The exterior of the home is being constructed out of Hebel block, a form of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), manufactured by Xella.
It costs more than our typical construction methods, but once you consider its benefits you are likely to conclude as we did that it provides a better long-term value. Indeed, in our interview with the novice installer, Rusty Parker, he was so impressed with the product that he has decided to use it for his addition on his own home.
Its key benefits include:
1. Fire-Resistant. It is non-combustible and fire resistant for up to 4 hours of direct exposure – the highest rating possible – protecting both life and property.
2. Sound Proof. It performs as a sound insulator, providing a quiet and pleasant place to relax.
3. Insulation. There is no need for additional insulation. Hebel block is the only insulator needed in our climate. This saves us up front (from not having to purchase insulation) and down the road.
4. Flexibility. Unlike concrete block, AAC is solid, lightweight and can be easily cut. This opens up design possibilities that concrete block does not offer.
5. Water-Resistant. Hebel block joints are 1/8″ thick and continuous across the head joint and bed joint, meaning there is no pathway for water intrusion.
6. Impact Resistant. AAC blocks successfully passed the large missile impact test (06-009 ASTM report) and can sustain winds up to 150 mph.
7. Mold and Pest Resistant. Solid single wythe construction with Hebel products leaves no void spaces for mold or pest to infiltrate.
8. Eco-friendly Manufacturing Process. Hebel takes great care in producing its products. From manufacturing to the building site there is no pollution from Hebel products. Hebel products do not produce any V.O.C.’s (volatile organic compounds). Hebel also recycles steam created from autoclaving their products and reclaims trimmings from every mold and uses them in subsequent molds.
Xella is providing the AAC for our project. David Miller has been our company representative, and both he and the technical staff have helped us with the project since the product is relatively new in our region. If you are interested in learning more, I suggest you watch the video, read the remaining information below, visit their web site, and contact David at david.miller@xella.com.
Note that AAC was invented in 1923 in Europe, and is commonly referenced as Hebel block because of the innovations that Josef Hebel brought to the product in the 1940s. It has been very popular in Europe for use, but has only recently been introduced in the U.S.
Hebel/Xella’s AAC plant is located in Adel, Georgia—- the largest autoclave plant in North America. It is about 3 hours from our job site.
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Basement Wall
