Cinder/concrete blocks versus bricks

Cabinfever · Apr 10, 2007 2:44 am

I've read lately about the advantages of concrete blocks. They seem to be better against moisture, better for insulation, stronger and faster to build with.

So what's the upside for bricks ?

I'm looking at building a two-story brick/concrete house in a simple Georgian style and now wonder whether concrete blocks (with a white render) is the best way to go.

I want a really solid exterior shell both for insulation and noise. Am I right in thinking a double-concrete block exterior as the main load-bearing structure is a good option ?

Does anyone have any experience building with industrial-style concrete slabs ?

I'm really wondering whether there are some viable (meaning not too expensive) alternative methods out there...

Thanks

grime · Apr 10, 2007 9:00 am

How about those hollow polystyrene shells that you stack one on top of the other and then pour your concrete into.That way you have concrete and two layers of insulation.From memory they are easy to render.

Cabinfever · Apr 10, 2007 9:12 am

Thanks grime, you're refering to Beco blocks ?

http://www.becowallform.co.uk/

I do quite like the idea of those, but there seems to be very little experiemce with using them in Australia - and especially where I am in Tasmania...

Cabinfever · Apr 10, 2007 12:22 pm

A link in another thread showed me this. An excellent answer to my questions on the relative merits of brick v concrete.

http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/t ... l/fs30.htm

parker · Apr 10, 2007 6:38 pm

I wanted to build with either zego or insulbrick or or Insulated Concrete Forms, but I cant find a builder that will do it.