solid cement blocks or bricks for construction

[nagarajbn]

Hi all,

Can anyone suggests which is a better option (solid blocks or bricks) to construct considering the long life of building,
walls being smooth , avoiding cracks etc.,

I'm eagerly waiting to get this answer to decide and construct

Raj

[rewatcher]

I had the same dilemma when I started constructing my house a few months back. After some research I opted to use red bricks. Bricks have better thermal properties compared to cement blocks - inside of the house will be cooler than the outside. My suggestion is that if you are building the house for your own dwelling, go for good quality red bricks. It may be a little costlier than the cement block option, but it gives a better quality house. This is my personal opinion, other experts can chime in..

[naveenv]

Nagaraj,

Red bricks are always a better option but a bit expensive when compared to cement blocks. You will reap the benefits of Red bricks after few years. Its always seen that buildings with cement blocks yields bubbles in the surface and the paint and putty wear out soon.

[y_jaga]

Hi ,
Any information on these issues?
What will be final thickness after plastering incase of brick wall and solid block wall.
On outer wall whether 6" solid block has sufficient strength.?
Anyone in this forum used 6" column for g+2 30 x 40 house buildings
Pl help

[maheshvivid2003]

we currently using cement block (6inches) i dont know the thickness after plastering

always red bricks is best option++++

[Saravanakumar]

I think this issue is chasing every one who wants construct dream house. For sure the Pop & Mom houses were built using RED bricks and there is a solid evidence those houses still stand good after decades. Regarding Solid Blocks, it's new technology which was introduced and it may take its own time to prove or fall.

Other than that saving 6" on each side and earning additional 10% all short term view and it may fade away once the construction complete. In my personal opinion choose what you feel won't hurt at later point and you don't regret your decision. After spending life time earning no honest house owner like to see cracks, bubbles on his/her house walls regardless of what brick/solid block used to build.

I wonder why builder sometime insist solid block by bringing the cost factor but not confidently stating that this is better than that or vice versa. This is the point get into dilemma and want to stick to old proven method of Red Brick. Otherwise even RED brick now a days has its own pros and cons due to lack of quality especially in big cities where everyone chase quick bugs for whatever quality offered.

[deborshi]

Advantages of red bricks:
More durable
Poor conductor of heat
Looks better

Disadvantages of red bricks:
Costlier
Takes more time for construction

Advantages of concrete blocks:
Works out cheaper
Construction takes lesser time
(Hollow blocks trap heat better)

Disadvantages of concrete blocks:
More heavier hence more load on foundation (Can use hollow blocks for internal walls to reduce load)
Water seepage more likely (can be corrected with 1 inch plaster both internally and externally)
Maintenance cost higher in the long run

The quality of both red bricks and concrete blocks need to be verified as it can be compromised.

[tvsh]

I think this issue is chasing every one who wants construct dream house. For sure the Pop & Mom houses were built using RED bricks and there is a solid evidence those houses still stand good after decades. Regarding Solid Blocks, it's new technology which was introduced and it may take its own time to prove or fall.

The quality of bricks that were available a few decades ago were far superior than the ones we are getting today. I remember when my Dad built his house in mid 1970s, the bricks were immersed in water for a whole night and then used for construction the following day. Try immersing today's bricks for a night and see the condition of them the following morning.

In my opinion, Good quality cement blocks are as durable as brick walls. SEF also thinks Solid blocks are better than bricks. http://www.sefindia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12180

Brick walls are cooler than cement block walls.

[maheshvivid2003]

we r using solid blocks ..for me big probs is budget so i opted for solid blocks ...even if i had lil more budget i would have choosen to go for bricks

ther r some good quality bricks if budget is more wire cut bricks r best and even the lowest quality bricks r far better than cement solid blocks

i dont know abt branded blocks but i have been to factories in around utrahalli and other places and i have seen them making ...ther is no proper mixng ratio of cement n other materials n they use very less water while mixing and they use the lowest cement like penna and they dont cure blocks ...max would be 5 days and only the first load u get good blocks and later u wont ....

only developer and sale building n rented properties r built in solid blocks ..saving money on material and time ...for own use ...most of them use red bricks

the demand is more for solid blocks...coz of that i doubt these branded companies maintain quality as per isi standards ...

[kraghum]

i was of same dilemma, then my architect gave a price break between Red bricks and Solid blcoks, and it was 60K that i will save and still end up plastering all walls.
That's when i thought let me do something different(others have done already though) and go for CSEB(Compressed Stabilized earth bricks), costs same but more benefit, if you are going for labor contract then you can save on cement since you have 8x8*4 bricks, and if you don't like the dull shade you cna go for plastering like normal bricks, if you need/like can expose few walls thus saving money on plastering and painting
So now we finalized that we go for CSEB bricks and plaster all internal walls (we dome how don't like the grey shade bricks inside) but leave 50% walls outside un plastered

Raghu