Don’t let its durability and ubiquity fool you. Concrete masonry may seem humble, but it offers much more than meets the eye. For millennia, builders have prized concrete masonry for its exceptional performance, design possibilities, eco-friendly benefits, and more.
Homeowners are increasingly prioritizing the longevity, efficiency, and beauty of block home designs. As a result, architects are opting to build homes with concrete masonry units (CMUs) thanks to its unbeatable combination of style and functionality. Concrete masonry units offer a way to provide clients with chic, modern living spaces, and a host of functional benefits.
Concrete Masonry has something for everyone whether you’re building a home from the ground up or considering a renovation project. It’s no secret that we’re advocates for concrete masonry. That’s why we’ve put together a list on why concrete masonry products would be the perfect statement for your project – inside and out.
Form & Function: Concrete Masonry Benefits
- Strength and Longevity: Concrete masonry is resistant to mold, fire, corrosion, rust, termites, and extreme weather. Its inherent properties mean it has the strength and resilience to stand the test of time. It’s ideal in environmentally risky areas like hurricane-prone coastal areas, or regions vulnerable to wildfires. There’s a reason that it’s been the building material of choice throughout history—concrete buildings last.
- Sustainable Construction: Unlike other building materials, concrete masonry does not deplete precious natural resources to produce. In addition, the industry has made tremendous gains in sustainable manufacturing practices so concrete masonry production results in minimal impact on the environment. Thanks to its inherent properties, concrete masonry does not emit or give off gases or compounds and actually absorbs CO2, improving the environment over the lifetime of the structure.
- Excellent Efficiency: Concrete masonry units are extremely efficient across several categories: time, cost, and energy. During construction, concrete masonry units are cost- and time-efficient because they often don’t need accessories like insulation. Lastly, concrete blocks are naturally energy efficient, keeping interiors cool in the summer and warm in the winter—which reduces energy costs over the lifetime of owning your home.
- Peace and Quiet: Concrete masonry is structurally dense which means it reduces external and internal noise. With masonry you’ll achieve a peaceful and serene aural environment even in the busiest thoroughfares.
- \Unmatched Versatility: Concrete masonry units is exceptionally versatile. With well over 200 types of Blocks, Concrete masonry units can be manufactured in a broad range of textures, tones, and colors to provide a striking aesthetic that suits your unique taste.
- Timeless Aesthetics: Just like fashion, home architecture and design have trend cycles that come and go; it takes time and money to keep a home updated. When you choose concrete masonry blocks, you bypass the trends and go straight to a character that transcends the trends. Concrete masonry offers tactile, sculptural possibilities that allow designers to channel a wide variety of aesthetics for the ultimate statement.
Explore The Benefits of Concrete Masonry with Southeast Concrete Masonry Association
At the Southeast Concrete Masonry Association, we believe building better with block means more than just better buildings. It means better, safer and more beautiful lives for the people who use them. From a greener environment, to safer homes, to eye-catching living spaces, concrete block can deliver.
Building with concrete masonry means you’ll never have to choose between form and function—it’s no wonder that it’s enjoying a resurgence.