Wall construction tips: cement block

Concrete/cement block has been used as a building material for house construction in India. It is less expensive than red bricks. Cement/concrete blocks are manufactured using cement, different sizes of aggregates and water.

Concrete/cement blocks are available as solid or hollow. The blocks are coming in different sizes. Most commonly, concrete blocks comes in 16 by 8 inches with 8 inches high. The measurements may different according to usage and availability. Concrete/cement blocks are durable and fireproof and it is termite proof also.

Partition walls in house construction can be built quickly using concrete blocks. Because of the big size of cement bricks, wall can be finished quicker than smaller red bricks.

Concrete block is less expensive as a building material than red bricks. It may also reduces plastering expense as it is smoother and even than red bricks.

Instead of cement block you can go for red clay bricks. How to select good quality bricks. You can check the size and shape of bricks. Bricks must be in good shape and size. Avoid cracks, sand projections. Check for evenly heated bricks. Also they must have even color.  Good bricks will be hard. If you strike on the brick it should produce a ringing sound. Also you can check the water absorption level of the brick. It should not absorb more water and get fully wet. It can intake around 10 to 20 % of the bricks weight. Brick will not break easily when droped to ground.