Do Concrete Blocks Have An R-Value?
Do Concrete Blocks Have An R-Value?
Yes, concrete blocks do have an R-value. An 8-inch thick block wall with no other insulation has a thermal resistance rating ranging from R-1.9 to R-2.5, depending on the density of the blocks.
R-value is a unit that measures the resistance to heat flow. The higher the number, the greater the insulation. A good number to look for is between four and five.
Best of all, concrete blocks are made in such a way as to let air flow through them easily, so they can be very efficient in insulating your home or business.
It also resists heat transfer as well as most other building materials, making it perfect for use as your foundation material if you want to make space heating more affordable by installing in-floor radiant heating systems or wood stoves that use wood instead of fossil fuels to heat your home or business.
How Do You Move Concrete Barrier Blocks?
On construction sites, concrete locking blocks are frequently moved from one spot to another or piled on top of other blocks. The blocks are hoisted using hooks through a “lifting eye” on the top of each block on many construction sites.
The lifting eye is often constructed of wire, although it can also be made of rebar, metal rod, or steel.
There are a few things to keep in mind when moving concrete locking blocks:
- Use caution when lifting the blocks. The hooks can easily damage the blocks if they are not secured properly.
- Make sure to use the correct lifting device. The blocks should not be lifted using a hand truck or a power lift unless the device is specifically designed for that purpose.
- Use a secure container to store the blocks while they are transported.
Do Concrete Blocks Go Bad?
No, concrete blocks do not go bad. One of the reasons they are popular is that they can go a long time without deteriorating if properly cared for.
If left in place and properly covered, concrete blocks can last indefinitely. You have to consider that the blocks may need to be replaced for demolition or repair over time, but this is natural wear and tear that all building materials experience sooner or later.
The only real solution to decay in concrete blocks is through a professional maintenance program conducted by a trained technician. Over time, concrete can become less than ideal for certain applications as it oxidizes due to exposure to oxygen and moisture in the air.
Do Concrete Blocks Leach Chemicals into Soil?
Yes, concrete blocks can leach chemicals into the soil if contaminated. Fly ash-containing blocks have the potential to leak hazardous heavy metals into the soil. The consumption of harmful metals from polluted soil or plants growing in it is widespread.
It’s important to use certified blocks that have not been treated with harmful chemicals or solvents during manufacturing.
In some cases, moisture from a leaky basement can rise through the floor, allowing water to seep into the concrete blocks and cause damage. This can lead to unsightly stains on walls, ceiling, and floor tiles.
You may need to remove and replace them under these scenarios, but it also depends on how severe it is as well as how long your building has been like this before you were made aware of it.
It’s also important to ensure that your blocks are not exposed to rain because this can cause the concrete to crack and split.
While some homeowners prefer concrete blocks because of their durability and low cost, others have noted that they are very heavy, have an unpleasant smell when wet or damp, and can produce a dangerous surface for children to play on.
