In most countries with cold climates, including Russia, the production of aerated concrete is on a large scale. In our country alone there are more than six hundred successful enterprises. Thanks to their products, custom construction has taken on a wide scale, and warm, durable homes are springing up like mushrooms. Let’s figure out which manufacturers of aerated concrete blocks offer the best range and price, and what quality of these products can be considered ideal.
Rating of aerated concrete blocks by quality
Not long ago, a well-known Russian construction magazine conducted research on the autoclaved aerated concrete market, which made it possible to better assess the reasons for the surge in popularity of aerated concrete that has been observed in recent years. Experts not only surveyed enterprises, but also, with the goal of checking data on production capacities, equipment and technological processes, visited factories in person.
Basically five factors were assessed:
- line power;
- actual production volumes;
- availability of raw materials;
- characteristics of the products issued;
- price.
When assessing capacity, two groups were identified: enterprises with foreign technological complexes, and those that produce aerated concrete using Soviet equipment from the Khrushchev era. True, in recent years almost all of them have been modernized and refurbished.
- In total, at the time of the study, there were 66 operating enterprises producing autoclaved (synthesized) aerated concrete - of sufficient quality and with precise geometry. It is not difficult to guess that factories equipped with high-quality imported equipment have much more significant capacity.
- The main components of aerated concrete are two types of binders: lime and Portland cement, a source of silica (sand or fly ash) and a gas-forming agent. The enterprises whose products turned out to be the best in terms of price have their own resources for producing lime, but not all were able to achieve the highest quality of the manufactured blocks.
- It's all about the quality of the lime itself. According to the standard, its activity should be 70% or more, and the extinction time range should be 5-25 minutes. The bulk of domestic factories producing this binder supply lime with a slaking time of no more than 3 minutes.
- With its use, gas evolution occurs too actively, and this slows down the hardening of the mixture and contributes to the formation of hairline cracks on the blocks. Hence the difference in the quality of aerated concrete from different manufacturers.
- The choice of silica raw materials also influences the price of products. Ideally, it should be quartz sand, but some enterprises, although there are not many of them, use fly ash. It is much cheaper than sand and makes it possible to reduce production costs, but is not as effective in production. In Europe, this component is not used in production at all.
- The third factor influencing the price of the final product is the gas-forming agent - aluminum powder or paste. Powder is cheaper, but does not contribute to obtaining a high quality initial mixture - it generates dust, and to make a high-quality suspension, you need to add a surfactant. The paste is a quarter more expensive, but it is safer in production and improves the quality of the block, which is why the overwhelming number of manufacturers use it.
Sergey Yurievich
Construction of houses, extensions, terraces and verandas.
Ask a Question
The most accurate compliance of the raw materials used with GOST requirements, and, accordingly, the production of a truly high-quality product, made it possible for individual manufacturers to enter the NAAG (National Association of Aerated Concrete Manufacturers). We will introduce our readers to the products of some of these enterprises.
Recommendations for visual inspection of the product before purchase
One of the most motivating factors to purchase is personal inspection of aerated concrete blocks . The criteria for choosing a manufacturer in this case come down to the condition of the product and its appearance. There are a large number of suppliers of this building material on the market, and most produce products of decent quality.
To eliminate product defects, damage received during delivery and counterfeits during external inspection, the key points are:
- Correct geometry . The edges of the blocks must be smooth, and the surface of the product must be free of chips, raised reliefs and flaws
- Color . A good product (autoclaved) has a light and uniform gray color
- Package . High-quality aerated concrete is produced in durable sealed packaging with a pallet. All copies of the pallet must have a quality certificate, batch number and other information about it
You should choose autoclaved aerated concrete, since it meets all the characteristics and requirements, and is produced in large factories.
Features of aerated concrete production in the Moscow region and other regions of the Central Federal District
One of the regions most saturated with aerated concrete per capita was and remains the Central District of the country. For quite a long time, new enterprises opened here every year, and there were more of them than those that closed. So, the increase in the volume of production of this product in the region remained positive all the time.
Most factories opened in the period 2011-2014. In the Moscow region alone, four were launched, which are still very successfully operating today, Elgad-ZSI (El-Block), Dmitrovsky with the Aerostone brand and Egoryevsky (produces CUBI blocks).
In the district as a whole, during the same period of time, the Klintsovsky silicate plant, producing EuroBlock, was put into operation in the Bryansk region. In the Ryazan region, under the auspices of the LLC EKO-Zoloprodukt Ryazan enterprise, a new brand Poritep was launched, and in the Ivanovo region - LLC Gazobeton. Later, already in 2016, Kaluga aerated concrete was launched - and this despite the fact that GRAS-Maloyaroslavets was already working in this area at that time.
Many of these enterprises belong to the same group of Bonolit enterprises - this is where we will begin our review.
Bonolit Group
Having united seven factories producing synthetic aerated concrete under its auspices, Bonolit Group has become one of the largest not only in the region, but also in the country. She owns two popular brands, so we will talk about them in one chapter.
The Bonolit trademark was developed back in 2007, and a few years later a new material entered the market. The main enterprise producing it was an existing plant in the Moscow region (Staraya Kupavna), which was renovated and overhauled with equipment from Holland HESS AAC Systems.
The first gas silicate block of the Bonolit brand was released in October 2011. Later, another brand, Poritep, appeared, under which the EKO-Zoloprodukt plant in the Ryazan region began to produce aerated cement concrete.
In addition to these two enterprises, the Bonolit group of companies owns such factories as:
- Bonolith Kaluga in Maloyaroslavets.
- Aerobel in the Kursk region and Belgorod.
- DZGI in Dmitrov (Aerostone).
- Poritep NN in Bogorodsk, Nizhny Novgorod region.
Bonolit factories produce two products that are fundamentally different in composition. The main binder in gas silicate is lime, thanks to which the blocks acquire an almost white color and excellent strength. Poritep blocks contain more cement, which is flavored with an active mineral additive called “aluminosilicate microsphere” - it is this that, in case of calcium deficiency, allows one to increase the strength of concrete stone.
Of the listed plants, half produce Bonolit gas silicate, and half produce Poritep cement block. Their characteristics and range are different, so we will talk about them separately.
Bonolit - gas silicate
The easiest way to present the assortment is in the form of a table:
| Category | Density (kg/m3) | Strength class | Dimensions in mm |
| Thermal insulation | 200 | B0.5 | Length 600 Height 200 and 250 Widths 100, 150, 250 and 300 |
| Wall | 300 400 500 600 | B1.5/B2 B2/B2.5 B2.5/B3.5 B3.5 | Length 600 and 625 Height 200, 250 and 300 Widths 200, 250, 300, 350, 375, 400 and 450 |
| Septal | 400 500 600 | B2.5 B2.5/B3.5 B3.5 | Length 600 Height 200, 250 and 300 Width 50; 75; 100; 125; 150 and 175 |
| U-blocks | 500 | B2.5 | Length 500 Height 200, 250 Width 200-500 |
| Jumpers | 400 600 | B2.5 B3.5 | 3000x200x250 Length 1200-3000 Width 100-300 Height 250 |
In the fall of 2022, 1m3 of Bonolit blocks costs 8000-8500 rubles.
Poritep – cement block
Now let's look at the range of Poritep blocks:
| Category | Density (kg/m3) | Strength class | Dimensions in mm |
| Thermal insulation | 200 | B0.5 | Length 625 Height 200 and 250 Width 100, 150 and 300 |
| Wall | 300 400 500 600 | B1.5/B2 B2/B2.5 B2.5/B3.5 B3.5 | Length 625 Height 200 and 250 Widths 200, 250, 300, 350, 375, 400, 450 and 500 |
| Septal | 400 500 600 | B2.5 B2.5/B3.5 B3.5 | Length 600 Height 250 Width 50; 75; 100; 125; 150 and 175 |
| U-blocks | 500 | B2.5 | Length 500 and 600 Height 250 Width 200-500 |
| Jumpers | 400 600 | B2.5 B3.5 | Length 1200-3000 Width 100-300 Height 250 |
The cost of cement blocks is slightly lower than that of gas silicate, so Poritep costs about 7000-7100 rubles.
Egoryevsky aerated concrete
EZSM was put into operation in 2012 and quickly became one of the largest manufacturers of autoclaved aerated concrete in the Moscow region, producing blocks under the CubiBlock brand. The company has a German Masa Henke production line installed, which allows it to produce up to 500,000 m3 of aerated concrete per year. The Yegoryevsky plant is a member of the NAAG association, this in itself confirms that the products are of excellent quality.
This is what the range of aerated concrete from EZSM looks like:
| Category | Density (kg/m3) | Strength class | Dimensions in mm |
| Wall | 500 600 | B3.5 B3.5 | Length 600 and 625 Height 200 and 250 Width 200, 250, 300, 350, 375, 400 |
| Septal | 500 600 | B3.5 B3.5 | Length 600 Height 250 Width 75; 100; 125; 150 |
| U-blocks | 500 | B2.5 | Length 500 Height 250 Width 200-400 |
The price level for CubiBlock in 2022 is about 7,800 rubles/m3. Please note that thermal insulation blocks and lintels are not included in the plant’s product range.
Type and characteristics
Based on their purpose and characteristics, there are three types of blocks:
- Structural. According to GOST, the density is 900-1200 kg/m 3. Thermal insulation properties are at a relatively low level, which requires additional insulation.
- Thermal insulation. Available in two types: D500 and D. The gas block has a low level of thermal conductivity. Combines sufficient strength and high thermal resistance. It is used for the thermal insulation casing of buildings and the construction of light interior partitions. Aerated blocks allow you to maintain optimal temperature conditions in your home.
- Structural and thermal insulation. They combine the properties of the two previous types. Optimal combination of strength and thermal insulation. Blocks of the D500-D900 brand are suitable for houses with several floors without additional insulation. Mainly used for walls and partitions.
Considering the production technology, autoclaved and non-autoclaved aerated concrete are distinguished.
There is a classification according to the main binder component in the material. According to this criterion, the block is divided into: lime, cement, slag, ash and mixed.
Aerated concrete: dimensions, how much they weigh
The size of the gas block depends on the purpose. At the same time, the values are different, which allows you to choose the material for the construction of a certain structure.
The sizes of aerated concrete blocks are as follows:
| Block type | Length | Height | Thickness |
| smooth | 600 | 200 | from 200 to 500 |
| septal | 600 | 200 | up to 150 |
| for jumper | 500 | 200 | 250-400 |
The weight of the material varies, differing in the number of voids and sizes. By comparison, the D600 200x250x600 gas block weighs about 24 kg. When a material gets wet, its specific gravity increases. This is taken into account during transportation.
What thickness and density
The brand of aerated concrete is determined by density. Thus, a standard size D600 gas block has a weight of 600 kg/m 3 . This parameter affects the strength and thermal insulation of gas blocks. As strength increases, heat loss increases, and vice versa. These features are taken into account when choosing material for raising walls and partitions.
Low density is determined by the presence of a large number of voids that impede heat transfer. Therefore, blocks with a low index are used to create a thermal insulation coat for buildings and individual structures. The thickness of the constructed wall also influences the outcome. The wider the block, the lower the heat loss of the structure.
Aeroc is the best brand in the Northwestern Federal District
Aerated blocks under the Aeroc brand are produced by LSR Holding. Wall ones." He owns the Aerok SPb plant, created on the basis of the Setrolovsky aerated concrete plant, and a plant in Kikerino, Leningrad region. Since 2020, both plants have been producing products under the LSR Aerated Concrete brand. The undoubted advantage of this manufacturer is its own raw material reserves, which makes it possible to ensure the quality of manufactured products.
| Category | Density (kg/m3) | Strength class | Dimensions in mm |
| Wall | 300 400 500 600 | B2 B2.5 B2.5/B3.5 B3.5 | Length 625 Height 250 Width 200, 250, 300, 350, 375, 400 |
| Septal | 400 500 600 | В2.5 В2.5/В3.5 В3.5 | Length 625 Height 250 Width 75; 100; 150 |
| U-blocks | 500 | B2.5 | Length 500 Height 250 Width 250, 300, 375, 400 |
Price per cubic meter – 8490 rubles.
Aerated concrete in the Volga Federal District
The Middle Urals is a key region where the main raw material reserves of the country are concentrated, so the production of building materials is very actively developing here. The largest company in this area is PTZHB (Permtranszhelezobeton), which produces aerated concrete under the Betokam brand at one of its factories.
Betokam (Overyat plant)
The Betokam brand became widely known about 10 years ago, when the Overyat plant, which previously specialized only in the production of prefabricated reinforced concrete structures, began producing a wide selection of aerated concrete blocks. Moreover, the catalog also contains structural blocks with a density of D700.
This is what the range of aerated concrete products from this company looks like:
| Category | Density (kg/m3) | Strength class | Dimensions in mm |
| Wall | 400 500 600 700 | 2 V2.5 V3.5 B4.5 | Length 600 Height 200 and 250 Width 300 and 400 |
| Septal | 400 500 600 700 | В2 В2.5 В3.5 В4.5 | Length 600 Height 300 Width 100 |
The price of Betokam aerated concrete varies greatly depending on the density:
- D400 - 4700 rub/m3;
- D500 - 4500 rub/m3;
- D600 – 5500 rub/m3;
- D700 – 6000 rub/m3.
Ulyanovsk aerated concrete
The products of the Teplon gas silicate products plant have gained considerable popularity in their region, although the range of blocks by standard size is not as extensive as that of the manufacturers presented above.
| Category | Density (kg/m3) | Strength class | Dimensions in mm |
| Wall | 400 500 600 | B2 B2.5 B3.5 | Length 625 Height 200 and 250 Width 200, 300 and 400 |
| Septal | 500 600 | B2.5 B3.5 | Length 625 Height 250 Width 100 and 150 |
| U-blocks | 500 | B2.5 | Length 500 Height 250 Width 250, 300 and 400 |
ena - 6500 rub/m3 for walls, and 6600 rub/m3 for partitions.
Which gas silicate blocks to choose for building a shed
Gas silicate blocks for building a shed must withstand frost down to -25 ⁰C or more, have good sound insulation and last 50 years or more.
On a note!
In accordance with regulations, sheds made of any materials, including gas blocks, should be installed at least 15 m from a residential building. The distance from the fence is at least 4 m. Therefore, the thickness of the gas silicate is taken into account when marking the future structure.
To build a shed along with a garage, choose a place closer to the border of the site. For an outbuilding - closer to the house, and for an outbuilding - near the plantings. The walls should be made of grade D400 in 1 block with a thickness of 2500 to 3000 mm.
Manufacturers of aerated concrete in the Southern Federal District
If private construction is developed anywhere, it is in the south of the country. The largest manufacturer here is the KSMK-VKBlok holding, which owns three factories:
- Vasyurinsky (stanitsa near Krasnodar), introduced in 2010;
- Gulkevichi (Krasnodar Territory), introduced in September 2015;
- Kadamovsky (Rostov region), commissioned in 2022.
VKBlok - assortment
An excellent assortment and a low price (5,200 rubles/m3) with good quality - what else does a developer need to be happy?
| Category | Density (kg/m3) | Strength class | Dimensions in mm |
| Wall | 400 500 600 | В2.5 В2.5/В3.5 В3.5 | Length 625 Height 200 and 250 Width 200, 240, 300, 400 |
| Septal | 400 500 600 | В2.5 В2.5/В3.5 В3.5 | Length 625 Height 250 Width 100; 150 |
| U-blocks | 500 | B2.5 | Length 500 and 625 Height 250 Width 250, 300, 400 |
Masiks
Masix brand aerated concrete, which is produced by two factories of the KDSM company - in Rostov-on-Don and Krasnodar, is also worthy of attention. There is only one density option available so far - D500, but the size range is quite extensive and the price is quite reasonable - 5,000 rubles / m3.
| Category | Density (kg/m3) | Strength class | Dimensions in mm |
| Wall | 500 | B2.5/B3.5 | Length 625 Height 200 and 250 Width 200, 240, 300, 400 |
| Septal | 500 | B2.5 | Length 625 Height 250 Width 100; 150 |
Porevit - wall materials plant in the Urals Federal District
, founded in 2009, is located in Yalutorovsk, Tyumen region, and is part of the largest holding company in the region, “Partner,” specializing in the production of a wide variety of materials for civil construction. The holding owns its own sand quarry - and sand, as you know, is the main ingredient of any concrete.
| Category | Density (kg/m3) | Strength class | Dimensions in mm |
| Wall | 500 600 | B2.5 B3.5 | Length 625 Height 250 Width 200, 300, 400 |
| Septal | 500 | B2.5 | Length 625 Height 250 Width 100 |
| U-blocks | 500 | B2.5 | Length 625 Height 250 Width 200, 300, 400 |
The price of Porevit blocks in the fall of 2022 is 5,100 rubles/m3.
