Is Aircrete Fireproof?

Published Categorized as Building Materials, Sustainability
Aircrete Blocks

For many builders in the construction industry today, aircrete (Autoclaved aerated concrete) is the way of the future, but there can be questions on quality and durability. Many homeowners have asked if aircrete is fireproof to minimize any potential future risks.

Aircrete is fireproof because it is made out of fireproof materials, including a cement mixture, foam, and water. No matter how much heat aircrete is exposed to, it won’t catch fire. If you need a high-quality, fireproof building material, aircrete is an excellent choice.

The construction and design of this product make it the best choice for numerous reasons. Aircrete can benefit a variety of building projects from small home projects to large scale high-rises. To see exactly how and why aircrete is useful, keep reading.

What Is Aircrete and How Is It Used?

Aircrete is the outcome of combining several elements, including calcium gypsum, quartz sand, aluminum powder, lime, cement, and water. Once these are combined, the mixture is cured in an autoclave to create blocks. These blocks are resistant to fire and mold, as well as providing superb insulation.

This short video depicts how these blocks and panels have been produced and used around the world for years:

The chemical process that occurs when the aircrete mixture is in an autoclave gives it significant attributes, like being fireproof or waterproof. Hydrogen gasses are the result when the aluminum powder reacts with the calcium hydroxide. Once the gas bubbles escape, the air is replaced and maintains the small air bubbles seen in aircrete.

Aircrete is not a new type of building material. In fact, it has been used in construction for over 70 years. One of the biggest attractions of this product is the low impact it has on the environment. Because of its versatility, it is a popular choice in a variety of different building situations, including:

  • Interior and exterior placements
  • Buildings that deal with extreme temperature fluctuations
  • High-rise buildings
  • Cavity wall interior assembly
  • Solid wall construction
  • Shopping malls
  • Airports
  • Homes
  • Commercial buildings
  • Insulation
  • A protective barrier for steel frames

This versatile material is well-suited for any job, no matter the size. From large-scale high-rises to small home projects like garden boxes, aircrete can provide a stable product with similar attributes to traditional concrete.

Advantages of Aircrete

The benefits of utilizing aircrete in your next construction build are numerous. From the ease of use to its fireproof attributes, aircrete is a popular choice in many situations for contractors. Not only is it comparable to standard concrete material, but additionally allows so much more flexibility, which makes it a better choice for many construction applications.

Lightweight Material

Due to the manufacturing process of aircrete products, its lightweight structure is ideal for many projects. Having versatile blocks that are easy to handle, shape, and drill can significantly cut down the overall time to complete a construction build. Saving time on the worksite will not only save money by cutting back labor but also lessens costs for the delivery of materials.

Large blocks of premade aircrete help laborers to complete large contracting jobs faster and more efficiently. This benefit is apparent through reduced masonry work and how these lightweight aircrete blocks are simpler to cut or mold as needed, unlike traditional concrete materials.

Fireproof

Aircrete has superior capabilities to not only be fire-resistant but also protect and prevent other areas from fire damage. This fire-retardant ability is because of the porous nature of the material, making it an attractive choice for many situations. They are classified as a non-combustible material and follow all building recommendation codes.

No matter how the aircrete is implemented, as an insulator or as a firewall, the benefits are vast. Instances of electrical fires starting in homes with conventional insulation methods have resulted in mass destruction. Aircrete can change the outcome of many drastic situations, including limiting the spread of fire from inside the walls, or even a nearby building.

Waterproof and Pest Proof

Water and water damage are also significant concerns for building owners. Aircrete allows for superb ventilation due to its construction.

By permitting the diffusion of water, aircrete helps reduce humidity in a building by absorbing the moisture and dispersing it. This process can significantly cut back on any chances of mold or mildew build-up. The material make-up of aircrete is designed to not breakdown and decompose or rot in water.

When trying to avoid pests, aircrete can be a viable solution. These lightweight blocks eliminate gaps where pests would regularly enter buildings. From floor edges to doors and window frames, aircrete seals effortlessly to prevent any potential issues because of small intruders. They do not attract pests and are invulnerable by rodents or other outside pests.

Durable and Long Lasting

The durability of aircrete makes this construction material superior to traditional applications like standard concrete. The ability to withstand severe temperature changes without any damage or alterations to the original build is a considerable benefit for some climates around the world. Its design purpose is to resist breaking down over time from typical environmental conditions.

Aircrete can outlast the elements, no matter what happens. Years of applications in a variety of ways has proven that this autoclaved aerated concrete material is highly superior to many traditional methods. Buildings subjected to earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes would benefit from aircrete materials.

Economical

One popular attribute of aircrete is the soundproofing ability it gives buildings when installed properly. With a proper installation between floors and walls, this autoclaved aerated concrete material helps cut down any noise.

If a building is insulated correctly, it will hold heat and keep cooler as needed. Aircrete can aid in cutting back heating and cooling costs for buildings by helping regulate the temperature indoors. It is non-toxic and does not use any toxins in the autoclave process, which could affect the finished building environment.

Aircrete is also known to be eco-friendly in a variety of ways. From the process of manufacturing to the transportation of materials at a job site, it aids in having a lesser environmental impact overall. Alternatively, during the installation of aircrete, the use of seamless integration helps limit any waste.

Disadvantages of Aircrete

There are not many disadvantages of this construction material, but you should be aware of a few potential issues.

During handling before installation, aircrete can be brittle and needs to be handled with more care than traditional bricks to avoid any damage to the blocks. Due to the fragile nature of these autoclaved aerated concrete blocks, thinner and longer screws are recommended for any attachments to prevent breakage.

Aircrete should also not be installed in rainy weather as it has proven to crack and sustain damage. All blocks should be dry during installation and afterward. By following the recommended handling and installation procedures for aircrete, you can limit any troublesome effects that could happen.

Conclusion

Although aircrete has been around for many years, the applications where it is favored are quickly increasing. As more contractors realize the many benefits this autoclaved aerated concrete product, its popularity grows. From insulation to walls, floors, and ceilings, aircrete’s versatility gives it an edge against traditional methods.

Aircrete’s fireproof ability, along with its other many attributes, gives buildings the recommended standards needed for proper construction. If you are looking for an economical solution that will aid in cutting heating or cooling costs, repelling pests and keeping your family safe, aircrete is the answer for you.

Sources

By Giovanni Valle

Giovanni Valle is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He is the author and managing editor of various digital publications, including BuilderSpace, Your Own Architect, and Interiors Place.

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