Can I Whitewash Concrete Blocks?
Can I Whitewash Concrete Blocks?
Yes, you may whitewash concrete blocks. However, it is quick and easy to transform a cinder brick wall from utilitarian to completely wonderful.
Whitewashing concrete blocks means covering them with a thin coat of whitewash, a mixture of lime, water, and pigmented additives. As the whitewash dries on the wall surface, it shrinks and turns into a hard shell.
The shell flakes off in time, leaving a new layer to replace it. The three main reasons to whitewash concrete blocks are decoration, thermal insulation, or weather protection.
Are Concrete Blocks Heavy?
Yes, concrete blocks are heavier than other building materials, making them harder to move around.
Real concrete blocks are incredibly heavy, and lifting them becomes tiresome quickly, especially when stacking them. It’s best to use concrete blocks that are pre-cracked and lightweight if you’re looking to save yourself the hassle.
Are Concrete Blocks Hurricane-Proof?
Yes, concrete blocks can be hurricane-proof, but you’ll need to ensure they are built properly. It can endure winds of up to 250 miles per hour and provides additional protection during hurricanes, tornadoes, and even earthquakes.
Using a steel rebar cage is one of the best ways to ensure that your concrete blocks are hurricane-proof. Choosing a concrete mix containing a small amount of air is best. It should be dense enough to provide protection but not so dense that it’s heavy or hard to work with.
Are Concrete Blocks Masonry?
Yes, concrete blocks are masonry. Masonry is constructing structures out of separate components laid and held together with mortar.
The most frequent materials used in masonry buildings are brick, stone, and concrete blocks. It’s made up of some of the world’s strongest and most durable materials.
The word ‘masonry’ originally meant a building material made with stone, but today it refers to any building material made from stone, brick, concrete, or other similar substances.
Are Concrete Blocks Permeable?
No, concrete blocks are not permeable. Concrete blocks are made with cement, sand, and stone. The stone adds a certain amount of permeability to the concrete block but is not enough to allow liquids or gases to pass through it.
It’s important to note that many natural stones contain salts, which can slowly dissolve in water. When choosing a stone for your wall, it’s best to use one high in alumina and low in sodium.
It will ensure your block is impervious to liquids, including water, for a longer period of time. The amount of time does vary depending on the type of stone and how it’s used.
Are Concrete Blocks Safe For Decks?
Yes, concrete blocks are safe for decks during colder months. In cold climates, concrete blocks can become brittle and break.
During the colder months, you need to wrap your concrete block walls with an insulator such as drywall, insulation board, or even a plastic bag to prevent it from cracking.
You’ll also notice that your concrete blocks may start sweating. This is caused by the moisture in the air, which cools as it encounters the warm wall and becomes water again.
The water drains down your wall and evaporates through tiny cracks within the block. As this happens, you’ll see droplets of water on your walls (it looks like a little rainstorm).
How Do You Secure Concrete Blocks To A Concrete Slab?
There are three ways to secure concrete blocks to a concrete slab. The first is to fill the block cells (empty cavities) with concrete and trim with a trowel to the top of the first level.
Once the concrete has dried, it will have formed a link between the block, rebar, and concrete slab, resulting in a single structural unit, and the rest of the blocks may be set normally.
The second method of securing concrete blocks involves placement. The blocks are first set in a pattern and allowed to cure, then filled with concrete. After curing, the blocks are trimmed top and bottom with a trowel until they sit flush with the slab.
