Block

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

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

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Division 4

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

2. Products
Concrete Masonry Units 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.

1. All masonry units shall be free of organic impurities that will cause rusting, staining or pop-outs and shall contain no cinders.
2. 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.
3. 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 masonry units 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.

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 masonry units in any structure.

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

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

Versatility Concrete masonry units 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 masonry units can be removed or added to more easily than many other types of construction.

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

Beauty Concrete masonry units 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 masonry units to achieve many other textures and colors.

Fire Resistance Concrete masonry units 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 masonry unit construction has come to be the common sense method of construction.