Aircrete block manufacturer H+H has lowered the density of its high strength and super strength grade Celcon blocks from 750 kg/m3 to 700 kg/m3. This has led to an improvement in thermal conductivity, H+H says, as well as lighter weight blocks.
The change has been accredited by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) in a new certificate issued to the manufacturer.
H+H technical director Cliff Fudge said: “Reducing the weight of our large format blocks has been an objective of our production and R&D teams for some time. We set out to make them easier and safer to handle on and manoeuvre around site but were conscious that we did not want to diminish the existing beneficial characteristics of the blocks.
“I am very pleased to say we have accomplished exactly what we set out to do. The blocks are essentially a lighter breed of the exact same product as before. The construction solutions they provide still meet, and in some cases exceed, all of the requirements set out by both building regulations and the NHBC in terms of fire ratings and acoustic and thermal performance.”
The thermal conductivity of the blocks is now 0.18 W/mK, down from 0.19 W/mK, enabling U-Values to be reduced further and diminishing heat loss at junctions.
The high and super strength grade Celcon blocks are available in thicknesses of 100mm, 140mm and 150mm. The high strength grade Celcon blocks are also available in a thickness of 215mm, weighing less than the HSE maximum block weight requirements of 20kg. A range of blocks suitable for foundations is also available.
H+H says that these blocks are typically used where higher compressive strengths are required. They can be used throughout a building regardless of whether it is a cavity or solid wall, single or multi-storey build.