Concrete, ceramics, silicates, and expanded clay concrete are currently the most popular solutions for building walls. Each of these materials has different properties, costs, and construction requirements, so the right choice always depends on the type of building to be constructed and the investor's priorities and objectives. Choosing the right solution can save money and shorten the project implementation time. To do this, it is necessary to pay attention to the parameters, price, and insulating properties of individual materials. 

Aerated concrete

Aerated concrete (gas concrete) consists of lightweight blocks with a porous structure, thanks to which effective thermal insulation is one of its main advantages. It is most often used for the construction of single-layer walls that do not have insulation. The good thermal insulation parameters of aerated concrete are therefore ideal for building this type of wall. The blocks are laid in layers, joined with adhesive mortar or assembly foam, and finished with plaster. This technology requires considerable care, as walls without additional insulation must be airtight. Concrete blocks are also easy to work with, which significantly speeds up construction work.

Porous ceramics

Ceramic blocks are one of the most commonly chosen materials used in multi-family and single-family housing construction. They are used to build partition and exterior walls. They are produced by firing a mixture of natural clay and wood flour. The fired components form characteristic air-filled holes, which enhance the thermal insulation properties of this building material. It is also fire-resistant and vapor-permeable. However, porous ceramics are more fragile than traditional ceramics.

Silicates (lime-sand blocks)

Silicates are made from natural raw materials such as quartz sand, burnt lime, and water, so their advantage is that they do not contain any substances harmful to the environment. They are also distinguished by a high degree of frost resistance and low water absorption. Due to their high density, they also have excellent sound insulation properties. Their disadvantage, however, is poor thermal insulation – silicate walls almost always require solid insulation.

Expanded clay concrete 

It is also known as lightweight concrete, whose main component is expanded clay granulate, which has unique properties. Expanded clay is produced by firing clay at a very high temperature, which forms granules with a porous structure. It is valued for its high insulation and fire resistance, as well as its lightness and durability. Expanded clay blocks are a suitable solution for people prone to allergies, as this material does not retain moisture, which is an environment conducive to the growth of fungi and mold.

Choosing the right material for walls

There is no single “best” material – the choice should be based on the function of the building, energy requirements, budget, and the investor's expectations in terms of acoustic comfort and construction time. Aerated concrete often wins out in single-family homes focused on energy efficiency and simple technology, ceramics offer a compromise between tradition, durability, and performance, and silicate blocks are ideal where reliability and acoustics are important.

Therefore, before making a choice, it is worth comparing not only the price of the block or hollow brick, but the entire wall system: the thickness and cost of insulation, foundation requirements, labor time, and the ease of achieving the target energy standard.