For Architects:

It's all about the R-Value.

The key to maximizing whole-wall R-values of concrete masonry walls is minimizing thermal bridges within the concrete masonry units, and increasing the thermal resistance of the concrete used to produce concrete masonry units.

 

Lightweight concrete is ideal for highest thermal performance concrete masonry wall assemblies. Whole-wall R-values for ProBlock walls are much greater than conventional 3-web concrete block walls. The increase achieved by injecting aminoplast foam insulation is up to 264% greater than is possible with normal weight concrete masonry walls injected with the same aminoplast foam insulation. 

 

Energy performance within a wall system utilizing the ProBlock with insulated foam R-values of ProBlock walls insulated with aminoplast foam compare favorably with those insulated with closed-cell polyurethane foam. Because aminoplast foam flows within the wall, all of the nooks & crannies get filled. Polyurethane foam expands rather than flows; thus, many more holes must be drilled & patched, expanding foam tends to bridge small openings to leave voids, and polyurethane foam typically costs far more than aminoplast foam insulation. For better performance and faster installation at a lower cost, amnioplast foam insulation @ R-4.60/inch is the better choice for injecting ProBlock walls vs. closed cell polyurethane foam insulation @ R-5.91/inch. 

​

For Masons

If you are a mason contractor, the physical demands of block laying is not new. Since the early 1900’s, the design of a concrete masonry unit has not changed. With advances in building techniques and structural stability, ProBlock allows masons to install CMU in the safest way possible.

 

ProBlock is lighter.

Due to its open ended design, ProBlock is by default 30% lighter in weight compared to a standard shaped CMU of the same material. A lighter block is easier and quicker to install.

 

Balanced Block Design

ProBlock has been engineered so that that center of gravity is where it should be; in the center web of that block. The finished result is a block that is balanced in the hands of a mason.  Most open ended CMU’s are inbalanced and can be troublesome to handle and can even cause injury. That is due to the center of gravity not actually being in the true “center” of the mass.

 

Open CMU Ends = Longer Vertical Rebar

On project sites, vertical rebar pieces have to be shortened to allow for masons to lay block over the pieces. With ProBlock’s open ended design, masons can lay the block vertical rebar by sliding the open end around the piece. This allows mason contractors to have longer lengths of vertical rebar which reduces the amount of rebar splicing and the total amount of steel needed for the project.

 

Enables High Lift Grouting with Less Blowouts

The tapered face shell of the ProBlock design allows for high lift grouting. That tapered face shell reduces the risk of grouting blowouts.

 

Reduces Shoulder + Back Injuries

Did you know that over the course of one day, a single mason can have lifted approximately 2 tons in CMU weight? That is why back injuries are the leading cause of worker’s compensation claims and missed work days. When a mason is laying between 90 to 120 block per day, every pound matters. ProBlock is on average 30% lighter in weight than other CMU of the same material mix. Not only do you reduce the amount of weight a mason has to lift, there is also the opportunity for a mason to safely be able to lay more of them in a day.

 

No more OVERHEAD lifting

Overhead lifting and using unauthorized platforms is one of the leading causes for safety citations on masonry projects. ProBlock’s open ended design allows masons to lay block around rebar instead of having to lay block over rebar. A mason can now safely lay block without having to stand on ladders, buckets, other CMU, or use any other unauthorized platform to extend themselves overhead.

​

Reduces Onsite Block Cutting = Reduced Silica Exposure

ProBlock’s open ended units reduce the risk of silica exposure due to on site block cutting.