What are cinder blocks called?
Types of Hollow Concrete Blocks: Stretcher block. Corner block. Pillar block. Jamb block. Partition block. Lintel block. Frogged brick block.
Are cinder blocks still used today?
The cinders are the fly or bottom ash left from burning coal for different purposes. The fine ash is also known as breeze in the United Kingdom, which …
What is cinder used for in concrete?
And even though real cinder blocks are in the minority these days, somebody looking at a stack of what could more correctly be called “masonry units” or “breeze blocks” is a lot more likely to call them cinder blocks rather than concrete blocks.Cinder blocks are also created from concrete, but the aggregate includes either coal cinders or ash.
What is a concrete block called in Australia?
We also have hollow blocks such as breeze blocks and cinder blocks, which are a versatile choice for many different applications. Together, these make it possible to construct a wide range of different walls and structures, from load-bearing, to decorative, to retaining walls built using lightweight blocks.
What is another name for a cinder block?
Cinder-block synonyms In this page you can discover 4 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for cinder-block, like: concrete block, concrete building block, clinker-block and breeze-block.
Are cinder blocks the same as breeze blocks?
' And even though real cinder blocks are in the minority these days, somebody looking at a stack of what could more correctly be called “masonry units” or “breeze blocks” is a lot more likely to call them cinder blocks rather than concrete blocks.
What is the difference between cinder blocks and concrete blocks?
Cinder blocks are lighter than concrete blocks. A concrete block contains stone or sand which makes it heavier. Cinder blocks don't have any tensile strength to withstand pressure. Concrete block is a hard, durable substance.
Are cinder blocks and hollow blocks the same?
Cinder blocks are also created from concrete, but the aggregate includes ash or cinder ash. Consequently, cinder blocks are much lighter than concrete blocks. Cinder blocks are hollow rectangular structures, usually made of concrete and coal cinder, that are used in construction sites.
Is cinder block cheaper than concrete?
Is a poured concrete foundation cheaper than a block wall foundation? Usually, the cost of construction varies from place to place. But as a matter of fact, poured walls cost about 20% less than the block foundation walls.
How much does a pallet of cinder blocks cost?
$115 to $225One pallet of cinder blocks costs $115 to $225 on average. A pallet of cinder blocks weighs 2,500 to 3,250 pounds. A standard pallet holds 70 to 90 cinder blocks.Apr 19, 2021
When did they stop making cinder blocks?
Did you know that cinder blocks aren't even made anymore? That's right! They haven't been manufactured since 1947 after WWII.Apr 23, 2021
What is a concrete block called?
Concrete masonry units are colloquially known by many names, most predominately “concrete block”, “cinder block”, “CMU”, or simply “block”.
Do I need to fill cinder blocks with concrete?
Considering everything, filling your cinder blocks isn't exactly necessary, but it is completely safe, assuming you don't add dirt in it. Filling cinder blocks can help you make the structure sturdier or improve insulation, while a mix of gravel and sand can actually help you achieve both.Feb 1, 2021
What are the 4 types of blocks?
Types of Concrete Blocks or Concrete Masonry Units Used in...Types of Hollow Concrete Blocks:Concrete Stretcher Blocks.Concrete Corner Blocks.Concrete Pillar Blocks.Jamb Concrete Blocks.Partition Concrete Block.Lintel Blocks.Frogged Brick Blocks.More items...•Aug 21, 2016
Why is a cinder block called a cinder block?
This is because cinder blocks were originally made in part from cinders that were left over when coal was burned (often at coal-fired plants). The cinders were used as a substitute for sand and gravel in concrete, with the result being lighter and less durable cinder blocks.Sep 28, 2021
What type of concrete is used for cinder blocks?
QUIKRETE® Mason Mix Type SFor cinder-block walls (and brick walls too), choose QUIKRETE® Mason Mix Type S. Forgiving to those who are not experts in masonry projects, the QUIKRETE® preblended mix remains workable for a long period of time, with no sacrifice of the high-bond strength that yields a successful project.Dec 4, 2020
What is a cinder block?
Cinder blocks are hollow rectangle-shaped structures usually made of concrete and coal cinders which find use in construction sites. Concrete blocks often, on the other hand, are flattened constructs made of steel, wood or cement. The significant differences can be illustrated in the form of a table showing the differences between cinder block vs.
What is concrete made of?
Concrete. Concrete is an item made from cement and aggregates. The moment the ingredients are mixed together, a chemical reaction happens, and concrete is the end result.
Is concrete stronger than cinder blocks?
Concrete blocks are far stronger than cinder blocks. Several building codes explicitly prohibit the use of cinder blocks in building and construction projects.
What is cinder block?
Those that use cinders ( fly ash or bottom ash) as an aggregate material are called cinder blocks in the United States, breeze blocks ( breeze is a synonym of ash) in the United Kingdom, and hollow blocks in the Philippines. In New Zealand and Canada they are known as concrete blocks (a name common in the United States also).
Why are concrete blocks hollow?
Concrete blocks may be produced with hollow centers (cores) to reduce weight, improve insulation and provide an interconnected void into which concrete can be poured to solidify the entire wall after it is built.
What is a CMU?
A building constructed with concrete masonry blocks. A concrete masonry unit ( CMU) is a standard size rectangular block used in building construction. CMUs are some of the most versatile building products available because of the wide variety of appearances that can be achieved using them. Those that use cinders ( fly ash or bottom ash) ...
What is a crawl space foundation?
One of the common foundation types for American suburban houses is the "crawl space foundation" which consists of a concrete block wall around the perimeter on which dimensional lumber floor joists are supported.
What are recycled materials?
Recycled materials, such as post-consumer glass, slag cement, or recycled aggregate , are often used in the composition of the blocks. Use of recycled materials within blocks can create different appearances in the block, such as a terrazzo finish, and may help the finished structure earn LEED certification.
How long is a CMU block?
In the US, CMU blocks are nominally 16 in (410 mm) long and 8 in (200 mm) wide.
Can concrete be grouted?
Concrete masonry walls may be ungrouted, partially grouted, or fully grouted, the latter two enhancing their structural strength. Additionally, steel reinforcement bars ( rebar) can be used both vertically and horizontally inside a CMU wall to maximize its structural performance.
What is concrete block masonry?
Concrete block masonry which is also known as concrete masonry unit (CMU) have advantages over brick and stone masonry. Concrete blocks are manufactured in required shape and sizes and these may be solid or hollow blocks.
Where are corner blocks used?
Corner blocks are used at the ends or corners of masonry. The ends may be window or door openings etc. they are arranged in a manner that their plane end visible to the outside and other end is locked with the stretcher block.
What is a stretcher block?
Concrete stretcher blocks are used to join the corner in the masonry. Stretcher blocks are widely used concrete hollow blocks in construction. They are laid with their length parallel to the face of the wall.
What is hollow concrete?
Hollow concrete blocks contains void area greater than 25% of gross area. Solid area of hollow bricks should be more than 50%. The hollow part may be divided into several components based on our requirement. They are manufactured from lightweight aggregates. They are light weight blocks and easy to install.
When to use jamb blocks?
Jamb blocks are used when there is an elaborated window opening in the wall. They are connected to stretcher and corner blocks. For the provision of double hung windows, jamb blocks are very useful to provide space for the casing members of window.
What is a double corner block?
Concrete Pillar Blocks. Pillar block is also called as double corner block. Generally these are used when two ends of the corner are visible. In case of piers or pillars these blocks are widely used.
What is a lintel block?
Lintel block or beam block is used for the purpose of provision of beam or lintel beam. Lintel beam is generally provided on the top portion of doors and windows, which bears the load coming from top. Concrete lintel blocks have deep groove along the length of block as shown in figure.
What is a lintel block?
Lintel blocks. These concrete blocks are used in preparation for lintel beams. These lintel blocks are manufactured in such a way that it serves as a masonry unit and a formwork itself. Aesthetically, lintel blocks have a deep groove where reinforcing bars are put along with the concrete.
What type of concrete is used in masonry?
1. Hollow concrete blocks. Commonly used in the construction industry, concrete hollow blocks are usually manufactured using lightweight aggregates with a certain design load depending on ...
What is a CMU?
Concrete Masonry Units also known as CMU are blocks used in the construction industry to form a concrete block structure like a wall or a fence. These are generally made up of concrete and aggregates of certain design mixtures depending on strength required but systems used as masonry units are non-load bearing in nature or do not ...
What is an AAC block?
Aerated Autoclaved Concrete Block (AAC) Most of the time compared with bricks but is different in a lot of ways. Aerated Autoclaved concrete blocks are lighter and bigger version of bricks. Mostly made with same ingredients as of bricks but with a different composition which made the material a vessel for cost-cutting.
What is a brick wall made of?
Concrete bricks typically are small rectangular block arrange and piled systematically to create a rigid wall. These bricks are usually made up of cooked clay or concrete. Some manufacturers use solid concrete while others play with its cement and aggregates ratio for economic purposes.
Is concrete stronger than brick?
Way denser and bigger than concrete bricks, solid concrete blocks are manufactured to be strong, heavy, and created out of naturally dense aggregates. These solid concrete blocks are strong enough that it is used for large masonry units that are load-bearing in nature. Solid concrete blocks are just similar to concrete brick but are way costlier and heavier and can withstand more forces as compared to bricks.
How much does a cinder block weigh?
Compared to a heavyweight concrete block, a typical cinder block weighs only 26-33 lbs. However, cinder blocks are more subject to moisture, water seepage, radon gas, salt deposits, and efflorescence (white powdery residue) problems because ...
What is a concrete block made of?
Standard (high-density) concrete blocks are made from cast concrete – Portland cement, sand, and gravel. Compared to typical structural concrete, they are made with a higher percentage of sand and a lower percentage of gravel and water for a stiffer mixture which holds its shape when removed from the block mold.
What is a CMU?
CMUs are used for the construction of load-bearing foundation walls, basement walls, partition walls, exterior walls, retaining walls, and non-load bearing partition walls. Employing reinforcement bars and filling the hollow cores with concrete results in strong structural walls.
How does radon seal work?
RadonSeal works by reacting with cement. Cinder blocks use industrial wastes, such as fly ash or bottom ash, as an aggregate instead of the sand or fine gravel used to make true concrete. For these more challenging cases, the combination of using RadonSeal Plus and Ion-Bond Armor may be required.
Can you seal concrete blocks with Portland cement?
Since RadonSeal Plus seals concrete by reacting with Portland cement, it simply can not be guaranteed to seal all blocks with little to no cement ( cinder blocks contain fly ash).
What is a split face block?
Split-faced Blocks – Have a rough, stone-like texture on one face of the block instead of a smooth face. Haydite Blocks – Another example of an expanded shale products. Lightweight blocks cannot be used in retaining walls or exterior building walls because they readily seep water.
How to remove paint from concrete?
Remove paint either mechanically (wire brushing, grinding, sand-blasting) or with use of a paint stripper. Brush off crumbling concrete, dust, and dirt. A minimal amount of light efflorescence can be removed with a wire brush or wire-wheel attachment. To best remove efflorescence, use RadonSeal Efflorescence Cleaner.
What is concrete block?
Concrete blocks are an integral part of any home construction. Inspect the blocks carefully. The earliest types were pre-cast in a wooden frame and dried. These hand-formed blocks were used until the 1850s and are a mix of sand, cement, water and stone aggregate. Concrete blocks are highly absorbent, and the finishes vary greatly.
When were concrete blocks invented?
Block of this type began being made in the early 1900s, when Harmon Palmer patented a machine to make concrete blocks. This development began the modern concrete block industry.
How long have bricks been used?
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Bricks have been used for centuries to build homes and commercial structures. Bricks and concrete blocks are some of the oldest and most reliable of building products. Bricks were first used 5,000 years ago and were made from dirt using straw as a binder.
When were bricks first used?
Bricks were first used 5,000 years ago and were made from dirt using straw as a binder. Later bricks were made from clay and fired in a kiln to increase their durability. The history of concrete blocks dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, although they were not manufactured commercially until the early 20th century.
What is the most popular finish for concrete blocks?
The Sears Company sold a concrete block-making machine that offered a rockface finish on the masonry, which imitated quarried stone. It was the most popular finish for concrete block and became the industry standard in the era of 1910-1920. Later blocks have a smooth finish.
Where did bricks come from?
Look for a manufacturer's stamp on the brick's surface. Early bricks were brought to the U.S. from Europe, and many had a royal seal or the names of kings stamped onto them. Bricks were not manufactured in the U.S. until 1611.
Who is Becky Lower?
Becky Lower. Becky Lower began writing professionally in 2004. Her work has appeared in "elan" magazine, a northern Virginia publication, "Good Old Days" magazine, the "BGSU Alumni" magazine and on the website thenovelette.com. Lower has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and English from Bowling Green State University.
What are breeze blocks?
Well, they’re called breeze blocks, and we have the scoop. Dating back to the 1930s, breeze blocks, or architectural screen blocks offer a decorative screen wall or fence with an architectural appeal . As you’ve probably noticed, these concrete blocks became wildly popular throughout the mid-century modern era during the 1950s and 1960s.
When did breeze blocks start?
Breeze blocks started in the 1930s, but they really didn’t gain massive popularity until the 1950s and 1960s. During the 1960s, the suburbs started to embrace breeze blocks as a common fencing option. Not only had these concrete blocks caught on in the suburbs, but also throughout commercial projects.

Overview
A concrete masonry unit (CMU) is a standard-size rectangular block used in building construction. CMUs are some of the most versatile building products available because of the wide variety of appearances that can be achieved using them.
Those that use cinders (fly ash or bottom ash) as an aggregatematerial are call…
Composition
Concrete blocks are made from cast concrete (e.g. Portland cement and aggregate, usually sand and fine gravel, for high-density blocks). Lower density blocks may use industrial wastes, such as fly ash or bottom ash, as an aggregate. Recycled materials, such as post-consumer glass, slag cement, or recycled aggregate, are often used in the composition of the blocks. Use of recycled materials within blocks can create different appearances in the block, such as a terrazzofinish, and may he…
Sizes and structure
The use of blockwork allows structures to be built in the traditional masonry style with layers (or courses) of staggered blocks. Concrete blocks may be produced with hollow centers (cores) to reduce weight, improve insulationand provide an interconnected void into which concrete can be poured to solidify the entire wall after it is built. Blocks come in modular sizes, with the most popular typically referred to (by their thickness) as "4-inch", "6-inch", "8-inch", and "12-inch". In the …
General information
Concrete block, when built with integral steel reinforcement, is a very common building material for the load-bearing walls of buildings, in what is termed concrete block structure (CBS) construction. One of the common foundation types for American suburban houses is the "crawl space foundation" which consists of a concrete block wall around the perimeter on which dimensional lumber floor joists are supported. Retaining walls, which also can be constructed of concrete blo…
See also
• Concrete bricks
• Gypsum block
• Rusticated concrete block
• Fly ash brick
Sources
• Beall, Christine (1987). Masonry Design and Detailing for Architects, Engineers and Builders. New York: McGraw-Hill. pp. 61–63. ISBN 0-07-004223-3.
External links
• How Products Are Made: Volume 3 Concrete Block
• Concrete Masonry Association of California and Nevada
• National Concrete Masonry Association
• Mason Contractors Association of America