A variety of structures are opting to use interlocking concrete blocks instead of bricks in order to create certain structures. But why is that? In this blog, we will be answering the question ‘Why are interlocking concrete blocks used instead of bricks?’
PPC Concrete Products is here to provide the answers you may be looking for whilst giving you an insight into the quality concrete options we supply. Our supplies are fit for purpose and generally provide no issues with building regulations, not to mention being safe to use for a variety of construction needs.
The demand for construction is only increasing, on a private and industrial level. Whichever side you fall into, An interlocking concrete block may be an option to help keep your site secure regardless of its shape.
Let us tell you more about the uses and benefits of interlocking concrete blocks below.
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. These concrete blocks are built with unique profiles and features, which allow them to fit perfectly into each other.
What are 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
Disadvantages of using interlocking concrete blocks
- Can’t be moved without machinery
- Can topple over if not placed on level ground
What are interlocking concrete blocks used for?
PPC Concrete Products supply interlocking concrete blocks, we can share with you what they are used for.
- Material Storage bays
- Blast walls
- Salt stores
- Crash protection
- Push walls
- Security barriers
- Segregation bays i.e recycling centres
- Retaining walls
- Industrial buildings
- Fire breaks
- Counterweights
- Roadblocks
Why are bricks used?
The most common bricks we are familiar with, burnt clay bricks (known as common bricks) are a tried and true building material. They are durable and weather resistant and provide a reliable outer shell for structures like homes, and are good enough to use for other kinds of structures.
Common bricks are easier to produce, hence their widespread usage. However, this kind of brick requires a binding agent to ensure its structural integrity. Using cement is the default option when it comes to binding the bricks together.
Is wood better than bricks for buildings?
Although wood is a reliable material that has been used for hundreds if not thousands of years to make buildings. Depending on the wood used, there is less durability than a brick, along with the fact that it can be affected by weather. They are also a fire risk and at risk of growing mould in moist places.
Why are interlocking concrete blocks used instead of bricks?
Interlocking concrete blocks can be used instead of bricks in certain situations, as they have unique properties that allow them not only to be quicker to install but uses fewer resources. let’s use a temporary building as an example.
When creating a temporary building with bricks, you have to first lay the foundation, making sure it is level, you must then stack the bricks one by one, making sure to apply cement to bind the bricks together.
Understandably, this is a long process, and if it’s for a temporary building, you’ll have to demolish the building at the end of its usage, essentially wasting the materials you used to make it. So what’s the difference if you use interlocking concrete blocks?
Using interlocking concrete blocks means you don’t have to lay foundations in most cases, you also don’t need cement to bind the blocks together. Interlocking concrete blocks connect by aligning studs and recesses of the blocks together, enabling them to lock into place.
You need fewer blocks to cover more space than a single brick can, and the best thing of all, the blocks can be detached from each other, meaning you can re-use the blocks when you’ve finished using them.
This is one of many reasons that interlocking concrete blocks are used instead of bricks.
How high can you stack interlocking concrete blocks?
Our interlocking concrete blocks have the potential to have 5 blocks stacked upon each other. Our standard-sized blocks are 60cm in height, with 5 stacked together this would equate to 300cm, which is exactly 9 feet & 10.11 inches high. This height is more than enough for applications such as a retaining wall and so much more.
Stacking our interlocking concrete blocks is made easy, safe and secure through the studs and recesses that are on all of our blocks, once they are connected, they are not loose. The beauty of this simple method is that it eliminates the need for cement to bind the blocks together.
Do Interlocking concrete blocks need cement?
No, interlocking concrete blocks bypass the need for any binding elements such as cement. As the name suggests, the ‘interlocking’ part refers to the ability of these blocks to create a secure connection between each other through studs and recesses.
In instances where you want to build a wall with interlocking concrete blocks, you just need to stack them, making sure the studs on top of the base block have connected with the recesses on the block above it and so forth.
In the long term, using interlocking concrete blocks can save money that would otherwise be spent on cement, and time that would otherwise be spent on applying the cement and waiting for it to dry properly before proceeding.
The cost interlocking concrete blocks
If you are considering the cost of our interlocking concrete blocks, we encourage you to get in touch. Having a solid idea of what you intend to use the blocks for, including the space they’re going into, and how much you need will make it easier for us to give you a quote.
Understandably, the cost will be dependent on the amount required, and the sizes of the individual blocks you require.
However, if you’re still deciding whether or not to use our blocks, and would like specific questions to be answered in relation to your project, we are happy to provide all the information you need once you get in contact.
Purchase interlocking concrete blocks today
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 ‘Why are interlocking concrete blocks used instead of bricks?’, 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
