Concrete Block By Chris J. Lechner, President,
Ohio Concrete Masonry Association Concrete blocks have been a basic building material for hundreds of years. But those gray building blocks of yesteryear have now evolved into a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors and textures. The result is a highly functional and beautiful building material that is gaining popularity with architects, engineers, contractors and others worldwide. Concrete masonry foundations and basements surpass other systems because the product is manufactured to tight specifications. Additionally, trained, professional trades people perform the installation to exacting detail. Those attributes provide a quality foundation that is level and plumb allowing the frame to rise straight and true. "We prefer block foundations, the carpenters know it is level and plumb and it also provides the best seal at that critical point where the frame meets the foundation," according to CV Perry Executive Vice President, Rick Kahle. Up to 20% of homes energy loss occurs at the area between grade and the beginning of the first floor. Insulating this area is important to the energy conscious buyer. Concrete masonry can be installed with insulating inserts, taking the inherent R-value of 1 ? to R-4. The combination of the insulated blocks and the airtight seal at the sill removes one of the largest energy drains of the homes. A more comfortable home without the first floor drafts provides less swing in temperatures and allows your furnace and air conditioner to work less. Additionally, the insulated block moderates the basement temperatures. By moderating the indoor and outdoor temperature swings, block foundations are more resistant to "sweating" walls in the summer and "frosty" walls in the winter. The average block foundation can be installed in only two to three days. Consistent construction time helps builders and buyers maintain control over budgets and timing issues. These benefits hold even when last minute changes are approved. Masons can easily react to change orders without missing a beat. Beyond the construction issues however, buyers can choose among colors, textures and sizes. With little imagination, basements can be showcase living areas designed to enhance any family's lifestyle. Concrete masonry basements can provide dynamic and attractive interior space and at the same time add a design statement to the exterior. In the home, color, style and texture are words usually reserved for master bedrooms and living rooms. Now, these words describe what is available in below grade living. Basements built with concrete masonry can be rich in color, style and texture. Imagine, entering the basement of your new home to a completed and ready to use room or suite of rooms. Home theaters, stylish dens or the aged old basement favorite, "children's playroom" can be realized immediately with the vast colors and textures of concrete masonry. By matching or complimenting the exterior of the home with the right concrete masonry product, the home is complete from the roof ridge to grade. No longer is the basement the cold concrete bunker of the past. Today's concrete masonry allows you numerous design choices while still delivering the dry, durable quality of concrete masonry. | 
Calendar