Arbolite and aerated concrete: which material is better?


Arbolite and aerated concrete: which material is better?

The longevity, cost, and energy efficiency of a structure can all be greatly impacted by the selection of building materials. Aerated concrete and arbolite are two common solutions that are frequently brought up in conversations. Each has special qualities and benefits that make them appropriate for various projects. We’ll examine each material’s qualities in this post to assist you in selecting the best option for your building requirements.

Arbolite, commonly referred to as wood concrete, is a composite material consisting of cement binder and wood shavings or chips. This mixture produces a material that is robust and lightweight with good thermal insulation. Because arbolite is made of natural and renewable resources, it is praised for being environmentally friendly. Its capacity to control indoor humidity levels may also help create a healthier living space.

Conversely, aerated concrete is a kind of lightweight concrete that has a lot of tiny air pockets in it. Through a chemical reaction with the cement slurry, aluminum powder and other additives are used to create these air pockets. The end product is a very porous material with excellent fire resistance and insulating qualities. Aerated concrete is a flexible option for a range of construction applications because it is also simple to shape and cut.

It’s crucial to compare features like cost, ease of use, environmental impact, and thermal insulation when contrasting aerated concrete and arbolite. Arbolite provides advantages for the environment and natural insulation, but aerated concrete is more workable and has better fire resistance. The particulars of your project as well as your preferences will play a major role in which material you choose.

Material Advantages Disadvantages
Arbolite Eco-friendly, good thermal insulation, breathable Lower strength, prone to moisture damage
Aerated Concrete High strength, excellent thermal insulation, fire-resistant More expensive, requires special handling during construction

Aerated concrete and its features

Concrete with aeration is a porous substance. It is made up of gypsum, cement, and quartz sand. Although handcrafted blocks are also present, it is produced in specialized factories. By requesting a quality certificate for the product from the seller, you can protect yourself against counterfeiting.

The characteristics of aerated concrete are unaffected by weather.

There are several benefits and drawbacks to aerated concrete. When selecting a specific material, consider its advantages and disadvantages. Benefits of air-infused concrete:

  • low mass of blocks. 1 m3 weighs from 800 to 900 kg (the same volume of brick weighs 2 times more – 1.5 tons);
  • porous material creates minimal load on the foundation;
  • the blocks are large in size, which simplifies and speeds up construction;
  • aerated concrete is easy to process. It can be carefully adjusted to its shape, a piece of the desired size and shape can be sawed off, drilled, and a section can be cut out;
  • blocks are made from environmentally friendly and safe materials for humans;
  • It is possible to produce material of various shapes, textures and colors. Such options are already offered in European countries;
  • frost-resistant material that can withstand up to 100 freeze-thaw cycles;
  • blocks have the correct geometry. Thanks to this, they are easy to lay.

Thermal insulation and environmental friendliness are aerated concrete’s primary benefits.

Because of the large volume of blocks, precise geometry, and clear shape, aerated concrete construction is moving along quickly. They’re easy enough even for a construction novice to use. Aerated concrete’s drawbacks include:

  • additional reinforcement of the foundation is required, since the walls crack when the building shrinks;
  • low level of resistance to fracture and rupture;
  • does not allow air to pass through, therefore forced ventilation is required in the premises;
  • easily crumbles;
  • additional heat and sound insulation work is required.

Building the house’s walls in two layers is advised to guarantee adequate masonry strength and thermal insulation. As a result, the structure of "light blocks" is more porous. They have less density. As a result, walls are better able to tolerate the cold. However, they also require more insulation.

Aerated concrete is one of the most widely used materials because it has many benefits and is reasonably priced when compared to many other porous building materials.

The product line of aerated concrete blocks has endured over time and is still in use today. Because of this, both experienced and inexperienced builders favor the material they are already familiar with.

Features of arbolite

One porous building material is arbolite. In many aspects, it is comparable to aerated concrete. Its composition is entirely different, and it is made with a different technology. The presence of wood chips in arbolite blocks modifies the material’s characteristics. As a result, while the thermal insulation and breaking strength both rise, the geometry will not be as perfect as it would be with aerated concrete blocks.

Wood chips and concrete are used to make arbolite.

Some people believe that arbolite is a brand-new substance that has never been utilized in building. But this isn’t totally accurate. Back in Soviet times, only skilled builders were aware of its usage. After that, arbolite was forgotten and concrete blocks took its place for a while. However, it was back on the market a few years later.

When constructing and selecting a material, people frequently wonder which is superior. This question cannot have a definitive response. Each person determines for themselves which of the block’s features appeals to them the most. A lot will depend on the kind of building, the weather, and the intended finishing.

Weighing the distinct benefits and drawbacks of aerated concrete versus arbolite is crucial when comparing the two materials for construction. Aerated concrete, with its lighter weight and greater precision, offers superior strength and ease of use, while arbolite, with its excellent insulation qualities and eco-friendliness, offers a sustainable option. The best material for a given project will depend on its particular requirements, including energy efficiency, structural requirements, and environmental impact. This will ensure that the material selection supports both pragmatic and ecological goals.

Pros and cons of using arbolite blocks

Arbolite, like any other building material, has a variety of benefits and drawbacks that influence how widely used and how well-liked it is.

Fire does not terrify Arbolite.

  • resistance to vertical loads, pressure, high strength in tensile and fracture tests. Blocks do not crack;
  • lower density. Makes arbolite blocks even lighter than aerated concrete, which further reduces the load on the foundation;
  • the lower the density, the lower the thermal conductivity. Arbolite protects from the cold better than aerated concrete. Under the same conditions, the difference is up to 75%. It is considered sufficient to lay in 1 layer. In this case, additional insulation is not required;
  • no need for additional reinforcement when constructing walls. When constructing low-rise structures, you can abandon monolithic belts without compromising the strength and durability of the building;
  • ecologically friendly material. For production, wood chips, water, cement and a small amount of additives are used to improve the adhesion of the block components to each other;
  • high vapor permeability, up to 35%. Thanks to this, excess moisture is removed from the room, the walls are “breathing”. Arbolite houses naturally maintain a comfortable microclimate;
  • blocks can withstand up to 50 freeze-thaw cycles;
  • high level of noise absorption. In this parameter, arbolite is superior to wood and brick;
  • it is easy to work with wood blocks, as well as with aerated concrete. All operations are carried out without special equipment and expensive machinery. Blocks are easy to saw and cut;
  • biologically resistant material. It is not subject to rotting and is not affected by insects;
  • fire safety. It is a non-combustible building material. Its high fire resistance is due to the fact that the slabs are pressed under high pressure. Thanks to this, the fire is not fed with oxygen in sufficient quantities;
  • easy fastening of finishing materials. Nails and dowels can be driven directly into the blocks, screws can be screwed in.

Arbolite has a number of drawbacks that are taken into consideration during construction, despite its remarkable array of benefits.

Make sure that a finishing layer shields the arbolite from moisture.

  • high level of moisture absorption. Blocks can absorb from 40 to 85% moisture;
  • imprecise geometry. Splinters protrude along the sides and edges of the parallelepipeds. Because of this, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the seam, which reduces the quality of the masonry, slows down the work, and leads to freezing of the walls;
  • arbolite is “afraid” of water. It should always be protected from direct exposure to moisture;
  • its handicraft production is widespread. Such material does not meet the requirements imposed on arbolite, does not provide the necessary level of strength, thermal conductivity, resistance to loads;
  • due to the fact that the material is afraid of dampness and retains moisture, it is better not to use it together with metal or concrete;
  • the same breathable and vapor-permeable materials should be used together with arbolite. Otherwise, it will accumulate and retain moisture, which will lead to a violation of the microclimate in the room and the rapid destruction of the blocks.

Arbolite has fewer drawbacks, though they are negligible, as you can see. However, you should choose the material more carefully before beginning any construction.

The question of price

Private developers typically consider the financial gains. As a result, buyers consider the price first. Aerated concrete blocks are 1.5–2 times less expensive than arbolite, a material that represents a new generation of building materials. However, based on the quantity of material needed, aerated concrete allows cold air to pass through more readily. More materials will be needed to insulate it. The price of the structure will consequently rise dramatically. Maybe constructing with arbolite will be far less expensive. You must carefully calculate everything before you begin.

Arbolite falls into the intermediate price range.

Aerated concrete construction will be important in the south, where extra insulation is not necessary. Since there won’t be much material used in the construction of a single-story or utility building, the cost difference won’t be significant.

Which type of concrete to use—aerated or arbolite—depends on the particular requirements of your building project. Every material has certain benefits that make it appropriate for a variety of uses. You can make better decisions if you have a better understanding of these.

Arbolite is renowned for both its superior thermal insulation qualities and environmental friendliness. For those who want to have as little of an impact on the environment as possible, this sustainable option is made of wood chips and cement. Its lightweight design also lessens the overall load on the structure and makes it easier to handle.

Conversely, aerated concrete is notable for its resilience and robustness. Because of its superior fire resistance and sound insulation, it is a well-liked option for urban environments and places with more stringent building regulations. Large-scale construction projects can greatly benefit from its uniformity, which is ensured by its precise manufacturing process.

The optimal option will ultimately depend on elements like the building’s intended use, the climate, and financial constraints. Because arbolite offers better insulation, it might be a better choice for residential buildings in colder climates. Aerated concrete, on the other hand, might be more appropriate for commercial structures or locations where fire resistance is a major concern.

Both materials have advantages and, in the right situation, can work incredibly well. You can choose the material that best suits the needs of your project by weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each, ensuring a strong, functional, and economical build.

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Anna Vasilieva

Journalist with a technical education, specializing in construction topics. I can explain complex technical topics in simple and accessible language.

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