We
price our blocks such that our built wall costs, that is, the
cost of all materials and all labor to build an unfinished wall,
is competitive with other wall systems on the market such as SIP, AAC and ICF. When comparing wall costs, one should always add up the costs of all components (including labor) that make up a wall - never compare just one component such as a block.
Keep in mind that wall costs typically represent less than 15%
of total house cost. See
Understanding Wall Costs for more information or Contact Us for a
current price sheet.
What is the R value of
Liteblok™?
The energy
efficiency of wood framed structures is typically gauged by R
value - a measure of thermal resistance. High thermal mass wall
systems such as Liteblok™ are recognized by the International
Energy Conservation Code (IECC - energy codes obtained
from the
ICC) as contributing to energy efficiency not only by their
thermal resistance but also by their thermal capacity or ability
to store energy. The IECC recognized this by creating the
equivalent R value system to allow apples-to-apples comparisons
between different wall systems and to allow builders to size A/C
equipment appropriately. Equivalent R value is a climate
dependent value. For Liteblok™ 38 Grande, examples of equivalent
R values (based upon 2003 IECC) are provided as follows: Austin,
TX -- R-35, Charlotte, NC -- R-28, Denver, CO -- R-17. Energy
efficiency can be further improved by, for example, employing double blocked
walls, adding more insulation, or using a thermal barrier
coating. The learn
more, ask your construction professional or ICC or
Contact Us.
Is Liteblok™
load bearing?
Yes, Liteblok™ walls are load bearing.
Unlike many systems on the market, interior Liteblok™
walls are also load bearing thereby reducing roof spans and
lowering construction costs. Although Liteblok™
walls are load bearing, the blocks themselves are not
structural, they are forms containing the structural elements.
An analogy can be made with wood frame construction. The blocks
function like the pink fiberglass insulation within a wood frame
wall while the columns of grout and rebar within the blocks act
like studs in a wood frame home. For home and building
construction, Liteblok™
38 only needs to have enough strength for handling purposes. For
outdoor applications such as fences and retaining walls, Liteblok™
69 is the better choice. It is a harder block that is
more resistant to the abrasion outdoor structures are exposed
to. Liteblok™
can be used to build structures up to three stories high. The
larger Liteblok™
Grande is suitable for five storey structures. The forms can
also be used as space fill/ insulation in high rises and sky
scrapers.
Why is Liteblok™
a green building material?
Durable, long lasting structures can be built. This
results in less waste and less energy cost to society
Energy efficient with very high equivalent R-values and
smaller A/C systems required
Lightweight (density as low as 1/4 that of traditional
concrete) means significantly less sand and cement is
consumed contributing to a lower embodied energy than all
other similarly performing building materials
Liteblok™ does not rot, is not attacked by vermin or
termites, is mold and mildew resistant, and does not absorb
moisture into its core resulting in less maintenance and
less waste generated through maintenance
Liteblok™ contains no VOCs or toxic substances such as
fly ash and polystyrene. No ozone depleting or hazardous
chemicals are used during manufacture. Heavy use of
pesticide is not required prior to installation. It is a
very clean breathable building material that offers
excellent indoor air quality
Modular system results in minimal job site waste
Liteblok™ can be recycled at the end of its life
Its light weight means reduced freight loads and less
energy consumption and pollution during transport
Sound absorbing qualities results in significantly
reduced indoor noise
There is a common misconception that
materials need to have recycled content in order to be green.
But this is not the case. Green materials minimize their carbon
footprint, are non-toxic and non-ozone depleting and reduce
noise pollution. Liteblok™ excels in all characteristics
of what is considered a green building material.
Do the gaps
between blocks need to be filled?
Yes, they must be filled to prevent rain
from getting between the gaps. Grout or plaster is
usually used to fill the gaps between the blocks.
Can Liteblok™ be used for
stem walls or below grade?
Yes, it can. However, it is dependent upon
the lateral loads against the wall. Lateral strength can be improved
by increasing the frequency of the reinforced columns and bond beams,
through the use of buttresses and by other means. It is best to
consult with a competent structural engineer to determine your
options.
If I chase a Liteblok™ wall to run electrical
wiring, will that compromise wall strength?
No, it shouldn't. Remember that Liteblok™ is a form that contains the
structure. Just avoid cutting the steel reinforced columns and
beams.
What is the wind rating for Liteblok™?
Liteblok™
is just one component of a wall system. By applying a variety of
reinforcing methods structural engineers can design a structure
meeting all the wind and seismic load requirements found in the United States.
Reinforcing methods include, but are not limited to, increasing the size and
frequency of steel reinforcement, employing buttresses, using double walls, and
reinforcing the space between double walls.
Are special tools, fasteners or finishes required?
No special tools are
needed. You can find suitable fasteners for Liteblok™ at your local
hardware store. However, there are fasteners specifically designed
for aerated concrete (see
Fischer) that are easier to use and better performing. Special
finishes are not required for Liteblok™. Generally, any finish that
will work with a masonry wall will work with Liteblok™. Stucco,
plasters, veneers, brick and siding will work with Liteblok™.
Is installation guidance provided?
Verbal and written technical assistance is provided before and
after the sale.
Can curved or angled walls be built?
Liteblok™ can be cut to create curved walls. Angled
walls can be created by re-starting a wall at any desired angle.
Are Liteblok™ walls prone to cracking?
Liteblok™ walls are resistant to cracking. The gaps between blocks
act as a multitude of expansion joints keeping any stress generated
cracks from spreading.
What stack rates should be expected with Liteblok™?
Typical block stack rates are 60 and 20 blocks per person per
hour for Liteblok™ 38 Standard and Liteblok™ 38 Grande respectively.
This includes the preparation and placement of rebar and grout and
the installation of bond beams and lintels.
We do not install product, we are
strictly a manufacturer. We work with a network of independent
contractors and can refer them for installation. The system is
easy to use and can be a do-it-yourself project.
What is the cost of an
installed fence?
The costs of a precast concrete
fence is typically several times that of wood. For example,
depending on the length, style and finish of fence, an installed
six foot fence can range in price from $40 to $90 per linear
foot. Contact Us
to learn more.
Why
are the Litecast™ fences considered a green building material?
Lightweight aerated panels use less sand and cement and have a
lower embodied energy that other precast fence systems.
Lightweight means reduced freight loads and less energy
consumption and pollution during transport
Modular system results in minimal job site waste
Unlike regular concrete which reflects sounds, the sound
absorbing qualities of these panels result in less noise
within enclosed spaces
Contains no ozone depleting or hazardous material
Litecast™ fences
are the only sound absorbing decorative fence system on the
market.
Can the fences be used below grade and as retaining walls?
Premocrete™ Commercial Panels can be used
below grade and as retaining walls up to the height of one
panel. Premocrete™ panel and post fences can be used below grade
and as retaining walls up to the height of one panel. Litecast™
panel and post fences can be used below grade and as retaining
walls but are limited to a few inches of height. Beyond that, special "retaining
wall" Litecast™
panels and posts should be used. These components are designed to be
strong enough to resist the significant forces of earth and
shifting soils and to be more impermeable to moisture.
Can the
fences withstand hurricane force winds?
Our fences are all designed by engineers to
resist hurricane force winds. Drawings are available which show
the wind resistance rating and how the fences should be
constructed and installed to meet requirements. Fence design and
installation can be modified to meet even higher wind resistance
requirements.
Like to learn more about our products? Visit
Products. Have questions,
need help determining quantities, or looking
for a contractor or professional?
Contact Us. Ready to
buy? Visit Where to
Buy.
