Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much does it weigh?

A. The most popular products weigh 32 pounds per cubic foot. This is about 1/5 the weight of concrete.

Q. What is the compressive strength of AAC?

A. 580 psi (lb/in²)

Q. Can AAC products be made at the construction site?

A. No. AAC products are manufactured in a factory employing a carefully controlled process. The key to AAC's stregth and durability is steam curing, which cannot be readily accomplished at a construction site.

Q. How do you build with AAC?

A. AAC products can be used for walls, floors and roof decks of buildings. There are two types of products for walls: blocks and panels. AAC blocks are used much like regular concrete blocks. Panels are two feet wide, up to 20' long and from 4" to 12" thick depending on the needs of the building. Special panels for floor and roof decks are available as well as panels to build interior partitions. Panels are set in place with thin-set mortar.

Q. Will an AAC building last as long as other buildings?

A. Yes. The durability of AAC has been proven in every type of climate in the world-from Northern Finland to the deserts of the Mid-East for over 70 years.

Q. How are AAC products made?

A. A mixture of cement, lime, water and quartz (sand or ash) is mixed and placed in a steel mold that is 20' long, 4' wide and 2' high. A tiny amount of aluminum powder is injected into the mixture and millions of tiny bubbles are formed causing the mixture to rise in a manner similar to bread rising. After the casting is set, it is cut into the panel or block diminsions by pulling it through wires stung on a loom. The casting is then fully cured in a large steam chamber called an autoclave.

Q. What are the main advantages of AAC over other building materials?

A. AAC is highly fire resistant, has excellent thermal insulation value, is decay and rot proof, has good sound reduction properties and is cost effective. AAC performs well in seismic situations and high wind areas. Building with AAC can reduce the quantity of materials used and labor needed to build a building.

Q. How is AAC finished?

A. Standard elastomeric paint, traditional or synthetic stucco, thin brick facing, tile, siding materials or any other building finish can be used on the outside of AAC walls. Inside, AAC walls can be finished with textured paint, plaster, gypsum drywall or any other interior finish. AAC floors can be carpeted, tiled or finished with wood flooring.

Q. How do you hang heavy items like cabinets or shelves on AAC walls?

A. Fasteners are available that easily drive into AAC walls and are capable of securing heavy items. These fasteners are similar to standard concrete "spread-fast" anchors. Since AAC is less dense than standard concrete, fasteners can be driven in with a hammer. Specialty drills are not required. Unlike stud walls, fasteners can be placed anywhere in AAC walls. No need to explore to find studs for hanging heavy objects.

Q. Why is AAC a new product in the USA?

A. AAC manufacturing plants are more expensive to build than manufacturing plants for concrete block, dimension lumber or steel buildings. This does not mean the products are more expensive. AAC plants will produce very large quantities of products so unit pricing is competitive with other building materials. To be competitive, however, a large plant - and a large capital investment - is needed. This fact, along with the ever increasing costs of field labor compared to factory labor, make AAC more attractive now than it has been in the past.

Q. Where is AAC manufactured?

A. There are over 350 AAC factories world wide, mostly in Europe and Asia. In North America, there are factories operating in Florida, Georgia, Arizona and Mexico.

Q. How safe is AAC?

A. AAC is probably the safest building product available. Tests conducted by independent laboratories show that AAC is not hazardous or toxic. It does not emit fumes or emit radiation above that of familiar foods. There is no waste produced during manufacturing.

Q. Is AAC environmentally friendly?

A. Yes. AAC is a non-toxic product which does not pollute the air, land or water. During the manufacturing process, waste from the cutting process is recycled back with raw materials and used again. During construction, there is virtually no waste generated. AAC products were designed to respond to the urgent need to conserve and protect the earth's precious natural resources.

Q. How much will AAC cost per sq. ft. (approximately)

A. Approximately the same as CMU block

Q. Where can I find an approved installer for AAC products?

A. In the Southwestern United States, contact AAC Southwest LLC located in Kingman Arizona.