A handy guide to concrete blocks
17th January 2020 Concrete blocks are one of the most widely used building materials in the entire construction industry. Our concrete experts here at the LGW Group, the South’s leading concrete contractors, we take a closer look at this versatile material and discover just why it is so popular.
Common uses of concrete blocks
Made from a combination of cement, aggregates and sand, concrete blocks are a lightweight yet incredibly tough building material. As such, they are used to construct many types of structure, including factories, warehouses, schools, hospitals, sports halls and offices. Concrete blocks are also useful for building the following;
- Foundation walls
- Basement or cellar walls
- Partition walls
- Exterior walls
Advantages of concrete blocks
We already know that concrete blocks are often the go-to product for the building industry; here’s just some of the reasons for their inherent popularity;
- Inexpensive to buy
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Highly durable and hard wearing
- Quick and easy to install
- Good fire resistance and acoustic properties
- Low cost and low effort maintenance
- Thermally efficient
Disadvantages of concrete blocks
Like most things in life, concrete blocks aren’t immune to a few disadvantages, which are listed below. It is worth noting that with the proper care and building techniques, many of these disadvantages are easily avoided.
- Poor quality blocks can crack due to shrinkage
- Can effloresce if water prevention measures aren’t taken
- Can be stained if proper care isn’t taken
- Subject to rising damp
How to treat concrete blocks
Coatings are often applied to concrete blocks after construction to prevent water penetration, such as latex paints, oil- and rubber-based coatings and epoxy coatings, among others. When selecting your coating product, keep in mind other factors that may affect the functionality of the block, including its UV and alkali resistance, breathability, correlation and visual appeal.
The LGW Group brings together the best concrete contractors in the South of England and South Wales. So, if you’re in need of strong, durable and accurate concrete blocks, contact the LGW team today on 0117 958 2090 and we’ll be happy to arrange your free quotation.