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.