How is lightweight (AAC) brick different from clay brick?
Lightweight brick is made by autoclaving under high-pressure steam. Tiny air bubbles are spread throughout each block, so it is light yet strong. Compared with clay brick, manufacturers state the following:
Aspect | Compared with clay brick |
|---|---|
Heat insulation | 4-8 times better |
Fire resistance | More than 4 hours (2-4 times longer) |
Weight | 2-3 times lighter |
Laying speed | 2-3 times faster; cuts easily with a hand saw |
Sound | Air bubbles absorb noise between rooms and from outside |
For strength, grade G2 (Type 0.5) gives about 20 ksc compressive strength and suits non-load-bearing walls, while G4 (Type 0.7) gives about 40 ksc and can be used for load-bearing walls.
What is an AAC block and which one should you choose?
An AAC block (autoclaved aerated concrete, อิฐมวลเบา) is made from cement, sand, lime and aluminium powder, which fills the block with tiny air cells, and is then cured in high-pressure steam. The result is a light block that meets TIS 1505-2541. Every brand uses a 20x60 cm face, so a wall takes 8.33 blocks per m². What differs is thickness, grade and brand, and those set the price per block.
Types and applications
- By thickness: 7.5 cm and 10 cm for everyday interior and exterior house walls; 15 cm and 20 cm for walls that need more sound, heat or fire resistance.
- By grade: G2 AAC blocks are lighter and insulate better, for non-load-bearing walls in column-and-beam frames. G4 AAC blocks take higher compression, for condos, high-rise and engineered walls.
- B-grade AAC blocks cost less than A-grade and may have minor chips; sold as is, good for additions that will be plastered.
Benefits of AAC blocks
- 2-3 times lighter than clay brick, which reduces the load on the structure and piles.
- The air cells keep heat out, so rooms stay cooler.
- Fire resistance of 4 hours or more according to the manufacturers, and better sound insulation as walls get thicker.
- Large blocks that cut easily and are laid with thin-bed mortar, so walls go up faster than with clay brick.
Why buy AAC blocks at OneStockHome
OneStockHome carries 7 AAC block brands (Q-CON, THAICON, Diamond, TPI, Aerocrete, Smart Block and DURA One) in every thickness from 7 to 25 cm. Order by the block or by the full 6-wheel or trailer truck at a lower per-block price, with delivery charged by weight, and add AAC masonry mortar, AAC plaster and AAC block tools to the same order.
