Innovative and Cutting Edge Building

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

DC Investments One strives to find innovative and cutting edge techniques to improve the building process while providing safe, green, cost-effective and comfortable homes for their clients.

How Is AAC Made?

Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is a type of precast concrete composed of natural raw materials that have been used in the building industry since the early 1900s. A Swedish architect combined the conventional concrete mixture of cement, lime, water, and sand with a small amount of aluminum powder that served as an expansion agent and caused the concrete to rise.  This process resulted in the concrete consisting mostly of air (80%) and approximately one-fifth the weight of conventional, dense concrete.

AAC concrete is cut into slabs or blocks and can be used anywhere in the building process.  Any waste that does occur can be crushed and used as non-structural backfill and recycled in-wall components. 

Expected Savings

Using AAC can shorten construction timelines, resulting in significant savings. Because the material weighs less than standard masonry, there can be extensive savings in shipping.  Building owners and occupants can expect annual savings between 35% to 60% on their utility bills as well as 65% (national average) on building insurance premiums.

In most cases, AAC will provide better insulation properties than that of a 6″ wall stud with R-19 insulation. As a result, buildings will be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter!

Usability and Strength

AAC concrete can be used on walls, floor, roof panels, blocks, and lintels and Interior surfaces can be finished with drywall, plaster, tile, or paint, or can be left exposed.  Panels are available in thicknesses of between 8 inches to 12 inches and 24 inches in width, and lengths up to 20 feet. Blocks come in lengths of 24, 32, and 48 inches, and thicknesses of 4 to 16 inches; height is 8 inches.

The dimensional stability and comprehensive strength allow AAC blocks to be used in both load bearing and non-bearing structures.  Blocks are available in a number of different densities, resulting in easily modification when necessary and can be cut and drilled with conventional woodworking tools, such as band saws and ordinary power drills. 

Interested In Learning More?

DC Investments One

 

Chenoa and David are real-estate investing experts and the stars of HGTV's Rustic Rehab, Paradise. They share a passion for creating beautiful homes, enhancing neighborhoods and communities.

 

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