Concrete is one of the most widely construction materials used on planet Earth. Every building or structure that is built requires a sizable amount of concrete to help make it stand the test of time. On the other hand, concrete manufacturing and utilization has raised many concerns about environmental pollution. As a result, conservationists are working to come up with better alternatives to help reduce the burden of these toxicants. Aircrete is an alternative concrete that has been used to build structures keeping carbon emissions as low as possible and many contractors prefer aircrete for various projects when ordering concrete delivery. Let’s dig a bit deeper into discussing what aircrete is along with its uses.
What Is Aircrete?
Aircrete was first introduced in 2014 and it’s also called foamed or cellular concrete. It is a lightweight, non-toxic masonry product that involves infusing tiny air bubbles in the form of foam into Portland cement slurry.
Unlike traditional concrete, aircrete does not contain gravel or other building materials but simply some air bubbles that are added to the existing cement. There is no set recipe or rule when it comes to producing or manufacturing aircrete as it is made based on the needs and preferences of the clients.
The exact amount of foam or air bubbles used depends on what the aircrete will be used for. Generally, aircrete with more ratio of foam will have lesser strength but better insulation capabilities.
This means homeowners and contractors might want to use traditional aggregate like gravel in aircrete applications to introduce and improve structural strength. Plus, aircrete is insect-proof, fireproof, and unharmed by moisture. Unlike traditional concrete, aircrete is neither hard nor difficult to deal with.
The best thing about aircrete is that it can be cut or carved by woodworking tools. You do not need specialized equipment to use aircrete. On the other hand, it does not rot or decay as well.
Today, there are many companies or manufacturers that deal with aircrete but traditional concrete still tends to be the more popular option owing to its strength and reliability required to build high rise buildings and similar structures.
Aircrete might be used for residential projects but industrial standards may not allow it for commercial purposes.
The Key Is The Foam
The key ingredient in aircrete is the foam. It is produced by agitating a foaming agent with compressed air. For this purpose, a good quality detergent is employed. But it should be kept in mind that not every type of foam works for concrete, it needs to be of high quality made using special techniques, density, and processes.
As mentioned previously, aircrete was and is still mostly used for commercial projects. With time, the invention of special foam generators made aircrete production easier.
What Are The Pros Of Using Aircrete?
Aircrete when compared to traditional concrete can offer the same benefits with added properties that can help promote sustainable and energy-efficient homes. A noteworthy advantage of using aircrete is that it ensures proper insulation since tiny air bubbles are infused that prevent any voids or exit points for air itself from escaping.
In the case of traditional concrete, there is still some chance of leaving out any voids but not in the case of aircrete. The insulation properties of aircrete are unmatched. Aircrete just like regular concrete can either be formed into blocks for applications or poured into forms or walls for both interior and exterior purposes.
Additionally, aircrete is relatively inexpensive when compared to traditional concrete. Plus, it offers better compressive strength and better thermal performance. You can contact concrete suppliers Montgomery County if you need aircrete or any type of concrete.
What Are The Cons Of Using Aircrete?
Although aircrete tends to have its advantages, that does not mean the disadvantages should be neglected as well. Aircrete is known for its compressive strength but when high densities of foam are included, aircrete can become a bit brittle and chipping can occur as a result.
This type of aircrete is going to have limited compressive strength and will not be suitable for use for load-bearing purposes. It is important for homeowners, looking to build a house or a home addition, to understand that both aircrete and traditional concrete is quite different construction materials fundamentally with different uses.
In simple words, traditional concrete is the best option if you are looking for reliability and strength. But, if you want increased insulation, aircrete is going to be your best bet.
What Is The R-Value Of Aircrete?
As we have mentioned and discussed earlier, aircrete offers impressive insulation properties when compared to regular concrete. Several studies have been conducted to determine the R-value of concrete and the closest estimate comes to R-6 per inch.
If you’re using six-inch thick blocks of aircrete for your house, the R-value of it would be 36. This value is actually higher when compared to the regular R-values (R-13 and R-23) for walls. This means that the R-value of concrete will vary and a higher value can be achieved based on the type of structure it is going to be used for.
Is Aircrete Safe?
The problem with traditional concrete and most of the other building materials out there today is that they leave a big carbon footprint. Even if you use a cost-friendly option like plywood, it will be mostly likely imbued with formaldehyde and other materials that could poison the indoor air quality.
But if the customers were to put in a bit of research, they would find out that bamboo plywood is a lot better option. When it comes to aircrete, you should know there are several ways to manufacture it. Foam products have been long associated with harmful chemicals.
However, companies today are investing heavily into ensuring airecrete is safe and free of toxicants and other harmful chemicals.
What Are The Uses Of Aircrete?
Aircrete is mostly popular for being used for interior and exterior walls. But, its usage is not just limited to that. Aircrete can be used for a variety of other reasons and home applications like precast blocks, concrete slabs, and panels for insulated heating systems.
Moreover, some contractors also tend to use aircrete for poured roofs, which increases the insulation capacity of attics and ceilings which happen to be the most common areas where heat escapes from. This means aircrete can be a great solution for homes in cold regions that require all the insulation they need.
How Much Does Aircrete Cost?
The cost of aircrete depends on several factors like the thickness of the application, the cost of Portland cement in your area, transportation costs, and several other variable and fixed costs. In general, aircrete tends to be less expensive than regular concrete.
To get an exact estimate, you will need to consult an expert or manufacturer. This way, you can also share your needs and preferences that will help add or improve properties of aircrete based on the prevailing environmental conditions in your region.
Conclusion
That was a basic guide about aircrete. You may face some confusion while choosing the type of concrete you need so it is better to consult an expert before ordering concrete mix delivery Silver Spring. Even if aircrete is relatively cheaper, time is money. The last thing you would want is to build your house using aircrete that can hardly stand strong winds.
