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Hey Heidi

Concrete Masonry Structures and Embodied Carbon

Posted on September 16, 2024

Embodied Carbon

Q: I’ve heard that concrete masonry structures have low embodied carbon, is this true? Just checking…
-Green Washing Always Rejectable

A: Dear GWAR: Yes, this IS true, but not all concrete has the same embodied carbon. Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) are made with dry-cast concrete (zero-slump) which use less water and cement than poured-in-place concrete (typically referred to as wet-cast concrete). The unique structure of dry-cast concrete enables increased rates of...Read More

Keeping Single Wythe CMU Masonry Leak Free

Posted on August 5, 2024

Q: Single wythe insulated concrete masonry passes energy code, but how can we keep the walls leek free? And do we need a vapor barrier?
-Leaks Are Really Sad

A: Dear LARS: Single wythe CMU walls have been around for a long time, and with proper detailing, they can be completely leak free. To accomplish this, we recommend a “belt and suspenders” approach. Flashing, weeps, integral water repellent and crack control are key. For extra protection a field applied, breathable,...Read More

Concrete Masonry Aesthetic Options

Posted on April 17, 2024

Q: I’m considering options for the interior on our new project. What Concrete Masonry aesthetic options are available?
-Concrete Aesthetics Masonry Interiors

A: Dear CAMI: Concrete Masonry Units have come a long way since the term “cinder block” was coined and there’s a variety of aggregate colors available to us here in the Northeast. Deep blacks, grey speckled granites, stones that range from peachy to brown and others that range from pink to...Read More

How It’s Made

Posted on January 30, 2024

Q: How are concrete masonry units made?
-Curious About Manufacturing

A: Dear CAM:  At our facility we manufacture both structural grey and architectural units. Most architectural finishes expose the beauty of local aggregates and we have a variety of aggregate colors available to us. Deep blacks, grey speckled granites, stones that range from peachy to brown, and others that range from...Read More

The RILEM Tube Test and Concrete Masonry – Not Good Partners

Posted on February 21, 2019

Q: Is using a RILEM tube test the best way to determine the water repellency of a concrete masonry structure?
-Water And Leakage Test

A: Dear WALT: No. The short explanation is that a RILEM tube test measures the water repellency of a surface, making it suitable to evaluate the efficacy of non-water permeable coatings. While today it is generally used by the coatings industry, it originated as a way to provide the initial absorptive...Read More

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Primary Sidebar

Hey Heidi

  • Concrete Masonry Structures and Embodied Carbon
  • Keeping Single Wythe CMU Masonry Leak Free
  • Concrete Masonry Aesthetic Options
  • How It’s Made
  • The RILEM Tube Test and Concrete Masonry – Not Good Partners
  • Thermal Mass & Passing Code Using COMcheck™
  • Continuous Insulation (C.I.): Not a Code Requirement
  • Joint Reinforcement In Masonry Veneers
  • Do Single Wythe CMU Walls Need A Vapor Barrier?
  • EPDs and measuring the Environmental Impacts of CMU
  • Concrete Masonry For School Construction
  • Code Based R-Values vs. Effective R-Values
  • Density & Concrete Masonry – Performance Variations
  • Concrete Masonry, Resiliency, Thermal Mass & Passive Survivability
  • Stormwater Management Alternatives For an Over Budget, Over Crowded Site
  • Fire Ratings, Code Compliance, and UL®
  • Type I (N-1) moisture control units
  • Concrete Masonry – Use Less Insulation With Thermal Mass Walls

Sustainability and Resilience

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Jandris Block
202 High Street | Gardner, MA 01440-3632
Tel. 978-632-0089
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