Tongue and groove or aerated concrete – which is better: a comparative analysis of materials and their main properties

Appropriate material selection is essential for any construction project. Aerated concrete and tongue and groove concrete are two of the more popular choices. Because every material has different qualities and benefits, choosing one can be difficult for both homeowners and builders.

The interlocking design of tongue and groove concrete blocks guarantees a tight fit and a solid bond between blocks. This feature can improve the structure’s stability and streamline the building process. These blocks also usually offer better thermal mass and sound insulation because they are heavier and denser.

Conversely, aerated concrete, sometimes referred to as autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), is a thin material that has exceptional thermal insulation qualities. Because of its porous structure, it is simpler to handle and cut, which lessens the amount of labor required on the construction site. Additionally, the lighter weight of aerated concrete results in shorter construction times and cheaper transportation expenses.

It’s crucial to take into account aspects like project timelines, budget, climate, and structural requirements when choosing between these two materials. Both aerated concrete and tongue and groove concrete have advantages, and the best option frequently depends on the particular requirements of the project. We will compare these materials in this article, looking at their key characteristics and how they compare to one another in different situations.

Property	Tongue and Groove Concrete	Aerated Concrete
Strength	High, good for load-bearing walls	Moderate, suitable for non-load-bearing structures
Thermal Insulation	Moderate, additional insulation often needed	High, excellent thermal properties
Ease of Installation	Easy, interlocking edges fit together	Easy, lightweight and simple to cut
Cost	Generally higher	Usually more affordable
Durability	Highly durable, resistant to wear	Good, but can be more susceptible to damage
Fire Resistance	Good, performs well under fire	Excellent, highly resistant to fire
Sound Insulation	Good, provides decent soundproofing	Moderate, may need additional soundproofing

What are tongue and groove slabs

When it comes to partitions, tongue and groove slabs are the most popular choice among customers. This is the best material for the job at hand. Let’s investigate more closely.

Main characteristics and types

Particularly common are tongue and groove slabs made of gypsum. They resemble a parallelepiped and have protruding parts called ridges and grooves, or depressions. This method of joining the slabs guarantees both user-friendliness and excellent product fixation.

It is worth noting right away that gypsum boards are environmentally friendly, since they do not contain any harmful substances.

Products come in two varieties: standard and moisture-resistant. Typically, the latter option is colored green, which makes a big difference in the products.

Regular slabs are utilized in spaces with normal humidity levels or dry air.

Products that are hydrophobized—resistant to moisture—are installed in highly humid rooms. They contain specific hydrophobic additives that make the slabs more resistant to moisture.

Let us examine the primary attributes of the content presented in the table.

Technical details of tongue-and-groove slabs made of gypsum:

Parameter name	Moisture-resistant products	Regular products
Density	1100 kg/m3	1350 kg/m3
Moisture absorption, %	25-32	5
Standard size	667*500*80	667*500*80
Brand	M50	M35

• If we talk about thermal insulation indicators, then the gypsum board has extremely high ones. As an example: a slab 8 cm thick is equivalent to a concrete wall 40 cm thick.
• Fire resistance is also a significant advantage of these products. They can withstand fire for up to 3 hours without losing their quality.
• The slabs are available in hollow and solid forms. The latter are heavier and have a lower ability to retain heat, as well as increased density.

Approximately 20–25% lighter are hollow ones. They are utilized in spaces where load reduction is crucial. For instance, in situations where a big mass’s impact on the ground is inappropriate.

These slabs are categorized based on the kind of ridge and groove, or more accurately, their shape: rectangular and trapezoidal. Nevertheless, the outcome of laying the products is not greatly affected by this variation.

There are silicate tongue-and-groove slabs in addition to gypsum. Their unique mixture, consisting of water, quicklime, and quartz sand, sets them apart. An autoclave is used to press and process the final mixture.

• Such products are characterized by increased strength indicators, which reach 1870 kg/m3 and have a low weight of about 15.5 kg.
• Their percentage of moisture absorption is also lower in comparison with gypsum products.
• At the same time, their ability to insulate heat and sound is somewhat reduced due to the increased density.

The technical attributes of silicate boards include:

Parameter name	Its value
Density, kg/m3	1870
Water absorption	15.5%
Brand	M150
Standard size	500*250*70

• Silicate boards do not burn. Like gypsum, they do not conduct electricity.
• Vapor permeability is also at a decent level, which ensures the establishment of the most comfortable microclimate.
• Another advantage of the silicate board is that even under the influence of moisture it does not deform. The products are also resistant to biological effects.

Strengths and weaknesses of products

Let’s now examine the advantages and disadvantages of tongue-and-groove slabs.

• The speed of construction is high;
• Ease of use and fastening of slabs together;
• No need to apply cement-sand plaster subsequently;
• Low consumption of binders;
• Fire resistance;
• Eco-friendliness;
• High heat and sound insulation;
• Low price;
• Possibility of DIY installation;
• High strength indicators;
• Durability and improved performance characteristics;
• Ease of handling, slabs can be cut, sawed;
• Variety of manufacturers and availability of a certain range of products on the construction materials market.

There are drawbacks as well, and they are as follows:

• When the slab shrinks from below, the partition can simply crack;
• Hygroscopicity of the product is also a significant minus;
• Difficulties with fastening of especially heavy objects, which is especially true for hollow plates;
• Despite the fact that manufacturers unanimously declare soundproofing qualities equal to 43 dB, products can be called peculiar relayers. That is, for example, if some noise comes from the neighbors, then it will seem to be in the room that they are acting from the inside of the plates.
• The need to fasten the products to the ceiling, otherwise, the wall may swing.

Aerated concrete and products from it

Cellular concrete comes in a variety of forms, one of which is aerated concrete. A porous structure and a few production features are the primary differentiators. Think about it more carefully.

Properties of the material, types of aerated concrete products

The ingredients for aerated concrete are water, sand, cement, lime, and aluminum powder. The aluminum powder reacts with quicklime to cause the mortar mixture to swell and cells to form.

The latter guarantees low weight and excellent temperature stability, while the addition of cement gives the goods strength.

Let’s examine the material’s primary qualities:

1. Thermal conductivity. The value of the coefficient is 0.09 – 0.34 W * m C. This is a fairly good indicator and enviable for many building materials. With moisture in the products, the indicator steadily increases, but the thermal insulation characteristics still make it possible to build a warm building, slightly reducing the cost of insulation.
2. Frost resistance. The number of cycles of alternating freezing and thawing can reach 150 cycles. GOST dictates a minimum indicator equal to 15 cycles, but in reality, as a rule, it much exceeds the specified norm.

Kindly take note! The frost resistance indicator for aerated concrete partition blocks is not standardized in any way.

1. Density. Aerated concrete can have a density of 300 to 1200 kg/m3. Below we will consider in more detail the classification of the material, depending on this indicator.
2. Compressive and bending strength. And these numerical values ​​are quite large. Density grade – from B1.5 to B15.
3. Water absorption is 25%. The material is extremely hygroscopic, and therefore, when laying and finishing, this feature should be taken into account.
4. Aerated concrete is prone to shrinkage. Cracks in the walls, unfortunately, are not uncommon.

Along with the many benefits of aerated concrete, it is also important to mention the material’s non-flammability and environmental friendliness. There are numerous classifications for the different types of aerated concrete and the products made from it, and each one is founded on a different indicator or factor.

Aerated concrete was separated into the following types due to the presence of products with varying densities:

• Heat-insulating aerated concrete. Characterized by a density of 300-400 kg/m3. This is a low indicator, which does not allow the use of such products in the construction of structures due to their low load-bearing capacity.

The material’s low thermal conductivity coefficient, on the other hand, limited its potential applications to thermal insulation.

• Structural and thermal insulation. Its density is 500-900 kg / m3. It is widely used in the construction of partitions, walls. It can withstand some loads, it is used in the construction of multi-story houses.
• Structural. The densest material, the indicator is 1000-1200 kg / m3. It is used in the construction of load-bearing structures and walls, it is able to take on significant loads.

The process of fortifying goods derived from aerated concrete also gave rise to a classification. Products can be either autoclaved or non-autoclaved in this regard.

The final step of product processing in the first option is done in a special apparatus called an autoclave. They are subjected to high temperatures and pressures there.

Natural circumstances allow non-autoclaved aerated concrete (hydration hardening) to solidify. Many people will undoubtedly wonder which aerated concrete is superior. Let’s solve it together. The best aerated concrete is surely achieved with autoclaved hardening.

Several explanations for this exist:

1. The density indicator and its ratio with thermal conductivity are much better;
2. The autoclave is stronger, less vulnerable to mechanical stress, does not crumble as much;
3. It has better product geometry;
4. Its frost resistance and durability are also higher.

The cost and impossibility of DIY construction are the only aspects of non-autoclaved aerated concrete of synthetic hardening that make it less superior to non-autoclaved. Furthermore, the point is not so much about its covert production as it is about the need for large spaces and specialized, pricey equipment for its production.

Conversely, non-autoclaved goods can be made on their own. All you need to do this is a small investment and some instructions.

There are various applications for aerated concrete:

• Wall blocks, partition blocks, U-shaped blocks;
• Heat-insulating wall panels;
• Floor slabs;
• Lintels.

Monolithic constructions can also be made with liquid aerated concrete. Wall blocks can be straight, without any unique recesses, or they can have a ridge and a groove, or a hand grip and a groove all at once.

These are not, however, the only classification choices specified by GOST. Based on the kind of siliceous component, aerated concrete and its products are also separated.

This means that the content can be:

• On natural material (quartz sand);
• On secondary industrial product;
• On highly basic ash.

The classification is also based on the type of binder.

One way to make aerated concrete is to:

1. On a cement binder. The cement content reaches more than 50%;
2. On lime binder, the lime content is more than 50%;
3. On slag, with a slag content in excess of 50%;
4. On mixed, consisting of a mixture of slag, gypsum and lime;
5. On ash, in which the content of highly basic ash exceeds 50%.

Wall blocks fall into one of three accuracy categories: first, second, or third, depending on the deviations permitted by technical documentation.

Which are the better aerated concrete blocks in this context?

• The first category in terms of deviations from dimensions is close to ideal, the maximum value is 1.5 mm. Products are laid on glue.
• The second category is laid both on mortar and on glue, the maximum permissible deviation from the size is 2 mm.
• The third category is usually suitable for the construction of non-residential premises or outbuildings. Deviations are quite large and amount to 10 mm.

A lot of information about the different types and applications of aerated concrete in construction can be found in the video included in this article titled "Aerated concrete is the best material for building walls."

Positive and negative qualities of products

Let’s use the table to analyze the products’ advantages and disadvantages.

High strength and density, vapor permeability, and qualities that insulate against heat and sound will guarantee the structure’s dependability and usefulness.

An abundance of choices for both internal and external finishing is another benefit. The most important thing is to remember the technical aspect.

It’s critical to comprehend the variations between aerated concrete and tongue and groove concrete with regard to cost, ease of installation, strength, and insulation. The primary characteristics of each material will be emphasized in this comparison analysis to assist you in choosing the one that best meets your building requirements. Whether structural integrity, energy efficiency, or cost-effective options are more important to you, this guide will offer clear insights to help you make an informed choice.

Comparative review of technical, physical and operational characteristics of materials

Comparing aerated concrete (and its products) with tongue and groove slabs:

Thermal conductivity	Due to its lower density, aerated concrete has a lower thermal conductivity coefficient.
Durability	Both materials are durable.
Ease of handling	Both materials are easy to saw and cut and there will be no difficulties in this. Installation of partitions in both cases is simple, however, the slabs in the latter are still somewhat ahead, especially when compared with a gas block that does not have a groove and ridge.
Scope of application	Of course, it is worth paying tribute to aerated concrete. Its scope of application is more extensive. Tongue and groove slabs are mainly used in the construction of partitions. This is its most common area of ​​application.
Strength and density	The strength and density index of the slabs is higher. It can reach 1860 kg/m3, as mentioned earlier. Aerated concrete cannot boast of such a value.
Additional costs for finishing	The slabs do not require subsequent plastering with cement-sand mortar. The wall turns out to be quite even, the products are smooth. The costs for finishing will be significantly lower.
Water absorption	Aerated concrete is more hygroscopic. Especially when compared with gypsum moisture-resistant slabs, the water absorption of which is only 5% as opposed to 25% for aerated concrete.

Slabs are a more practical construction material when it comes to partitions. Furthermore, this is a fairly common occurrence, particularly in multi-story construction.

Be aware that building apartments without walls is currently quite common. This gives the developer the freedom to decide where to put them. The application of tongue and groove slabs is particularly pertinent in this instance.

A brief overview of some modern alternative materials for walls and their comparison with aerated concrete

As was previously mentioned, a wide variety of products are available in the building materials market. Let’s contrast the most well-known and contemporary varieties with tongue-and-groove slabs and aerated concrete.

Be aware that developers frequently debate between sibit and aerated concrete, wondering which is preferable. It’s important to remember that sibit in this instance is autoclaved aerated concrete. This is not the name of a unique substance; additionally, Sibit is a trademark for aerated concrete.

Currently, utilizing solar panels for building construction has become commonplace. This is an American invention that has recently become more and more well-liked in the country’s building sector.

Which is better, aerated concrete or sip panels? Let’s find out.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is used as insulation between two slabs to create SIP panels. They are actively employed in building using what is referred to as "Canadian technology."

It is related to the fact that warm buildings must be constructed quickly, which is caused by the area’s frigid climate. Let us examine the primary distinctions among the materials presented in the table.

A comparison between SIP panels and aerated concrete

Strength	SIP panels are considered more durable, they can withstand heavy loads.
Deformation, shrinkage	Shrinkage of SIP panels is about 1%. This is an insignificant figure. Practically not subject to deformation.
Temperature retention	Aerated concrete gives off heat faster. It is worth noting that the latter is only 2 times higher than the thermal insulation capacity of brick.

There are wall products called "Durisol" on the construction materials market as an alternative to aerated concrete. Additionally, this is the name of the technology used to produce the blocks that monolithic construction uses to create permanent formwork.

In terms of strength, durability, and thermal conductivity, it is comparable to aerated concrete. As a result, deciding between Durisol and aerated concrete is challenging.

The existence of a material that is so competitive as a heat block is noteworthy. Expanded clay concrete, polystyrene foam, and artificial stone in the form of texture make up the product’s three layers (facing side).

Its primary benefit is this. Its thermal efficiency is enhanced and it doesn’t require external finishing. The benefits also include excellent durability and strength.

The expensive price is a drawback.

When searching for the top competitor in the "monolith-aerated concrete" competition, questions frequently surface regarding material selection. Once more, a lot depends on the kind of structure, the intended outcome, the specifications for quality indicators, and the estimated cost of construction.

The cost of monolithic walls will be much higher. Subject to all construction norms and regulations, however, the structure can be both practical and long-lasting in both scenarios.

The specific needs and priorities of your building project will play a major role in your decision between aerated concrete and tongue and groove concrete blocks. Both materials are appropriate for various kinds of construction projects because they each have special benefits and possible disadvantages. Your decision will be more in line with your objectives if you are aware of their primary characteristics.

Concrete tongue and groove blocks are renowned for their sturdiness and strength. Easy to interlock, they offer a solid and safe fit that improves structural integrity. They are especially helpful for load-bearing walls and foundations because of this feature. Furthermore, their high density provides superior sound absorption, making them perfect for structures in noisy areas.

Aerated concrete, on the other hand, is notable for being lightweight and having thermal insulation qualities. Numerous tiny air pockets found in its cellular structure greatly reduce the material’s weight while enhancing its thermal efficiency. Aerated concrete is an eco-friendly choice for builders who are concerned about energy efficiency because it can result in lower heating and cooling expenses.

Cost is yet another crucial aspect to take into account. Because of their strength and density, tongue and groove concrete blocks may cost more up front, but over time, they can save you money because of their low maintenance requirements and long lifespan. Because aerated concrete is lighter, it can be easier to handle and transport, and over time, its insulating qualities may save energy.

The decision between aerated concrete and tongue and groove concrete blocks ultimately comes down to the particular needs of your project. Tongue and groove blocks might be the best choice if you require a material that offers excellent structural support and sound insulation. But if handling convenience and energy economy are your main concerns, aerated concrete might be a better option. Carefully evaluate the requirements of your project to ascertain which material will best support your building objectives.

Video on the topic

What kind of aerated concrete is produced in Russia? Results of 2025 (Full version:))

Repair of an office chair. Replacing a gas lift in an office chair. How to pull out a gas lift. Knocking down a spider piastra

What is the best material for building walls. Types of materials for erecting walls.

Material for walls. What is the best material for building partitions?

PARTITION. WHICH MATERIAL FOR WALLS TO CHOOSE? SOUND INSULATION, LOAD, COST