Attention to detail is key

LiteWate CMUs allow for downsizing of steel frame by being engineered for infills and load-bearing conditions. Lightweight CMU min. compressive strength of 1900 psi is often exceeded with our LiteWate by up to an f'm of  2500 psi. The specifying of Normal and Heavyweight CMUs are not necessary to obtain these strengths but may be perfect for ultra-high strength demands. Note that most DecraStone configurations compressive strengths also exceed these psi requirements as well because they are mostly Normal weight. Load bearing walls on the exterior or interior can be finished on both faces eliminating veneers and additional trades.

ICC 500 storm shelter requirements make CMUs the choice for construction requiring protection of the occupants. The majority of critical facilities and schools will need to conform to these ICC 500 specifications.  Reinforced CMUs offer solutions in many forms for these requirements. Single-wythe, solid grouted reinforced walls provide the necessary structural integrity for blast or impact situations also. Buildings that require this structural integrity use DecraStone to resolve these issues. Military and secure government buildings use concrete masonry for their inherent qualities that can inhibit blast and impact forces.

The same trade can construct the entire perimeter and interior making the single source installer a more straightforward solution. Fast delivery from our local sourced inventory that is generally on hand can eliminate special considerations. The CMU walls can be easily painted for a finish or specified in one of our DecraStone products that are delivered with the faces finished. Not many other products offer both structural integrity and a complete wall finish at the same time as DecraStone. Keeping it simple may be the answer.

Finishes, colors, sizes are offered by choosing DecraStone block:  Ground face, Split face cmu walls, Velour face concrete block, Plus face block.  Ninety-six colors to chose from can allow the designer to combine different face designs and colors for fascinating building facades.  Imagine the possibilities of using white and pastels in walls without having to resort to painted surfaces and those associated costs. DecraStone concrete block is available in the Southeast and most other locations. 

CMUs are very useful when sound issues are considered. First: the sound is absorbed by the block and Second: the block wall can act as a barrier to sound by "blocking it." For these reasons party walls and separation walls often are built of LiteWate. The benefits of fire resistance from 1 to 4 hours using the equivalent thickness method of blended mix designs allows flexibility in the choice of wall thicknesses. Large interior industrial walls, stairways and party walls in apartments are excellent locations for these conditions. Consider concrete does not burn, char, emit smoke but instead resist the ravages of fire and can be restored if a fire within the shell does occur.

Stopping water infiltration into a building is probably one of the most important aspects of any specification requirements.  RainBloc is used in all our DecraStone architectural CMU's to be an extra barrier against water intrusion. For more complete documents see Resources or read our article on Rainbloc.