The thermal performance of AAC is equivalent to R-20 insulation. AAC combines the advantages of low thermal conductivity and low air-infiltration with high thermal mass. This product is used in every climatic region of the world, from humid South America, to the dry heat of the Middle East and the severe cold of Finland. Insulation is rarely added; the walls are simply thicker. For more information on thermal performance testing, please see our Energy Efficient page.

Ecolite Ytong AAC wall, floor and roof systems provide an innovative combination of excellent low thermal conductivity, thermal mass and low air-infiltration. This practical combination of properties in one system provides an excellent thermal insulation material and permits peak energy usage in the building to be shifted to off-peak hours, thus reducing operation cost for building users and owners, improving comfort of living and reducing the demand on power generation facilities.

R-value is an assigned number derived from a specific testing procedure to determine a materials (or building assemblage) "resistance to conductive heat transfer". The higher the R-value, the more resistant a material (or building assemblage) is to conductive heat transfer.

SafeCrete AAC blocks and panels with a minimum of 8" thickness are suitable for load-bearing applications, when used in accordance with our published design aids and allowable stress listings. 6'' blocks may be used for some interior loadbearing applications. Loadbearing applications require vertical cores reinforced with rebar and concrete. Code requires cores at corners, doors and windows.

No. Autoclaved aerated concrete is the European construction method that EIFS imitates; however, construction and performance are entirely different. EIFS consists of layers of polysterene insulation board, mesh, and base coats followed by an acrylic top coat. AAC is more practical, efficient and durable than EIFS:

Easily. People often imagine that wiring will be a challenge due to the solid structure of AAC blocks. When they discover how versatile and workable AAC really is, they are pleasantly surprised. There are 3 standard methods for installing wiring in autoclaved aerated concrete walls. Many installers use a combination. Routing: Build the walls first. The electrician draws directly on the block to indicate where the wires will go.

R-Values of insulating materials are measured in laboratories and are designated a nominal R-Value per inch. In the wall or ceiling of a building most factory-made insulation materials suffer a reduction in performance due to air leakage and infiltration. The insulating value of many building components may be as low as 50% of the nominal R-Value of the insulation they contain.

In the wall or ceiling of a building, most factory made insulation materials suffer a reduction in performance due to air leakage and infiltration. The insulating value of many building components may be as low as 50% of the nominal R-Value of the insulation they contain. But, the insulation of a wall containing BioBased will perform closely to the laboratory tested R-Value of the material and seal the wall cavity from air infiltration as well.

Yes, AAC may be used for stem walls. Stem walls should be protected against permanent exposure to water by applying waterproofing material such as bitumen coating on any surface in contact with soil. For exposed surfaces (above grade) that will be finished, use a cementitious waterproofing to improve adhesion of the finish. Autoclaved aerated concrete walls may be constructed on top of AAC stem walls, concrete slab, or concrete masonry units.

Sometimes. The primary ingredient in the chemical reaction needed for autoclaved aerated concrete production is silica. The silica and other raw materials combine to form Tobermorite, a manmade version of a naturally occurring mineral. This gives AAC its unique strength-producing crystalline structure. Silica is found in many sources, such as sand, copper mine tailings, volcanic ash, and fly ash.

The autoclave process cures and hardens AAC, chemically changing the molecular structure to synthetic tobermorite. Autoclaving results in a stronger product that is "preshrunk" and dimensionally accurate. Non-autoclaved aerated concrete has a significantly lower strength per square inch. This newer product has not been subjected to decades of field testing in various climates. Safecrete AAC is a strong, durable time-tested product.

That's a good question, but unfortunately the answer is not so simple, Window thermal performance is measured as a U-Value which Is the reciprocal of the R-Value ( R-Value = 1/U-Value. For example. R 2 = U .50, or 1/.50 = 2) A bit of background: the R-Value measures the resistance to heat loss or gain, while the U-Value measures the transmittance of heat through a material. The higher the number in R-Value the better the resistance, so the better the insulating value.

No. Products with R-values reduce rates of "conductive" heat transfer and are tested for this characteristic. Radiant Barriers provide benefit by dramatically reducing "radiant" heat transfer which is just as quantifiable but not related to R-value type performance.

solid monolithic Ytong AAC wall system, the enclosed non-connected cellular structure and exterior finishes provide the healthy balance between resistance to moisture penetration and vapor diffusion. This balance is adequate to maintain a dry system, prevent moisture condensation and allows vapor diffusion when and if any presence of vapour occurs within the wall system.