DIY Builds
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Is building with cinder block cheaper than wood?

Typically, concrete is far more expensive than lumber. But the price difference has mostly been erased with lumber's increased cost — and in some markets, building with concrete masonry is actually cheaper than building with wood.

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Concrete Masonry is More Cost-Effective Than Traditional Lumber

As the nation has begun to emerge from the pandemic, lumber prices have skyrocketed — more than tripling in some cases as demand soared amid supply chain bottlenecks. These higher prices can add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of a new home. Smart homebuyers and architects will want to take this moment to look at how concrete masonry construction can better serve their needs, providing an affordable and durable alternative to traditional lumber construction.

Price difference erased

Typically, concrete is far more expensive than lumber. But the price difference has mostly been erased with lumber’s increased cost — and in some markets, building with concrete masonry is actually cheaper than building with wood. Building a house with concrete masonry units (CMUs) offers many benefits and long-term savings opportunities. For instance, owners of homes built from concrete masonry could see significant lifetime savings on insurance costs. Studies in Charlotte and Atlanta found premiums for property insurance were 2.5 to 3 times cheaper for masonry buildings than for wood structures. Builders also experienced insurance savings with building risk insurance premiums for masonry construction about half of those for lumber construction. Concrete masonry buildings are stronger and more resilient than buildings made of lumber, and less prone to mold or water damage. Not only are they tough and resilient, but CMUs can be crafted into attractive, visually appealing buildings.

Versatile, attractive construction

CMUs are one of the most versatile products in the construction industry, used for foundations, structural frames or the building itself. ACME Block & Brick produces CMUs in a variety of colors and textures depending on the aesthetics of the project, and our blocks come in both smooth face and split face textured styling. The spiking prices of lumber only highlight the many advantages of concrete masonry construction. ACME Block & Brick provides the highest standards of quality across our seven locations. We deliver the best service to understand and meet your needs.

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What are the cons of a beam bridge?

Disadvantages of Beam Bridges Beam Bridges have a limited span and do not allow large boats or vehicles to pass underneath. Mostly heavy boat traffic or large ships cannot pass underneath. It is not suitable for very long spans. It is not suitable for very heavy loads. It is not suitable for high-speed traffic. More items...

Beam bridges are the oldest and simplest type of bridge. It has some advantages and disadvantages over other types of bridges. In the following section, all the pros and cons of beam bridges are described.

Figure: Manchac Swamp Bridge.

There are several advantages to beam bridges. They are easy to construct, less costly than other types of bridges, and can be built quickly. Additionally, the roadway of a beam bridge can be easily maintained and repaired.

The followings are the major advantages of beam bridges:

A beam rests simply on the supports.

The effects of thermal expansion and movements of the ground are easily sustained. A beam could also be engineered removed from the ultimate position and raised fleetly into place with the least disruption of traffic or navigation.

Beam bridges are easy to construct.

In comparison to other bridge types, beam bridges are less costly.

Beam bridges can be built quickly.

The roadway of a beam bridge can be easily maintained and repaired.

The design of a beam bridge can be adapted to support multiple lanes of traffic, sidewalks, and railings. A beam bridge can be constructed using a variety of materials, such as wood, concrete, and steel.

Disadvantages of Beam Bridges

The followings are the disadvantages of beam bridges:

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