From on-site practicalities and thermal performance to the comfort and safety of your home, here are 10 reasons why self-builders should choose Celcon Blocks.
Masonry has been the go-to building method in the UK for decades. Robust, resilient and high-performing, new masonry homes are a fantastic option for self-builders.
According to a recent report by market research consultants, Emergen Research, the demand for aircrete is expected to continue growing across the globe and the Government’s Help to Build scheme has been implemented to encourage more people to build their own home. So, what benefits do Celcon Blocks bring self-builders and why should they choose aircrete for their homes?
Achieve a quicker build
For self-builders, delays to construction can be particularly costly, so speeding up your build by using aircrete makes sense. The Emergen Research report found that autoclaved aerated concrete blocks help reduce construction time by about 20%.
Exceptional thermal performance
The inherent thermal properties of aircrete blocks improve a home’s thermal insulation which means that energy bills are reduced. Aircrete blocks are also perfect to accompany the energy saving technologies, like underfloor heating and air source heat pumps, that many self-builders are now factoring into their home’s design.
The thermal properties of aircrete also help make homes comfortable year-round by reducing the effect of temperature extremes in winter and summer.
Enhanced acoustic comfort
Aircrete offers fantastic acoustic insulation, reducing the transfer of sound from room to room. It also helps block out unwanted noises that might come from outside a home.
Eliminate risk of damp, mould & pests
Unsightly and unhealthy, damp and mould are the last things you should see in a modern home. Building materials can also make a home susceptible to pests like termites and vermin, again not something welcome in a family home. Celcon Blocks however, are extremely resistant to all these problems and building with them eliminates the risk of homes being affected.
Better fire performance
Compared to market alternatives like timber frame, aircrete offers superior fire resistance. All aircrete blocks provide excellent fire protection and are classified as A1, non-combustible in accordance with BS EN 771-4. H+H aircrete blocks walls built using our 100mm blocks offer up to four hours fire resistance.
Celcon Blocks are incredibly flexible
Due to their light weight and material composition, aircrete blocks are highly workable. It is easy to accurately cut Celcon Blocks and this can be done on site with a hand saw, enabling aircrete to easily achieve the detailing needed for elements like spandrels and gable ends.
Build to Passivhaus standards
Building walls with aircrete can reduce heat loss in a home and achieve impressive airtightness. Aircrete walls can have extraordinarily low U-Values and are able to meet and even exceed Passivhaus requirements.
Aircrete blocks have multiple applications
Aircrete blocks are an extremely versatile building material. They can provide cost effective solutions for wall, floor and below ground construction, including aircrete foundations.
A sustainable solution
Emergen Research attributes the market revenue growth of autoclaved aerated concrete globally to rising demand for more sustainable building materials and the flexibility of recycling and reuse of waste generated during production.
H+H aircrete is manufactured using Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA), a by-product from coal powered fire stations. Celcon Blocks are made from up to 80% of this recycled material, while waste aircrete generated from the manufacturing process is recycled as an aggregate back into the process.
Build to last
When someone is building their forever home, they want it to be built to last. For those who don’t plan to live in their self-build indefinitely this is no less important as they will want the home to be viewed as a solid investment by any future buyers. H+H is confident in the 100+ years lifespan of its aircrete structures and their ability to provide resilient homes for the generations to come.
If you are interested in building a home with aircrete, visit www.lifetimehouse.co.uk for more information, inspiration and technical support.