Concrete Block

Standard concrete block, or "gray block," is widely known as one of the most practical, long-lasting and cost-effective material used in building. Due to its strength, durability, and excellent fire rating, concrete block provides a sensible alternative to many other building materials. CEMEX supplies concrete block to customers with all types of building needs, including industrial, commercial, institutional and residential.

We support our customers' ongoing needs for concrete block, with superior quality, technical expertise, and customer service. Ask about the wide variety of standard and special shapes available, to meet all of your construction needs.

Size & shapes sold »

CEMEX manufactures standard and specialty concrete block, ranging in size from 4 to 16 inches. Styles include:

Standard concrete block (double-cell)
Single cell block
Solid block
Single scored block
Double scored block
Three-score block
Return corner block
Half-high block
Angled block
Sill block
Sash block
Header block
Bondbeam
Lintels / Recess lintels
Single bull nosed block
Double bull nosed block
Cap block
Sound block
Pilaster block
Round block
Water Repellent Block

Block Calculators

Use the block calculator below to calculate the amount of materials needed, or download the Masonry Conversion Table worksheet for calculation guidelines. Click here

Specifications »

Specification - Light Weight Concrete Blocks

Download PDF version (73 Kb)

Division 4

1. Concrete Blocks

General: Provide shapes indicated and as follows for each form of concrete masonry unit.
Provide special units of lintels, jamb block, control joint units corners and other industry standards for special conditions.

2. Products
Concrete Blocks shall meet all standards of ASTM-C90 load-bearing units latest revision, for light weight blended units. Lightweight masonry units shall meet the maximum requirement of 105 pcf density, using lightweight and normal weight materials meeting ASTM C-331 and ASTM C-33.

All masonry units shall be free of organic impurities that will cause rusting, staining or pop-outs and shall contain no cinders.
Dampproofing Cavity Masonry Walls. All exterior back-up concrete masonry units shall contain the recommended amount of integral water repellent Rain Bloc system, as manufactured by ACM-Chemistries. No fatty acid products will be accepted. Manufacturer of masonry units shall submit certification of a qualification test of performance and date of yearly certificate.
Exposed Face: Manufacturer's standard color and texture. Block textures may vary depending on the unit type and production requirements.

3. Manufacturer
As a quality assurance standard, all concrete blocks shall be manufactured by CEMEX.

Substitutions: Other manufacturers of equal quality are to be submitted and approved by the architect 10 days prior to bid date.

Concrete block basics »

Click here to download our Concrete Block 101 presentation

The Common Sense Tradition

Quality architects and builders have used concrete masonry units for years in the construction of homes, schools, industrial buildings, and municipal structures. There are several "common sense" reasons for using concrete blocks in any structure.

Economy Completed concrete block walls are very competitively priced when compared to other construction materials. Concrete blocks do not require labor intensive forming or bracing, thus reducing the labor costs of the wall. Concrete block walls provide excellent resistance to damage without the added cost of protection devices.

Durability Concrete blocks do not rust, rot, decay, or provide a home for damaging insects as other building materials can. When you use concrete blocks for your home, office, or business, you do not have to worry about the foundation or walls deteriorating and/or weakening.

Versatility Concrete blocks lend to easy incorporation of doors, windows, brick ledges, and corners of any angle into the construction of the building. If changes are made to the design of the structure during, or after, construction, concrete blocks can be removed or added to more easily than many other types of construction.

Environmentally Friendly Concrete blocks are an environmentally safe product to use. They do not contain any material that is hazardous to the environment and construction with concrete blocks helps reduce the stress on our forestlands.

Beauty Concrete blocks can provide many different appearances to a building. Architectural units can be used to provide texture and/or color to the exterior of the building. Ground face units provide a beautiful, yet very smooth surface that can be used in exterior or interior applications. Stucco, paint, or stain can also be easily applied to concrete blocks to achieve many other textures and colors.

Fire Resistance Concrete blocks provide the best and most long-term fire protection available in construction. Fire ratings up to 4 hours are easily obtainable using only concrete masonry units and mortar.

With these and other benefits, it is no wonder that concrete blocks construction has come to be the common sense method of construction.

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