What basic materials are involved in producing concrete blocks?
Washed Sand 3/8" Aggregate, Portland Cement, Water, Chemical Admixtures. Goto Top

How are these materials mixed and formed into concrete blocks?
A specific mix design is entered into the batching computer. The computer will then weigh up the prescribed amount of each ingredient. The ingredients are then put into a stationary mixer located in the block plant. As the ingredients are mixed, the computer makes sure the mix isn't too wet or dry and adjusts accordingly. Once the mix is ready, it is dumped from the mixer into a hopper on the block machine. The block machine takes the right amount of mix, places it into the mold, vibrates and compacts, the mix to the appropriate height and hardness for the block. Goto Top

How are the newly formed concrete blocks cured?
The newly formed concrete blocks are placed in a kiln. The kiln is heated by steam and that causes an acceleration of the hydration process, which is the evaporation of the water in the block. This heat allows the concrete blocks to attain a much greater strength at a shorter period of time. Goto Top

What happens next?
After about a 24 hour period in the kilns, the concrete blocks are stacked on pallets and placed in the yard. These blocks will then wait to be delivered by truck to the jobsite. Goto Top

	Weight
	(kg) Kilograms	(lb) Pounds
100mm x 200mm x 400mm (4” x 8” x 16”)	11	25
150mm x 200mm x 400mm (6” x 8” x 16”)	16	35
200mm x 200mm x 400mm (8” x 8” x 16”)	18	40

What is important about fully-cured concrete blocks?:
More than meets the eye. Concrete blocks are fully cured at the factory, baking out the moisture so that foundations built with concrete block are more stable and much less likely to shrink and
crack than other foundations once it is laid. Goto Top

What makes concrete walls better?:
They are built by skilled craftsmen, one block at a time. And the blocks themselves are designed to ensure flexibility and waterproofing advantages. Plus, they help save energy, reduce gas infiltration, provide quieter walls and stability to your home. Concrete block also lends itself to a wide variety of insulating options for the exterior and interior walls or inside the hollow cores. Goto Top

Why Concrete Block?:
It’s Proven: Concrete block basements have been the choice of fine homebuilders for more than 90 years.
It’s Strong: Yep, it’s concrete block. And concrete block walls are not only strong, by are also built wider to be more resistant to ground movements and soil pressures.
It’s True: Hand-built by skilled craftsmen, concrete block walls are straight, plumb and level. Carpenters appreciate the superior foundations that concrete block provides – plus you save time and money because they won’t have to level and shim each wall.
It’s Dry: A truly important feature. Concrete block walls provide a natural barrier to moisture. The hollow cores prevent walls from sweating in summer and frost from building up in winter.
It’s Safe: Made of 100 percent noncombustible materials, the fire-resistant blocks help keep you and your family safe. Goto Top

Will my basement leak?:
It’s less likely if you use a concrete block foundation. Concrete blocks have a specially designed hollow core that acts as a natural drainage system, minimizing the possibility of leaking. Other foundations are not designed this way. You should ask your builder to place a high-quality, waterproof coating over the exterior side of the walls, as well as set up a proper drainage system around the basement. Goto Top

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