IS THIS IS A GAME CHANGER IN CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION? (House Building in the Philippines)

[@redhorse554det1]

yes , enjoyed this one. very much a game changer. nice to see the heart.

[@Neal_only1]

Magandang tanghali po Kuya James

[@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669]

Hi James , glad you featured this game changing material, it has been used widely inthe EU, and I believe the USA, very fast and convenient and very good insulation factor, quite durable when reinforced with fiberglass cloth then stuccoed, , I think there needs to be more education with the laborers tho as most of them are familiar with cement only.

[@bayareatanders]

For me its faster and efficient using form concrete cast in place. You can lay out your electrical and plumbing before pouring concrete. They use it in commercial buildings but can be used in residential builds.

[@MyPIDream]

Big fan of cast in place myself. For me this would always be my first choice.

[@TC-kf9zw]

Its a cost thing for residential home build in the Philippines.....

[@leolopponen9010]

Nice to see the heart of Ukraine in your video`s left corner down....SLAVA UKRAINI! Greetings & God bless from Finland!

[@timmytimers9511]

It's the same as we use in the UK..breeze blocks..very light and easy to cut with a saw..

[@diegohorton869]

We have our own hollow blocks business + a delivery truck in Cebu. It’s fine for walls and pig pens. AAC is more what I want to build with. Thanks James

[@timmytimers9511]

They should be overlapping the joins by at least 6 inches...

[@am-fil]

They never seem to grasp the concept of properly staggered joints.

[@MyPIDream]

I recognized this immediately on part of the build and raised the concern to the homeowner.

[@kenlyn2208]

We do stager on internal walls but this is still a country of pillar and beam build code for external walls

[@bobbywilliams6961]

James this was very Educational Thank You.

[@Neal_only1]

Hello James, don’t forget the Special Broadcast next monday Oct03 at 9:00pm ET for Norm Abrams on GBH-2 i think it must be PBS

[@samuelmartin707]

2 thumbs up James. Just want to say hi to Ness.

[@abritishexpatinthephilippines]

I'm thinking these new blocks are like in UK or NZ or Australia called 'HEBEL' BLOCKS they are very light too, and as you demonstrated they are cut with tungsten blade saw 🤗🤔🇬🇧♥️

[@simoneaton1977]

We are using form block wall on our new build which is a new technique used in building here in the Philippines

[@johnjiggerflores6848]

Villa Feliz very beautiful house

[@perlitolim9320]

Very good info Mr. James thanks

[@natureloveruae9407]

Hi James I have used this kind of blocks in my house in Abu dhabi 15 years ago till now I have had no problem as you said its a sound proof and heat proof as you know we use a air-conditioning in the house and this kind of blocks saves energy, actually I didn't know that its available here in the Philippines. By the way if you throw the irrelated hollow blocks to the water it will float.

[@davidbruce5377]

Do you know if it has an R value?

[@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669]

@@builtnotboughtmadeinphilip3955 go watchYT Vlogger" Aircrete Harry" he has experimented on Aircrete and formulations and made Monlithic Aircrete Domes and he lives in the Colorado where there is snow , and tested the AIrcrete blocks he has made with Blowtorch fire and winter conditions, They do use AAC blocks in Europe , where it snows.

[@nidapatchin674]

I think it depends on the cost of hollow blocks , there were expensive there were slightly cheaper and there were real cheap the one you said could float in the water 🤣🤣🤣

[@destinationphilippineschannel]

Great info. I will definitely keep these in mind when we go to build. Thanks!

[@grhof1793]

Re hanging heavier objects this was mentioned by another Filipino Structural Engineer vlogger. He is in the same page with you about building those walls using CHB. I'm just curious why I haven't heard this mentioned on other vlogs on AAC.

[@jonross8925]

James, That drone shots above the build is very nice, what's the most interesting to me is the big tree root dugout.

[@MyPIDream]

I didn't notice that until after I created the drone part of the video. It must have been a huge tree.

[@incon3037]

I've been looking into AAC for my future build in Lipa for about a year and the AAC blocks they're using BLOCKTEC die to the inconsistent shades of black and the way they use rebar to anchor it. Versus STARKEN AAC which uses a proper anchoring system and also offers standard blocks, jumbo blocks, interlocking blocks, wall panels, floor panels and lintels.

[@MyPIDream]

Thanks for sharing!

[@incon3037]

When I arrive in Lipa next month to view a lot I plan on purchasing I'd like to take a look at that AAC up close.

[@jasonerb6886]

​@@incon3037 watch The Armstrong Family on KZbin. He 's gonna be starting his Starken house soon. Blocks are already on site. Cheers.

[@incon3037]

@Jason Erb I've been watching the Armstrong familybsince their first home build. I've also spoken with them and will be visiting their new build soon since they're only an hour south of me. However for my build I've decided to go with Graditel wall panel system over Starken AAC for a few reasons of my own, one being shipping costs.

[@jasonerb6886]

@@incon3037 I see. Well, you’re already one step ahead of me. LOL. I’m in Pampanga right now. But looking to find a more rural area and build again. Pretty much have to find those KZbinrs who are building and kinda find who’s using the best products and methods I figure. Good luck with your build. Cheers.

[@jonahvlogsdiy4143]

Great info James. Something to consider when I build in Cebu.

[@wallyfuentebella1788]

Our manufacturing plant is at cebu.

[@cristinateller9107]

Once again James thank you so much for this very essential information of building materials. it gives us the pros and cons on what to use as we plan to built our retirement home in the Philippines.

[@joefugate9338]

Thanks James.

[@ArtCoDroneAndEntertianment]

Wow very informative James thanks for sharing and the drone footage was wonderful.

[@barryinthepi390]

Very informative video James. I wish they had used the AAC blocks in the building of our house. I think if I win the lottery, I'll use those on my next house. " Oh Lord want you build me a new house on Lake Taal". A new line for Janis Joplins great song. Get ready for my 80th Birthday Bash on Nov, 1.

[@MyPIDream]

I'm waiting on my invite! 🥳

[@barryinthepi390]

@@MyPIDream Of course you and Ness are invited. Nov. 1st, 2pm til ???. It will be epic. I will be smoking some ribs for the event. I will also make some mustard potato salad to go along with them.

[@kenlyn2208]

We used AAC on our garage before trying on the house. We did confirm the 20% cost savings. Ours was not more! No in walls rebar. No multiple plaster layers. Finishing much quicker. Thermally cooler too. We will be doing the house in AAC.

[@kenlyn2208]

In the video… the overlap of the one over vs under… not proper. We’re following india and Malaysia building process. Clamps. Not rebar.

[@kenlyn2208]

Regarding anchoring… Canada has proper AAC anchors. They’re not the classic plastic plug. They’re a threaded anchor

[@kenlyn2208]

Great video guys. Thanks for drawing attention to alternatives

[@MyPIDream]

Yes, I identified that to the owner. The contractor is going to make some corrections to the installation. I'll be talking about this in a follow up episode on this build.

[@saudiarabiariyadh5474]

Geart job

[@pjack2533]

Good evening James and Ness😊😊

[@LostAbroadVideos]

Great video, lots of good information however, it has further reinforced my decision to build cast in place and not use ACC or CHB. The drone flight at the end reinforces my decision not to hire a contractor to build my house.

[@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669]

ISF are mostly forms for Solid Concrete, meaning Styrofoam on outside and inside sandwich solid concrete ,and depending on geology will or might need Rebars, also concrete is heavy so sometimes " blowout" can be expected and be prepared for that (reinforce that weak spot).

[@A-RHINO-IN-THE-PHILIPPINES]

Thanks. Great Info.

[@jmfarrell5]

James,just when I think you made your ‘best’ video- this video appears. 👏🏻👏🏻 Great discussion of CHB vs AAC. Your last point about actual weight bearing ability (kitchen cabinets, large screen TV, etc) and possible solutions was right on the money. Question: Concerning electrical lines/ water-sewage lines: what is the process for that phase of construction with AAC blocks? Assuming cutting or chipping channels into walls. Thank you as always for your helpful discussions. Joe

[@MyPIDream]

Electrical and plumbing are done by using a grinder to cut the section out of the AAC block for the pipe. Not much different from CHB construction.

[@hillbillyintheasia6122]

@@MyPIDream why cut into blocks could do second wall of wood are alumni frame .

[@billslaven28]

R-value's hollow block versa AAC, weight, durability? As always, thank you for the technical information.

[@patrickobrien5367]

Good evening James great video 📹 👍 but after 4o years in the building they are not right blocks for the Philippines they will start cracking after time 👍 l know what happened been used the blocks all my life 👍 stay well away from then blocks 🚫 👍 James they are laying then will not last skin coat it's a no go back in one year time 👍 and you see all the cracking ok thanks again for your video 👍 just trying to help people who don't understand building a house 👍 😀

[@MyPIDream]

Most of the time these type problems can be avoided by proper installation.

[@fleaniswerkhardt4647]

Concrete is sand, cement and gravel . AAC is Autoclaved Aerated Cement.

[@eriksanchez7834]

Are the rebars only the dowels from columns? How do they interlock? Seems light because at 2:50, a worker was carrying it over his head.

[@MyPIDream]

Columns and beams. I did identify some inconsistencies relating to proper installation with the homeowner. He voiced the concerns to the builder who will be addressing the issues. I'll bring these up on a follow on episode regarding this build. To be fair and honest, this is the first time this construction team has installed AAC's and there is always a learning curve with learning new techniques.

[@Digne1d]

Yes, AAC is an alternative to CHB but isn't structural. I don't see any rebar or is it used as a column or bond beam in the video. Could it be used like brick? The one obvious advantage it has over HCB is the finish on both sides. If it had slots on all 4 sides for rebar then it could be structural in a stacked bond pattern.

[@zazz63]

interesting video ... i was wondering if you could expand on the block size used in the video ...presumably that was the four inch 100mm?? which brings me onto my next point that the columns used were also only 100mm wide which is pretty thin, presumably this is only a one story construction?? how much are the 6 inch 150mm? thanks!

[@davidbruce5377]

It seems like a very good option. One down side is not being able to bury conduit inside that block. You do have to have a double wall, or fir out the interior/ drywall or CHB.

[@MyPIDream]

Installing conduit and outlets is the same as CHB. Cut the path then cover over for finishing.

[@vssecretgarden]

Please update how these houses hold after several earthquates. I am very curious. Thanks for sharing.

[@MyPIDream]

For sure!

[@greenknight2829]

The block layers need to be staggering their joints

[@rtheprizeisright7323]

James does he use acoustical sealant on joint like we have in US?I know it's not exactly the same. I really like these blocks and their mortar joints are way better than the hollow concrete block. When I watched them doing your block work I was bothered by the lack of filling the joints and lining everything up.

[@myrrhavm]

I thought fly ash weakened cement. City inspectors are wanting zero fly ash here in California today. As others have said. Not enough stagger in joints nor any grout adhesive between vertical joints between blocks. No vertical rebar also concerns me. I get the open joint on the end. Sort of like how they seal tilt up buildings here. What I do see is the blocks are the same width as the corner columns. No protruding corners in the rooms when finished. That bothers me. Didn’t see a reply to my comment on another video. Do you still have your home in N/S Carolina? That’s where I first found you when researching ponds a few years back.

[@MyPIDream]

Fly ash cement offers many advantages over regular cement, including decreased water permeability and increased strength. When improperly produced, however, poor quality fly ash will demonstrate disadvantages, such as heightened concrete permeability and slow curing times.

[@TheBadlildoggie]

Great video James. I know im 2 years late to the party lol but 1 thing you didnt touch on was longevity of the AAC blocks, how is that build holding up and are the AAC blocks still looking good? Cheers and thanks again Kevin

[@MyPIDream]

House still looks like new. No issues.

[@tedlasalvia9668]

Great video James and it's good to see your videos again! You gave me some great information as I thought previously there were two ways to build, hollow block or cast concrete. This is my first time to hear about these AAC blocks and they appear to be a great option! Also you had great information about mounting things to wall. I didn't realize it could be a drawback for the AAC Blocks. But overall, I really like the look and finish of those blocks!!

[@timothydavid2852]

what are the termal ratings (insulation) for these?

[@antiowarr9467]

James are these structural strong blocks? The reason I ask this is I noticed they have a poured post and beam structure and the blocks are stacked in between the structure. What I'm asking I guess can these blocks be used on their own for structure and do the come with corner blocks or 90% angle ones? Also can they be used below grade as you can with regular poured blocks just sitting on a footing?

[@MyPIDream]

The compression strength of these are comparable to good quality CHB's although in this build they are not used on any load bearing wall so it's more than sufficient in strength for this type construction. When used in a 90 degree angle the standard overlapping practice applies. When combined with a proper waterproofing strategy these are a perfect choice over CHB's because of their water permeability advantages.

[@antiowarr9467]

@@MyPIDream Thx James Cheers

[@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669]

Checkout KZbin vlogger Cumi's World in the Philippines , he uses M2 Panels in Tarlac I believe , he has made a few mistakes mainly using LAHAR or Volcanic Ash.

[@antiowarr9467]

@@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669 Thx A-R lol I will have a look for sure ... cheers

[@luningningbornales5497]

Here in Guam they all used hollow blocks.

[@morezee7882]

Reminds me of foam crete

[@wayneseymour1]

Hi James Hi Ness. James that's a fantastic episode on the alternative building material. Very in depth and interesting, As my love for construction and being a Architecture lover, lets playing devils advocate here. My main curiosity would be what are the Pros and cons of using AAC block in residential construction. off the top of my head I'm saying no vertical steel and no continuous horizontal joint reinforcement every fourth course?😨🥴 If then best suited for non-load bearing walls and only used for partitions. The other thing that jumps out is that it has voids(being aerated) which then would could mean its brittle? Lastly , it's availability in rural areas, trucking cost must be through the roof along with procurement cost. Although there are many Pros to using AAC;Thermal insulation and energy-efficiency,Fire-resistant,High compressive strength,soundproof,moisture-proof come to mine to name a few. I 'm wondering what the toss up would be more in favor of. I would like to see you following of this build its very interesting. Thanks.🙂🤗

[@MyPIDream]

I'll cover the dowel support from the columns and beam a little more in an upcoming episode. I really need to share this as it's critical to the strength of the wall, whether or not it's load bearing. Standby!

[@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669]

Please go watch Cumi's World, he is an American Vlogger living in Tarlac i believe , he is using similar products called M2 Panels, and the panels can be used for walls and roofs, maybe thehouse is 70-80% complete by now.

[@damonottaway3648]

Hey James, So all in all, what’s you take on the AAC Blocks? How would you do and wiring or plumbing in those walls if it’s all solid?

[@MyPIDream]

I'm a fan of AAC blocks but not for all applications. I'll be doing a follow up with more comments during this build. Wiring conduit and plumbing are done similar to CHB where you make cutouts then cover them later with mortar mix.

[@darinhoffman1839]

Still hard to beat that local hollow block know how. Great episode James. As we near finishing stages we will be in Talisay in November, look forward to finally getting together 🏝🏝🍷🍷PS this episode is getting lots of feedback lol

[@davidrivers2385]

Great video as always makes me think about my up coming build in Mindanao south of Davao .the real question is if you where going to build your house again would you use AAC or would you use CHB? I also wonder if you could use just the AAC on the outside walls and use CHB in the interior walls? Thanks again Danial and Marivic

[@PeterParker-hf8ok]

Just don't use chb at all. It's weak.

[@MyPIDream]

I'm becoming a fan of the AAC block usage in builds here but I did identify some inconsistencies relating to proper installation with the homeowner. He voiced the concerns to the builder who will be addressing the issues. I'll bring these up on a follow on episode regarding this build. To be fair and honest, this is the first time this construction team has installed AAC's and there is always a learning curve with learning new techniques.

[@hillbillyintheasia6122]

@@MyPIDream true

[@rtheprizeisright7323]

James I like this aac's If you put a screen front on them in bedded in their outer coat they put on that would be bullet proof. And I don't know the widths it seem much width the sound would just be part of it and there are things on the inside as you know to mitigate sound. You didn't say if this was a couple. foreigner and philippina, or older Philippine company, or who or what will lie in the house. you never said the sizes of the aac's or eec's My audio was terrible, or I'm losing my hearing or both. but usual blocks here as you know are 16"l x8"w x 8"deep. Are those blocks styrofoam as I seen the guy using a handsaw to cut them? Sorry James if these are dumb questions as I know your the man when it comes to this stuff. Great video I hope you and your family are doing well.

[@MyPIDream]

I'll be introducing the owner hopefully at a later date but right now the owner and his parents are renting next to the build site. The blocks are not styrofoam and are more similar to concrete blocks with with the characteristic of having lighter weight aerated materials inside for insulation and sound dampening.

[@jamestodd1419]

I find AAC blocks a fascinating option in building a house and providing earthquake and thermal protection. I will be building near Davao. You mention a problem with hanging a large TV on the wall. What about kitchen wall cabinets or clothes racks attached to the walls in a closet? I also like the possibility of blocking out termites. Thanks for mentioning the AAC blocks. Are contractors familiar with them?

[@MyPIDream]

I'm not the expert on AAC blocks but I would have no problems building cabinets/wardrobes that are floor supported for load weight and use the AAC block wall structure for securing the cabinet to. You will need to speak to your contractor to get a feeling if they are experienced in installing these newer type of wall structures. These block will not be affected by termites but I caution you not to install them in the same manner as you see in this video. The contractor was new to this type of installation and did not follow proper protocol with regards to adhesive and attachment to the columns and beams. I will address this in a follow up episode soon. The contractor can not be blamed as once the problem was identified they removed and replaced the AAC blocks according to instructions from the supplier.

[@jamestodd1419]

@@MyPIDream Thanks for the additional information. While I am not wedded to AAC mateial, I do plan to look into it furthr because of your video and comments. I see I will need to check with contractors to see whether they are experienced with the material. If I decide I want to go with it, I really don't want a rookie.

[@stevetash5032]

We leave for Manila Dec. 6th...taking a road trip around Northern Luzon...looking for places to settle and retire...any suggestions for stops?

[@kevinburns9717]

Baguio

[@MyPIDream]

To be fair, I think it best to spend a few months traveling around and find out what is best for you. Don't depend on someone else's opinion.

[@dwendt44]

I'd be more comfortable with a larger joint overlap between layers.

[@MyPIDream]

I addressed that with the owner and he had the contractor remove all the AAC blocks and do it correctly. I'll do a follow up on this and some other issues I found.

[@PeterParker-hf8ok]

Can you kindly share your AAC supplier please as I leave in Batangas too

[@MyPIDream]

I'll have to ask them the next time I do a site visit but I do know their blocks originally were manufactured in Cebu and shipped to Manila where they purchased them.

[@joefugate9338]

Hi James, How is the build coming along?

[@MyPIDream]

Will be doing an update soon. It's looking really good!

[@joefugate9338]

@@MyPIDream Thanks.

[@jamesbowie6925]

Drives me crazy that they don’t stagger the joints, rubbish builders, was there any mortar on the end of that block?

[@RBV1962]

I have been thinking of foam cement. I wanted that for the purpose of insulation purposes. How is this block with insulation? What is the cost versus foam cement.? I am planning to build in Pangansinan. Thank you

[@MyPIDream]

The insulation factor is based on the aerated added materials to the mix.

[@davidbruce5377]

James, do you think the AAC block can be shaped or cut to create slopes under a window, to shed water?

[@MyPIDream]

You mean like a sill? I would think so.

[@mebeeh761]

Can that AAC be used in wall footing ?

[@MyPIDream]

I would think any normal process used with CHB's would also be applicable to AAC's as the compression strengths are similar. Best bet it to leverage on the skilled knowledge of a licensed engineer.

[@Landmantx]

Why not Insulated Concrete Forms?

[@MyPIDream]

Personal preference and availability.

[@leeroy4188]

Is AAC more expensive than hollow blocks?

[@MyPIDream]

This was explained in the video.

[@douglasharre7156]

Did you watch the video? Apparently not.

[@nidapatchin674]

With all the earthquake and hurricane in the Philippines i don’t think that mortar epoxy that they used would stabilized to support the weight of that wall . I have to agree it is clean ang looks solid , but you have to think what inside on the concrete holding up together ? i only saw small piece of a rebar in the corner how it can reinforce to strengthen under the concrete tension if (god forbid ) there’s a big earthquake ? I am building a house in Manggas but i am not using that type of walls🥴 i don’t wanna get burried under the concrete after disaster hit . just saying 😜😜😜 Nice video James keep it up learning from you a lot 👍 say hi to Ness .

[@MyPIDream]

There were some issues I raised my concerns to the owner regarding how the walls were secured to the beams and columns. The owner voiced the concerns to the contractor and these issues will be resolved. I'll update this on a follow up episode regarding this build.

[@davidbruce5377]

James does it have an R value?

[@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669]

Yes,According to thickness of walls / blocks, Aircrete is very fire retardant, you can put blowtorch on it and not feel heat on the otherside .

[@davidbruce5377]

@@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669 I found out the R-Value. Its 1.25 per inch. Not a lot. For example code in South Florida is minimum R-13 for walls. 6 inch AAC is 7.5 R - value

[@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669]

@@davidbruce5377 not sure where your source of info, but I have not checked into it i have seen a video of it being used in Europe where they have winters, Germany and Belgium I think a YT Clorado vlogger " Aircrete Harry"is constructing Minidomes of Aricrete , and taken tests in winter of how effective the insulating factor is of his methods of building, an Earthquake and Hurricane resistant 9 Feet diameter mini dome, builtin 7 days, he can build bigger easily.

[@kuzinit2374]

I would think a earthquake would nock it over , maybe they should be made with some key-way system so they lock together better , if that wall starts swaying back and forth 2ft it will most likely fall over

[@MyPIDream]

I'm becoming a fan of the AAC block usage in builds here but I did identify some inconsistencies relating to proper installation with the homeowner. He voiced the concerns to the builder who will be addressing the issues. I'll bring these up on a follow on episode regarding this build. To be fair and honest, this is the first time this construction team has installed AAC's and there is always a learning curve with learning new techniques.

[@kuzinit2374]

@@MyPIDream but what I mean by a keyway needs to be a dressed with the block maker, female and male keyways

[@zazz63]

@@kuzinit2374 ...somebody in cebu is doing a kind of tounge in groove block system using this aerated type material with holes for vertical rebar.

[@paulchesney1798]

So would it be a 20 to 25% increase in end cost,or just for that part of the build.

[@MyPIDream]

The 20-25% increase is only for the wall section in comparison to CHB's. This is not a total project price increase.

[@am-fil]

No such word as, air E a tion. It is air A tion. Three syllables not four.

[@SteveP116]

R value ???

[@thebackforty939]

its called foam crete! lol

[@yeroklexi0]

The bad thing is, this people don't use AAC in right way most time the line of brick is not set 50% sidewards. So it's weaker. 🤔

[@MyPIDream]

Agree to agree. 👍🏻

[@trickking1334]

are you well aware that those blocks been on the market since 1920s? Its not something new.

[@zazz63]

like it was mentioned in the video...

[@pinoyhappynetwork]

Pinoys will go to the cheapest. Always. Regardless of quality. 😆

[@lolokanoed]

Love to get some of those blocks for my garage build, but doubt they are sold in Olongapo/Subic area. @LoLoKanoEd

[@malloywest8766]

hello James would you have an email?

[@MyPIDream]

[e-mail]