Thanks to masonry construction,
homeowners don't have to sacrifice the strength, durability,
natural beauty and many other benefits of masonry, when
building their home. Masonry block is available in many
shapes and colors and a masonry home can be customized
with a wide variety of exterior surfaces.
The
following is a guide to masonry
products and where these
products are available in
the state of Arizona. See
below for a brief description
of
each
product.
Gray
Concrete Block
Gray
block,
typically
8x8x16
in
size,
is
used
in
a
wide
range
of
applications
wherever
solid,
dependable
and economical
walls
are
required.
As with all concrete masonry units (CMU), gray block is strong and weather resistant. It does not rust, nor warp, nor does it provide a cellulose food for mold or insects.
With
thermal
mass,
it’s
energy
efficient,
fire
resistant,
termite
resistant
with
great
sound
dampening
qualities
-
perfect
for
today’s
residential
and
industrial
building
needs.
Gray block like all CMU's are GREEN building materials and can contribute to LEED building points. They are available in a multitude of shapes, sizes, strengths, and weights.
Exposed
Aggregate Block
Exemplifying
yet another example
of masonry's visual versatility,
exposed aggregate block
is also known as sand
blasted block, though
many different manufacturing
methods exist. Cured
block of a variety of
shapes are additionally
processed to reveal
a
mildly textured surface
exposing both the natural
aggregates as well as
the fine matrix. A relatively
straight two dimensional
finish without deep
shadows is achieved.
Interlocking
Pavers
Interlocking
pavers, often called
patio pavers, provide
many options for beauty,
value and long-term
performance to any
outdoor project. Design
flexibility allows
for a wide range of
possibilities. Pavers
blend well with the
natural environment,
providing modern,
classic or rustic styles.
Their
ability to withstand
heavy loads enables
them
to weather many years
of traffic. Interlocking
pavers feature a wide
range of colors, textures,
shapes and finishes.
Interlocking pavers are available in a
standard or durablend mix design. Pavers
normally are available in 60mm and 80mm
thickness. Many pavers are available in
a variety of stock colors and color blends.
For large projects, custom colors can be
ordered.
Landscape
Masonry (Dry Stack/Garden)
Landscape masonry has many specialized categories such as retaining wall block and their accessories, pavers, patio stepping pavers, outdoor barbeques, architectural castings, rock and stone, etc. Many retaining wall blocks are colorful split face units utilizing mortarless methods. Pavers are increasing in their presence in the American landscape. Because of their intimate relationship with the earth, ground preparation and proper overall design is part of successful outdoor enrichment and property value enhancement.
Expanding
infill
land
usage,
exercise
and
sports
courts,
patio
development,
pet
areas,
terraces,
streetscapes,
ponds,
beautifying
and
stabilizing
land
contours,
bird
and
wildlife
sanctuaries,
waterfalls,
and
hanging
gardens
are
but
a few
of the
breathtaking
uses
of this
extraordinary
category.
Yet
another
example
of GREEN
building
materials
they
can
be designed
to encourage
ground
water
recharge
by absorbing
storm
water
run-off,
thus
adding
LEED
points
in both
residential
and
commercial
applications.
The
supplier
and
local
building
officials
are
often
glad
to give
assistance
regarding
design
guidance
of these
products.
Slump
Block
The
spirit of the Southwest
is unmistakable with
Slump Block. This block
maintains the same
basic standard dimensions
as regular units. To
give slump block is
character, the mix "slumps" when
removed from its mold.
Because of the unpredictable
roll in texture when
removing the block
from the mold, units
take the appearance
of hand made adobe.
Slump
block
is
available
in
a
variety
of
colors
and
in
some
cases,
colors
can
be
customized
for
larger
orders
(construction
of
homes
or
commercial
buildings).
Slump
block
is
a
normal
weight
hollow
load
bearing
concrete
unit.
Units
are
commonly
available
in
4",
6",
8" and
12" widths
with
4" (most
common),
6" and
8" heights.
Ground
Face Masonry
Ground Face masonry units are integrally colored concrete blocks with one or more faces finely ground to expose the colors of the natural aggregates and matrix. Integral moisture/efflorescent additives as well as clear/satin topical factory applications may be included to accentuate each burnished face while providing highly durable moisture resistance. This block is most often used in commercial buildings.