For autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) cladding, choose Dahlsens. We can supply Eastland AAC and CSR Hebel panels both known for thermal insulation and fire resistance. AAC panels are lightweight and fast to install, ideal for wall cladding, boundary walls, party walls and flooring.
Our suppliers
Eastland AAC
Eastland Building Materials Co. has been specialising in the manufacture of premium AAC panels utilising advanced technology from Europe since 2005. Now one of the largest manufacturers of AAC panels worldwide, Eastland has grown in popularity thanks to the quality construction of the panels, consistency of availability and the growing demand for the benefits of AAC.
CSR Hebel AAC
The Hebel brand was born in 1989, created by the leading Australian brand CSR. Committed to providing aerated concrete products for local builders, CSR created the CSR Hebel brand and built Australia’s first AAC manufacturing plant in Somersby, NSW.
Eastland AAC’s properties stack up: it’s light and strong with a high R Value
Why choose Eastland AAC panels?
- Premium AAC panels produced by a leading global manufacturer
- A quality product at a competitive price
- Light kg/m3 making it easy to handle on site
- With a strong MPa, the panels resist damage during installation
- High Thermal Resistance to help achieve 7 stars
- CodeMark certified (external wall cladding and boundary wall system)
- Steel-reinforced and double-dipped for reliable strength and added corrosion protection
- A cost-effective building materials
- BAL Rated Flame Zone and non-combustive
- Install in days rather than weeks for bricks
- Versatile render finishing options can achieve a range of modern looks
- In stock at Dahlsens, add to your 30 day account
Product range
- 50mm panels: 2400mm – 3000mm
- 75mm panels: 2400mm – 3300mm
- 24mm & 35mm 4.8M Perforated Tophat
- Eastland Adhesive 20kg
Hear the benefits of Eastland AAC
Why choose autoclaved aerated concrete cladding?
High strength performance
Aerated concrete cladding products are reinforced with anti-corrosion steel to provide excellent structural capability and strength. AAC is a high strength product with one-quarter of the density found in regular concrete products.
Excellent thermal performance
Relative to traditional masonry and concrete products, aerated concrete cladding has high thermal insulation properties. As air itself is a poor thermal conductor, the air bubbles present in aerated concrete blocks and panels prevent heat from being easily transferred to the other side. AAC also has naturally airtight characteristics, allowing builders to create airtight building structures which help to prevent heat escaping.
Fast and easy installation
Aerated concrete blocks and panels are lightweight and easy to handle. Installation of AAC panels cladding can be performed quickly, allowing you to minimise on site labour costs and delight your clients with rapid construction.
Sound insulation
AAC blocks and panels have excellent sound insulation properties. They are particularly effective in reducing mid to low frequency sounds thanks to the high surface mass and porous structure of AAC panels.
Ideal fire resistance qualities
AAC blocks and panels are among the highest-rated fire resistant building materials available in Australia. AAC will not explode and is non-combustible. Ideal for buildings in bushfire-prone areas, AAC products typically have high fire ratings and BAL ratings.
Designed for longevity
Like normal concrete, AAC blocks and panels are long lasting and durable. When used in conduction with an appropriate surface coating, aerated concrete cladding is resistant to moisture, rot and termite damage. It is able to withstand the harsh Australian elements better than many other comparable building materials.
A sustainable choice
Autoclaved aerated concrete blocks and panels help buildings meet NCC and state specific energy efficiency targets with their airtight and thermal insulation qualities. Using AAC blocks and panels can also help buildings to receive credits under sustainable building certificate programs and schemes such as:
- GreenStar
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
- NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System)
Eco-conscious clients will appreciate that autoclaved aerated concrete blocks and panels result in less embodied energy and emissions over time when compared to a normal concrete block or panel.
Non toxic
Autoclaved aerated concrete blocks and panels do not contain any toxic substances and will not harbour or attract vermin.
Versatile applications
AAC panels have an extensive range of suitable applications. If you enjoy working with a consistent building material across projects, aerated concrete is not limited to cladding. AAC can be used for applications such as:
Residential houses, multi-residential builds and apartments
- External walls
- Zero party walls
- Intertenancy and party walls
- Corridor walls
- Shaft walls
- Services walls
- Floors
- Fences
- High rise facades
- Balcony blades
Civil and utilities
- Fire walls
- Acoustic / Firewalls
- Sound barriers
Commercial and industrial
- External walls
- Internal walls
- Fire tunnels
- Intertenancy walls
- Corridor walls
- Shaft walls
- Services walls
- High rise facades
- Balcony blades
- Floors
Autoclaved aerated concrete manufacturing process
AAC is used widely on construction sites all over the world, and the technology to produce commercial quantities of AAC was developed more than 70 years ago in Scandinavia. The raw materials used in AAC production are sand (silica), lime, cement and water.
Mixing
The raw materials are mixed and combined with an expansion agent. Each manufacturer may differ in the expansion agent used, although small amounts of aluminium paste or powder are popular choices. Once mixed, the result is a semi-liquid product called ‘slurry’.
Moulding
Manufactures use moulds to form AAC blocks or panels. If a reinforced panel is being created, the steel mesh reinforcement will be placed into the mould while it is empty. Any anti-corrosion coatings or similar protections are applied to the steel prior to this placement. Once the mould is suitably prepared, the slurry mix is carefully poured into the mould.
Chemical reactions
When the slurry is poured, a series of chemical reactions take place between the raw ingredients. These chemical reactions cause hydrogen to form, which then causes the slurry mix to rise in the mould. When the hydrogen gas dissipates, it leaves behind a large number of tiny, finely dispersed air pockets. These air pockets are the key factor for how AAC is so much lighter than traditional concrete, while remaining strong and retaining excellent thermal insulation properties. This stage is called the ‘pre-curing’ stage.
Cutting
When the slurry has become more solid (but is still soft and malleable), it is removed from the moulds. The resulting product is cut as needed in order to ensure all panels and blocks are the correct size. Any waste created at this stage is recycled.
Curing
Finally, the now consistently sized blocks and panels are baked under high levels of heat and steam pressure. This hardens or ‘cures’ the mix, which is the final step in the AAC manufacturing process.
Sustainable manufacturing at Hebel
The manufacturing process of ACC is eco-friendly when compared to traditional masonry products commonly used in construction projects. All green waste from the pre-autoclaved Hebel products are returned to the green mix for reuse. AAC makes excellent clean fill and road base, so it is able to be easily recycled and repurposed post-autoclaving as well.
Hebel are committed to ongoing sustainability practices and innovation.
The Dahlsens difference
Here at Dahlsens, we’re with you every step of the way. From providing expert advice right through to delivery and installation, your dedicated Dahlsens representative will be your single point of contact.
In addition to our convenient 30 day trade accounts, we offer flexible pick up and delivery options to suit your schedule. We can schedule your deliveries to arrive on site according to your project schedule.
Need some advice?
If you’re new to aerated concrete products or aren’t sure which option is right for your project, we’re here to help. The Dahlsens team of experts can provide professional advice to help you choose the right product for every job. For more detailed advice, simply send us your project plans and we can make recommendations for materials, products and even colours to suit every budget and application.
Warranties
Here at Dahlsens, we know that your time is valuable. We pride ourselves on maintaining excellent relationships with our suppliers and in the unlikely event that you experience a quality issue with any of your Dahlsens supplied AAC products, we put those relationships to work. Simply contact us with a few details about the issue you’re experiencing, and we’ll take care of the rest. Forget spending hours on the phone organising a warranty repair or replacement. With Dahlsens, you can focus on your construction site knowing that we’re negotiating a winning solution with the supplier on your behalf.
Aerated concrete cladding FAQs
Reinforced AAC Standards (AS 5146:2015 Parts 1-3)
In 2015 Standards Australia approved and published a set of standards for reinforced AAC, known as AS 5146:2015 (Parts 1-3). These standards help guide the use of reinforced AAC in designs and construction within Australia.
AS 5146 (Parts1-3) were referenced in the Building Code of Australia in May 2016, making Reinforced AAC a ‘deemed to satisfy’ (DTS) building material. This means that if builders and installers construct a building using the details provided in AS 5146, (Part 3), it should make for easier certification of the building by the relevant building certification authority. All Hebel products and systems are compliant with AS 5146 (Parts 1-3).
What is AAC?
AAC panels, or autoclaved aerated concrete panels, are lightweight, precast building material made from concrete and a foaming agent.
This mixture undergoes a chemical reaction that introduces air bubbles, creating an aerated structure. The panels are then cured in an autoclave – a high-pressure steam chamber – which gives them strength and durability. Once set, the AAC is cut into panels or blocks to be used as building materials.
Can aerated concrete cladding help reduce energy costs?
Yes, aerated concrete cladding provides excellent thermal insulation, which helps regulate indoor temperatures. This can reduce heating and cooling costs, making it an energy-efficient choice.
How is aerated concrete cladding installed?
Aerated concrete cladding is usually installed as prefabricated panels attached to the building’s exterior. These panels are secured with specialised fixings, and a finish such as render, paint, or other coatings can be applied to achieve the desired appearance.
Is aerated concrete cladding resistant to moisture?
Aerated concrete has some moisture resistance, but it is porous and should be properly sealed or finished to prevent water absorption. Applying a protective coating, such as paint or render, helps increase moisture resistance.