Should Concrete Blocks Be Filled?
Should Concrete Blocks Be Filled?
Yes, concrete blocks should be filled externally and internally. Filling your cinder blocks isn’t strictly essential, but it is safe as long as you don’t add soil to them and use water-resistant blocks.
Filling your cinder blocks externally with mortar and filler or cement render will improve their appearance, prevent water from getting into the concrete block wall and increase the thermal performance of your external walls.
A well-filled block wall also looks good, as it is visually more appealing than an empty block wall.
Filling internally makes functional sense because it helps to prevent rising dampness from affecting the rest of your building. It also prevents problems arising from differential settlement caused by the weight of floors, ceilings, or roofs bearing down on one side of a block wall.
Internal walls can be filled using either mortar and filler or cement render. Using mortar and filler means you need to use less material than cement render. However, if you want to avoid extracting masonry dust during the filling process, you will need to find a way of delivering the mortar.
Cement render is not just a cosmetic solution; it also offers immense benefits when it comes to keeping buildings dry, as well as preventing damp-causing damage to your building structure.
Is It Cheaper To Make Your Concrete Blocks?
Yes, it is much cheaper to make your concrete blocks rather than to buy off-the-shelf blocks. The production of concrete blocks is less expensive since the materials are cheaper. The finished product is also more aesthetically appealing and durable so that it will last longer.
You will be surprised at the cost difference when you compare the price of a bag of ready mix with self-made concrete blocks.
Concrete block sizes come in many different shapes and designs, providing countless possibilities for homeowners who want to add their personal touch to their new homes or businesses.
They can be purchased individually or in bulk at most local building supply stores or ordered online from your favorite building supply store.
Are Concrete Blocks Safe For Raised Beds?
Yes, concrete blocks are safe for raised beds because concrete blocks are constructed of stone or sand aggregate. They are suitable for gardening.
Concrete blocks are a practical and cost-effective solution for raised garden beds. They outlast wood, are less expensive than metal ones, and look great, regardless of the application.
Concrete blocks are the ideal choice for creating a raised bed garden because they are durable and undemanding in terms of maintenance.
Concrete is an inherently resilient material that requires minimal attention or maintenance, making it ideal for outdoor applications where it comes into regular contact with humid air as well as rainwater.
You must line the beds with a moisture barrier. This will help to prevent excess moisture from reaching the brick wall on the back of your garden bed. You can use water-resistant paper or plastic sheeting, but if you opt for plastic sheeting, make sure it is UV-resistant.
Concrete blocks have a higher thermal mass than wood and stone, which means they are less prone to temperature fluctuation between day and night.
This makes concrete blocks desirable in climates with extreme temperatures, as heat from the sun will be stored deep within the concrete blocks until it’s needed during colder days.
What Sizes Do Concrete Blocks Come In?
Blocks is a brand name for concrete masonry units. These units typically have nominal face dimensions of 8 in. (203 mm) by 16 in. (406 mm), available in nominal thicknesses of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 in. (102, 152, 203, 254, 305, 356, and 406 mm).
Blocks also make a line of blocks with a nominal thickness of 1 in. (25 mm). Blocks concrete masonry units are the perfect choice for a variety of applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial construction.
They are available in various sizes and nominal thicknesses, the basic dimensions used to identify a block.
