Advice, Concrete blocks for outside walls???

Hintza

Intresting one. In our new build the architect specified brick and the buildr is now muttering that there is nothing wrong with block. The architect is adamant that brick is better and it's expansion properties mean you don't need expansion gaps etc as you would with block.

We are having a site meeting in 20 minutes which will cover this and other points.

System

interesting hintza, keep us up to date.
Are your walls to be rendered or is it facing brick, and it the structure timber frame or block?

themacster

I would make them provide brick, especially as that's what you're paying for. They can still be pointed overhand (i.e. from the accessible inside face of the wall leaning over the top of the wall as it is built to point he outside). If you accept block, make sure you get a saving, but I wouldn't want block - ok for an outbuilding, but not for a habitable room IMHO.

Expansion joints at 12m centres in brickwork, 6m centres in blockwork, is the norm.

goaliehammy

Yes you can build outside walls with blocks as long as there are rendered or are a facing block which will have similar properties to a facing brick. Check the spec this will all have been worked out at the design stage.