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There are quite a few building construction materials to choose from when planning the construction of your home and it can be tough, without the help of a builder, to decide which materials are best suited for your specific geographic region and personal preference. At a glance, both AAC and ICF appear to be more similar than dissimilar but closer inspection shows otherwise. True, they are both lighweight materials that can be installed quickly and are affordable. However, with AAC, installation is much faster because you are laying pre-cast blocks with a thin-set mortar but you have to pour concrete for ICFs on site. | AAC | ICFs | | all-natural building blocks | polystyrene foam | | easy to use | easy to use | | quick installation | quick installation | | high thermal capacity | high thermal capacity | | load bearing | not load bearing | | pre-cast autoclaved concrete blocks | poured concrete -- only used on walls | | high wind and seismic resistance | high wind and seismic resistance | | needs finishing | needs finishing | | faster construction than cmu or CIP (cast in place) | faster construction than cmu or CIP (cast in place) | | can install as low as 10 degrees F | can install as low as 10 degrees F | | lightweight | lightweight | | no drywall needed | needs drywall | | material cost approx. 5% more than cmu | material cost approx. 5% more than wood frame | | UL tested at 4" for 4hr fire rating | will burn | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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