Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks are becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry due to their numerous advantages over traditional materials like red clay bricks. However, many homeowners are still unfamiliar with AAC blocks and their benefits.
In order to bridge this knowledge gap, it is crucial for the manufacturers to educate homeowners about the many advantages of using AAC blocks in their construction projects. By doing so, homeowners can make informed decisions and choose the best material for their dream homes. Here, we share some of the key AAC blocks benefits.
- Focus on energy efficiency:
Manufacturers should emphasise the energy efficiency and cost-saving benefits of AAC blocks. One of the most significant advantages of AAC blocks lies in their exceptional thermal insulation properties. Within these blocks, numerous tiny air pockets act as natural barriers, ensuring that your home remains comfortably cool in the summer and warm during the winter months. This translates to substantial cost savings on your electricity bills.
Imagine enjoying hot and humid summers with your home maintaining a pleasant temperature without the need to constantly run the AC, or chilly winters where the warmth is retained indoors, reducing your reliance on heaters. AAC blocks integrate energy efficiency seamlessly into your home’s design, offering you the benefits of a naturally comfortable and cost-effective living space.
- Highlight sustainability:
Manufacturers should highlight that AAC blocks are made using sustainable raw materials, including fly ash. Fly ash is produced in Coal fired power plants as a waste product. By using fly ash in the production of AAC blocks, the environmental impact is reduced, and resource conservation is promoted.
Lesser water utilisation in construction as AAC blocks need no curing thus saving a huge amount of water.
- Longevity and durability:
Durability is another feature of AAC blocks that must be discussed. Unlike traditional clay bricks, AAC blocks are predominantly composed of inorganic materials, making them highly resistant to mould, termites, and other infestations. This translates to lower maintenance costs for your home in the long run. Also, AAC blocks can withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your home for years to come.
- Fire resistance:
A homeowner always prioritises safety, and manufacturers should convey the importance of fire safety with AAC blocks. AAC blocks offer exceptional peace of mind as their non-combustible nature makes them highly fire-resistant, providing valuable time for evacuation in case of a fire. This enhanced fire resistance provides an additional safeguard , offering an extra layer of security and protection.
- Acoustic insulation:
AAC blocks excel in acoustic insulation, effectively absorbing sound waves and reducing external noise. This translates to a quieter and more peaceful living environment, even in busy neighbourhoods. Additionally, the soundproofing capabilities minimise sound transmission between rooms, ensuring greater privacy within your home.
- Offer cost-benefit analysis:
Homeowners should know exactly how cost-efficient AAC blocks are when compared to red clay bricks. Despite being lightweight, they offer higher strength, which leads to a lower structural load, as less iron and concrete is required for the structure. These blocks are particularly beneficial for walls, as they can reduce the weight of walls by up to 65%, making them an excellent option for dead load reduction.
In addition to this, AAC blocks have a larger size than traditional bricks, which means that they can facilitate faster construction and enhance labour efficiency. Moreover, these blocks don’t need additional plaster as they have a smooth factory finish, making them a cost-effective solution.
Another significant advantage of using AAC blocks is their superior thermal insulation, which can minimise energy consumption for heating and cooling. It is estimated that there is a 30% saving in air conditioning cost when using these blocks.
Want to know more about AAC block construction cost? If yes, check this useful read. For instance, in a 10’X10 wall construction, AAC blocks offer significant cost savings, amounting to Rs. 2,100/- in total. When comparing the number of blocks or bricks per cubic metre, AAC blocks are more efficient, with 80 blocks per cubic metre (measuring 625X200x100mm), while traditional bricks have 525 bricks per cubic metre (measuring 225X75X100mm). For a 10’X10 wall, you would need 74 AAC blocks and 525 traditional bricks. Also, AAC blocks require plastering on only one side (with the other side directly gypsum plastered), while traditional bricks need plastering on both sides.