Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC)

kid creole

anybody out there install this? the same as installing regular masonry blocks right?any tips or advice is appreciated?

Tscarborough

Not exactly the same. The application of the mortar is different: You use only a thin leveling bed instead of a true joint. There is no need to to tool the "joints" and it is a waste of time to make it look neat. Strike it flush and roll. You can use any scrap that is square; just butter it up and stick it in.

What will the wall finishes be, interior and exterior?

kid creole

thanks for the responce T.so at least on a small scale labor cost will be lower due to not tooling.exterior will be stucco as for interior? your advice would be appreciated.

Tscarborough

For the exterior, it is best to use metal lath for the stucco, for the interior, you can plaster right over the ACC, just make sure you lay to the inside wall so you get a decent surface to work with.

Why are you using ACC over CMU or sticks, if I may ask?

kid creole

the person financing this subdivision is dead set on AAC. from my own research the fire and sound resistance coupled with the fact that insects cant penetrate it. seems like a superior product? why you must know something i don't.
bty thanks for your advice.

Tscarborough

No, it is a great product, but like anything else, it only performs well when used to it's strengths. It is expensive, and labor is equal to laying CMU. When designed and used for a residence it has definite advantages. You can not take a stick or CMU designed house and replace the walls with ACC for a savings or quality advantage, however. There is also a learning curve for the other trades, the inspectors and even the financial institutions involved with it's use.

reveivl

Feel like edifyin' us (me) on this stuff/technique? I know nothing. Rich.

__________________
From where does knowledge come? If you need to know what is in a box, you could ask someone (not reliable), you could pray, (not useful), you can consult with the scripture (not helpful) or you could open the box (science)

Tscarborough

It is a cementious product that uses magnesium to introduce expansion and air bubbles, leading to a medium density building product. It is produced in big chunks, say 12x12x48 foot, which are then autoclaved to cure and sawn into building size units: 6",8"12" by 8" by 24". It is also formed into reinforced panels of larger sizes.

It's primary advantages are weight, R value, sound transmission, and fire resistance. The secondary advantages are ease of manipulation and flexability of design.

The disadvantages are cost and lack of knowledge on proper design to utilize it's features.

kid creole

what advice could you give on becoming more knowledgeable? we are already planning to attend saf-crete's seminar are training classes? and when you say design are you referring to the initial plans?

one last question want to do some work in Charlotte N.C.

Tscarborough

I did live in Pinehurst for a few years, but I don't plan on moving back to NC, though it is a lovely place.

By design, I mean what is the reason for using AAC? If the idea is to save money, then you have to seriously consider and incorporate the other trades into the design. If it is to take a CMU shell design and increase the R-value, then you will not save money.

Some comparative designs I have looked at are:

4" stone veneer/3coat stucco, 1" airspace, 1" foam insulation, 6" CMU, 5/8" sheetrock.

Cultured Stone/3coat cementious stucco, 8" AAC, 1/2" gypsum plaster.

It is a wash, price and thermal, though the AAC will give better performance in the long run in my opinion. It also allows for more flexability in regards to high end finish and style.

sawdusted

here's some links...
www.aacpa.org [www.baustoffchemie.de/en/db/new.html

__________________
"what ever it takes"

kid creole

thanks T and SAWDUSTED!