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What is stronger brick or concrete?

The average concrete block can withstand 3500 psi (pounds per square inch) while a conventional clay brick can take 3000 psi. Mortars high in cement content can endure up to 2500 psi, while high-lime mortars are weaker, only being able to handle 350 psi.

brickpointingny.com - Bricks Vs. Concrete Blocks: Which Is Better? - Brick Pointing

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Bricks Vs. Concrete Blocks: Which Is Better?

Both concrete block and traditional clay brick are durable, fire-resistant, and insect-proof. They also have a lot of thermal mass, meaning they can retain heat, which makes up for their lower insulation power. Even though these two materials have a lot in common, they are different in many ways. Concrete blocks are made up of pure concrete, which is crushed sand or stone, while clay bricks are made of a combination of sand, lime, and concrete materials. Concrete blocks and clay bricks each have their own benefits, but does one of them trump the other? Read on to learn more about clay bricks and concrete blocks.

Strength

As stated, both concrete block work and clay brick are pretty tough materials. Take a walk through almost any town in the US and you'll see at least a dozen buildings made of each of these materials. The average concrete block can withstand 3500 psi (pounds per square inch) while a conventional clay brick can take 3000 psi. Mortars high in cement content can endure up to 2500 psi, while high-lime mortars are weaker, only being able to handle 350 psi. Their strengths also vary depending on the type and quality of the mortar holding them together. Mortars that are rich in lime are weaker than mortars that are heavy in concrete.

Exposure To The Elements

Bricks, when exposed to weather, are more prone to damage and organic growth than concrete blocks. Clay brick is incredibly porous, meaning there is room among the material for water to enter and freeze in colder temperatures, or grow mold and mildew in wetter climates. Concrete blocks are still prone to damage, but are more water resistant than clay bricks, meaning they won't be affected by rain, humidity, or sunlight the way brick might.

Insulation Value

The thermal mass of bricks is higher than that of concrete blocks. Clay bricks absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, making the interior temperatures of a structure relatively constant. While concrete isn't as great a temperature insulator as brick, it is more soundproof because of its dense makeup. Concrete block might be the best choice if you're building a recording studio or trying to soundproof a room.

Which Is Better?

This question can only be answered by saying, "It depends." If your bricks or blocks are going to be inside, away from the elements, you might be able to choose either of them without having to worry too much about the decision. If your project is outdoors, think about the kinds of elements your structure will be exposed to, and make your decision based on the material's durability of that element. There also isn't a big price gap between the two materials, as little as 20 cents. You can call your trusted brick pointing company, Eden Brick Pointing Contractors, for advice on choosing between these two reliable materials. If you would like to know more about the benefits of clay bricks vs. concrete blocks, please call 718-729-3121 or complete our online request form.

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Do block and beam floors bounce?

As the flooring system is draught proof, rot proof and fire resistant, there are no concerns over the quality of beam and block. Its rigid construction also results in minimal shrinkage, no creaks and a lack of bounce that is associated with timber floors.

longley.uk.com - Why choose beam & block flooring? - Longley Concrete

Now in our seventh decade of business, the team here at Longley Concrete has plenty of experience in supplying clients across the UK with our diverse range of beam and block floor products. We are particularly passionate about our beam and block, which incorporates modern materials into traditional building methods to offer an effective solution for both upper and ground floors. Some of the key benefits of our beam and block flooring system are:

1) Easy installation

With little ground preparation necessary and beam and block being extremely quick to install, the product can ensure that jobs are completed in ample time and with significant labour savings.

2) High performance

3) Safe working platform

Straight after beam and block is installed it can provide an immediate working platform, allowing you to get on with the task at hand.

4) All-weather form of construction

Beam and block is an all-weather form of construction and can be installed in all conditions without the need for special skills.

5) Available in two widths

Our floor beams are available in two widths, which are both at 175mm deep: the standard beam section and widened beam section.

For more information on beam and block, please click here.

You can alternatively talk through your requirements with someone from our head office in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, by either calling 01924 464 283 or emailing [email protected].

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