Clay Block or Aerated Concrete – Advantages and Disadvantages of Both Solutions

What are the advantages of building with traditional clay blocks (gitter block) or bricks, and what are the advantages of building with aerated concrete blocks (AAC)? Which construction system is cheaper and faster? Why does aerated concrete not require additional insulation, and why can this also be a disadvantage?

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When it comes to building a house, if you have eliminated prefabricated houses as an option, one big dilemma remains – traditional clay block (gitter block) or aerated concrete (Ytong block, AAC). Both building materials are popular, proven, and reliable solutions, but they have certain advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Traditional Clay Blocks:

1. Reliable System: Traditional gitter block construction is a reliable system, and a major advantage is that there are many skilled workers trained to work with traditional gitter blocks. Although there are enough contractors for aerated concrete blocks, there are specificities in working with aerated concrete blocks, and the number of contractors specialized in traditional clay blocks is certainly larger.
2. Thermal Energy Accumulation: Brick walls do not have insulation properties, but this material accumulates thermal energy. Thanks to this feature, buildings made of brick or gitter (clay) blocks have a more stable internal temperature. During heating, the wall accumulates heat, which continues to radiate even after heating stops, maintaining a comfortable temperature. The same applies to summer months – in brick buildings, air conditioning typically starts later with the first hot days, as the walls provide a more stable internal temperature.

Advantages of Aerated Concrete Blocks:

1. Excellent Insulation Properties: Aerated concrete blocks are made by injecting air into a mixture of sand and cement, creating lightweight blocks with a high air content that have excellent insulation properties but do not accumulate heat. This feature, despite some disadvantages, also has benefits, such as excellent insulation properties.
2. No Additional Insulation Required: With a wall thickness of 12 inches, the level of insulation provided by aerated concrete blocks ensures that the building does not need additional wall insulation. When it comes to clay blocks or bricks, regardless of wall thickness, insulation in the form of Styrofoam or mineral wool is mandatory.
3. Cost-Effective and Fast Construction: The cost of building with aerated concrete blocks is on average about 20% cheaper, and it also eliminates the need for additional insulation installation. Additionally, building with aerated concrete is easier and faster compared to gitter block, especially when compared to classic brick.
4. Precision and Ease of Use: Building with aerated concrete blocks results in more precise and even walls, facilitating subsequent finishing work and significantly reducing material consumption. Aerated concrete is also an excellent solution for additional construction work and adding floors to existing buildings, as it is a lightweight material that causes less static load.

Disadvantages and Considerations:

1. Special Anchors Required: For aerated concrete, special anchors are required instead of standard ones, which can be a consideration for those undertaking construction projects.
2. Heat Acumulation: As mentioned earlier, aerated concrete does not accumulate thermal energy, so rooms heated with it have less stable temperatures. In other words, as soon as the heating stops, the space quickly loses temperature because there is no heat stored in the walls.

In conclusion, both traditional clay blocks and aerated concrete blocks offer distinct advantages for different construction needs. The choice between them depends on specific project requirements, budget constraints, and the desired properties of the finished building.

Photo: Xella, Nexe