With many types of building solutions on the market, it could be difficult to know what option would suit your needs, whether you are building temporary storage or a retaining wall.
In this blog, we at PPC Concrete Products will be answering the question, ‘Are interlocking concrete blocks waterproof?’’
With the necessity of time and cost-efficient building solutions being needed, as construction output in Great Britain has seen an increase, alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar builds are required for those looking to save time and money.
Interlocking concrete blocks present an alternative to some construction needs. Let us tell you more about them.
Interlocking concrete blocks explained
As building regulations came into being in England, the requirement of having fireproof dwellings was compulsory, this was achieved by subsequent houses being made of stone and brick. Interlocking concrete blocks present a modern alternative.
Interlocking concrete blocks are a unique form of pre-cast concrete blocks that are designed to hold together by using pre-measured studs and recesses. Built with unique profiles and features, which allow them to fit perfectly into each other without the use of any mortar. Instead, the cementitious blocks simply snap together with each other.
Depending on the size of the block that is chosen will affect the number of studs that are on the block. In regards to the sizing, interlocking concrete blocks don’t need mortar to be held in place. This means the speed of building is improved, whilst using less manpower.
Other concrete providers may offer “concrete Lego blocks” The differences between the two aside from their names are nominal.
Other suppliers may offer alternative styles and sizes than us. As a result, you may be paying a premium price for it.
The advantages of interlocking concrete blocks
- Longer lasting and more durable than a Gabion basket
- Quicker and less hassle to install
- No need for mortar, saving you money and time
- No need for steel reinforcement or shuttering
- Resistant to extreme weather conditions
- Fire-resistant properties, mitigating the spread of fire depending on the structure
- Little maintenance required
- Often, no foundation is needed before installing
- Sound resistant
- Sustainable
- Ability to stack them upon each other
- Flexibility in sizes
- Appropriate for temporary and/or permanent buildings
- Unlikely to be displaced due to the interlocking function
- Can be moved with standard lifting equipment
What are interlocking concrete blocks used for?
As we supply interlocking concrete blocks, we can share with you what they are used for.
- Material Storage bays
- Blast walls
- Salt stores
- Crash protection
- Flood protection
- Push walls
- Security barriers
- Segregation bays i.e recycling centres
- Retaining walls
- Industrial buildings
- Fire breaks
- Counterweights
- Roadblocks
And much more.
Are interlocking concrete blocks waterproof?
Concrete by nature is not waterproof, over time concrete may be affected by water, but generally this is only noticeable if this concrete regularly receives impact such as walking, driving etc.
As interlocking concrete blocks aren’t generally used to constantly take impact, water will not affect them to a degree that there effectiveness becomes limited. Our interlocking concrete blocks are made for temporary and permanent solutions, so although not being 100% waterproof, you can still use them.
Will water make interlocking concrete blocks move?
Interlocking concrete blocks will not be moved by water, the only exception would be a freak weather event such as torrential flooding, or a landslide. This may sound over the top, however the weight of an individual block, along with the assumption it is connected to other blocks, means its total weight will be near impossible to move.
Do bricks last longer than interlocking concrete blocks?
A well-built structure can last for a very long time, whether it is made from brick or concrete. something we must consider with brickwork, like with a wall for example, is that there are multiple bricks used in order to create that wall, if one of those bricks becomes dislodged or heavily damaged, it will affect the structural integrity.
The brickwork can also be affected if the cement is added unevenly, leaving a chance for structural issues to take form. Not to mention brickwork being more prone to chips and cracks.
To answer this question, it is entirely possible for bricks to last longer than concrete. However, this is dependent on the build being absolutely perfect, to specification, with no influence from external forces like impact or extreme weather. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case with brickwork.
Which is cheaper bricks or concrete blocks?
There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on your project, whether it’s a retaining wall or something else, there are multiple factors that come into play that affect the cost you will have to eventually pay.
That being said, there are a few advantages interlocking concrete blocks have over bricks that are worth considering depending on your project.
Why would concrete blocks be cheaper?
- Concrete blocks require less manpower to place, which means saving money by using fewer builders.
- Our concrete blocks do not require any binding as they connect to each other without the need for cement, saving you more money by not having to buy extra materials.
- Concrete blocks are heavy and near impossible to budge without machinery, meaning there is less chance of them breaking, moving or collapsing, saving money in the long term.
Interlocking concrete block styles
Our team at PPC Concrete Products supplies different types of interlocking concrete blocks. Though we have a variety of options when it comes to the interlocking concrete blocks that we make.
The way our blocks are made is by having a casting of the dimensions mentioned below and depending on the option chosen, the cast is then filled with concrete. Each block has a Lifting pin anchor system embedded in the concrete at the point of casting – this is how the blocks are moved once the concrete is set.
After setting, the cast is then removed and the blocks are transported to their destination.
we offer the option for your block to be:
- Standard Blocks
- Flat Top Standard Blocks
- Rock Face Block
- Rock Face Flat Top Block
To view what these options look like, take a look at our gallery.
Here are our size options:
- 300 x 600 x 600
- 600 x 600 x 600
- 900 x 600 x 600
- 1200 x 600 x 600
- 1500 x 600 x 600
- 1800 x 600 x 600
- 400 x 800 x 800
- 800 x 800 x 800
- 1200 x 800 x 800
- 1600 x 800 x 800
Half and thirds of the sizes displayed are also offered with your order if needed.
How much do interlocking concrete blocks weigh?
In regard to the weight of the blocks, it will vary from size to size, and from the concrete being used. But as an example, 1800 x 600 x 600 concrete block can weigh 1560 kg, this can fluctuate as different types of concrete have different levels of density.
Purchase interlocking concrete block todays
As an established supplier all over the UK, PPC Concrete Products is always happy to help, which is why we encourage you to get in touch with any questions you may have or take a look at our FAQ.
In this article, we hope to have answered the question ‘Are interlocking concrete blocks waterproof?’ Whilst also providing extra information in regard to construction solutions that we offer.
Take a read of our case studies to truly understand how we have provided solutions for business in the past with the use of our interlocking concrete blocks, and ultimately, how we can help you today.
Read our blog page for more insights into our passion, construction.
Address:
The Old Gasworks,
Higginshaw Lane,
Royton,
Oldham,
OL2 6HQ
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday – 8 AM til 4 PM
Tel: 01706 655245
Email: info@ppcconcreteproducts.co.uk
