Breeze Blocks: A Comprehensive Guide
Breeze blocks, also known as cinder blocks, are a popular and versatile material in the construction industry.
These blocks offer excellent support and versatility, serving as the perfect option for commercial, domestic, or leisure buildings.
Stick with us as we delve further into the benefits and uses of breeze blocks, helping you make more informed decisions for your next project.
What Are Breeze Blocks?
Breeze blocks are made from sand, cement, and lightweight aggregates.
Despite their lighter weight than traditional bricks, breeze blocks are just as strong and durable, ideal for load-bearing applications.
This makes them easy to handle and install, making them a popular choice for DIY projects.
The Types of Breeze Blocks
There are a variety of breeze blocks available on the market designed to meet the different requirements of specific buildings.
Standard Breeze Blocks
Standard breeze blocks are cost-effective and robust, ideal for budget projects.
These are commonly used for load-bearing applications, partitions, and foundations.
Decorative Breeze Blocks
The unique patterns and designs featured on decorative breeze blocks make them an aesthetic choice.
These are used to add appeal to garden walls, partitions, and feature walls. Their design allows light and air to pass through while providing privacy.
Insulated Breeze Blocks
The use of polystyrene and foam to construct insulated breeze blocks helps to improve thermal efficiency.
This is ideal for homes and offices where people spend most of their time. Insulated breeze blocks are used for external walls, helping reduce energy bills.
Lightweight Breeze Blocks
These blocks are appropriate for non-load-bearing applications, such as internal partitions and infill panels.
As they are made with lighter aggregates, these blocks are easier to handle and install.
The Key Benefits of Breeze Blocks
Breeze blocks are favoured in the construction industry due to their wide range of benefits. This includes:
- Cost-effective: Breeze blocks are relatively inexpensive compared to other construction materials, making them a popular choice for large projects.
- Fire-resistance: Breeze blocks are non-combustible, helping to maintain the structural integrity of a building during a fire.
- Durability: Breeze blocks are ideal for load-bearing applications as they are designed to withstand heavy loads and harsh conditions.
- Thermal insulation: The cellular structure and the materials used for breeze blocks help to trap heat, regulating indoor temperatures and lowering energy bills.
- Sound insulation: Breeze blocks offer great sound insulation, reducing sound transmission. This is beneficial for hospitals, libraries, or offices which require nose control.
- Moisture resistance: Breeze blocks resist dampness and mould from wet weather conditions, making them ideal for areas with high humidity or water exposure.
Common Applications of Breeze Blocks
The incredible versatility of breeze blocks makes them an essential material for many construction projects. Some of their common applications include:
Residential buildings
- Foundations: Due to their great strength, breeze blocks are used to lay the foundations of many homes.
- Internal partitions: Breeze blocks offer a cost-effective way to divide the home into various rooms.
- Load-bearing walls: Breeze blocks are used for load-bearing walls in multi-story homes to provide structural integrity.
- Chimneys and fireplaces: Their fire-resistant characteristics make breeze blocks ideal for the construction of chimneys and fireplaces.
Commercial buildings
- Offices: Breeze blocks are used for both internal and external walls in offices due to their sound insulation properties.
- Retail: As breeze blocks can be painted or rendered, these are beneficial for creating attractive and durable store-fronts.
- Warehouses: Breeze blocks are used to construct warehouses due to their excellent strength and fire-resistance.
Landscaping
- Planters: Breeze blocks are often used to create modern planters to enhance outdoor spaces.
- Garden walls: Decorative breeze blocks add both style and function to garden walls, allowing for great lighting and airflow.
- Outdoor seating: Breeze blocks can be used to create outdoor seating areas in gardens due to their design flexibility.
Maintenance Tips
To ensure that your breeze blocks remain in great condition, visually inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear. This includes cracks, chips, or discolouration.
Make sure there aren't any noticeable alterations or indications of settling, as these could point to underlying problems that require instant care.
Keep the surface of your breeze blocks clean by washing them with mild water and detergent. This will remove any dirt, grime, and pollutants. For tougher stains, use a power washer on a low setting.
For algae or mold growth, treat the areas with a mixture of water and bleach. If you do notice any cracks or chips in the breeze blocks, fill them using concrete mortar. To prevent the mortar joints from wearing down over time, remove the old mortar and replace it with a fresh layer.
Preventative tips
- Keep plants and vegetation away from external walls as they can trap moisture against the blocks.
- Use proper grading, downspouts, and drainage systems to divert water away from walls and foundations.
- If your breeze blocks are in areas prone to impact e.g. driveways or loading docks, install protective barriers or bollards to prevent them from becoming damaged.
Invest in Durable Breeze Blocks with Beesley and Fildes
At Beesley and Fildes, we provide construction tools and materials for any project, big or small.
Our breeze blocks come in a range of various types, sizes, and materials so you can find the perfect match for your job.
Browse our breeze blocks and explore our wide range of building products today.
