If you decided to choose lightweight concrete to build your home, then first you need to understand how the foam block differs from the gas block. These materials have many differences according to different criteria.
Manufacturing differences
If we make a comparison between gas and foam concrete, then we can note some difference in the production process. Thus, foam concrete is made under the influence of pressure, during the production process, air is in solution. While in the process of production of aerated concrete , a slight pressure of the external environment is used, we can mention that, breaking out, hydrogen forms pores. If you are thinking about how the foam block differs from the gas block, then you can pay attention to the fact that these two materials also differ by the solidification method. The foam block, for example, is gaining strength in the molds, it acquires the final geometry in them, but high-quality aerated concrete is produced exclusively in the factory by the method of cutting the overall block. This is done in order to get the blocks of the required size.
Cell Formation Feature
By designation, light blocks can be structurally heat-insulating or heat-insulating, as well as structural. This is the most important difference in materials. Foam concrete, like aerated concrete, is a derivative of lightweight material, and the difference between them can be distinguished by the method of forming air cells.
If you think about how the foam block differs from the gas block, the comparison presented in the article will allow you to understand. In foam concrete, for example, bubbles are formed by means of foam, which is mixed with the main solution. As a result, the block is not only lightweight, but also strong enough, but nevertheless its heat capacity acts as the main quality. Foam concrete cells are closed by structure. If we talk about aerated concrete bubbles, then aluminum powder is used for their formation, which reacts with lime before the temperature rises and gas is released. The cells in this kind of concrete are open.
The main characteristics of the foam and gas block
If, when choosing a material, you think about the question of how the foam concrete block differs from a gas block, then it is worth considering the main characteristics of these lightweight concretes. Thus, if we talk about dimensions, then in foam concrete the deviations can reach 20 mm, which cannot be said about aerated concrete, the dimensions of which do not deviate from the set by more than 2 mm. This indicates that the consumption of masonry mixture during construction will be greater than the first version of the building material, because if necessary, you will have to fill the voids with a solution. In addition, dimensions also affect the quality of thermal conductivity. With the wrong block sizes , incorrect and wide seams are obtained, through which heat will certainly go away. Such qualities as density and strength are also important. In foam concrete, the first characteristic, like the second, is low, which cannot be said about the competitor, in which both parameters are at a high level. This affects the ease of transportation and styling. The thermal conductivity of the foam block is average and is 0.18-0.22, but in the second variety of lightweight concrete it is completely lower and equal to 0.12.
Quite often, builders, when they think about the question of how a foam concrete block differs from a gas block, pay attention to the moisture resistance indicator, which is good for a gas block, which indicates that the material is practically not able to absorb moisture. In a competitive material, this quality is also good, it is hygroscopic and able to repel moisture. Both materials do not rot, which indicates excellent biological resistance. The same can be said about chemical resistance.
Fire resistance
When constructing private houses, craftsmen often wonder about how gas blocks differ from foam blocks, paying attention to the quality of fire resistance. In this regard, the described products are equal, they are able to withstand the effects of fire. You can use such blocks for private construction without fear that they can be harmful, as they act as environmentally friendly materials.
The ability to protect against noise exposure is also important for walls; foam and aerated concrete blocks have good soundproofing qualities, with the only difference being that they are better with a gas block.
Area of use
If you are interested in the question of how gas blocks differ from foam blocks, then you should pay attention to the fact that, despite their similar qualities, they must be used taking into account the density. So, in order to use foam concrete for the arrangement of internal partitions, it is worth using a material whose density is 300 kg / m 3 or higher. As for aerated concrete, in order to use it for the same purpose, the density should be higher, the minimum indicator of this characteristic is 400 kg / m 3 . In the first case, external walls can only be erected at a density of 1000 kg / m 3 . In the second, this indicator can be reduced to 500-600 kg / m 3 . If you use a foam and gas block of the same density, the latter material will exhibit more impressive qualities of heat resistance and strength. In addition, it can be used in the construction of load-bearing walls, and work on interior decoration is not required at all, which cannot be said about foam concrete, which suggests the need for surface treatment with a stucco mixture.
Cons foam and gas block
If you still have not determined for yourself how the foam block differs from the gas block and which is better, then it is certainly worth considering the disadvantages that foam concrete has in terms of obtaining sufficiently wide joints during laying. They are equal to approximately 10 mm, which contributes to the formation of cold bridges. After erection, these walls must be covered with a protective mixture both externally and internally. In addition, such walls and partitions are not able to breathe, which in some cases causes the onset and development of fungus and mold.
Thinking about how the foam block differs from the gas block, the differences are certainly worth considering. For example, the second type of cellular concrete does not imply interior decoration, but it is definitely worth it to finish the walls outside. This is necessary so that the material is protected from moisture. As a rule, ventilated facades are used, the arrangement of which involves quite complex work. This technology can be replaced using vapor-permeable paint or an alternative solution - plaster. However, the facade will not look so attractive.
Comparative cost of materials
When professional builders and home craftsmen think about how the gas blocks, foam blocks, aerated concrete differ, they always pay attention to the cost of materials. It should be noted that the cost of these cellular concrete is approximately in the same price range, but foam concrete can still be purchased at a more affordable price. The initial run-up of the cost of this concrete starts at 2400 rubles per 1 m 3 , while the most impressive cost is 3200 rubles for the mentioned volume of building material. But the gas-block costs 2800 rubles per 1 m 3 , which is the lowest price for this material, while the highest is 3295 rubles per named volume.
Finally
If you are also one of those who are interested in the question of how the foam block differs from the gas block, the instructions for use will allow you to understand what material to use. A gas block is preferable for an inexperienced master, since it has more precise dimensions, which indicates the ease of working with it.