A short time ago, only bricks were available for construction. Before the industry shifted to using cement blocks to satisfy the standards and convenience of access, all major structures depended on the traditional red brick. People have always been concerned about the environment, and as a result, the use of cement blocks has increased in popularity in recent years.
This article will assist you with the cement block price and all you need to know about them, whether you intend to build a new house or add on to an existing one.
Also read about AAC Blocks, the new age building construction material
Cement blocks: What are they?
A cement block is a common choice among the many precast concrete building materials available. This kind of block is called “precast” because it is made and hardened off-site before being transported to the construction site. The sides of most cement blocks are either cast straight or with a pattern, and they often include one or perhaps more hollow chambers.
Cement blocks: Types
There are primarily two types of cement blocks, and these classifications are determined by the structure, form, and size of the blocks and the production techniques.
Hollow blocks
Large buildings, such as boundary fences, sometimes use hollow blocks, distinguished by holes covering at least a quarter of their cross-sectional area. The perforations save material and provide an opportunity to hide or conceal wiring or pipes. For even more support, you may insert rebar into the holes. There are three different quality levels available for hollow concrete blocks:
- Grade A with an optimum density of 1,500 kg/m3.
- Grade B with a density under 1,500 kg/m3.
- Grade C with a density of more than 1,000 kg/m3.
Grades A and B of cement block are used in the construction of load-bearing walls, while grade C is employed in constructing non-load-bearing walls. The hollow cement block price ranges from 28 to 45 rupees per piece.
Solid blocks
Full concrete blocks are similar in appearance to standard grey bricks, albeit they are often much bigger in size. When used to build walls, they may provide a formidable barrier against weather conditions like high winds. Garden planters and walls, retaining walls, bases, stairs, and fire pits are just a few other uses for solid cement blocks. The price difference between solid and hollow concrete blocks is negligible, but the former is much heavier. The solid cement block price ranges from 36 to 50 rupees per piece.
See also know about: Aac Block
Cement blocks: How to estimate their prices and quantities?
You may use one of the many accessible cement block calculators to estimate the number of cement blocks and the cost of purchasing them for your project. Here is a step-by-step guide to using a cement block price calculator.
01. Type in the breadth and height of the wall you want to create using cement blocks. The area of the wall can only be calculated with them.
02. You may choose a predefined block size or provide a value of your own.
- Cement blocks come in a wide range of standard sizes. Choose the appropriate size for your project.
- If you choose “custom size,” you’ll be prompted to enter a standard concrete block’s length and width measurements. To prevent ambiguity, an image of the required wall section and its measurements will pop up.
- The maximum number of cement blocks required for your project is shown in both scenarios.
03. You may determine how much money you’ll need to spend on concrete blocks by entering the cost per unit of that material.
04. An average of three bags of mortar are needed to bind together one hundred cement blocks. Note that this is just a preliminary estimate and that you may need to do your own maths, considering things like the kind of mortar used.
Cement blocks: Advantages
The following are some of the advantages of cement blocks over red bricks, contributing to their growing popularity.
Cheaper option
Block masonry is more cost-effective than its brick-based counterpart. In comparison to brick masonry, their per-cubic-metre price is believed to be lower by Rs. 1,500. You can’t dismiss the significance of this difference. The estimated price of building a wall using cement blocks is approximately 17.65% cheaper than the price of building the same wall with traditional bricks.
Eco-friendly alternative
Production and manufacture of these items do not harm or deplete the natural environment in any manner. Fly Ash, a byproduct of thermal power plants, is used in their construction. However, producing red bricks requires the removal of topsoil, depriving the environment of a vital buffer zone.
Soundproofing quality
Those who live near busy highways or factories may benefit greatly from soundproofing. Block walls, which are denser than brick ones, are better at dampening outside noise. Their effective acoustic isolation is a godsend if incessant outside noise keeps you up at night.
Lighter weight
Concrete blocks have higher portability, stability, and endurance than red bricks. The ratio of their dry density to the weight of a building makes them more practical for contemporary architecture.
Better strength
The frequency of natural disasters, including hurricanes and tornadoes, is rising, and cement blocks are thought to be the most resilient material. The craftsmanship puts them over the top in terms of longevity and sturdiness.
Space-saving
Construction professionals often advocate for using cement blocks due to their remarkable capacity for reducing total floor area. Wall building requires more room even though narrower walls are just as sturdy. In densely populated urban areas, where space is at a premium, brick walls are becoming rare.
FAQs:
Are cement blocks suitable for house construction?
The accuracy, longevity, and adaptability of cement blocks are unparalleled and they break down very slowly. All kinds of weather won't penetrate the insulating characteristics of these lightweight blocks.
What is the average cement block price in India?
Depending on the specific market, the cost of a cubic metre of cement block in India might vary from about Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000. Each block's ultimate price will be determined solely by its size. In comparison to standard red bricks, they are massive building blocks. Therefore, the price may seem costly at first.
Can tiles be installed over cement blocks?
Yes. Tiles and other fixtures may be attached to cement blocks using special compounds called cement block adhesives. If you use any other kind of glue, it won't hold.
How are cement blocks interconnected or stacked?
It is possible to stack cement blocks using the same kind of standard grey cement that is employed for stacking red bricks.
Why should I use cement blocks when they are more expensive than red bricks?
The cement block price seems more than the cost of red bricks, but in the long run, you may expect to save money on labour, shipping, cement, and steel. Because of how lightweight they are, cement blocks may reduce the overall building budget.
