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The question of choosing the optimal material is one of the main tasks facing builders in the saturated modern market. Our article offers a comparison of aerated concrete and polystyrene concrete - two popular types of concrete that have many common and distinctive characteristics. The information presented here will help you decide on the choice depending on the characteristics of the object. If you still have questions about the differences between aerated concrete and polystyrene concrete, we recommend to contact our consultants.

Technologies and composition

Before making a detailed comparison of the two materials, we will give the general characteristics of polystyrene concrete and aerated blocks. Both materials are made on the basis of cement and water. However, if along with these raw materials in the composition of aerated concrete includes silica sand and lime, then polystyrene is added special crumb and resin. As for technology, the production of aerated blocks is carried out by autoclave and non-autoclave methods. The first of them allows you to get a higher quality material, and this is the way our company makes products.

Production of polystyrene concrete is carried out by foundry method or vibro-pressing. The first option has much in common with non-autoclave production of aerated concrete, and is more often used in "artisanal" production. Professional technology, which is vibro-pressing, allows you to get a high-quality material. In our review, we will compare autoclaved aerated concrete and polystyrene concrete, obtained by vibro-pressing method - high-quality materials offered by leading manufacturers. Looking ahead, let us clarify that if you have to deal with products of dubious origin, the recommendations given here may be ineffective.

Comparative characteristics

Next we will compare polystyrene concrete and aerated concrete on the most important for builders and users.

• Specific weight and geometry. Both materials are quite light, which simplifies the process of construction and transportation.
• Environmental friendliness. Gas blocks and polystyrene concrete are safe for the environment and health materials.
• Fire safety. According to this indicator, both the one and the other materials meet high standards.
• Thermal conductivity. Gas concrete has some superiority. However, the thermal conductivity of polystyrene concrete is also quite low.
• Frost resistance. By this criterion, aerated concrete is inferior. When carrying out outdoor work in cold regions, it should be taken into account.
• Water absorption. This parameter is the only common disadvantage for the two materials. In both cases, a good finish is required.
• Shrinkage. Here the losing option is polystyrene concrete. Shrinkage of aerated concrete is practically absent.
• Density. According to this criterion, aerated concrete blocks are also more preferable.

In addition to the above, we note that the cost of construction work and the material itself, there is no significant difference between polystyrene concrete and aerated concrete. However, if we summarize all the above characteristics, autoclaved aerated concrete blocks are still more preferable (except for regions with cold climates, to which Uzbekistan does not belong).