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Hello,
I am considering concrete block as a possible exterior for a new house on a wooded site because of its claimed advantages ease of construction, energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, soundproofing, and termite resistance. It seems to work in some more contemporary designs, but what about more traditional designs? Could it work as a stand-in for stone? (In some house and barn foundations, I’ve seen older, weathered concrete block that has gained a more earth-toned color and mottled surface.) Has anyone seen aesthetically pleasing examples of block used this way? Is there a block with a more sandstone-like appearance? Should a certain type of block be used for exteriors (as opposed ot basements)? Would wiring, ductwork, and so on be a hassle with block walls? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Martha Morss
Replies
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Martha,
The choices available and the combinations possible are limited only by your imagination.
Block can be ordered colored, ground, split faced, ribbed split, glazed or raw and you can stain them any color you want.
Go to the reference section of your library and look in the Sweets General Building and Renovation catalogs, Division 4, Masonry or go to http://www.sweets.com
Interior wiring and piping can be exposed or hidden behind furred-out wallboard. Conduits can be run inside the walls, as in commercial construction, but the cost is probably prohibitive for a residential application.
I have also thought of the possibilities these products offer. You may want to check on synthetic stone veneer if a stone look is what you really want.
Eric
*How is exterior concrete block energy efficient?
*Cloud,By foam filling.Eric
*energy efficient it ain'tSomething in the original post implies to me that you are thinking of having the block exposed on the inside as well?Where are you? Climate effects the answers to some of this. Florida is peppered with block houses.For my opinion on style/appearance you should have it parge coated or stuccoed over. Many different finishes possible on plain block that way and a little better weather resistence.
*I work on a condo project in West Michigan that is made out of block. The exterior is a designer color and shape the interior is sheetrock etc. The block are filled with insulation and all conduit is placed as the walls are built. It looks a bit odd at first but they are the quietist buildings to be in. There are some finishing diferences-wider window ledges but this allows for the curtains to be hung inside the opening allowing the trim to be in full view-quite a nice touch.
*That's nice to know but Martha isn't participating anymore. We need to have some answers to help her out......
*I think she stops by once a week and if she doesn't see her post on the opening screen, she just reposts. She's just fishing anyway.
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Hello,
I am considering concrete block as a possible exterior for a new house on a wooded site because of its claimed advantages ease of construction, energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, soundproofing, and termite resistance. It seems to work in some more contemporary designs, but what about more traditional designs? Could it work as a stand-in for stone? (In some house and barn foundations, I’ve seen older, weathered concrete block that has gained a more earth-toned color and mottled surface.) Has anyone seen aesthetically pleasing examples of block used this way? Is there a block with a more sandstone-like appearance? Should a certain type of block be used for exteriors (as opposed ot basements)? Would wiring, ductwork, and so on be a hassle with block walls? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Martha Morss