AAC Block vs LECA Block vs Hollow Concrete Block - Which One to Choose ?

I'm gonna talk about the advantages and disadvantages of 3 popular construction blocks. Autoclaved aerated concrete block (AAC Block) is the most common building block. This block needs a proper installation otherwise cracks may appear. In the video, you are going to hear some major problems, which lead the AAC block to cracks. I have made one small test to compare AAC Block (autoclaved aerated concrete block), LECA (Expanded Clay Block), and hollow concrete block.
0:40 AAC Block
4:17 LECA Block
5:18 Hollow Concrete Block

[@MegaBobtube]

I appreciate this guy... he is not English speaker but trying his best. The captions really help. Kudos!!!

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks, yes I need to work harder than native speakers :D

[@achasilas6535]

@@MarekKubi you did amazing. Great video

[@lawtontalcott3886]

Very well done! You covered many aspects of each material, and I especially liked the way you got into science without making viewers nervous about that! Thank you.

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks for so detailed feedback! I try to explain the simple way, so non-builders can follow the information. Sometimes it is complicated, but I like that process.

[@mohammedegyptian2527]

very informative video greetings from egypt thank you

[@Nedvio]

You should do more videos like this one! Educational and interesting even for non-builders!

[@2x2on4]

great video man, subscribed!

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks, you know very well, how important it is to support small channels ;) Nice to see estonians channels, where are ads :D

[@MrBeard-ig5zc]

Concrete blocks with rebar and concrete fill.

[@gioito7090]

Good and informative video thanks !

[@bokrantzsimonsen1791]

Please don't recommend foam (styropor) isolation. It is very bad. Countries like Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany have gained many years of experience with styropor insulation and the like. It creates so many problems with inside humidity and fungae indoor, not to mention the dangers in case of fire. That is why these countries are using other insulation materials now.

[@MarekKubi]

Hey. I believe that proper ventilation does avoid problems. For some renovation projects, there may be some issues with moisture. Personally, I will build my concrete walls house with rock wool insulation. Even tho I am on a budget.

[@kraig800i]

If you wanted to build a plinth to sit a 230-400kg water tank in the garden. Which brick would you reccomend using? ? ?

[@MarekKubi]

I would go for hollow concrete, put some rebar in and fill with concrete. Then it is one piece with the footing. Maybe it is overkill, but just in case if there is windy or so on....

[@BB-hl3ro]

Hi, Kubi Your video is very informative. Great work. Keep continuing and wish you good luck for your channel.

[@herkko61]

Very good info, thanks!

[@coloradosenary115]

Good video! You did a fantastic job!

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks for motivation :)

[@processingbenefitsbt6306]

Wow very good video I love your so such

[@zazugee]

traditional passive houses designs focused on thermal mass, heavier thicker walls allowed for more storage of solar energy for longer nights. ofc this design won't help when you don't have any sun, or in hot climates but dry continental climates where daily temperature fluctuations are the best for this type of construction

[@gorille151]

Very very informative video. Have you ever used a foamcrete 1200kg/cu.meter (around 10MPa) for a bearing wall?

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks. No I havent, but in the past at soviet time aac blocks were many times heavier.

[@gorille151]

@@MarekKubi tx

[@MarekKubi]

@@gorille151 personally I would use at least 6mpa for constructive walls. I dont like 3mpa blocks. Soviet aac blocks are nice heavy blocks and still lasts.

[@GordonReilly]

Very informative video, I learned alot! 🙂

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks Gordon!

[@chan_for]

Red clay brick in comparison with LECA & Concrete block?

[@kompshi]

By the way which country are you from?.......I like the AAC blocks since they have higher quality and can be used a tall precast concrete panels.

[@MarekKubi]

Hi, Im from Estland. What do you mean by higher quality?

[@flavioprado6821]

Hi Marek, great videos. Aitäh! Can you please make one about the construction code at Estonia?

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks for giving some ideas. I dont know much about construction code yet. But I am planning to build new house for my family in the future and then I need to learn that. I plan to write house project by myself, to save some money. Maybe then some video about that, but not now.

[@kompshi]

thank you ....well done video explaining the different types and differences

[@wesleytaylor-rendal5648]

What is the compression rating for aac? I had a builder say we can't go into roof with existing aac blocks. He wanted to knock the house down and build a timber house 3 times what we were expecting.

[@mr.honeybee7661]

I feel like the AAC block would be prone to cracking in colder climates. More pockets mean more moisture and moisture in the winter time means ice. ICE expands. You’re better off with your standard Cinderblocks. They breathe better and are designed to also be stronger. That’s the point behind them not being better insulators.

[@MarekKubi]

Yes, ice damages all blocks.

[@jlee7063]

What about warm climates that don’t have snow seasons?

[@MarekKubi]

@@jlee7063 I can see there one new problem. Thermal expansion. The wall is not insulated and when at day the sun is heating the wall and at night is cold, then there may appear some cracks because of that.

[@AbhishivSaxena-e4z]

great video! thanks from India!

[@dc-wp8oc]

Marek, thanks for this comparison. What is your experience or opinion of earth blocks stabilized with either lime or Portland cement? What about the NAAC or Non Autoclaved Aerated Concrete blocks?

[@MarekKubi]

Hei. Thanks. I dont have experience about earth blocks. As I heard, they are expensive (time consuming).

[@Daylisky]

Hi Marek! I really love your videos. Could you make one about foundations on rocky slopes and what needs to be considered? Thanks!

[@MarekKubi]

Hi! I dont know much about rocky slopes, since we dont have them in my country. So no knowledge, no video unfortunately :D

[@dlorien7306]

Great video. What country are you in?

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks, im from Estonia.

[@j22n3s]

The reason you do not recommend AAC blocks for 2+ two-storey houses is the price I assume? Or are there some technical considerations as well?

[@MarekKubi]

Hey Jänes. Nothing bad with AAC on 2-storey house. Just as i know, then most guys here are using the lightest block with less than 3mpa. I would recomment at least 5mpa, since i personally suggest to make second floor from concrete and 3mpa sounds too weak for that plan. If you use trusses for second floor, then there is less stress to the construction, but horrible sound-insulation. Soviet time aac block were way heavier and they do last well. 3mpa is still new here. Fibo from the Weber is also well proven. I myself gonna build 1-story house with hollow concrete block, just my preference, since I like to work with them more and if I can get more durability with similar price, then I am all in. Just a reminder, that walls are very small % from all house cost, so price is not a factor in my opinion.

[@wesleytaylor-rendal5648]

A give you a lot of respect for waiting so many days to make this video. ... Why the rebar? You don't use rebar with bricks, so why with aab or clay ones

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks! In some topics unprofessional public speech may indicate the real knowledge ;) Rebar is just for security. Old brick houses were mostly built on a steady land. And I have seen many cracked old stone houses. Today we build on a clay and a swamp. And foundations are not serious nowadays.

[@LazyV0cals]

good work

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks!

[@horizontbeskrajneinovacije6440]

Thank you...great explanation...

[@estland2768]

Great job. Edu Sulle ☉

[@MarekKubi]

Tänud, küll see edu ka tuleb ajapikku ;)

[@Mumumama205]

Here in Florida they build on slab with hollow concrete block. Would you recommend using one of the other options instead? Of course its very warm here most of the time.

[@MarekKubi]

Hei. Thanks for your comments. As I understand, then heavier blocks works better in a warm climate. If you have big temperature range between day and night. Concetrate more on windows, since they are main heaters at sunny days. Everyone like big windows, but they warm house more. You can build smaller windows especially on a southern side. Or some covers or something so it will stop straight sun in windows. Also you can plant trees on that side of plot, from where usually warm wind is coming. Here we protect our plot from cold northern wind in winter. Just take time and discuss with your husband and look at your compass, so you can project house according to sun movement.

[@Mumumama205]

@@MarekKubi Thank you for your response. The house is facing south, but since I have 2 big kids and only 1 bedroom, I will need to add on to it. I figured to add a large open living with kitchen, dining table and living corner on the back, facing north, with large windows to keep it light, but no direct sun coming in. The bedrooms and bath can be in the front then, facing south with smaller windows. Your videos are very informative to decide how to build here in Florida. Thank you!

[@justinxin4794]

Thank you for this very informative video.

[@RichardX123]

Is there any way to call you i need some advice , English man in Poland

[@MarekKubi]

You can email me. [e-mail].

[@rodrigoruiz976]

With just the block, which is better for sound insulation?

[@MarekKubi]

The heavier, the better. Concrete blocks. Filled with concrete.

[@rodrigoruiz976]

Thank you! What if you compare it with just the concrete block, without filling it with more concrete?

[@MarekKubi]

@@rodrigoruiz976 I never tested them that way. Maybe someone done that, you can google that. I think that difference will be notiecable.

[@rodrigoruiz976]

I’ve actually seen people saying different things: some, like you, say denser is better, even if it is the regular concrete block without filling it; and some say the AAC block is better because it absorbs sound from being porous. The arguments from both sides make sense to me so I’m really confused 🤷‍♂️

[@jaime8318]

Which would you suggest for countries with tropical weather? I'm not a fan of the tropical humidity, Which would keep the inside temperature more pleasant and not too hot and humid?

[@MarekKubi]

I don't know. Here I have experience visiting different homes and talking to owners. You should also look around there and feel the difference. In theory, I just imagine, that heavier walls should work better if there are big temperature drops between day and night.

[@kenshinhimura3003]

In the Philippines they use hollow blocks, concrete houses survive with typhoon and a little earthquake. It is prone to seismic activity. My uncle's house survived the magnitude of 6.5

[@duduloi]

Could you be do kind to tell me if Estonia is located in seismic zone ? If yes, what kind of foundation do you suggest ?

[@MarekKubi]

Hey Liviu. No, we dont have earthquakes here. Dont have knowledge about building in seismic zone.

[@tatsianapalchekh5326]

Im sorry why is insulation needed on AAC block? they how they designed - u use proper thickness and u dont need insulation. In worst case u insulate them with smth like multipor which is the same material but even less dense.

[@briankumpan9892]

If u coated AAC Blocks before the water test, it would not absorb that much water. They do build houses without some coationg on them

[@khaiko1646]

right talk

[@puiaturuburu906]

890 subscriber here, can you make aircrete blocks, I always fail, but after many failure now I'm close to success

[@MarekKubi]

Hey, thanks for a support! I never tried to make them by myself. I think I would also fail at first attempts :D I have seen, that in some countryes people do make them at backyard, was so surprised to see that :D

[@coralplanet9025]

Loved your videos. I just become your subscriber.👍👍✌✌

[@MarekKubi]

Thank you very much for support! Gonna entertain you with future videos :)

[@adamerdgas5188]

Hi Marek! Great video! What are the prices of these 3 types od blocks in Estonia?

[@MarekKubi]

Hey Adam. Thanks. Cant answer that, because hollow concrete block need a lot og concrete to fill and more rebar. AAC blocks are with many different thickness. And leca have different mpa. Also there is huge difference in margins, when you order blocks for full house, you get a decent discount.

[@p.zarthea]

Thank you 😊

[@tan-awlang2113]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@Lawiah0]

How about a video on "Thermal Mass"?

[@MarekKubi]

Hey, thanks for your suggestion. I dont think, I have enough valuable information, to make an interesting video about thermal mass. But I may use that in some sort of tests in the future. I have a list of interesting theoretical topics, but lack of time right now :D

[@reygoldenlobo3762]

indonesia present

[@wernerempire]

Very good video Marek. Lots of useful information.

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks for commenting on that.

[@toprandomvideos2123]

I appreciate the video. This was informative.

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks for a positive feedback (Y)

[@joosepkunder]

Hea video. Näha, et vaeva on nähtud. Soovitus edaspidiseks: hangi endale reväärimikrofon, see pisike, mille saad klõpsuga kampsi külge panna, siis on mugavam kuulata. Praegu vist kasutasid kaamera küljes olevat mikrofoni.

[@MarekKubi]

Hei! Tore on saada soovitusi kvaliteedi tõstmiseks. Olen veidi uurinud mikrofone. Mul on seikluskaamera ja sellega vist ei saa ühendada eraldi mikrofoni. Ma hetkel arvan, et jätkan sellega, mis on ja tulevikus, kui 1000 tellijat kokku saan, siis peaks tõsisemad töövahendid ostma. Õnneks davinci töötlemisprogrammis sain hääle varasemast veidi paremaks häälestada. Päris palju enda aega kulus tõesti videole :D Ainuüksi eestikeelsete subtiitrite tõlkimine ja ajastamine võttis kolm tundi. Nüüd mõni nädal puhkan ja siis tahan vundamendist vaikselt materjali koguma hakata. Plaan on veel kvaliteetsemaks teha töötlust. See on nagu sport, kus pole kunagi enda tulemustega lõplikult rahul :D Igastahes tänud kommentaari ja vaatamise eest!

[@Mud_slam]

Great video man!

[@learnfrommario7l433]

hello. how is made light cement block . that is good

[@davidharrison6998]

So AAC blocks will work better in warmer areas like The Philippines?

[@herkko61]

Yes, they cool down quicker, so nights inside the house are cooler. No need to use A/C so much.

[@Rin-cj2de]

How much are aac blocks in Phillipines?

[@madshano]

great info

[@ellewilliams1086]

New subscriber! I learned a lot in your video! Keep up the excellent work 😊

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks a lot for support!

[@cieslaolsztyn8266]

Thanks a lot for your videos. Enertia bulding system is interesting. No isolation, but instead 2 walls on the house with a space of about 50 cm to 1-2 m where air can circulate

[@MarekKubi]

Youre welcome. Depends on a region where you live, but here circulating air means cold wall in the winter.

[@cieslaolsztyn8266]

@@MarekKubi i wish i knew more about it, but i think its working in northern USA. But ofcurse a regular oldstyle loghouse dont have isolation

[@MarekKubi]

@@cieslaolsztyn8266 Yes, the old loghouse has very poor insulation value.

[@Spotdy321]

Awesome 😎

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks, I cant believe i got reviewed by VidIq :D

[@Spotdy321]

@@MarekKubi yeah congrats! Hope you’re able to keep your channel growing!

[@ognjenvesic9515]

Thanks a lot for this video!! I was wandering about AAC blocks. Where I live they are thought of as a fad. Also they are dried in high temp tunnels before shipping so they never arrive wet.

[@MarekKubi]

Hey, here they also dry them, but not for 100%. There are another similar block to the AAC, it is like poured concrete. As i remember, then without gypsum? They are stronger.

[@ognjenvesic9515]

@@MarekKubi thanks for your reply! Yeah, migt be it. Its called Ytong.

[@astralstudio]

super!

[@MarekKubi]

Spasibo. Kak subtitri, ponjal vsjo?

[@astralstudio]

@@MarekKubi Всё понял, да

[@darz_k.]

Great stuff - thanks

[@MarekKubi]

:)

[@jacintocosta]

really good video!

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks for commenting. This video is very informative indeed ;) What is your conclusion in the blocks choice?

[@chrisstanford3652]

Excellent information 🤗

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks Chris!

[@toffeeavatar5011]

Very good

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks!

[@meKD]

Good one. Thanks.

[@MarekKubi]

Youre welcome, thanks for feedback :)

[@DJDeTVibe]

What do you think of aircrete?

[@MarekKubi]

Beautiful light material, when produced properly.

[@DJDeTVibe]

@@MarekKubi Do you think it is good for a home in a European climate? Hunting around it looks like it is usually made at 4 inches/ 10cm thickness for an exterior wall. Sorry for all the questions, I was in construction (site testing & inspection 30 years ago...a lot has changed). If only you could build in Ukraine, I would hire you to build my home. You are the only builder I would trust.

[@MarekKubi]

Heh, in Ukraine there are many youtubers, who has built theyre houses with that block. For example channels like: MY GALAXY ; Семен Кузнецов. As I remember they used 30cm wide blocks for exterior walls. 10cm is for interior walls. And when the wall is taller than 2,6m, then it is recommended to use 15cm instead. Personally I recommend to insulate walls with rockwool. But if the house is built in south of Ukraine, then it may be no point to extra insulate 30cm AAC block walls.

[@verifiedgentlemanbug]

but bricks are suitable for high heat insulation that is suitable to most countries with cold climate

[@taaviteets801]

Good work, Marek!

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks Taavi for supporting my channel!

[@mominmomin5483]

Efaav'z

[@WojciechP915]

In America we build our houses out of dead trees. It's kind of weird.

[@MarekKubi]

Do you mean a pine tree? Here also getting more popular.

[@Mr83goat]

And then we name our streets after them.

[@bkucinschi]

Just let me know how you can get lumber from undead trees.... zombie trees maybe?😁 Your name sounds Polish, and I assume that, like all Europeans, you are a bit dissappointed with the wood frame building technique characteristic to United States. I am too...

[@mihalysuba9432]

Good, informative and simple. Good job!

[@MarekKubi]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@WiseWarriorsPath2]

Are you willing to work for land? I need a builder and I am willing to grant you land and friendship, and in turn be your laborer and help you build something on that land, your free and clear if you are willing to help me build my structures on mine, and I can help you obtain more lands. I am not kidding.

[@MarekKubi]

Interesting offer :D . I like Estland and am fully focused to afford land in a good place here :) Just curious, where do you plan to build your home?

[@WiseWarriorsPath2]

@@MarekKubi You should own land in two places while still focusing on there, but you can have a back up. New Brusnwick Canada. Anything under 600 squar feet you can build how you like with no restrictions, over 600 squar feet by code... a few options and under 600 squar feet no height limit or material limit.

[@AruneshKumar-x3i]

​@@MarekKubidon't even bother replying to such comments. Please keep producing videos in your own voice.

[@morenoven]

If you allow me to give you an advise. It would be better to ommit your voice. With the subtitle is enough

[@MarekKubi]

Nono, my 1000 subscribers are waiting to hear my voice in new videos :)

[@achasilas6535]

@@MarekKubi please do not take his advice. That's a bad advice. Be yourself and produce informative videos and you will do great. Great work .