Interlocking Concrete Blocks: Their Benefits and Uses
With any construction project, time and money have to be key considerations. One great way to save on both is to use interlocking concrete blocks.
If you’re not sure what they are, they’re essentially large, pre-cast building blocks similar in concept to Lego, in that they can be quickly slotted together to create a solid structure without the need for cement.
What that means in practice is that whenever you’re ready to proceed with the phase or project for which you’ll be using them, you can have them delivered to your site and lifted into position – and before you know it, you’ll have your wall, bay, barrier or whatever you need in place.
In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at what interlocking concrete blocks can be used for and what benefits they’re likely to bring to your own construction project.
What are concrete blocks used for?
Here are just a few common uses of interlocking concrete blocks. It’s worth bearing in mind that – because they are cheap and quick to install but also strong and durable – they are suitable for both temporary and permanent applications, making them a flexible solution in a huge range of diverse schemes and structures.
These include:
- Retaining walls
- Storage bays
- Roadblocks
- Flood protection
- Partitions and dividing walls
- Temporary structures
- Push walls
- Industrial buildings
What are the benefits of concrete blocks?
Highly durable
Concrete is one of the strongest materials used in construction, which is why it’s the most commonly used building material in the world. Just because interlocking concrete blocks can be used so quickly, it doesn’t mean that they’re any less strong or durable than any other concrete structure.
Easy to install
Perhaps the biggest bonus you get with interlocking concrete blocks is how quick and easy they are to put in place. Because they just slot together to create your structure, you don’t need to use cement or any other bonding agent.
Nor do you need skilled workers or specialised tools and machinery (except heavy lifting equipment).
Flexibility
Just look at the list of applications above – and that’s not even close to being everything you can do with interlocking concrete blocks.
They come in a range of sizes, making them suitable for so many uses that once you’ve started to use them, you’ll be dreaming up more plans before you know it.
Plus, they can be taken down just as quickly as they can be put up, meaning they can be moved and used again elsewhere if the previous structure was just a short-term solution.
Resistant to weathering, fire, water and more
The clue is in the name. These blocks are made of concrete, so many of the benefits that you get with any other concrete structure also apply here – and that includes being able to withstand much of what the world can throw at them.
Cost effective
Many of the benefits we’ve listed above – plus a few more – come together to make interlocking concrete blocks an extremely cost-effective choice. These include:
- Quick and easy to install
- No specialist tools, labour or equipment needed
- No maintenance required
- No need for foundations or groundwork
- Reusable and durable
If you’d like to experience the many benefits of interlocking concrete blocks, Stewart Brothers Concrete are your local experts for Ashford, Sittingbourne, Dover and the wider Kent area. Call us today for a cost-effective quote or just to discuss your plans and let our advisors talk you through your options.