Handyman Guide > Building Materials: Concrete Blocks

Concrete and cinder blocks have become extremely popular in recent years as a building material. They can be used not only for foundations but for the exterior walls of the house; and there is the advantage that they do not require the upkeep that wood siding does.

The home mechanic, looking for materials with which to build a garage, garden wall, or some other project would do well to consider these blocks. They are relatively inexpensive, not difficult to handle or to lay, and a wall made out of a single thickness of blocks will be extremely solid. Concrete blocks may be purchased at most lumber yards.

Cinder Blocks. While concrete blocks are made of Portland cement, sand, and gravel, cinder blocks contain cinders in place of the other aggregate and are consequently lighter in weight than concrete blocks and have greater insulating qualities. They contain 1 part cement to either 6 or 8 parts cindersboth proportions are used.

Concrete and cinder blocks come in many different sizes and shapes, but a size usually available is 12 x 5 x 7 inches.

The blocks must be laid on a solid footing of concrete extending below the frost line. If this is not done there is great danger of the wall buckling and heaving because of frost. The mortar joints between each block should be about 1/2 inch thick and should be packed tight to prevent the wall from leaking. The mortar is made with 1 part cement to 3 parts sand.

The blocks should be laid in such a fashion that the vertical mortar joints are staggered. To fasten woodwork to a wall of blocks, bolts should be cemented into the blocks with the end extending far enough above the block so that the wood can be secured by means of a nut.

Making Blocks. The home mechanic can realize a very substantial saving in the cost of building materials by making his own eoncrete blocks. There are special one-block forms to be had for this work and they are so constructed that a block can be made in a matter of minutes. The form does not have to be left on the block until the concrete is hard but can be removed and used to make additional blocks. In this way with a few well-spent winter weekends in a warm basement, the home mechanie can make up a sufficient number of these blocks to build a garage or other small structure when the spring comes.

A good concrete mixture for blocks is composed of 1 part cement, 2.5 parts sand and 5 parts gravel. It is important not to allow the mixture to become overwet. Use 5 gallons of water to each bag or cubic foot of cement.




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