The North West is known for its wet and windy conditions compared to the south of England. But how exactly are interlocking concrete blocks helping construction, despite this difficult weather?
In this blog, we will explore how builders in the North West are using interlocking blocks to beat the weather?
At PPC Concrete Products, we are here to provide solutions for your construction needs, from the person working their own part-time project, to commercial clients, and everyone in-between.
Interlocking concrete blocks — are they adaptable?
Yes. Interlocking concrete blocks (ICBs) are somewhat adaptable in their use. But why is that relevant to the Northwest? Well, in specific circumstances, especially in challenging weather, they can be helpful.
The Northwest is facing increased climate volatility, including more intense rainfall events and potential localised flooding. Traditional fixed infrastructure can be slow and costly to adapt.
The inherent reusability and rapid deployment of interlocking concrete blocks allow for highly agile infrastructure development.
Think beyond just flood barriers: they can be used to quickly construct or modify temporary flood storage areas, reinforce riverbanks, create modular hard standings for emergency services access in flood-prone areas, or even establish temporary diversion routes if permanent infrastructure is compromised.
This flexibility means local authorities and contractors can react faster and more cost-effectively to evolving climate threats, adjusting and moving structures as needs change without significant waste.
Please note that such applications may not be applicable to every interlocking concrete block. Be sure to inquire with the manufacturer for the specific uses of their interlocking concrete blocks.
Is there a hidden benefit with interlocking concrete blocks?
Yes. For structures like large unheated warehouses, industrial units, or agricultural buildings where ICBs are commonly used for walls/bays, their thermal mass can help temper internal temperature swings.
During cooler periods, they can absorb any solar gains or heat generated internally and slowly release it, reducing the severity of cold snaps.
While not exactly providing “insulation” in the traditional sense for heated buildings, this thermal inertia can create a more stable internal environment, reducing the energy demand for supplemental heating in these specific application types.
This is a subtle, but real, energy benefit often looked over by discussions of their structural properties.
Are interlocking concrete blocks suitable for North West weather?
Yes, interlocking concrete blocks are more than suitable for weather in the northwest due to its inherent properties. This includes a superior resistance to the wet, windy and cold weather which is frequent pre- and post-spring/summer.
Freeze-thaw cycle resistance
Normal concrete, when saturated with water, can be severely damaged by repeated freezing and thawing. Interlocking concrete blocks have a resistance to the freeze-thaw cycle due to their design.
Part of this design includes the use of air-entraining agents, which create microscopic air bubbles within the concrete. These air bubbles act as tiny pressure-relief valves, accommodating the expansion of freezing water and significantly improving the concrete’s resistance to freeze-thaw damage.
Further to this point, interlocking concrete blocks are dense and have low permeability, meaning they absorb less water in the first place, further reducing the risk of saturation and subsequent freeze-thaw damage.
Reduced delays
Normally, wet weather can disrupt traditional construction work, such as preventing the pouring of mortar and concrete. This is because mortar needs particular conditions in order to cure.
Interlocking concrete blocks, on the other hand, are already moulded upon delivery, meaning they have cured, and can be installed in almost any weather condition (barring unsafe weather conditions).
Can mud make interlocking concrete blocks harder to install?
Yes. Like with any construction site, severely muddy conditions can impact a build, interlocking concrete blocks are no exception. Specifically, if there is a sub-base, it can compromise due to muddy conditions.
Sub-base issues
If using a sub-base, it requires meticulous compaction to achieve its intended strength and stability. Muddy, saturated ground significantly hinders effective compaction. Compactors can have a reduced efficiency in wet, cohesive soil, creating a spongy or unstable base that will eventually settle unevenly/
This can mean that your interlocking concrete block will not be flat against the floor.
Digging issues
If your interlocking concrete blocks require installation in ground that has been dug, excessively wet weather can affect the digging process.
Digging in muddy conditions is slow, messy, and can damage machinery. Trenches for retaining walls or excavations for pavements quickly fill with water and mud, making it hard to achieve precise depths and levels.
Handling and placement challenges
- Blocks can become covered in mud, making them slippery and harder for workers to handle safely and accurately.
- he overall muddy site makes it unpleasant and inefficient for workers. Mud can be tracked onto the blocks themselves, requiring extra cleaning, and increasing the risk of slips and falls.
- Achieving the tight tolerances required for proper interlocking and a level surface becomes much more challenging when working in a muddy, unstable environment.
- In some instances, blocks could have the potential to slide on mud, depending on the land itself. This can hinder the construction process and pose a threat to the safety of those on site.
Can hot weather affect interlocking concrete block installation?
To a degree (pardon the pun) yes. Hot weather can affect installation. However, these are generally minimal, and a solution can be provided that does not hinder the installation time. Here’s what you should be aware of:
Thermal expansion and contraction (a minimal issue):
Issue
Concrete, like all materials, expands in heat and contracts in cold. While individual interlocking blocks are designed to accommodate some movement, extreme temperature fluctuations (e.g., very hot days followed by very cold nights) can put stress on the system if not properly designed or installed.
Consequence
In rare cases, this could contribute to minor shifting or joint widening over many cycles, though the interlocking nature and flexible bedding/jointing layers are designed to absorb this.
Mitigation
Ensure proper compaction of the sub-base and bedding layer, and adequate jointing material, as these provide the necessary flexibility.
Heat stress on workers:
Issue:
While not directly affecting the blocks, hot weather can significantly impact worker productivity and safety. Laying heavy blocks is physically demanding work, and high temperatures increase the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Consequence:
Slower installation rates, increased breaks, and potential safety incidents can all lead to project delays, increased costs, and legal ramifications if no preventative measures for worker health are not in place.
Mitigation:
Provide shaded rest areas, ensure ample water supply, schedule work during cooler parts of the day (early morning/late afternoon), and encourage regular breaks. Workers must be accommodated for in challenging conditions.
Where to find interlocking concrete blocks in the North West
Working through the North West’s unpredictable weather? Choose PPC Concrete Products for interlocking blocks that keep your project moving—rain or shine.
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 have a look at our FAQ.
In this blog, we hope to have answered how builders in the North West are using interlocking concrete blocks to beat the weather?’ 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:
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Tel: 01706 655245
Email: info@ppcconcreteproducts.co.uk
