Q: Is continuous insulation required to meet the energy code?
-Continuous Insulation Myth Busted Again
A: Dear CIMBA: It is not. There are several options to pass the energy code; prescriptive, trade off (COMcheck™) and whole building analysis. Within the prescriptive method there are 2 tables which can be used to pass the code, the R-value and the U-factor table. Only the R-value table has the CI...Read More
Q: We are designing a building using 4x8x16 polished CMU anchored veneer. In addition to the anchors, do we need to include joint reinforcement?
-Joint reinforcement In Masonry
A: Dear JIM: YES! Concrete Masonry anchored veneers follow similar recommendations for crack control that structural CMU walls do. Movement caused by temperature changes, moisture-volume changes, de lection and/or shrinkage needs to be accommodated. Shrinkage cracks in concrete masonry aren’t a structural concern but an aesthetic one, though they could potentially...Read More
Q: For pre-insulated single wythe concrete masonry wall systems, where would the vapor barrier go?
-Vapors Impacting Concrete
A: Dear VIC: For special circumstances, such as an indoor pool or museum quality storage, a vapor barrier could be needed and the variables for each scenario would need to be considered. For general use, pre-insulated CMU mass walls don’t require a vapor barrier. Mass walls behave differently from other structural...Read More
Q: After having Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) done for each one of your Concrete Masonry Unit mix designs, is there anything in particular that you learned?
-Environmentally Lowering Impacts
A: Dear ELI: Having EPDs for each of our mix designs has really helped us see what factors affect the environmental impacts of our products. One interesting thing we uncovered was that previously valued sustainable attributes, such as recycled content and regional materials, didn’t matter as much as we thought for environmental...Read More
Q: For our school project, the structure must be cost effective, resilient, durable, have interior walls with great STC ratings, and must contribute to LEED v4. Is Concrete Masonry Construction a good option?
-Construction for Economy, Durability And Resiliency
A: Dear CEDAR, We manufacture A LOT of Concrete Masonry Units for school construction, for all of the reasons you asked about, Cedar. Concrete Masonry units come in countless color options, featuring beautiful exposed natural aggregates. They are available with several architectural finishes such as polished, textured polished, ground face and split...Read More
