Most modern-day structures are built by using sand and cement to bind together bricks, stones, or concrete blocks. This is called masonry. All the buildings that are around us, whether they’re houses or commercial centers, single-floor constructions to high-rises, are structures built as a result of masonry. Keep in mind that when the need for maintenance of these structures arises, there’s masonry repair in Tulsa, OK that you can rely on.
Masonry slowly began as man started to live out of caves and came up with man-made dwellings. Now, it has grown into a complex industry using evolving technologies. The question, as this skill continues to develop, remains the same: what are the best materials that can be used for construction? Without a doubt, the concrete block is the most practical. Here are the five basic building blocks used by modern-day builders:
- Concrete Hollow Blocks
It’s commonly used in the construction industry. Concrete hollow blocks are useful materials that have a calculated load tolerance. They have two voids that are about a quarter of the total block, while the solid part is half the area to ensure maximum load capacity. The voids are then filled with cement. Concrete hollow blocks are either load-bearing or non-load bearing.
2. Aerated Autoclaved Concrete Blocks (AAC)
It’s usually compared with brick but is really different. They’re lighter and bigger. It’s made with the same ingredients as bricks but with a different specification so as to cut on expenditure. The use of AAC blocks has reduced the overall steel and concrete consumption by 15 and 10 percent, respectively. This type of block surpasses bricks in construction time, fire resistance, soundproofing, and cost.
3. Solid Concrete Blocks
Denser and bigger than bricks, they’re strong and made of dense components. Solid concrete blocks are used for large masonry units that are designed to carry a heavy load. They can withstand greater pressure than bricks and are understandably costlier. For a better understanding of just how sturdy solid concrete blocks can be, consult the brick contractor in Tulsa, OK.
4. Lintel Blocks
Used for holding up beams, a lintel block is a basic requirement for masonry. They have a deep groove where reinforced steel bars are placed and then poured with concrete. They are meant to serve as a stable base for what’s on top. Lintel blocks are preferred by most masons as they’re good for supporting the area above windows and doors.
5. Paving Blocks
Generally, paving blocks are just plain concrete that’s either rectangular, square, or whatever decorative shape they’re intended to be. Paving blocks, as their name suggests, are thick tiles used as road surfaces or curbs. They have to be painted over with highly visible color patterns so they can be easily spotted by motorists or pedestrians. They’re also used in parks, driveways, and parking areas.
A Mason Is More Than a Laborer
Now that the best blocks used in building a structure are already known to you, the next step in having your vision take shape is to find the right people who can provide the expertise you need. A mason is whom you’re looking for, someone who can come up with a building in the most reasonable amount of time possible. On the other hand, if you have a fixer-upper, then masonry repair in Tulsa, OK is what you need.
Find the most experienced masonry contractor. What your project requires is Brick 1 Masonry. You need professionals with an artistic touch to take care of business from consultation to construction to maintenance. Call us at 918-698-3573 or 918-935-4211. Browse through our website now to learn more about our services.
