What is better: cinder block or aerated concrete – a comparative review of materials and choosing the best for construction

For any construction project, selecting the appropriate building material is essential. Aerated concrete and cinder blocks are two common choices. While each has advantages of its own and is employed in different kinds of construction, they have different functions and distinct qualities. This comparison will help you understand the differences and help you decide which material might be best for your project if you’re planning one and wondering which might be best.

Concrete masonry units, commonly referred to as cinder blocks, are a common option for numerous construction projects. They are renowned for being strong and long-lasting, which makes them perfect for creating solid foundations and walls. These blocks have a strong and durable quality because they are usually made of a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates like sand and gravel.

Conversely, autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), also known as aerated concrete, is a more recent and gaining traction alternative. This material has good insulating qualities and is lightweight. Cement, lime, sand, and a gas-forming agent are combined to create a porous structure. As a result, aerated concrete is lighter and has improved thermal insulation efficiency without sacrificing energy efficiency.

The particular requirements of your project, the local climate, and your budget should all be taken into account when choosing between aerated concrete and cinder blocks. Aerated concrete might be a better option if you require better insulation and a lighter material, but cinder blocks might be the preferred option for structural strength and resilience. We’ll go more into the advantages and disadvantages of each in the sections that follow to assist you in making an informed decision for your upcoming construction project.

Feature Cinder Block Aerated Concrete
Material Composition Made from cement, sand, and aggregates, often with a hollow core. Made from a mixture of cement, lime, water, and an expanding agent that creates air bubbles.
Insulation Generally poor insulation properties. Additional insulation might be needed. Excellent thermal insulation due to air pockets, reducing heating and cooling costs.
Weight Heavier, which can increase transportation and handling costs. Lightweight, making it easier to handle and reducing construction costs.
Strength Strong and durable, suitable for load-bearing walls. Less strong than cinder blocks but still adequate for many building applications.
Cost Typically less expensive than aerated concrete. Can be more costly due to the manufacturing process, but may save money on insulation.
Ease of Use Requires more mortar and careful alignment during construction. Easy to cut and shape, reducing labor time and material waste.
Environmental Impact Higher environmental impact due to energy-intensive manufacturing. More environmentally friendly due to less energy-intensive production and better insulation properties.
Applications Commonly used for structural walls and foundations. Great for partition walls, insulation, and lightweight structures.

What is cinder block

It is vital to thoroughly examine the features and attributes of both materials before moving on to the comparison; perhaps we should start with cinder blocks.

Main characteristics

Modern building materials like cinder blocks are made by vibrating them into place or by allowing them to naturally shrink in mortar-filled molds. Slag is the most widely used filler. Cement is typically utilized as the primary binder.

Crushed stone, broken cement or brick, gravel, sand, granite screenings, and other comparable materials can also be utilized in place of slag. Product performance metrics, including strength, frost resistance, and environmental friendliness, are directly impacted by the type of filler used.

Let’s use the table to examine this material’s primary characteristics.

Characteristic name Its value Comments
Thermal conductivity, W/m C 0.3-0.5 The indicator is quite good, but the walls still require insulation. It is typical for stones with a density of 1000-1200 kg/m3
Frost resistance, cycles 15-25 This indicator indicates what alternating number of freezing and thawing cycles the material can withstand.
Moisture absorption Up to 75% This is a very high indicator that indicates that the products need to be protected from the harmful effects of moisture on them.
Strength, kg/cm2 25-150 This strength is quite sufficient for the construction of low-rise buildings.
Fire resistance Up to 800 degrees The material is non-flammable. Can withstand exposure to high temperatures, while not interacting with fire.
Average density, kg/m3 500-1000 The material is quite durable.
Shrinkage This material is not subject to shrinkage, which undoubtedly adds to its advantage.
Sound insulation, dB 40-43 This indicator indicates the level of noise that can penetrate through a wall one block thick. In this case, the products are inferior to many other wall materials.
Number of storeys of the building Maximum — 3 The strength of the block does not allow the construction of buildings with more storeys.

Types and scope of application

Cinder block is categorized by strength based on brand. The range of its numerical indicators is 35 to 125 kg/cm2.

Based on the aforementioned, the slag block is separated into:

  • Products with a strength of 35. They are used as insulation or in the construction of fences. Such material cannot withstand significant loads;
  • Material with a density of 50-75. Used in the construction of walls and partitions;
  • Products with a density of 100-125 are the most durable. They can be used in the construction of foundations and basements.

Additionally, cinder blocks are separated based on the kind of filler. This means that products are:

  • Slag-based products. The most popular filler. When choosing products, you should be extremely careful, since the environmental friendliness of the material depends on the filler.
  • Cinder blocks made using arbolite (material based on sawdust). Such products are most susceptible to moisture. Their durability is comparatively shorter. Thermal insulation characteristics are high.
  • Cinder blocks made on the basis of expanded clay. According to experts – this is the best type of cinder block. They are environmentally friendly, durable and have a low thermal conductivity coefficient.

The two types of cinder blocks are solid and hollow, depending on how empty they are. The first product categories are utilized in the building of load-bearing structures such as basements and foundations. These are the strongest kind of blocks.

Partitions and walls are constructed with hollow products. The type of internal cavity and the percentage of emptiness directly affect the properties and characteristics of such a block.

  • A cinder block with a emptiness of up to 40% is the least durable, however, at the same time. It has high thermal insulation characteristics. It is used mainly for insulation of buildings.
  • Products with a emptiness of 30% have an optimal combination of strength and thermal conductivity. They are most common among developers.
  • The above products are produced with oval, round, rectangular cavities. The most convenient when erected – blocks with rectangular cavities, and with round and oval are considered more durable.
  • It is worth noting that the range of cinder blocks includes products with decorative cladding, as well as torn and chipped textures.

One can make cinder blocks at home or in a factory. When made by hand, it can be strengthened by natural drying, and in factory settings, it can be processed in an autoclave.

Competitive advantages and disadvantages

As with any material, cinder block has advantages and disadvantages, which we shall now discuss.

Let’s begin with the advantageous aspects:

  1. Relatively low price. This is a significant advantage for many.
  2. The dimensions of the products are quite large, which allows the building to be erected in a short time.
  3. The installation technology is simple, almost anyone can do it with their own hands.
  4. The ability to choose a suitable filler can also be considered an advantage of the material.
  5. Products are durable, service life can reach 100 years.
  6. The presence of blocks with decorative cladding.
  7. The low weight of the products allows you to build structures on a lightweight foundation in some cases.
  8. Possibility of finishing cinder block walls with almost any material. At the same time, you only need to consider the combination of materials for internal and external cladding in technical terms.
  9. Another advantage is the ability to make products yourself at home, for this you only need instructions.

The drawbacks consist of:

  • Dubious environmental friendliness. As already mentioned, this indicator depends on the filler of the products.
  • The geometry of the cinder block sometimes leaves much to be desired. When buying material, you should pay special attention to it. Blocks based on sawdust are the most inferior in this indicator. Expanded clay cinder blocks are slightly better.

Kindly take note! You should budget extra for wall décor and wall laying when purchasing items that violate geometry.

  • High level of moisture absorption. These products absorb moisture quite strongly, and therefore need protection from it. This fact should be taken into account when finishing finished walls.
  • The material is fragile, it is easily susceptible to mechanical stress.
  • The frost resistance index is relatively low. However, when using specialized additives, it can be somewhat improved. But, if we compare products with other materials, then cinder block is far from the first positions.

The concept of aerated concrete, its types and properties

The fact that aerated concrete is such a popular material is directly related to its attributes. Let us examine which of these factors has led to a growing number of developers choosing to use aerated concrete for building construction.

Technical characteristics

Let’s examine the table and assess the signals.

The characteristics and attributes of aerated concrete:

Name Meaning Comments
Thermal conductivity From 0.09 to 0.38 These values ​​are typical for products in dry form. At operational humidity, this indicator can increase significantly. In this case, the release humidity of products should not exceed 25% for material made on the basis of sand and 30% for ash products.

Classification

GOST categorizes aerated concrete into multiple groups based on different variables. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Aerated concrete can be either autoclaved or non-autoclaved, depending on the hardening technique used. During the final stage of production, autoclaved aerated concrete is processed in specialized equipment called an autoclave. Here, high pressure and temperature cause the products to harden and gain grade strength.

Non-circular aerated concrete dries naturally, but occasionally it is sped up by heating it to a low temperature using specialized machinery. After 28 days, this kind of content reaches its peak brand strength.

Aerated concrete is separated into the following categories based on product strength:

  • Structural;
  • Heat-insulating;
  • Structural and heat-insulating.

  • The first type is the most durable, the indicator varies between 1000 and 1200. Used in the construction of buildings up to 12-15 meters high. Requires additional insulation, since the thermal conductivity coefficient increases with strength.
  • Heat-insulating aerated concrete is the least durable, has an indicator of 300-400. Used exclusively for the purpose of insulation, since it cannot withstand any loads other than its weight.
  • Structural and heat-insulating aerated concrete is an ideal combination of thermal conductivity and strength. Such products are the most popular among private developers. It is used in the construction of walls and partitions.

Dependence of density and thermal conductivity coefficient:

Type of aerated concrete Density Thermal conductivity in dry condition
Structural 1000-1200 0.29-0.34
Thermal insulation 300-400 0.09-0.12
Structural and thermal insulation 500-900 0.13-0.28

The kind of silica component is the basis for another classification.

Items can be created on:

  • Sand, more often quartz;
  • On ash;
  • On other industrial waste.

Products are separated based on the type of binder into:

  • On lime binder;
  • On cement;
  • On sand;
  • On slag;
  • On mixed binder;
  • On ash.

The need to categorize products was also brought about by variations in geometric deviations.

Gas blocks fall into one of three categories based on accuracy:

  1. First accuracy category;
  2. Second accuracy category;
  3. Third accuracy category.

Kindly take note! Blocks belonging to distinct categories only vary within allowable bounds. They are similar in terms of technology and mechanics, and the only reason they might be different is if they come from a different manufacturer.

Let’s examine the GOST-recommended table of allowable deviations.

Product geometric deviations:

Deviation 1 category 2nd category 3 category
To size No more than 1.5 mm No more than 2 mm No more than 4 mm
Diagonally 2 mm 3 mm 6 mm
Broken corners 5 mm 5-7 mm 10 mm
Edge violations 3 mm 4 mm 8-10 mm

It should be noted that products that exhibit deviations greater than these should not account for more than 5% of the batch for each indicator.

Strengths and weaknesses of products and buildings built from them

It’s time to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of aerated concrete and the products derived from it.

The benefits essentially consist of the following:

  • The material is lightweight, which can significantly reduce the load on the foundation.
  • Large dimensions will significantly speed up the building construction process.
  • The material is made from a mixture of lime, cement, sand, aluminum powder and water. None of the materials are toxic and do not emit harmful substances. As a result, the products are environmentally friendly.
  • Aerated concrete does not burn and does not interact with fire.
  • Strength and thermal conductivity indicators are the most optimal. They allow you to build buildings several stories high and, at the same time, save on insulation.
  • Frost resistance is at a high level. As already mentioned, the material can withstand up to 150 cycles.
  • Variability of external and internal finishing. Walls made of aerated concrete can be finished with almost any material, subject to compliance with technological rules.
  • Aerated concrete is easy to handle. It can be sawed, sanded, cut. This does not require the presence of highly specialized tools. You can get by with an ordinary saw or hacksaw.
  • Almost anyone can lay the products.
  • The durability of buildings erected from aerated concrete reaches 200 years.
  • The prevalence of the material among manufacturers and first suppliers makes it possible to find a dealer located nearby and, thus, save on delivery.

The material’s primary drawbacks are:

  1. The most important is the hygroscopicity of aerated concrete. It absorbs moisture quite strongly, which makes it more vulnerable. If it crystallizes, the block risks being broken from the inside.

If the finishing is done correctly technically, the disadvantage can be reduced.

  1. Fixing of elements is one of the difficulties that can arise during the construction of a house. Of course, particularly heavy elements that have a high level of tearing can be fixed. It is possible, however, the fixing units will have to be planned at the project level and reinforced in advance with more durable materials. This can be brick or metal.

You can use specialized hardware made for cellular concrete products to secure less heavy objects.

  1. Aerated concrete is fragile. It does not tolerate mechanical impacts. Chips and cracks can appear as a result of careless transportation or careless attitude during the work.
  2. Shrinkage is another drawback. Often cracks appear on the products themselves, as well as on the already applied plaster.
  3. The presence of handicraft production of non-autoclaved aerated concrete increases the possibility of purchasing low-quality products.

Kindly take note! Before buying the material, always request to see the quality certificates for the products from the seller (supplier). This will shield you from ill-fated purchases.

There are no longer any notable drawbacks to aerated concrete.

Overview of the main differences and similarities of materials

Now that we have examined the qualities of both materials, let’s attempt to determine which is superior: cinder block or aerated concrete? Use the table, please.

Selecting a winner between aerated concrete and cinder block:

Indicator or characteristic Comments
Thermal conductivity In this indicator, aerated concrete definitely wins. This is primarily due to its lower density, compared to cinder block.
Frost resistance Frost resistance of aerated concrete is also higher, and two to three times, depending on the manufacturer.
Shrinkage But when comparing the shrinkage indicator, the palm belongs to cinder block. It does not shrink. But aerated concrete can even crack, as a result of this phenomenon.
Moisture absorption Both materials strongly absorb moisture and, therefore, require technically correct finishing in order to prevent its detrimental effect on the products.
Durability, density Cinder block is somewhat more durable, but not by much.
Variability of finishing Walls made of both products can be finished with almost any materials.
Construction speed Since both cinder block and aerated concrete have large dimensions, the construction speed is high for both. Depending on the size, blocks can replace the laying of up to 15 bricks. Agree, the process will be much faster.
Complexity of construction There are usually no special difficulties during construction, if you do not take into account the mandatory reinforcement.
Ease of material processing Both cinder block and aerated concrete are easy to process. They are easy to cut and polish.
Which is cheaper, aerated concrete or cinder block? Cinder block is slightly cheaper.
Complexity of production The technology of production of materials is not complicated. Moreover, non-autoclaved products can be manufactured at home without significant costs. In this case, you can even partially build the equipment yourself.
Scope of application, popularity among developers Aerated concrete blocks are more often used in the construction of house walls, and cinder block – for the construction of basements, plinths. The scope of application of both materials is quite wide. It is worth noting that aerated concrete is also used in liquid form. For example, for the construction of a screed or a base for a warm floor, for roof insulation.

Even though aerated concrete comes out on top in many areas, it is still hard to determine which is superior. Since a lot relies on the developer’s priorities and specific demands regarding the material to be used in wall construction.

Aerated concrete and cinder blocks both have advantages when it comes to selecting the best building material for your project, but which is best for you will depend on your unique requirements. Because of their affordability and reputation for durability, cinder blocks are a well-liked option for simple construction projects. Aerated concrete, on the other hand, is lighter and provides superior insulation, which can result in energy savings and easier handling. We’ll contrast these two materials in this post, highlighting their benefits and shortcomings to assist you in selecting the one that will work best for your building objectives.

Step-by-step analysis of manufacturing technology

Let’s now examine the production technology of both materials in the hopes that it will assist us in selecting a better option.

Production of aerated concrete

You will require certain tools in order to create aerated concrete.

There could be a number of choices:

  1. Conveyor line. It is almost completely automated and does not require a large number of personnel; you only need to hire several operators. Such a line will ensure high production speed and fairly large production volumes. Its price is appropriate.
  2. Fixed line. More budget option. You can choose the package yourself, however, the final result will depend on it. The production volume can also be large, but the speed will be slightly lower.
  3. Mini production line. Suitable for the production of non-autoclaved aerated concrete at home or for sale by small businesses. Does not require large areas and significant costs. However, its productivity is low.

The following is the list of materials:

  • Cement grade not lower than M400;
  • Quartz sand;
  • Aluminum powder or paste;
  • Clean water;
  • Quicklime;
  • Additives are also used to increase the speed of hardening and improve quality indicators.

The following steps are part of the work process:

  • The solution is mixed;
  • The solution is placed in molds, in which it swells and pores form;
  • After partial hardening, the products are tilted and cut into standard sizes. When made at home, the mixture is poured into a mold already divided into sizes.
  • At the last stage, the blocks are processed in an autoclave or, in the production of hydration-hardened aerated concrete, dried in natural conditions. The latter gains strength after 28 days.

Usually, the formwork is taken down after 7–10 days.

Cinder block production

Aerated concrete and cinder block can be produced independently or in a factory.

When you begin working from home, you’ll need:

  • Vibration pressing equipment;
  • Sand;
  • Cement;
  • Slag filler or its substitute.

The following needs to be considered when making the material:

  1. The most durable are blocks made on the basis of cement, the next in strength are lime products;
  2. If you replace some of the granules with sifted sand, the strength indicators will increase slightly;
  3. Before you start filling the forms with the mixture, you need to prepare them: clean them from dust and dirt, treat them with a special compound in order to prevent the possibility of products sticking to the walls of the forms;
  4. The thicker the solution, the faster the products will harden. The quality and properties of finished products depend not only on the production method, but also on the composition of raw materials and their proportions.

The following is the typical formula for a cinder block solution:

  • Slag – 7 parts;
  • Sand – 2 parts;
  • Gravel – 2 parts;
  • Cement – 1.5 parts;
  • Water -1.5-3 parts.

Let’s take a quick look at the work process:

  • The finished solution is placed in the molds and the vibrator is turned on. Then the clamp is installed and the solution is processed again using the vibrator until the clamp settles. If there is not enough solution, it is added. When the clamp sits on the limiters, the formation can be considered complete.
  • The vibrating molds are started again for about 15 seconds, after which the products are removed. In this case, the machine is not turned off.
  • The blocks are dried for 5-7 days. They reach brand strength after about 4 weeks. In this case, the room should have high humidity, and the air temperature should not be cold.
  • If a plasticizer is added to the solution, then after 8-20 hours the blocks can be stored.
  • In its absence, storage is possible only after one week.

Aerated concrete production is one example of factory production where everything is done in a more automated manner with little to no human intervention.

Information about the steps involved in product production can be found in the video included in this article.


Features of masonry work

Each of the materials has unique qualities to its masonry, even though they share certain similarities. Let’s solve it together. How do you construct a building out of aerated blocks and cinder?

Tips for building buildings from cinder blocks

There are some guidelines that you should follow when using this material to build in order to prevent unfavorable outcomes.

Essentially, they are as follows:

  • Masonry work should be carried out in the warm season in the absence of precipitation;
  • The first row should be on an elevated foundation, more than 0.7 meters high;
  • You should not delay finishing the walls, they should be protected from moisture as soon as possible;
  • The roofing should also be done immediately after the completion of the work for the same purpose.

Phases involved in building a wall:

  1. Laying begins with setting the corners, which is done using rows. A thread is pulled between them, serving as a guide.
  2. The most important row is the first one, its laying must be approached with full responsibility. The adhesive mixture is applied in a thin layer, using a trowel. After laying three blocks, they must be checked for evenness and, if necessary, adjusted. It is recommended to do this as often as possible, in order to avoid errors.
  3. Subsequent layers are laid by analogy with the displacement of the seam. All cracks must be filled with mortar.

Kindly take note! If hollow blocks are used, mortar cannot, under any circumstances, be poured into the holes. As a result, the high thermal insulation qualities will be lost.

Stages of the construction of walls from aerated concrete

Aerated concrete block installation is very similar to cinder block installation.

  1. The first blocks are laid in the corners, pull the thread between them.
  2. The first layer is laid on the solution for the purpose of better adhesion with the base and hardening of the structure. The subsequent rows are recommended to be put on glue, adhering to the thin layer, in order to reduce cold bridges.
  3. The base must be even!
  4. After installing the blocks in the corners, proceed to laying the entire series. If the gap remains, the block is cut to the desired size.
  5. Correction is made using level and rubber hammer.
  6. When laying the first and each 4th row, reinforcement is carried out.
  7. The second and subsequent rows are laid with the displacement of the seam.
  8. After the construction of the wall, it is necessary to perform a reinforcement device.

Calculation of aerated concrete blocks and glue

Parameters of the room:Partitions:

It can be difficult to decide between aerated concrete and cinder block, but knowing the differences between the two can make the process easier. Because of their strength and longevity, cinder blocks are a wise option for foundations and structural walls. Additionally, they are usually less expensive, which can be a big benefit if you have a limited budget.

Aerated concrete, on the other hand, is lighter than cinder blocks and has excellent insulating qualities. This facilitates handling and installation and may improve the building’s energy efficiency. Even though it might cost a little more up front, the money you save on heating and cooling later on might make it a wise investment.

In the end, the optimal decision is determined by your unique requirements and priorities. Cinder blocks could be your best option if you’re looking for a reliable, reasonably priced solution. Aerated concrete might be a preferable choice if handling convenience and energy economy are your top priorities. To make the best choice, take into account your project’s requirements, budget, and long-term objectives.

Video on the topic

Full comparison of aerated concrete blocks. How to choose aerated concrete for building a house

Which aspect of concrete application are you most interested in?
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Dmitry Sokolov

Chief engineer in a large construction company. I have extensive experience in managing construction projects and implementing modern technologies.

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