Technical properties

Performance of Aircrete

H+H aircrete combines strength, thermal efficiency, fire resistance and acoustic performance in one proven building material.

Built-in performance

One material. Multiple benefits.

The unique cellular structure of aircrete gives it a combination of properties that can help simplify specification and construction. From reducing heat loss and providing effective sound insulation to delivering structural strength and fire resistance, H+H aircrete provides dependable performance across a wide range of building applications.

Compressive strength

Tested to UKAS-accredited standards

At H+H UK, we routinely test our aircrete blocks (autoclaved aerated concrete, AAC) for compressive strength and structural performance using UKAS-accredited procedures. Our blocks consistently exceed required performance standards — but we wanted to know how that strength holds up over time. So we ran a real-world test on our own infrastructure.

Sound insulation

Outstanding acoustic performance

H+H Celcon Blocks deliver excellent sound insulation and acoustic performance, driven by their unique cellular structure of thousands of non-connected air pockets. This structure enables Celcon Blocks to outperform aggregate concrete blocks of similar weight, consistently meeting and exceeding Approved Document E of the UK Building Regulations.

Thermal insulation

Built-in performance for low-energy homes

The millions of air pockets within aircrete provide built-in thermal insulation, along with excellent moisture resistance and sound attenuation. When combined with cavity or solid wall constructions and supplementary insulation, Celcon Blocks easily achieve the current external wall U-value target of 0.18 W/m²K required under Approved Document L.

Fire safety

Fire performance

Aircrete is a non-combustible material that provides excellent resistance to fire. H+H aircrete can be used in a wide range of wall constructions to help meet fire safety requirements, providing dependable performance without the need for additional treatments.

The Pollington test

Putting aircrete to the test

45-year-old blocks

From our own factory walls

In 2023, we took samples from our Pollington plant — built over 45 years ago using H+H aircrete blocks.

Weather-exposed

Decades of UK weather

Blocks were taken from a wall that had been left exposed to the elements for many years (not a recommended practice, but an interesting trial).

Water-soaked

24 hours submerged

A block was also soaked in water for 24 hours before testing — to assess performance under extreme moisture.

Stronger than the day they were made

Every single block easily passed the compressive strength and structural performance tests — whether from the original factory walls, from exposed outdoor conditions, or after being water-soaked. Most strikingly, the 45-year-old block was considerably stronger than when first manufactured — proving that neither age nor harsh treatment diminishes the performance of H+H aircrete.

Where it works

Proven acoustic applications

Flanking walls

Reliable sound transmission control between adjacent spaces

Internal partition walls

Acoustic separation within dwellings

Separating walls between dwellings

Compliance for multi-occupancy residential

Beam and block floor systems

Internal floor systems with acoustic performance

Compliance shortcut

Robust Details® — no on-site testing required

For houses, flats, and apartments, Celcon Blocks used as part of Robust Details® pre-approved acoustic designs can remove the need for pre-completion sound testing (PCT) — provided the build follows Robust Details specifications precisely.

Wall systems

E-WM 6 · E-WM 10 · E-WM 13 · E-WM 15 · E-WM 23 · E-WM 24

Floor systems

E-FC 4 · E-FC 5 · E-FC 8 · E-FC 9

Special cases

Beyond residential

Hotels & similar accommodation

PCT required

Approved Document E still applies, but Robust Details are not recognised for hotels or similar accommodation. Pre-completion acoustic testing is required to demonstrate compliance.

Schools & educational buildings

Building Bulletin 93

H+H aircrete supports designs meeting Building Bulletin 93 Performance Standards. Due to the complexity of educational buildings, early collaboration with an acoustic consultant is recommended.

Day and night

Thermal mass — natural temperature regulation

Warm

In summer

Excess daytime heat is absorbed during the day and released overnight — helping to mitigate overheating

Cold

In winter

Heat absorbed during the day is released gradually, reducing heating demand

Going further

Enhanced thermal performance solutions

Celcon Blocks have been successfully used in Passivhaus, zero carbon, and other ultra-low energy building standards — proving their capability to meet the most demanding thermal performance requirements.

Celcon Foundation Blocks

Reduce heat loss at ground floor level — a key thermal bridge in modern construction

Thin Joint Masonry

Mortar joints reduced from 10 mm to 2 mm — for airtight construction with minimal thermal bridging

Use in extensions

Deliver thermally efficient additional living spaces, maintaining the performance standards of the original building

Specification support

Technical data when you need it

Access the technical information you need to specify H+H aircrete with confidence, including product datasheets, performance data, CAD drawings, calculated Ψ-values, environmental information and supporting technical documentation.

Digital Design Tools

BIM Objects

Download BIM objects for H+H aircrete products to support accurate specification and digital project design.

Improve Energy Performance

Thermal Bridging

Access calculated Ψ-values to help assess thermal bridging and improve the energy performance of your designs.

Design Resources

CAD Details

Download CAD drawings and construction details to support accurate design, specification and installation.

Need Expert Advice?

Technical Support

Our technical team can assist with specifications, U-value calculations, structural design, and product selection.