![]() Unfortunately, much of the information we have on AAC performance in the U.S. Even then, its performance may still be outmatched by that of insulated concrete forms, depending on the needs of the client. That said, AAC does appear to have significant advantages for applications where conventional concrete would normally be the best material-like in the American Southwest and in other climates where thermal mass can increase the "effective" or "mass-enhanced" R-value of the wall. Unlike conventional concrete, AAC can't be used as a finish it is more porous and needs cladding or stucco on the outside so it won't absorb moisture.ĪAC is popular for residential construction but not suitable for high-rise buildings without structural reinforcement.But it seems to be popular for single-family homes as well as schools. ![]() Unless rebar is added-which adds to the weight and amount of material in the blocks-AAC can only be used for low- and mid-rise construction.(The European climate, where AAC is popular, is milder.) and Canadian climates without additional insulation. Thermal properties are better than those of conventional concrete, but they aren't good enough to make AAC a viable wall material (relative to BuildingGreen-recommended R-values) in most U.S.Since right now your AAC is most likely coming from Mexico, the advantages offered by lighter weight will diminish significantly as the mileage increases. ![]() (Taylor's looking forward to two new plants coming online in the States in the next couple years.) These often need to be sawed, adding labor and fuss to a building system that's supposed to be simple. According to Derek Taylor, owner of AAC distributor SafeCrete, the only manufacturer in North America right now is a German company whose block dimensions don't work for U.S.
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