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It depends on the application. For homes, masonry is fine as long as it is insulated well against the weather. Masonry rarely needs maintenance. Concrete walls are stronger and last longer than masonry but are more costly to construct. For basement walls, I suggest that you always use concrete walls. Above ground level, masonry is cheaper and strong enough for residential and commercial, multi-story applications. For retaining walls, 8" thick masonry works well up to about 8 feet of retained earth. Above that, the lower courses of block will get thicker to 12". You still need concrete footings for block walls.
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Are concrete blocks cheaper then a concrete slab?
That's sort of a strange question. A concrete slab is a horizontal surface -- it's meant to be a surface you stand on or build things on. Concrete blocks are usually used for vertical surfaces -- walls. I believe that poured concrete walls are more expensive than concrete block walls. You wouldn't use concrete blocks as a substitute for a concrete slab.
What can you do with concrete?
With concrete and precast concrete you can build fences, walls, concrete sound walls, pre-cast concrete perimeter walls, masonry walls, masonry screen walls and more! If you are interested in having a concrete or precast fence, perimeter, sound wall, masonry wall or masonry screen wall, then go to the links below for more information. Well you can make walls, houses, bricks and so on.
Are concrete or steel walls better for an inground swimming pool?
Steel walls are currently the lowest quality wall for a swimming pool, with the exception of Cyprus wood (if still available). Concrete (not gunite) is superior to any other wall, but a pool with concrete walls generally also has a concrete bottom. In other words, it is a concrete swimming pool. The most popular wall today for vinyl liner pools is fiberglass and, with the possible exception of concrete, is the best possible choice.
Should interior concrete block walls be insulated?
If the space within them is used for living purposes, yes. It would help with comfort and heating costs.
Advantages and disadvantages of concrete block?
Historical DisadvantagesIn the 1950s, when concrete block became popular for homes, there were a number of disadvantages. The walls were not fully finished on the interior or exterior, making the homes unattractive, were not insulated for northern climates and had problems with sound magnification. All of those problems are easily corrected today. The early reputation influences opinion today among those who are ill-informed with quality building practices.Construction StrengthThe Florida Concrete & Products Association of Florida cites the advantages at their website Concrete Block Homes. "In a concrete block home you and your family will enjoy increased safety and peace of mind during dangerous weather." Concrete block homes better withstand hurricane, tornado and earthquake when steel reinforcements and poured concrete are added in the central hollow space of the block walls.Insulation AdvantagesTim Carter the syndicated columnist of Ask The Builder, states that thick masonry walls "help to maintain comfort within the home, especially if they are well insulated." Every climate benefits from the thick wall construction that keeps the outside temperatures from entering interior spaces. Carter praises the many construction and savings advantages, adding: "The disadvantages of building with concrete block are few, in my opinion."Insurance AdvantagesLower insurance premiums are the among the financial advantages of concrete block homes. In addition to being more resistant to wind, concrete block is not vulnerable to fire, mold and termites. The less risk to the insurance company, the greater the savings to the homeowner. Savings will vary across the country and other individual factors of the home.Appraisal ValueThe materials and labor costs to construct concrete block homes are less expensive than a wood frame home, affecting the the price per square foot when establishing new home values. This may be a deciding factor for professional home builders in regions where the market lacks knowledge regarding the many advantages of concrete block homes.Environmentally FriendlyConcrete block homes are considered "green," or environmentally friendly. The blocks are made from sustainable resources that are recyclable. Since the homes are not subject to the same damage as wood, the fewer major repairs will lessen the impact on landfills. In addition, the long-term savings of electricity and heating fuels preserve valuable resources.
What are rat walls?
Concrete poured around a foundation.
Are concrete blocks cheaper then a concrete slab?
That's sort of a strange question. A concrete slab is a horizontal surface -- it's meant to be a surface you stand on or build things on. Concrete blocks are usually used for vertical surfaces -- walls. I believe that poured concrete walls are more expensive than concrete block walls. You wouldn't use concrete blocks as a substitute for a concrete slab.
What insect burrows in concrete block wall?
Termites burrow into concrete block walls. Termites live in many types of structures. In addition to walls they also live in baseboards and slabs.
Are poured or block basement walls easier to finish?
Masons tipsI have had better luck with the poured ones afetr the forms have been taken off. Making sure as the concrete is poured/pumped into the wasll to use a concrete vibrater to remove air which will result in hollow spots and cracking.You can finish the walls easily with Grout,cement,or a type of mortar that has less shrinkagee but this type hardens quickly, so have your mason ready with sponge floats /hand floats,Masons hammer,protective gear for eyes, hands,rubber boots, to prevent exsposure to the wet cement that will cause a chemical burn.
What is the thickness of a concrete hollow block?
The standard concrete building block for load-bearing walls is 8 x 8 x 16
What is block and plank construction?
Block and plank is a construction type that utilizes precast concrete "planks" for the floor system and concrete masonry unit "blocks" for the bearing walls. Some of the key advantages are: affordability, and short time to erect compared to a poured in place alternative. Most commonly used in hotel, residence hall, and apartment buildings.
What type nail is used to fasten boards to cinder block walls?
concrete nail
How do you keep concrete block walls from collapsing?
Prior to stuccoing the CBS you can install metal mesh or REBAR
How do you remove plaster from concrete block walls?
With a masonry chisel. It may be easier to cover it with a new surface.
What can block gamma ray?
Very thick earthen, rock, or concrete walls. Or, lead or gold shielding.
Explain modular sizing of concrete block wall?
A detailed explanation of the sizing of modular concrete blocks for retaining walls and other projects is in the related links.
What is box out in formwork?
It is used to "block" the opening in walls and slabs during concrete pouring. This is usually made of wood or styrofoam.
