Hey Heidi

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

Q: For pre-insulated Concrete Masonry systems, what is the difference between code based R-values & effective R-values? 
-Misleading Effective R Values 

A: Dear MERV, For concrete masonry, effective R-values typically mean that the R-value is adjusted to account for the thermal mass of a CMU wall system. It can also take into account other variables, such as thermal lag or annual averages. Code based R-values are calculated based on either test data or...Read More

Q: Is the compressive strength (PSI) of Concrete Masonry Units effected by density and what are the main performance variations associated with the different densities? 
-Are Lightweights Better In the Envelope? 

A: Dear ALBIE, For architectural units, aesthetics are a major consideration. The light weight aggregate available in the Northeast is a very dark grey, which is visible in ground face & polished units. For standard grey block, mix designs can have different densities, depending on the amount of light weight aggregate used...Read More

Q: We are designing a large health care facility.  What role can Concrete Masonry play in creating a resilient structure?
-Resilient Construction Has Extreme Longevity

A: Dear RaCHEL, Concrete masonry construction has strength, durability, longevity, fire resistance, seismic and blast resistance, all of which contribute to the resiliency of the built environment. The durability of concrete masonry construction is well known and vital during the more visible aspects of natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes and tornadoes....Read More

Q: We have a project which is over budget and has limited space. Is it possible to eliminate catch basins and retention ponds if we use a Permeable Articulating Concrete Block (P-ACB) paving surface?
-Stormwater Alternatives are a Must-have

A: Dear SAM: Depending on the soil type and specific site conditions, it is possible to eliminate traditional storm water infrastructure, such as catch basins and retention ponds, by using a high performance permeable articulating  concrete block (P-ACB) paving surface.  These systems allow for a more natural, vertical infiltration path, recharging local...Read More