pokirpichy.ru/vidy/gazoblok-ili-kirpich.html
Aerated concrete or brick?
When building a house, you need to determine what material the walls will be built from. At the same time, the building must be durable, reliable, and construction must be inexpensive. Most often, brick and aerated concrete are used for these purposes. Before deciding whether to choose brick or aerated concrete, let’s consider the features of each building material.
Brick features and varieties
Brick is highly environmentally friendly, durable, and durable. For its production are used natural materials, such as water, lime and quartz sand (for silicate) or clay (for ceramic product). For the manufacture of varieties, materials with different dispersion are used, on which the strength of the finished product depends.
The brick is highly durable and maximum term services. It is more expensive than aerated concrete.
To obtain the material, lime and sand or clay are mixed with water. After preliminary drying of the production, firing is carried out. The process is quite complicated and lengthy. The firing temperature in the drying chamber will depend on how correctly and accurately the temperature is maintained. mechanical properties(strength and frost resistance) of the resulting product.
Classification into silicate and ceramic is made according to the main component of the mixture used for manufacturing. Both of these types can be either regular or porous, that is, with slits.
Porous brick is as close as possible to aerated concrete in some respects. It is used for laying internal and external walls, load-bearing frames of buildings and partitions, as a finishing or intermediate building material. Features of the hollow ceramic product are light weight, environmental friendliness and high strength characteristics.
Silicate
Silicate material is characterized by greater density, sound insulation, strength, frost resistance, and wear resistance. According to these parameters, the product is superior to ceramic and block building materials.
To make silicate stone, a mixture of 9 volumes of quartz sand per volume of airborne lime is used. The semi-dry composition is pressed into a mold and fired in an autoclave at 170-200 ⁰C and 8-12 atmospheric pressure. To increase resistance to external influences, for coloring or alkali resistance of the finished product, special impurities are added to the mixture.
Scope of application:
- construction and finishing of load-bearing walls and self-supporting partitions;
- lining the outer parts of chimneys and stoves;
- laying fences;
- sealing niches and openings.
Dimensional classification of standard bricks:
- single - 25 x 12 x 6.5 cm;
- double (M150) - 25 x 12 x 13.8 cm.
Brick of different brands is characterized by frost resistance F15-F50, thermal conductivity - 0.39-0.60 W/m C, density - 1330-1890 kg/m3. Silicate cannot be plastered. If for any reason this is necessary, silicate masonry applied with a comb special composition, after drying, a plaster layer is applied.
Benefits of silicate:
- environmental friendliness;
- good soundproofing qualities;
- high frost resistance;
- durability (facades made from it can last up to 50 years);
- a large assortment color range and texture, which expands the scope of use as a finishing material.
The disadvantages of silicate are low moisture resistance and instability to high temperatures. Therefore, such material is not used as a base material for stoves, fireplaces, wells, chimneys and underground foundations.
Ceramic
Scope of application of ceramic products:
- masonry and cladding of load-bearing walls and self-supporting partitions;
- construction of chimneys, furnaces;
- laying fences;
- construction of foundations;
- sealing openings, niches.
When combined with aerated concrete, ceramic stone serves as the base of the structure. The color saturation, shape and texture, strength, fire resistance, weather resistance and durability of a ceramic product depend on its type and method of production.
The required degree of sintering of the mold is achieved with 8-15 hours of firing under constant temperatures in the range of 900-1150 0C. The temperature is selected depending on the type of clay used. After firing, the ceramic product cools slowly. Density finished material- 1950kg/m3.
When using manual molding, this value reaches 2000 kg/m3.
Types of ceramic bricks:
- front or facing;
- private or construction worker.
The dimensions of an ordinary product differ in the thickness of the product:
- single - 25 x 12 x 6.5 cm;
- one and a half - 25 x 12 x 8.8 cm;
- double - 25 x 12 x 10.3 cm.
Advantages:
- high frost resistance;
- increased sound insulation;
- low degree of water absorption (regular - 14%, ceramic - no more than 3%);
- good adhesion to plaster and putty;
- varied texture and color scheme;
- high strength and resistance to external influences.
Flaws:
- high cost compared to block materials and sand-lime bricks;
- efflorescence formation;
- the need to use products from the same batch for cladding.
Features of aerated concrete
Aerated concrete has a cellular structure, so it is characterized by high thermal conductivity, sound insulation and low weight. Despite the hollow structure, the material is strong enough for the construction of three-story buildings. Aerated concrete is supplied in the form of foam blocks.
To make products, you need a mixture of cement, lime, sand, aluminum powder and water. If necessary, slag, ash or other industrial waste is added.
However, although these materials reduce the cost of blocks, they have a bad effect on strength indicators. The resulting mixture is fired in an autoclave at elevated pressure and temperature.
This allows you to obtain a homogeneous, strong macrostructure.
Aerated concrete blocks are larger in size than brick ones. For example, 1 foam block is equal to 7-8 units of silicate. Consequently, construction with foam blocks is faster, requiring less masonry mortar and the building material itself. Aerated concrete blocks can be used as a structural material and thermal insulation at the same time.
Comparison of characteristics
To determine which is better, aerated concrete or brick, you need to carefully compare their main characteristics.
Compressive strength coefficient
This parameter determines the strength of the building being constructed and characterizes the maximum load that the wall material can withstand without noticeable external influences.
The compressive strength coefficient of brick is 110-220 kg/cm², and aerated concrete - 25-50 kg/cm².
Consequently, foam blocks are unsuitable for laying load-bearing walls and constructing multi-story structures, since they will not withstand their own weight or the weight of the floor slabs.
Thermal conductivity
Comparison of the characteristics of aerated concrete, brick and ceramic block.
When constructing brick walls, the thickness of the masonry is 50 cm. This value is sufficient to ensure normal thermal insulation.
In order to increase the parameter, finishing with a layer of insulation is allowed. Block walls with a similar thermal insulation effect as 50 cm brickwork are 40 cm thick.
Frost resistance
The value of frost resistance characterizes the ability of a building material to maintain its original strength properties during several cycles of freezing and defrosting, as well as in a wet state.
Brick is resistant to sudden temperature changes for 50 cycles, while aerated concrete is 25-30.
Consequently, brick walls will last longer, maintaining their original properties.
Water absorption
This indicator determines the operational life of the building. With high water absorption, moisture accumulates in the porous structure, which leads to the formation of fungus and mold.
Moisture absorption for aerated concrete is 100%, for brick - 6-14%. The moisture permeability of the foam block can be reduced if you use plaster and waterproofing as finishing.
Wherein construction works must be carried out in dry weather.
Fire resistance
Both building materials belong to class A non-flammable products in terms of fire resistance.
Shrinkage
Aerated concrete shrinks over time, which leads to the formation of cracks. This phenomenon is not observed with brick walls if the foundation is good.
Weight of 1 m³ of masonry
The weight of the building is the determining factor when choosing the type and width of the foundation. Brick walls will weigh more than aerated concrete walls, so a massive base will be required.
The wall force exerted by brickwork in 1 m³ is 1200-2000 kg, aerated concrete masonry- 200-900 kg/m³.
Consequently, with the same dimensions, a building made of brick foam block is 6-10 times lighter than a brick building.
Which is better to choose?
To better understand what to choose, let's summarize. Foam block houses are built faster and do not require a strong foundation. At the same time, wall material is significantly saved due to its size: the dimensions of one block of aerated concrete are 4 times larger than bricks.
The cost of building from aerated concrete is 25-30% cheaper than brick. For building walls warm home For one foam block laying there is a three-layer brickwork. However for block walls required additional layer waterproofing, but they will not be as durable as brick. Brick houses last more than 100 years, which cannot be said about aerated concrete.
conclusions
It is impossible to say unequivocally what to choose - brick or aerated concrete. However, to build a durable multi-story building on a high-quality foundation, it is better to use bricks.
To build warm house maximum three floors and save on consumables and construction time, it is recommended to use aerated concrete blocks.
The walls are main part any building. Strength, thermal conductivity, durability and appearance the entire building. For their construction, wall stone is used: brick or aerated concrete blocks.
Brick
Wall stone, such as brick, is used for the construction of various residential and industrial structures. It has several types, each of which is used in construction.
- Sand-lime brick is used for the construction of small private houses, cottages and garages. It has low cost and ease of installation.
- Ceramic brick is considered a universal building material. Suitable for the construction of any residential and production premises.
- Facing stone used for decoration external walls, fences and garages.
- Fireclay brick is intended for laying stoves and fireplaces, since its main advantage is heat preservation.
Aerated concrete blocks
Aerated concrete is made from a mixture of cement, quartz, lime, aluminum powder and water. Aerated concrete is produced domestic producers, for example, the plant //bikton.ru/. All components are mixed and after hardening, they are ready to be used in construction. Most often, this mixture is used for the manufacture of wall blocks, floors and steps for stairs.
Aerated concrete blocks have a number of advantages:
- Natural composition of the mixture from which the blocks are made;
- Stability in any climatic conditions;
- High level of fire safety;
- Low cost.
Aerated concrete or brick?
So what should you choose: brick or aerated concrete? If construction is planned multi-storey building, using floor slabs, then the walls are best built from brick. And for a small two-story house with wooden floors, a country house or a garage, aerated concrete is perfect. You will have to use insulation in any construction, no matter what material is used. If you choose by cost, then aerated concrete is much cheaper. Aerated concrete slabs have larger size, so much less time is spent on construction. But at the same time, the brick can withstand extreme cold without losing its properties. Fire resistance of materials high level, which protects any structure from fire. The level of thermal conductivity of aerated concrete is much higher, but if you follow construction technology and erect brick walls of at least a meter, then it will become an excellent thermal insulation material.
As a result, it is impossible to single out one material, since both brick and aerated concrete are successfully used in construction. The choice will depend not only on the characteristics of the material, but also on the planned construction.
Before starting construction, one of the main issues is choosing a durable, reliable and inexpensive building material, so you need to figure out what is better to choose - brick or aerated concrete. Before making a choice, you need to decide on the parameters of the future building, its size and operating conditions, only after that you can choose a building material that will meet all the requirements and decide what to choose - aerated concrete or brick.
The modern construction market is represented by a large number of different materials that are used for the construction of various buildings, but you should not always believe advertising - it is better to understand their properties and only then make a choice. Most often, brick or cellular concrete is used for construction; aerated concrete is one of the best. Often the owner of a site is faced with the question of what is better - brick or aerated concrete - and which material to give preference to.
To do right choice, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics and features of brick and aerated concrete, only then can you choose the material that will optimally meet your requirements.
Features of brick
This material has been used for construction for a very long time, and over time its characteristics have improved significantly.
This building material is highly durable and has a long service life. If we talk about price, then for the same volume, aerated concrete is cheaper, brick is more expensive. To make it, ordinary clay is used, which is fired. For different types Bricks use different compositions, they have different dispersion, the strength and price of the brick will largely depend on this.
After the clay is mixed with water and dried in special molds, it holds its shape quite well. Then it is fired, during which the brick acquires the necessary mechanical characteristics. Firing is a rather complex and lengthy process, during which the temperature changes dynamically, and a strictly specified temperature must be maintained in the drying chamber.
For each clay composition, they develop their own firing technology, depending on the quality of this technological operation The strength and frost resistance of the brick will depend.
Depending on the composition of the mixture that was used for its production, the brick can be silicate or ceramic.
The advantages of sand-lime brick are its high frost resistance and strength, but it has high thermal conductivity and absorbs moisture well, which is why ceramic brick is more common.
This type of building material is less easily washed out by precipitation, it has lower thermal conductivity and higher sound insulation properties. A house made of brick will be stronger, but it will take longer to build, since when comparing the sizes of brick and aerated concrete, the latter wins.
It should be noted that brick has higher strength, which is why it is used in construction multi-storey buildings, while aerated concrete is usually used for the construction of private houses and cottages, this must be taken into account when comparing brick and aerated concrete.
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Features of aerated concrete
A special feature of a material such as aerated concrete is its cellular structure, due to which it has excellent thermal conductivity and sound insulation characteristics, quite light weight. Despite its cellular structure, aerated concrete has sufficient strength; it can be used in the construction of buildings up to 3 floors high. If we talk about which material to give preference to when building a multi-story building - aerated concrete or brick, then you need to choose brick.
In order to build a house from aerated concrete, foam blocks from the specified material are used. For the production of aerated concrete the following are used:
- cement;
- lime;
- water;
- sand;
- aluminum powder;
- Slag, ash and other production waste may be added.
If foam blocks are made with the addition of production waste, this reduces the cost of aerated concrete, but it turns out to be less durable.
Foam blocks from aerated concrete are made in an autoclave, their maximum characteristics are obtained. Increased pressure and temperature are created in the autoclave, so the foam blocks acquire a homogeneous macrostructure.
When comparing aerated concrete and brick, it is impossible to give a clear answer about which option will be better. It all depends on what qualities the future building should have.
Both materials have their own disadvantages and advantages, so only you can make a choice between aerated concrete or brick.
If you are building a low-rise house, then it is worth considering the fact that one foam block of aerated concrete will correspond to 7-8 bricks, so the work is carried out much faster and less mortar for masonry is required.
If we compare aerated concrete and brick, then foam blocks can be used both for structural purposes and for thermal insulation of a house, while a building made of brick needs additional thermal insulation in order to be comfortable in the winter.
In order to save money on masonry, you should give preference to aerated concrete.
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Comparison of materials
One of the main characteristics that must be taken into account when building a house is its weight. For brick house a more massive and, accordingly, more expensive foundation is needed than for the construction of a building if foam blocks are used.
The thermal insulation properties of the house have great importance both in winter and in summer time. To make the house comfortable, the thickness of the brick wall should be at least 50 cm, while the thickness of the wall made of foam blocks will be only 30-40 cm.
An important indicator of any building material is its frost resistance. It characterizes how well it will retain its properties at high humidity, as well as during repeated freezing and thawing. If for aerated concrete blocks the number of cycles is about 25-35, then for brick it is 2 times more, so a brick building has a longer service life.
The main disadvantage of aerated concrete blocks is that they have little strength, therefore they are intended for the construction of buildings no more than 3 floors high, but for the construction of a private house or cottage it is an almost ideal material.
As the water absorption of the material increases, its service life will decrease. If for aerated concrete this figure is 10%, then for brick it is from 6 to 16%.
If we talk about indicators such as environmental friendliness and fire safety, both materials will have high values.
Brickwork has an advantage in terms of shrinkage. Over time, the gas silicate sides shrink, as a result of which cracks may appear on the walls. Near dry heat, shrinkage will occur more intensely, whereas this does not happen with brick walls.
The advantage of gas silicate blocks is their simpler mechanical restoration, therefore it is easier to install doors, windows, and Finishing work. However, this must be done carefully, as they are less durable. Brick walls have higher strength, they also have more options for finishing work.
Both materials under consideration belong to the first class of fire resistance; they can withstand high temperatures for a long time and do not emit harmful substances. The fire resistance limit of these materials is not less than 2.5 hours, whereas, for example, for wooden house this figure is only 30 minutes.
It is impossible to compare the cost of these materials exactly, since even within the same city it may differ. It is also necessary to take into account the distance to which delivery is required. Generally speaking, the cost of the same volume of these materials for aerated concrete will be approximately 30% less.
Since the volume of blocks is much larger, construction work will be carried out faster. If it takes from 3 to 6 months to build an average-sized brick house, then using foam blocks it will take only 1 to 3 months, that is, the work will be completed 3 times faster.
Which is better brick or aerated concrete?? This is one of the most frequently asked questions questions that future developers ask themselves country houses when choosing wall material. Currently, countryside is the most popular house made of brick or aerated concrete: 1) aerated block - in a different way (the same thing) - aerated concrete, aerated concrete block, is produced using an industrial autoclave method (not to be confused with foam blocks, which are most often made in an artisanal way to create a competitive, attractive price, but with lower technical characteristics); 2) ceramic block - in another way (the same thing) - brick, ceramics, ceramic blocks, ceramic stone, warm ceramics, large-format brick, porous brick, porous stone, porous block.
Brick or gas block- 2 of the most popular materials fighting for leadership in the market of modern building materials. Being different materials in their composition and properties (gas block - sand, cement and lime; brick - clay), they have some similar qualities:
- They are used for the construction of single-layer walls for individual residential buildings in the Leningrad and Moscow regions without additional use insulation materials;
- have high bearing capacity and a high reliability coefficient, therefore more than sufficient for the construction of 2-3-story country houses;
- They have, to one degree or another, the property of steam and air exchange, which is important for comfortable stay in cottages built from these materials;
- Safe for the health of residents and the environment, because do not contain harmful, toxic compounds;
- Both materials are 100% minerals, so they are durable, fire- and bio-resistant.
Aerated concrete or ceramics- What then is the difference between them? To answer this question, let's look at the following table:
| Material properties | Build a house from aerated concrete D400 375x625x250mm |
Build a brick house format 14.3NF 510x250x219mm |
 |
||
|
Comparative estimates for the construction of a 2-story cottage with a total area of 165.8 m2 |
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| Exterior view of the cottage taken for comparison and its layout (visualizations belong to the Alfaplan architectural studio) |
|
|
| Total cost of building a “box” house | RUB 3,729,168 | RUR 4,201,422 |
| Difference in construction costs | RUB 472,254 That. building a house made of aerated concrete is cheaper than a house made of large-format bricks by an average of 10-15% |
|
| Sufficient thickness of the “warm” wall(R norm =3.08(m2*C)/W - heat transfer resistance coefficient) | 375mm R=3.36 (dry) - the wall is warm and does not require additional insulation (according to the manufacturer) |
630mm R=3.34 (including facing brick finishing 120*250*65) - the wall is warm and does not require additional insulation (according to the manufacturer) |
| Material weight | 400kg/m 3 | 800kg/m 3 |
| Block geometry | The error in the geometry of aerated concrete blocks is +/- 1 mm (the best geometry). The laying is carried out using thin-seam glue. Seam 2-3mm. The minimum shrinkage along the masonry seam is 0.3 mm/m and the absence of “cold bridges”. | The geometry error of large-format porous blocks is +/-2-3mm. The masonry is carried out using warm (perlite) masonry mortar (the joint is 4 times warmer cement-sand mortar) using fiberglass mesh (prevents the solution from falling into the crack). Seam 8-10mm. The minimum shrinkage along a masonry seam is 2-3mm/m. |
| Cutting and gating of blocks | Cutting with a hacksaw on aerated concrete, gating with a manual wall chaser | Diamond blades |
| Longitudinal reinforcement of walls (reduces the risk of formation of temperature-shrinkage cracks under tensile loads) |
It is performed with AIII 8mm rod reinforcement on the 1st row, then on every 4th row, in the window sill rows. | It is recommended to use AIII reinforcement bars with a diameter of 6-8 mm. We do not recommend using reinforcing mesh - because... it becomes an ideal bridge of cold along the entire perimeter of the walls, and the use of warm masonry mortar becomes pointless. It is recommended to use composite mesh as an alternative material. |
| Features of the material | The high vapor permeability of the walls creates a comfortable microclimate in the house due to the best steam and air exchange. High capillary water saturation. Finishing is done only vapor-permeable materials and mineral insulation. Optimal view Exterior finishing for a house made of aerated concrete is a ventilated facade using facing bricks or decorative panels. | Low capillary water saturation. Usually, exterior decoration houses are made with facing bricks. |
| Composition of blocks and health safety | Does not contain harmful, toxic compounds. Composition: sand, cement, lime, water. When pores form, aluminum powder turns into aluminum oxide, a bound and stable chemical compound. | Does not contain harmful, toxic compounds. Composition: clay. Sawdust added to the raw material burns out during the firing process, forming micropores. |
| Radiation background ( permissible norm radiation 25-30 µR/h) | Does not increase background radiation in the house. | May increase background radiation in the home. It is necessary to purchase bricks only from industrial plants, where the products undergo radiation control and have the appropriate certificates. |
| For that category of customers who are concerned about the background radiation in the house, we recommend purchasing a household dosimeter (radiometer) - the cost on the Internet starts from 3,000 rubles and measure the value of the purchased batch of bricks. | ||
| Wall nailability | Required special fasteners. This property of the material currently has no practical significance, because Using modern fasteners, you can install and fasten structures and equipment to any walls. | |
This is important to know!
The differences are the most important for the consumer (aerated concretevs . brick)
- A house made of brick sells better and more expensive than one made of aerated concrete (aerated concrete<
brick)
When during a conversation they ask the question: “What is your house built from?”, then in response we hear: “from brick”, “from aerated concrete”, “from timber”, “from expanded clay concrete”, etc. No one will ask at the beginning about the type of foundation or type roofing. Those. For all consumers, the material of the walls of a country house is of predominant importance, because It is the walls that protect and create a private space for all family members, protect us from the aggressive influence of the environment (wind, precipitation, cold, heat, etc.) and retain heat.
This psychological moment often determines our choice of material for walls between aerated concrete and brick. In our minds, brick is primarily associated with reliability, durability and respectability, as the main building material for castles, fortresses, palaces and mansions since ancient times. This rule clearly demonstrates consumer demand for ready-made country houses. In the countryside real estate market, houses built of brick have higher liquidity than houses made of aerated concrete. Those. a house made of brick will be bought more willingly, faster and more expensive than the same house made of aerated concrete.
- The walls of the house are warmer, and the cost of construction from aerated concrete is cheaper than from brick (aerated concrete>
brick)
With the same values for thermal insulation of walls for individual residential buildings for permanent residence(when walls made of both materials are equally warm):
- the thickness of a single-layer brick wall should be from 440mm (Porotherm ceramic block with external and/or interior plaster) up to 640mm (ceramic blocks RAUF format 14.3NF 510mm + facing brick 120mm);
- The thickness of a single-layer aerated concrete wall should be from 375mm to 400mm (with external and/or internal plaster) depending on the brand and density of the blocks.
With the same thickness = the walls of a house made of aerated concrete are warmer than brick ones.
That. If you compare 2 houses - made of brick and gas block with the same layout and area of the rooms, then to build a brick house you will need a foundation with larger area than for a similar house made of aerated concrete. In addition, for a brick house all other construction volumes increase - the areas and volumes of all walls, ceilings, rafter system, roofing. In general, building a house made of brick is on average 10-15% more expensive than a house made of aerated concrete.
- There are more negative reviews on the Internet about aerated concrete houses than about brick (aerated concrete<
brick)
As a rule, the main complaints of residents during the operation of houses are related to the fact that the inner surface of aerated concrete walls is damp not only in wet areas (bathrooms, bathrooms), but also in living areas. Damp walls retain heat less well, and in addition, they contribute to the formation of mold and fungi. Is there an explanation for these negative reviews? Of course, there is and this is due to the fact that the construction of the walls was carried out in violation of technology due to the lack necessary knowledge in case of unauthorized construction or negligent attitude towards production installation work hired teams.
Any material, both brick and aerated concrete, has its own area of application and features, which are regulated by design solutions and requirements. If we know and comply with these requirements, then we get the desired result, but if we violate the technology or expect something unusual from the material, then we are deceived in our expectations and begin to talk about its “shortcomings,” as in the cases with negative reviews in the Internet. For high-quality construction of aerated concrete walls, it is necessary to take into account many nuances, the knowledge of which only experienced and professional builders have.
- Walls made of ceramic blocks are brittle and have poor nailability (aerated concrete>
brick)
Some developers, when considering ceramic block as a wall material, are afraid that “later” they won’t be able to hang anything on the walls, because A hammer drill and ordinary fasteners are not enough. It's true - for hanging heavy objects and structures (stairs, shelves, wall cabinets, wall bars, horizontal bars, etc.) on the walls, after their construction is completed, special fasteners will be required. But at present this property is not a big drawback, because Almost any hardware store or construction hypermarket offers special anchors (plastic, chemical) for walls made of ceramic blocks. In addition, during new construction, even at the design stage, concrete or metal embedded elements are provided for future hanging structures. Professional builders everyone knows this and will take it into account when building walls.
Ceramic block or aerated concrete, expert opinion.
Over 11 years of work, the Full House company has built more than 80 houses made of large-format bricks and more than 130 houses made of aerated concrete. Ceramic block or aerated concrete? Both materials have proven themselves to be reliable in practice. wall materials. Ceramic blocks or aerated concrete, which is better?? Both materials are good, however, each of them has features that must be taken into account during masonry work, anchoring, finishing and insulation. Compliance with special technology when working with both ceramic blocks and gas blocks is the main component in the construction of a reliable and comfortable residential building.
We told you about the main properties of ceramic block and aerated concrete, now the choice is yours. There will always be clients who choose a house made of aerated concrete and those who will always remain staunch supporters of brick house construction.
Estimates for building a house made of brick and/or aerated concrete (including comparative estimates) are prepared by our specialists free of charge and in just 1 day. To receive an estimate, simply fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
Today, two types of bricks are used in construction: . The raw materials for the production of sand-lime brick are quartz sand, lime and water. Brick molds are loaded into an autoclave and subjected to heat treatment - exposure to high pressure saturated water vapor at a temperature of about 200 degrees.
The choice of material must be approached seriously; the final appearance of the structure depends on the material.
Made from lime and sand using a technology long known to mankind, sand-lime brick is an environmentally friendly building material with good sound insulation. Compared to ceramic bricks, sand-lime brick has a higher density, and in terms of strength and frost resistance it leaves far behind existing brands of lightweight concrete. Suffice it to say that builders provide a guarantee of 50 years or more for walls built from it.
At the same time, buildings made of sand-lime brick are unpretentious and resistant to the vagaries of nature. Walls made from it retain their color for a long time, except in cases where they are exposed to long-term exposure to high humidity.
It should be noted that for all its advantages, sand-lime brick has low water and heat resistance, so it cannot be used in the construction of foundations, sewer wells, as well as furnaces and chimneys.
One of the most durable and frost-resistant building materials today.
Burnt (ceramic) bricks were used in housing construction by humanity already in the 3rd-2nd millennium BC. In Rus', baked bricks have been used since the end of the 15th century. During this time, he has come a long way from an exotic stranger to a proven and reliable assistant. It is clear that at the beginning of its journey it was significantly different from the brick we are familiar with today. Its manufacturing technology has been updated in accordance with the requirements of the time, and it is not without reason that today builders all over the world value brick for its great strength and durability.
The raw material for the production of ceramic bricks is ordinary clay. Depending on its composition - natural or artificially saturated - various types of ceramic bricks are made. The clay is fired in a drying chamber. Firing technologies (fluctuations in raw material humidity, temperature fluctuations, firing duration) are developed individually for each clay. The strength and frost resistance of the finished brick directly depend on the firing temperature and its duration.
A significant disadvantage of brick is its small size, which increases construction time.
Ceramic brick is divided into ordinary (the technology of its production is described above) and facing, which is made using a special technology, thanks to which it acquires additional strength and amazing resistance to adverse environmental influences.
Both types of ceramic bricks have significant frost resistance, high strength and stability. Ceramic brick made from clay is an environmentally friendly building material; it absorbs little moisture, and in cases where this happens, it dries quickly and is not deformable. It also has a high density, which allows it to withstand significant loads, and is a fairly good sound insulator.
Specifics of aerated concrete
Aerated concrete (or aerated concrete) has become one of the most popular building materials in recent years. It has a number of advantages, but before we talk about its advantages, let's figure out what a gas block is.
The low weight of aerated concrete will allow you to save on foundation construction.
Aerated concrete is a type of cellular concrete, an artificial material with air pores evenly distributed throughout the body. An ordinary gas block consists of quartz sand, aluminum powder, lime, cement and water. Some manufacturers add production waste to this composition: ash, slag, etc., which significantly reduces production costs, but ultimately negatively affects quality.
The technology for producing aerated concrete is simple: the composition is mixed with water and poured into a mold. In this case, the gas-forming agent (aluminum powder) reacts with lime with the help of water. The consequence of this reaction is the release of hydrogen, which forms pores. This allows the mixture to rise like yeast dough and then harden. The resulting mass is cut into blocks, which are then “reached” under pressure in an autoclave.
As a building material, aerated concrete is quite young - the first successful experience in the production of aerated concrete was carried out 85 years ago. Due to its porous structure, the gas block has high thermal insulation qualities. These properties are several times higher than those of brick and heavy concrete. In terms of its physical properties, aerated block is similar to wood: environmentally friendly, breathable and warm material. It, like wood, is quite easy to saw, drill, etc. At the same time, aerated concrete (unlike wood) is rot-resistant and fire-resistant.
The finely porous structure of aerated concrete creates good sound insulation of walls.
Aerated block is a fairly durable building material that allows the construction of buildings and structures. From aerated blocks you can build a building with different wall thicknesses and different thermal conductivities. But it must be borne in mind that it is not recommended to build buildings higher than three floors entirely from aerated blocks.
The average gas block weighs about 22 kg, while its size is several times larger than. For comparison: a similar gas block will weigh about 64 kg. At the same time, cellular aerated concrete absorbs sound 10 times better than brick, and therefore there is no need for additional sound insulation. Aerated concrete (like brick) is a non-flammable material that does not release toxic elements in a fire.
Comparative technical characteristics of brick and aerated concrete
The compressive strength for ceramic bricks is 110-120 kg/cm2; for aerated blocks - 25-50 kg/cm2;.
Weight 1 m3; brick walls - 1200-2000 kg, gas block walls - 200-900 kg.
Familiarization with the table presented in the photo will allow you to navigate the choice of material.
Thermal conductivity for brickwork is 0.32-0.46 W/mk, for masonry made of aerated blocks - 0.09-0.12 W/mk.
Frost resistance: brick - 75-100 cycles, gas block - 50 cycles.
Water absorption for brickwork is 8-12% by weight, for aerated concrete - 20% by weight.
Fire resistance: brickwork - 1 (lowest) class, aerated block masonry - 1st class.
Product size: brick - 65x120x250 mm, gas block - 200x300x600 mm.
Weight: for brick - 1800 kg/m3; for aerated concrete - 400 kg/m3;.
Quantity: brick - 380 pcs/m3;, gas block - 28 pcs/m3;.
Knowing these characteristics, you can more accurately determine whether the material you choose is suitable for building your home.
It is logical that there is a big difference between a two-story residential mansion in the north and a summer cottage in the south.
To finally clarify this issue, let's consider each indicator and how it will affect the strength, stability and durability of the built house.
Compressive Strength Coefficient
A wide selection of shapes and sizes of aerated concrete will make it easy to choose the option necessary for the construction of any part of the building.
The strength of the house frame directly depends on the compressive strength. The more floors in a house under construction and the heavier the interfloor floors, the higher the compressive strength should be.
Let's say you want to build a two-story cottage with a basement. The height of each floor is 2.5 m. Interfloor ceilings are made of reinforced concrete slabs. In this case, the external (load-bearing) walls should be made only of brick, because it can easily support the weight of the load-bearing walls and the interfloor ceilings placed on them. But walls made of aerated concrete are unlikely to withstand the same load; cracks may appear along the walls. But self-supporting (those that transfer only their own weight to the foundation) and non-load-bearing (for example, interior partitions) walls in this example can be built from either brick or gas block.
It must be emphasized that it is only possible to determine the weight that a load-bearing wall will bear “by eye” only very approximately. So that you have absolute confidence in the correct choice of material, when designing a house, instruct your designer to make the necessary calculations.
Wall mass coefficient
A special feature of the foam block is its easy cutting, which allows you to adjust its size to any needs.
An indicator such as the mass of the wall determines the weight that the walls and interfloor ceilings transfer to the foundation. The type of foundation of the house being built directly depends on the correct determination of this indicator. From the above comparative characteristics it is clear that the mass of brick exceeds the mass of aerated concrete by almost 20 times. Hence the logical conclusion: the foundation for brick walls needs to be made stronger, and therefore more expensive, than for walls made of aerated blocks.
Coefficient of thermal conductivity
Unlike brick, aerated concrete absorbs moisture, so it should be plastered.
The thermal conductivity coefficient determines the ability of a material to transmit heat through itself. The higher it is, the worse the thermal insulation properties of the material. From the above comparative characteristics it is clear that the thermal conductivity coefficient of brick is almost four times higher than that of aerated block. Exactly because of this reason sanitary standards it is recommended to build walls of brick with a thickness of 1 m, and of aerated concrete - 0.5 m. In practice, in modern construction, the masonry of a brick wall is rarely more than 25 cm, and in order to reduce the thermal conductivity of bricks, they use more internal and external thermal insulation materials than when constructing walls from aerated blocks.
Water absorption coefficient
The absorption coefficient is determined by the ability of the material to absorb water and retain it inside. Water absorption worsens the properties of the material and reduces its strength. From the comparative characteristics it is clear that aerated block absorbs 1.5 times more moisture than brick. In practice, this means that external walls made of aerated concrete require additional protection, and it is necessary to clad the façade of the house.
Frost resistance coefficient
Frost resistance of a material shows the ability of a wet material to maintain strength during alternating cycles of freezing and thawing. From the comparative characteristics it is clear that the frost resistance coefficient of brick is higher than that of aerated concrete, therefore buildings built from aerated concrete require additional insulation and insulation from temperature changes.
Fire resistance coefficient
Both brick and aerated concrete have a high fire resistance class and can withstand open fire for at least 2.5 hours.
The fire resistance coefficient is the ability of a material to resist exposure to high temperatures. Simply put, this indicator shows how long it will take for a structure made of a given material to collapse in a fire. In accordance with current fire safety standards, both brick and aerated block belong to the first class of fire resistance and have a reserve of time to fight fire of at least 2.5 hours.
Finally, one more important point. There is a strong belief in our minds that a good house can only be built from brick. And this is confirmed by the buildings that have stood for several centuries and are perfectly preserved to this day. Of course, traditions, including in construction, are wonderful, but we must not forget that time does not stand still, and that once upon a time brick was also a newcomer to construction. Modern technologies make it possible to build houses faster, easier, and cheaper. The main thing is that the use of new building materials is not a tribute to fashion, but a thoughtful and balanced decision.
Brick or aerated concrete: which is better?
In fact, one brick is 13 times less than one gas block, and weighs 3-4 times more. 1 m³ weighs 400 kg, and the same volume of brickwork weighs 1800 kg. In practice, this means that it will take half the time to force out the box of a house made of aerated blocks than to force out a box from brick.
What is the best material to build your house from? This is solely your choice, and no one will make it for you. But it can be made easier by carefully considering all the advantages and disadvantages of both materials. Here is a summary of our research:
- A good gas block is cheaper than a good brick. Moreover, finding a good brick today is an extremely difficult task.
- Ceramic brick as a building material is about 500 years old; aerated concrete blocks have been used in construction for no more than 80 years. How brick buildings built 100-200 years ago are preserved is well known. No one yet knows how buildings made of aerated concrete will behave after the same time.
- According to technical characteristics, a gas block is warmer than brick. 40 cm masonry made of aerated block, lined with brick, does not need additional insulation, 60 cm brick masonry requires such insulation.
- Although a gas block is much better in thermal conductivity than brick, brick is much better in heat capacity. Simply put, in an insulated brick house, the heat will stay in the walls longer, leaving it outside more slowly.
- The load-bearing capacity of brick is higher than that of aerated block. But bricklaying takes much more time. And much more plaster will be used on a brick wall than on the same wall made of aerated concrete.
What conclusion suggests itself from all that has been said? It is almost impossible to give a definite answer as to which is better - brick or aerated concrete. In one case, you can use only brick, in another - only aerated block, in the third - both brick and aerated block. But no matter what material your home is built from, it is important that it provides warmth and comfort to you and your loved ones.