1709A BSA Twin Towers, Bank Drive Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, 1550

(+632) 535 7861 | (+632) 263 1655 | (+63928) 695 8545 | (+632) 549 64275
info@starkenph.com ﾧ | sales@starkenph.com |
technical@starkenph.com ﾧ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is STÄRKEN Autoclave Aerated Concrete (AAC) Block?

• STÄRKEN Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Block is a lightweight, precast

building product used around the world as a superior substitute for traditional
concrete hollow blocks and clay bricks. It is available in blocks and panels of
various sizes. STÄRKEN AAC Blocks are ideal material for infill walls, firewalls,
sound insulated walls, floors, and roof systems.

What does autoclaving mean?

• An autoclave is a pressure chamber used to carry out industrial processes

requiring elevated temperature and pressure different from ambient air
pressure. The high-pressure, steam-curing mechanism in the autoclave
facilitates the curing process of the modulated lightweight concrete,
producing physically and chemically stable products that weigh about 1/5 of
normal concrete.

Why are STÄRKEN AAC Blocks considered as a Green Building product?

• Raw Materials of STÄRKEN AAC Blocks consist of Recycled Post-Industrial

Waste.
o Up to 70% of the raw materials in STÄRKEN AAC Blocks is fly ash which is
an abundant raw material for construction.
 Uses Non-polluting Manufacturing process
o STÄRKEN AAC Blocks use a closed-loop manufacturing process so that
nothing is ever released other than clean steam. Product trimmings, slurry
and water are reprocessed, and steam is reused whenever possible.
 Efficient Use of Resources
o The end product is approximately 80% entrained air and 20% mass. Thus
the finished product is 5 times the volume of the raw materials consumed
in its production.
 Contributes to Low Energy Consumption
o STÄRKEN AAC Blocks results in tremendous energy savings for heating and
cooling the building

Are STÄRKEN AAC Blocks a new kind of building material?

“Unless the Lord builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain” – Psalm 127:1
 STÄRKEN PHILIPPINES, INC.
1709A BSA Twin Towers, Bank Drive Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, 1550
(+632) 535 7861 | (+632) 263 1655 | (+63928) 695 8545 | (+632) 549 64275
info@starkenph.com ﾧ | sales@starkenph.com |
technical@starkenph.com ﾧ

• No. AAC blocks were invented over 70 years ago in Sweden. Since then, it has
gained acceptance around the world especially in Europe, Middle East, North
America, China, Asia, and now in the Philippines.

What are the material components of STÄRKEN AAC Blocks?

• STÄRKEN AAC Blocks are made using a slurry mix containing cement, sand,
lime and aerating agent.

Does installation of STÄRKEN AAC Blocks require a highly experienced

mason?

• No, the application procedure is simpler and involves fewer steps than with
conventional concrete wall systems. Hence, any ordinary mason can carry out
the STÄRKEN AAC Blocks wall work after minimal training. Please refer to our
Installation Manual.

What type of finishes are available for STÄRKEN AAC Blocks?

• Many of the conventional exterior finishing system such as one coat plastering
and two coat systems can be used over STÄRKEN AAC Blocks as an exterior
finish. Other options such as stucco, acrylic finishes, brick, stone, siding, or
approved paints can also be used. On the inside of the building, STÄRKEN AAC
Blocks may be directly finished with Gypsum boards sheetrock, plaster,
stucco, wood panel or tiles.

Is STÄRKEN AAC Blocks Load-Bearing?

• Yes. Only block thickness 6” & above are suitable for use as load-bearing
walls.

Are STÄRKEN AAC Blocks water resistant?

• STÄRKEN AAC Blocks have a honeycomb structure and the pores in the blocks
are discontinuous. This prevents any capillary action taking place in blocks
and hence does not allow water to pass through it.

• STÄRKEN AAC Blocks will actually float on water.

How is concealed wiring installed in STÄRKEN AAC Block walls?

“Unless the Lord builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain” – Psalm 127:1
 STÄRKEN PHILIPPINES, INC.
1709A BSA Twin Towers, Bank Drive Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, 1550
(+632) 535 7861 | (+632) 263 1655 | (+63928) 695 8545 | (+632) 549 64275
info@starkenph.com ﾧ | sales@starkenph.com |
technical@starkenph.com ﾧ

• Easily, there are standard methods for installing wiring in STÄRKEN AAC Block
walls.

o The walls are built first.

o The electrician draws directly on the block to indicate where the wires will
go.
o The AAC installer uses a manual or electric router to cut channels on the
inside of the walls.
o After the electrician installs the wiring, the wall is plastered or filled with
regular plaster, which allows a clean crack free smooth finish to wall.
o Requires no pre-planning, and changes are easily made. Conduits are
usually required. Extra switches and receptacles can still be added by the
routing method.

Can STÄRKEN AAC Blocks bear the load of wall hung fixtures and furniture?

• Yes. STÄRKEN AAC Blocks can easily bear the load of wall hung fixtures
and furniture. Nails can be easily hammered or drilled. A 6mm nylon tox
screw can hold up to 25kg and a 10mm anchor bolt can hold up to 250kg.

Can you use other adhesive brands for joining STÄRKEN AAC Blocks?

• No. STÄRKEN Thin Bed Adhesive is specially designed for binding STÄRKEN
AAC Blocks.

Do STÄRKEN AAC Blocks need waterproofing for exterior walls?

• Yes. We supply STÄRKEN Render with waterproofing capabilities for exterior

walls.

Do STÄRKEN AAC Blocks require thermal insulation?

• Almost never. STÄRKEN AAC Block walls are insulated by millions of tiny air
cells which reduce thermal conductivity. The thick walls also benefit from high
thermal mass. STÄRKEN AAC Block walls at least 6" thick typically provide
sufficient insulation in extreme climates.

How long is the curing time for the wall before application of skim coat can
begin?

• STÄRKEN AAC Walls are ready to accept skim coat right after installation, no
curing time.

Can STÄRKEN AAC Blocks be used for basement exterior walls?

“Unless the Lord builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain” – Psalm 127:1
 STÄRKEN PHILIPPINES, INC.
1709A BSA Twin Towers, Bank Drive Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, 1550
(+632) 535 7861 | (+632) 263 1655 | (+63928) 695 8545 | (+632) 549 64275
info@starkenph.com ﾧ | sales@starkenph.com |
technical@starkenph.com ﾧ

• No. Due to the extreme horizontal pressures exerted by backfilling, concrete

poured walls with additional vertical rebar reinforcement should be used, as
specified by a qualified structural engineer.

Can STÄRKEN AAC Blocks be used for pool or pond walls?

• No. Due to the extreme horizontal pressures exerted by the water weight,
concrete poured walls with additional vertical rebar reinforcement should be
used, as specified by a qualified structural engineer.

Are STÄRKEN AAC Blocks applicable for projects near the sea?

• Yes, STÄRKEN AAC Blocks is extremely durable and applicable for projects
near the sea because it does not rot or decay like wood or other organic
materials. It does not rust like metal.

Are STÄRKEN AAC Blocks advisable for use in high-rise buildings?

• Yes, being lightweight (1/3 weight of concrete hollow blocks), STÄRKEN AAC
Blocks are highly recommended for high-rise buildings and help in reduction of
total dead load of structure which directly helps in structural savings up to
25%.

Are STÄRKEN AAC Blocks resistant to earthquake?

• Yes, being lightweight it reduces the impact of earthquake forces on fixed

structure and increases chances of withstanding damages.

Does the STÄRKEN AAC Blocks System increase the overall earthquake
resistance of a building?

• Yes. The earthquake resistance of a building is proportional to the dead load of

the structure. Thus the lighter the building the higher the resistance it has to
an earthquake.

How durable is STÄRKEN AAC Blocks in various climates?

• STÄRKEN AAC Blocks are extremely durable. It does not rot or decay like wood
or other organic materials. It does not rust like metal. Termites and other pests
do not eat it. STÄRKEN AAC Blocks will not burn. The millions of tiny cells in
STÄRKEN AAC Blocks cushion buildings from major force, preventing

“Unless the Lord builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain” – Psalm 127:1
 STÄRKEN PHILIPPINES, INC.
1709A BSA Twin Towers, Bank Drive Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, 1550
(+632) 535 7861 | (+632) 263 1655 | (+63928) 695 8545 | (+632) 549 64275
info@starkenph.com ﾧ | sales@starkenph.com |
technical@starkenph.com ﾧ

progressive collapse. AAC blocks have withstood earthquakes in Japan, and

the frigid temperatures of northern Europe.

What is the lifespan of STÄRKEN AAC Blocks?

• 100 Years.

Will workers be trained in installation of STÄRKEN AAC Blocks?

• Yes. Demo training will be conducted upon initial delivery on site by an official
STÄRKEN technical personnel.

How long will it take for the shipment to get to the Philippines?

• The shipment process will take 45 days from STÄRKEN Malaysia to STÄRKEN
Philippines, cleared in customs and ready to be delivered to clients.

What is the minimum order?

• Minimum of 5 pallets order for free delivery within Metro Manila. Any orders
below the minimum order and orders for delivery outside Metro Manila will be
charged with freight costs.

Are the tools included in the pricing per square meter?

• No. The tools such as thin bed adhesive, trowels, brackets, and carbide saw
are not included in the price per sqm. However, these will be included in the
final Sales Quotation in relation to quantity of blocks required.

Are there other skim coat and render colors?

• No. STÄRKEN Skim Coat and Render are only grey in color.

Could STÄRKEN AAC Blocks be stored in an open area?

• Yes. It can be stored in an open, secure storage facility.

How do I place orders?

“Unless the Lord builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain” – Psalm 127:1
 STÄRKEN PHILIPPINES, INC.
1709A BSA Twin Towers, Bank Drive Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, 1550
(+632) 535 7861 | (+632) 263 1655 | (+63928) 695 8545 | (+632) 549 64275
info@starkenph.com ﾧ | sales@starkenph.com |
technical@starkenph.com ﾧ

• You can email your area requirement to STÄRKEN Philippines office and a sales
quotation with blocks and accessories needed will be provided.

Do you have credit terms?

• We have no credit terms. We require 50% down payment upon Purchase
Order. Full payment is required upon receipt of notice of delivery. Delivery
within 6 days from purchase order for small and medium volume orders and
45 days for 10 containers and above orders.

Can I see a sample and/or watch a sample demo?

• Yes. Please schedule with our designated STÄRKEN Sales Representative or

Distributor in your area.
o For NCR and Luzon, please call 535-78-61

How are STÄRKEN AAC Blocks delivered?

• It is delivered well packed in 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.5m dimension and strapped on

pallets. The blocks are dispatched in trucks for deliveries in Luzon and in
container vans for island destinations.

“Unless the Lord builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain” – Psalm 127:1