Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Concrete Block Confusion

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.



PDA

View Full Version : Concrete Block Confusion

shoeless
06-19-09, 11:08 AM
Is there some special concrete block made just for load-bearing walls?

I am confused. I need 8 X 8 X 16 blocks for a crawl space. I was planning on using standard weight blocks (the ones with the two holes). They will be filled with concrete upon completion of the wall.

Do I need some special block for the load-bearing walls?

21boat
06-19-09, 10:53 PM
Regular block from the block plant is fine. They are all load bearing block. There is a light weight block made for commercial interior walls on steel with concrete decking.

My question is why are you going to fill the cores with concrete?? What are you building and whats the wall supporting or retaining??
chandler
06-20-09, 12:31 PM
Check with your inspector, as some locations prohibit the cells from being filled.

shoeless
06-23-09, 07:48 AM
Thanks for the feedback.

I saw the two different types of block: regular and light weight. I assumed the regular would be the best choice for strength.

We are building a perimeter wall for a crawl space. Typical construction (I thought): 16" wide footer with vertical rebar every 48" and filled cores (to hold the vertical rebar).

There are no inspectors around here. This is the country.