[HOME] [TECH LIBRARY] [DESIGN] [Lighweight CMU]

Lightweight Concrete Block
 

The concrete block market in Chicago has changed and is continuing to change for the better. Let me explain.  After several years of concerted effort, quality lightweight concrete block is becoming the norm in the marketplace.  Your local concrete block manufacturers are converting the market and their inventories from "Medium Weight Block" to "Lightweight Block".  Why? Very simply, lightweight block is a very economical product that will make the masonry industry more competitive as we expand into the future.  Lightweight Block offers the same reliable performance and benefits as medium weight block while enhancing several key properties including:

 • Improved Mason Productivity and Morale: lighter concrete block  means walls go up faster     and projects are completed sooner with fewer possible back injuries to masons and tenders.

 • Increased Energy Savings: lightweight concrete's resistance to heat flow is twice that of     medium and heavy weight concrete, meaning less heating/cooling energy is needed.

 • Superior Fire Ratings: lightweight concrete masonry is thermally stable because light    weight aggregate has already been exposed to high temperatures, 2000°F, meaning even     higher fire resistance ratings.

 • Increases Bricklayer Longevity: By lifting less weight every day a mason's career is often     extended

Why Does Mason Productivity Increase?
Mason productivity is primarily determined by the weight of the units being used.  Since labor is usually 60% of wall cost, this increased productivity lowers the overall "masonry wall" costs.
 

Strength?
 

Is a regular lightweight block as strong as a regular medium weight block? YES! They both have to meet the same ASTM C-90 minimum compressive strength requirements.  If you need higher strength units all you have to do is specify a higher strength and the mix design will be adjusted to meet the stated structural requirements.

How Does It Look?  What About Color?
 

Not only does Lightweight Block resist chipping and cracking, it's more uniform texture produces sharp corners and surfaces that provide structure and finish.  If desired, Lightweight Block is readily paintable and is available in the same wide range of sizes, colors and textures as other concrete masonry units.