Concrete Blocks (2 Products)
Concrete blocks serve as the skeletal backbone of most structures we see in today's urban landscape. We stock a range of dense concrete blocks that offer impressive acoustic properties, as well as enhanced fire and water resistance. Formed by aggregate, these blocks' high-strength composition renders them suitable for load-bearing walls and a host of construction projects.
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Concrete Blocks
What Are Concrete Blocks?
Concrete blocks, more technically referred to as concrete masonry units (CMU) are a prime building material in wall construction. Engineered to meet building regulations, these robust, load bearing units offer a convenient and snappy alternative to bricks.
Concrete masonry is significantly quicker to apply than brick masonry - due to the fact that concrete blocks are a lot larger and cover a greater area with less labour.
What's more, utilising concrete blocks in a structure eradicates the complications that come with using timber as a primary framing material - you won't need to worry about wood warping and termite attack, for example.
Concrete Block Applications
Solid concrete dense blocks are formed by aggregate, endowing them with impeccable strength.
This strength suits them for application in the following structures:
- Internal load-bearing walls
- Beam and block flooring
- Cavity or solid wall constructions
- Walls, floors, and foundations
Materials Market's Range of Blocks
We stock a host of high-quality concrete blocks offering excellent thermal, acoustic and load-bearing performance.
From lightweight blocks, for use above foundation walls, to dense concrete blocks, as well as (AAC) aerated blocks that are suitable for both internal, external and separating walls. No matter the application, we have the block for the job.
- Hollow Blocks - breeze blocks and cinder blocks use significantly less concrete than dense concrete blocks and therefore reduce material cost in construction. They also bring down the overall weight of the structure while enhancing noise and thermal insulation.
- Dense Concrete Blocks - dense concrete block is purposed for structural purposes such as load-bearing walls.
- Lightweight Concrete Blocks - lightweight blocks perform a dual structural/insulation function.
Frequently Asked Concrete Blocks Questions
What's Stronger: Blocks or Bricks?
Bricks supersede blocks in terms of their compressive strength. However, their actual overall strength is largely influenced by the accompanying mortar used to assemble them.
What Does N Mean in Concrete Blocks?
The compressive strength of each block is expressed in Newtons (N).
For instance, the 7.3 N blocks that we sell have a characteristic compressive strength of 7.3 N per square millimetre (N/mm2).
What Is The Life Span of Aggregate Blockwork?
When built correctly, masonry walls require minimal maintenance in comparison to other wall systems. Aggregate concrete blocks remain strong for years; the service life of masonry can be more than a century! However, necessary maintenance may include replacing sealant at movement joints and junctions/openings as well as repointing external walls.
What Are Some Common Types of Bricks & Blocks?
When building masonry, be it for multi storey developments/commercial buildings or residential buildings such as two storey housing, you'll likely come across the following common bricks and blocks:
- Breeze blocks - These blocks are perfect for warm climates, allowing air to filter through them.
- Engineering bricks - Crafted to support extreme loads, this product is designed for maximum durability.
- Facing brick - Facing bricks are engineered to be visible in a structure.
- Solid concrete blocks - Suitable for internal load bearing walls as well as beam and block flooring.
