Concrete Masonry Units
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Safe and sound construction with concrete block
Today, new types of concrete block, advances in rigid foam insulation, and advances in construction methods have combined to provide concrete block building systems that cost-effectively outperform traditional frame building methods in every way ... including greater curb appeal.
For superior strength, sound resistance, and energy efficiency, chose concrete masonry for your next home.
Typical concrete block systems include:
Interior Insulated Block
 For those who want to stick closely to more traditional methods of block construction, interior insulated blocks provide greater moisture protection and a more attractive appearance at a very affordable cost. Water repellant can now be mixed into the block at the plant, and additional sealer and flashing applied on-site. Light-weight metal brackets and rigid foam insulation replace expensive wood studs and fiberglass insulation, reducing the drywall's potential for attracting moisture while at the same time allowing space for wiring and plumbing. Lightweight concrete blocks, using lightweight aggregates, are up to 25 % lighter than traditional blocks, can speed installation by substantially increasing the number of units per hour that a mason can lay.
As an exterior finish, available colored and split-faced architectural block, offers curb appeal to spare. Or, if a stucco finish is preferred, it provides an effective moisture barrier over gray block.
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Exterior Insulated Block
The newer exterior finish systems, which simulate stucco or stone, are placed right over rigid foam insulation mounted outside the block walls. With these siding systems, the insulation and finish are uninterrupted by the block, wiring and plumbing. The siding effectively stops moisture penetration, while allowing the builder to construct a super- insulated house just by using a thicker insulation panel. All the concrete mass is on the inside, ideal for moderating temperature swings and storing heat or coolness. Wiring and plumbing can be run through the block cavities, or traditional furring for drywall can be used on the inside surface.
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In-Block Insulation
The newest types of block systems actually have the insulation in the block between the interior and exterior surfaces.
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Concrete block can be used in all
climates for superior strength and energy efficiency. |
There are three main types of in-block insulation systems:
Cavity Insulated Block
The insulation is either a piece of rigid foam inserted into block
cavities at the plant; a loose fill material poured into cavities once the
wall is up; or an expanding foam sprayed into the cavities during construction.
This system achieves moderate R-values, making it most suited for Southern
climates.
Foam Concepts, Inc.
27 Mendon Rd.
P.O. Box 410
Uxbridge, MA 01569
(508) 278-7255 / Fax: (508) 278-3623
www.foamconcepts.com
Integra Wall
4150 W Turney
Phoenix, AZ 85063
(800) 366-7877 /
Fax: (602) 352-3813
www.superliteblock.com
Thermal Block
3311 Elm St.
Suite 313
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 764-2944 / Fax: (214) 760-1990
www.thermalblock.com
Pre-Insulated Block
To meet higher R-value requirements, Northern builders who want
in-block insulation must use a block that significantly reduces
energy transmission through the webs of the block. One way is to
reduce the size of the webs
and to mix insulation right into the concrete at the plant. Foam
beads can be used as aggregate in the concrete to give the block
an R-value of 8.
Additional foam inserts can be used to raise the R-value as high
as 20. Another key benefit: the blocks are lighter and can be cut,
nailed and screwed
like wood. This makes it easy to work with, and allows inside installation
of mechanicals without furring strips. Also, many of these blocks
are made with an architectural finish for "instant" exterior siding.
Mortarless Insulated Block
These blocks are "dry-stacked" with foam inserts placed in the cavities.
The blocks are generally held together by a coat of bonding cement
inside and out. This continuous surface both holds the wall together and
acts as
a barrier to moisture penetration. When a plasterer smoothes the
cement, it can create a beautiful and economical interior and/or exterior
finish.
If conventional finishing is preferred, gluing or furring sheetrock
and siding is easily done. Wiring and plumbing can also be run through the
block
cavities.
Cresco Concrete Products, LLC
1905 Johanna Dr.
Suite B2
Houston, TX 77055
(866) 491-6819 or (713) 589-5043 /
Fax: (713) 589-9025
www.crescoconcrete.com
Haener Block Company
4102 Catalina Place
San Diego, CA 92107
(619) 226-8185 /
Fax: (619) 224-6401
www.haenerblock.com
Integrated Masonry Systems International, Ltd.
225 West 520 North
Orem, UT 84057
(801) 434-4911 /
Fax: (801) 434-4916
www.noxso.com
Verot Oaks Building Blocks
P. O. Box 62806
Lafayette, LA 70596-2806
(337) 989-2200 or (281) 679-9357 / Fax: (248) 282-5175
www.vobb.com
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Concrete Form Masonry Units
It is a hybrid design that blends unit masonry construction and cast-in-place concrete construction into an efficient, single process, composite wall system. CFMU wall have the outer appearance of conventional masonry surfaces, and are installed in mortar (using traditional methods) by masonry tradesmen. After a CFMU wall has been laid to a height of 8 to 12 ft., the interior cavity is filled with concrete grout and reinforcing. The end result is a very cost effective, one operation "sandwich wall" that has all the aesthetic possibilities of masonry and the strength of cast-in-place concrete, with superior performance characteristics.
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National Concrete Masonry Association
The National Concrete Masonry Association is an organization dedicated
to expanding the use of concrete masonry through research, education,
promotion and public affairs work. Contact NCMA to get a complete
listing of members.
National Concrete Masonry Association
13750 Sunrise Valley Dr.
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 713-1900 / Fax: (703) 713-1910
www.ncma.org
Click
here to search for concrete masonry producers and installers.
You
can also download NCMA residential masonry briefs called TEKs.
The Masonry Society
The Masonry Society is a professional,
technical and educational association dedicated to the advancement
of knowledge on masonry.
The Masonry Society
3970 Broadway
Suite 201-D
Boulder, CO 80304-1135
(303) 939-9700 / Fax: (303) 541-9215
www.masonrysociety.org
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Portland Cement Association
Contacts:
John Melander - (847) 972-9054
James Farny - (847) 972-9172
Visit PCA's Masonry page! Read about projects, the latest news and
much more at www.cement.org/masonry
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Florida Concrete and Products Association
3030 Dade Ave.
Orlando, FL 32804
877-68BLOCK or (407) 895-9333 / Fax (407) 895-3733
www.concreteblockhomes.com
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Disclaimer
Listing constitutes neither an endorsement nor recommendation by the Portland
Cement Association (PCA). PCA disclaims any and all responsibility
for the selection of firms listed, products they supply, and/or
work performed by
their products. This list is titled a "Partial List" because although PCA
has made reasonable efforts to include all known producer/suppliers,
we are not certain this list includes all producer/suppliers.
This list is in alphabetical order and is not in order of industry
rank or rating. PCA also assumes no responsibility for
errors and omissions
in this list.
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