Gary Beck on Alternative Building Systems

[tanniknar]

This is the best breakdown I have seen of this subject. Favorite!

[bkucinschi]

Based on Gary's analysis, AAC appears to the third preference... It appears that the larger cost of the material is considered a drawback. But don't forget you save a lot in installation cost. AAC remains my personal favorite. I also like ICF, but the forms are HIGHLY FLAMMABLE, and in case of a fire it emits toxic fumes. Even if what''s left is repaired after the fire, it continues to give out some toxic emissions.

[EcoGreenEngineer]

@bkucinschi AAC is limited only by the availability, experience, and capability of installers. If the US was a masonry based residential construction market this would be different, but we are a wood framing based residential market. FYI, a local manufacturer and friend just started producing a new 16x8x8 Aerated Concrete dry stack "Lite Block' block that I find may offer lower installed costs.

[JamesTAlucard]

sorry, 6 inch thick**

[JamesTAlucard]

at 4:35 (SIP strength) is that a six inch peice of osb supporting a lift of plywood?