History

• Masonry construction is an ancient art. Adobe and brick of all sorts have housed civilizations worldwide for many, many generations. But masonry construction was time consuming and labor intensive. The invention of the concrete block machine, patented in 1900 by Harmon S. Palmer, and the development of a suitable concrete for making concrete blocks in 1906, heralded a new type of masonry--CBS construction. CBS filled the niche between inexpensive yet perishable wood frame building, and more expensive but durable masonry.
  
  

Features

• Concrete blocks--also known as concrete masonry units or CMUs--are made of the same components as other concrete structures. Portland cement, aggregate and water combine and react chemically to form a monolithic solid in the shape of the mold they're poured into. Various types of cement and aggregate may be used to achieve specific properties of weight and strength, according to the intended use of the concrete blocks.
  
  

Function

• Overlapping courses of concrete blocks are stacked with mortar or epoxy adhesive between units to form a wall. Steel reinforcing bars are inserted vertically through the hollow cavities of the block wall. A concrete mixture of Portland cement, sand, gravel and water is poured into the hollow concrete blocks and allowed to cure. The resulting wall is as strong as a single poured concrete unit.
  
  

Benefits

• Like other masonry, concrete block is impervious to fire, rot and termites. CBS can withstand hurricane-force winds when properly reinforced with steel bars. CBS construction provides superior insulation for temperature and sound, especially when filled with insulation. Added insulation also eliminates cold or damp walls.
  
  

Effects

• Concrete block comes in a variety of colors and textures that require no additional facing. Or, standard gray concrete block can be stuccoed and tinted to complement neighboring architecture. If you're building a CBS home, using an architect with experience in designing CBS homes will best guarantee an aesthetically pleasing home.
  
  

Considerations

• The CBS structure must be engineered for all environmental stresses the building will need to endure. Some locations may require extra steel reinforcing as protection against hurricane or earthquake damage. Selection of architectural components is also vital to the performance of the building. To enhance the insulating and sound-dampening effects of a CBS building, windows and doors should be chosen for insulating properties, and all window and doors must be well sealed.