Over 5,500 Homes Saved in So. Cal. Foundation Contractor 22 Yrs. Call.
www.julianconstruction.com
And better looking driveways Come see what a difference it makes
www.FoundationToRoof.com
Custom designed walkways, decks retaining walls, patios, lighting.
www.jfkcompany.com
Find Concrete Experts In Iowa. Fast Service. Free Quote!
EveryContractor.com
Specialized Landscape Installation in the Los Angeles Area
www.MichaelFletcherLandscape.com
Minnesota based manufacturers of cement products for residential, outdoor and commercial use.
www.anchorblock.com
Provides links to manufacturers of various building products, equipment and supplies.
www.dulley.com
Maine based manufacturer of concrete blocks, septic tanks, manholes, catchbasins, waterproofers, curing compounds, caulkings, steel products, geotextile fabrics and grouts.
www.gagneprecast.com
Southern California based manufacturers of the Enviro-Block retaining wall system as well as sea walls and retaining walls.
www.inter-block.com
Manufacturers of concrete products such as retaining walls, bulkheads, storage bins, building enclosures and freestanding walls.
www.kelleyblocks.com
Manufacturers of concrete blocks and related building materials like bricks, concrete pavers, bag cements, specialty patching cements, fireplace materials, steel and wire reinforcement products, and curing and sealing materials for concrete and ...
www.newhollandconcrete.com
Part of Anglo American plc, one of the major international mining and natural resource companies, Tarmac Group incorporates the Industrial Products Division and Buxton Lime Industries, Tarmac Western Ltd, and Tarmac Concrete Products, and suppli...
www.tarmac.co.uk
British manufacturer of concrete blocks for residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Thomas Armstrong supplies building blocks throughout the North of England from two factories near Newcastle upon Tyne, and Thirsk North Yorkshire.
www.thomasarmstrong.co.uk
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Over 5,500 Homes Saved in So. Cal. Foundation Contractor 22 Yrs. Call.
www.julianconstruction.com
And better looking driveways Come see what a difference it makes
www.FoundationToRoof.com
Guide to Buying Concrete Blocks
Build upon a good foundation with concrete block
Also known in the industry as concrete masonry units, concrete blocks are flexible, allowing the building contractor to make last-minute changes with few disruptions to the job and creating the option for future expansion.
Concrete blocks offer an excellent R-value for insulation, and the block's hollow core helps promote breathability in the product, allowing water to channel downward toward the foundation drain tile.
Block manufacturers create the product in a controlled environment, so you can count on it to perform as you expect. If a concrete block foundation does happen to crack, it cracks in a predictable manner that a mason can easily repair. Finally, concrete block construction is one of the most affordable building options around, with prices staying pretty stable over time.
Whether you're building a foundation for a residential project or a block commercial building, consider:
1. The many different sizes of concrete block available.
2. Decorative concrete block options such as split-face block.
3. Affordability compared to other building methods.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Decide on the size of concrete block
Concrete block is available in several different sizes. Some smaller projects may call for the 8 inch version, which is a less expensive option. Local building codes may require you to use 12 inch block for the added stability of your project. Note that other sizes are available but are less commonly used including 4, 6 and even 16 inch.
I recommend:
Orco Block is a California block manufacturer. Grand Blanc Cement is a concrete block manufacturer serving the Midwest, North Central and Southern regions.They offer many different concrete products, including specialized sizes. The Cinder & Concrete Block Corporation is one of the concrete block manufacturers in the Baltimore area, and lists concrete block sizes and shapes available.
Concrete blocks can be a beautiful building option
When you think about block, you may find it hard to get excited. But manufacturers have come a long way, offering concrete block products in many stylish options for many different kinds of applications.
I recommend:
Split-faced concrete block is an option that hearkens back to the 1800s, when buildings were constructed with fieldstone. The rugged appearance can add architectural interest to the construction project. These decorative concrete blocks may add to your cost, but have timeless appeal. Using split-faced block also eliminates the need for brick veneer to finish off the exterior of the foundation. Think about colored block, glazed block or scored block for a different look for your concrete block project. Oldcastle is North America's largest producer of masonry units in a wide variety of styles, including glazed block in hundreds of color choices and innovative green building products. Consider a retaining or decorative wall on your property made from dry-stacked Keystone concrete block.
Develop a relationship with your concrete block products supplier
Don't struggle with the numbers--allow your local concrete blocks suppliers to give you a ballpark estimate of your project. They can supply you with plenty of information on ordering the block and mortar. They can also help to figure the labor costs and connect you with one of the local masons on their trades list.
I recommend:
The Henry Bierce Company sells concrete block and other masonry products, serving contractors and consumers in northeast Ohio. Maisel Products has been manufacturing concrete block products for nearly a century, and offers full service to the masonry contractor. In California, contact Resource Building Materials in Stanton.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide- Ask your building contractor or building supplier about using seconds, imperfect blocks, in an area that no one will see.
- Make sure that the concrete blocks delivered to the site are kept dry with a secure tarp.
- Find out in advance whether the building yard will accept any leftover concrete block from your project.
