In the Australian building industry, Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) has become a popular choice as a versatile building material. Two major brands dominate the market: Hebel and Nasahi. Both offer quality AAC products but they differ in several key areas that builders, architects and homeowners should consider before making a decision. This comprehensive comparison looks at the similarities and differences between these two big AAC players.
Company Background
Hebel
- Established in Australia since 1990
- Manufactured by CSR Building Products
- Only manufacturer that produces AAC locally in Australia (at Somersby, NSW plant)
- Over 30 years of experience in the Australian market
- Named after Josef Hebel, the German engineer who developed the manufacturing process in 1945
Nasahi
- New player in the Australian AAC market
- Products are imported to Australia
- Focused on high quality manufacturing for the local market
- Growing presence in residential and commercial construction sectors
External Walls
| Feature | Nasahi | Hebel |
|---|---|---|
| Material | AAC, reinforced, 650kg/m³ working density | AAC, reinforced, densities ranging from 25 pcf (400 kg/m3) to 44 pcf (700 kg/m3). |
| Fire Resistance | Non-combustible; meets NCC requirements | Non-combustible; exceeds all six Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) categories |
| Thermal Performance | High thermal rating; meets NCC Energy Efficiency for all Australian climate zones Nasahi panels can achieve R-values up to R 3.6 | Exceptional thermal performance; keeps homes warm in winter and cool in summer 75mm Hebel PowerPanel, has an R-value of 0.52 |
| Acoustic Performance | Excellent airborne noise transmission properties, depend on factors like the type and thickness of the internal lining (e.g., plasterboard), the type of stud, and the presence of insulation | PowerPanelXL system, can achieve Rw + Ctr = 39 (STC = 46). This means they can significantly reduce noise levels, with some systems achieving up to 39 dB reduction |
| Installation | Fast: 3 tradespeople can install 50m²/day; minimal expansion joints required | Fast: 150m² home can be installed in as little as 3 days; 1 panel = 75 bricks |
| Finishes/Appearance | Concrete feel, can be rendered | Multiple finishes: rendered, vertical joint, standing seam, customizable facades |
| Panel Sizes | Panel lengths in mm:2400, 2550, 2700, 2850, 3000, 300 Panel Thickness: 50mm and 75mm | PowerPanel XL: 75mm thick, 600mm wide, and available in lengths of 2400mm, 2550mm, 2700mm, 2800mm, 2850mm, 3000mm, and 3300mm. PowerPanel 50: 50mm thick, 600mm wide, and available in lengths of 2400mm, 2550mm, 2700mm, 2850mm, and 3000mm. PowerFloor: 75mm thick, 600mm wide, and available in a length of 1800mm. PowerFence: 75mm thick, 600mm wide, and available in lengths of 1800mm and 2400mm. |
Party Walls (Intertenancy Walls)
| Feature | Nasahi | Hebel |
|---|---|---|
| System Type | Non-load bearing, fire-rated, acoustic intertenancy wall | Intertenancy/party wall system, fire and acoustic rated |
| Fire Rating (FRL) | Up to 60/60/60 with 10mm plasterboard; up to 90/90/90 with 16mm fire-rated plasterboard | Up to 90/90/90 with panels alone (no extra fire-rated plasterboard needed) |
| Acoustic Performance | Excellent, comparable to dense masonry | Excellent, reliable sound insulation |
| Installation | Fast, lightweight, 3 tradespeople can install 50m²/day | Simplified compliance, fewer components, saves space |
| Compliance | NCC compliant | NCC compliant, simplified compliance |
Summary: Hebel's party wall system is simpler, often not requiring additional fire-rated plasterboard to achieve high FRLs, which can save labor and wall thickness. Nasahi requires extra plasterboard for higher FRLs but also offers fast, lightweight installation with strong acoustic and fire performance.
Flooring
| Feature | Nasahi | Hebel |
|---|---|---|
| System Type | AAC flooring panels, reinforced | PowerFloor AAC flooring panels, reinforced |
| Fire Resistance | Up to 120/120/120 FRL from above and below | Fire Resistance Level (FRL) of 90/90/90 minutes from a fire source above the floor |
| Acoustic Performance | Comparable to dense masonry, excellent sound insulation | Excellent acoustic and thermal performance |
| Installation | Fast: 3 tradespeople can install 50m²/day; panels flat-packed for transport | Fast installation over timber or steel joists |
| Panel Thickness | 50mm, 62mm, 75mm | Standard thicknesses (commonly 75mm) |
| Floor Coverings | Compatible with carpet, vinyl, tiles, floorboards, solid timber | Compatible with carpet, tiles, timber, vinyl |
| Application Limits | Flooring System is designed to support a maximum uniformly distributed load of 3.0kPa | For residential applications, PowerFloor can span up to 5.85m without joists or framing, while PowerFloor+ can span up to 8m. Load limits for PowerFloor include a maximum uniformly distributed load of 5kPa or a concentrated load of 1.8kN over a 350mm2 area. |
Summary: Both systems provide lightweight, solid-feel floors with strong fire and acoustic performance. Nasahi details multiple thicknesses and specific floor build-ups; Hebel's PowerFloor is widely used and recognized for its performance and ease of installation.
Fencing
| Feature | Nasahi | Hebel |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Sizes | 2200mm long x 600mm high. Thickness: 75mm (for cast-in-place posts) or 50mm (for screw-fixed to steel posts), with height up to 2.4m | Standard Size: 1800 x 600 x 75mm. Extended Size: 2400 x 600 x 75mm. Width: 600mm for both sizes. Thickness: 75mm for both sizes. Length: 1800mm for standard size, 2400mm for extended |
| Fire Resistance | Non-combustible, suitable for residential and commercial | non-combustible, meets or exceeds all six Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) categories |
| Acoustic Performance | Superb sound blocking characteristics | Standard AAC sound blocking characteristics |
| Appearance | Solid appearance and feel; exterior coating with Granosite reinforced plaster system | Modular design with either expressed joints and a monolithic, uniform look. Modern, durable, and stylish appearance with options for custom finishes, including textured or rendered surfaces
|
| Installation | Lightweight, durable, easy to install | Easy to install, uses a modular system with lightweight panels and steel posts, eliminating the need for extensive excavation or strip footings |
Summary: Nasahi offers a dedicated AAC fencing system with strong acoustic and fire performance, suitable for both residential and commercial use. No specific Hebel fencing system information was found in the search results.
General Performance Characteristics
| Performance Factor | Hebel | Nasahi |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Performance | R-value of approximately 0.51 m²K/W for 75mm panels (no additional insulation) | High thermal ratings and meets NCC climate requirements for all zones in Australia |
| Sound Insulation | Good acoustic properties reduce noise transmission | Unique aerated construction provides acoustic performance similar to dense masonry products |
| Fire Resistance | Non-combustible, FRLs from 60 to 240 minutes | Non-combustible, fire-resistant, ideal for fire-rated wall systems |
| Moisture Resistance | Good resistance when properly coated | Good resistance when properly coated |
| Temperature Stability | Maintains structural integrity in varied temperatures | Higher density provides enhanced stability with minimal expansion joints |
Key Differences and Similarities
- Material: Both use AAC with steel reinforcement for strength and durability.
- Density: Nasahi has a higher density (650kg/m³) compared to Hebel (510-550 kg/m³), making Nasahi heavier but potentially more resistant to damage.
- Fire Resistance: Both excel in fire safety; Hebel specifically exceeds all BAL categories while Nasahi meets all NCC requirements.
- Installation: Both offer fast installation; Hebel emphasizes minimal components while Nasahi highlights its lightweight handling despite higher density.
- Acoustic Performance: Both provide excellent sound insulation, with Nasahi often comparing its performance to dense masonry products.
- Applications: Both are suitable for similar applications, though Hebel offers more documented variety in panel types.
- Compliance: Both meet NCC requirements for various applications.
- Environmental Performance: Both offer good thermal properties that help reduce energy consumption in buildings.
Cost
| Cost Factor | Hebel | Nasahi |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Product Cost | Premium pricing | Competitive pricing |
| Installation Cost | Lower labor costs due to faster installation | Lower labor costs due to faster installation |
| Long-term Savings | Energy efficiency reduces ongoing costs | Energy efficiency reduces ongoing costs |
| Maintenance Costs | Periodic resealing/repainting (7-10 years) | Periodic resealing/repainting (7-10 years) |
| System Components | Comprehensive system with all components available | Complete system with necessary components |
| Value Proposition | Established brand with proven track record | Growing reputation with competitive pricing |
Get quotes for both systems for your project to accurately compare total installed costs.
Maintenance & Long-Term Performance
| Maintenance Factor | Hebel | Nasahi |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Protection | Requires appropriate surface coatings | Requires appropriate protective finishes |
| Inspection Frequency | Regular inspection recommended | Regular inspection recommended |
| Repainting/Resealing | 7-10 year repainting/resealing cycle | 7-10 year repainting/resealing cycle |
| Resistance to Physical Damage | Good, but less resistant to impact | Better resistance due to higher density |
| Weather Resistance | Excellent when properly coated | Excellent when properly coated |
| Termite Resistance | Naturally termite resistant | Naturally termite resistant |
Both should be finished with renders or coatings designed for AAC for maximum durability and performance.
Warranty & Technical Support
| Support Factor | Hebel | Nasahi |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 7 year product warranty | Manufacturer warranty (terms may vary) |
| Technical Support | Comprehensive technical support team | Technical support available |
| Documentation | Extensive documentation and installation guides | Growing technical resources |
| Market Presence | Established in Australia for over 30 years | Growing presence in Australian market |
Hebel or Nasahi?
It depends on your project:
Choose Hebel if:
- You prefer a local product with a long history in Australia
- Lighter weight is important for handling and installation
- You value the technical support of a larger established company
- You need fire systems that don't require additional plasterboard for high ratings
- You want a wider variety of documented panel types and systems
Choose Nasahi if:
- You want physical durability and resistance to chipping during handling
- Higher density is important for your project
- You prefer a system with minimal expansion joints
- Their competitive pricing meets your budget requirements
- You want a dedicated fencing system with excellent sound blocking properties
Conclusion
Both Hebel and Nasahi offer great AAC products. They have many similarities - energy efficiency, fire resistance, sound insulation, sustainability. The differences are more subtle and often project specific, regional and installer familiarity with the systems.
Talk to experienced builders and suppliers to get specific advice for your project. Get samples of both products and quotes that include all system components and installation costs to make an informed decision.
Either way AAC products like Hebel and Nasahi are the smart choice for Australian construction, offering significant advantages over traditional building materials in terms of installation speed, performance, and long-term benefits.
Ready to start your AAC project?
Corebuild Services has years of hands-on experience installing both Hebel and Nasahi products across Sydney. Our team knows the ins and outs of both systems and can help you decide which one works best for your specific needs. Don't risk your project with inexperienced installers - AAC installation requires specialized knowledge that only comes from doing it day in, day out. Give us a call today on (02) 9604 0422 or fill out our contact form. We're happy to provide a no-obligation quote and share some real examples of our recent Hebel and Nasahi installations.