Choosing the Right Light Concrete Roof for Your Next Project

Choosing the right light concrete roof for your next project can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. A light concrete roof can be a cost-effective and sustainable option, reducing the weight on your building by up to 50% compared to traditional concrete roofs.

Light concrete roofs are made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water, which is then reinforced with fibers to increase its strength and durability. This unique composition allows it to be poured into place, eliminating the need for heavy materials and labor-intensive installation processes.

The benefits of a light concrete roof are numerous, including reduced construction costs, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced aesthetic appeal. With a lifespan of up to 50 years, it's an investment that will pay off in the long run.

Light concrete roof is a type of roofing material that's made from a mixture of cement, sand, and aggregate, with a density of around 1200-1800 kg/m³, making it significantly lighter than traditional concrete.

This unique composition allows light concrete roof to be installed on buildings with a lower structural load, reducing the overall weight and stress on the foundation.

Light concrete roof is often used in areas prone to high winds, heavy rainfall, or seismic activity, as it can withstand extreme weather conditions without compromising its integrity.

It's also a popular choice for buildings with limited space, as it can be poured and finished in place, eliminating the need for heavy materials and labor-intensive installation processes.

The reduced weight of light concrete roof also means lower transportation costs and less strain on the building's structural system.

Aerix insulating concrete offers a superior lightweight concrete roof surface compared to rigid board insulation systems. It can be installed over precast, cast-in place concrete, or galvanized steel decking.

One of the key benefits of Aerix insulating concrete is that it increases R-values, reducing dead load. This is especially important for buildings in areas prone to extreme weather conditions.

Aerix insulating concrete can be pumped over 500 feet vertically and over 1,000 feet horizontally, making it easy to work with. This flexibility is a significant advantage when it comes to installing a lightweight concrete roof.

By placing Aerix insulating concrete over metal deck, you can enhance the shear diaphragm, providing additional resistance to shear forces resulting from wind or seismic activity. This added security is a major advantage for building owners and occupants.

Here are some key benefits of Aerix insulating concrete at a glance:

The cost of lightweight insulating concrete (LWIC) roof decks is highly dependent on several factors, including the size, height, and slope of the roof, as well as the distance to the jobsite.

The installation cost can vary greatly, but it's essential to consider the long-term benefits of LWIC roof decks. LWIC roof decks can be poured directly over the existing roofing, eliminating the need to tear off the old insulation.

This approach reduces the time, mess, and expense of tearing off old insulation, minimizes debris, and causes less negative impact on the environment. LWIC roof decks can also save building owners reroofing costs, since they are less likely to be destroyed in high-wind environments.

LWIC roof decks have built-in fireproofing capabilities, saving owners money and mitigating the need to install additional fireproofing. By installing a LWIC roof deck, building owners can save $2-4 per square foot compared to traditional tapered polyiso roof systems.

Here are some cost-saving benefits of LWIC roof decks compared to traditional tapered insulation systems:

Lightweight insulating concrete (LWIC) is made of a mixture of Portland cement, water, and preformed foam. The preformed foam creates air bubbles within the material, making it highly flowable, lightweight, and thermally resistant.

LWIC is poured over a slurry layer of lightweight insulating concrete on top of a corrugated metal deck. This layer is essential for creating a solid base for the LWIC roof deck system.

The LWIC mixture is then topped with a 2" layer of LWIC, which bonds with the slurry coat.

Lightweight Insulating Concrete (LWIC) roof systems offer a more environmentally friendly option for building construction. LWIC roof systems provide a stable R-value, unlike traditional ISO boards, which lose about 4% of their R-value every year.

This means LWIC roof decks provide significantly better insulation performance than traditional roof deck systems over time.

LWIC roof systems also offer long-term energy efficiency, reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs.

Their durable nature ensures a stable and consistent performance, making them a more holistic choice for building construction.