Concrete masonry units are one of the most versatile building products available. They can be used to construct virtually any style of structure. Sizes, shapes, textures and colors can be incorporated to add visual interest and design elements to any structure. They are used for both exterior and interior walls.
Structures built with concrete masonry units from General Shale are economical, energy efficient, fire resistant and require very little maintenance. The most common applications are walls for buildings but there are numerous other uses such as retaining walls, chimneys, firesafe enclosures of stairwells, elevator shafts and storage vaults.
Concrete masonry units deliver the best value and performance for your investment.
- Safe and secure environment
- Proven performance
- Appreciable value
- Aesthetic versatility
- Energy efficiency
- Timely construction
- Cost effective
- Sustainability
The sustainability of our concrete masonry units is more important given today's increasing concern for the environment. Sustainability is about building the quality of life for now and future generations. Concrete masonry units improve indoor environmental quality by eliminating the need to paint, thus reducing associated volatile organic compounds when prefaced concrete masonry units are chosen. These units reduce the potential for mold growth because they do not provide a ready food source for mold. Our concrete masonry units are made from abundant local raw materials and recycled aggregates and cementitious materials.
Concrete masonry units can improve environmental impact with its long life cycle while improving fire safety and acoustical performance. The high thermal mass of concrete masonry units can save energy by remaining cool or warm long after the heat or air conditioning has shut off, reducing heating and cooling loads.
A small sampling of our many products
Featured Article:
[Posted on June 30, 2011]
Concrete Products: Helpful Inside and Outside Your House!
When you think of building with concrete products, chances are that you think of outside uses. Concrete slab patios, walkways and steps, concrete pavers, concrete block retaining walls, and concrete flower bed edging are all fantastic uses of this versatile material. Another place where concrete products can be useful, however, is inside your home. Because concrete is durable, comes in many colors, and is sustainable, it makes a great indoor masonry choice as well.
Depending on what you are building, concrete blocks offer the one of the best ways to incorporate concrete products into your home. Anywhere you might need block surfaces is a great place for concrete. Think walls, kitchen islands, room dividers, and even unique shelving options within any room. The durability of concrete is unquestionable. For example, if you build a recessed shelving unit out of concrete, it can withstand the weight of both books and climbing toddlers far better than an average wooden bookshelf. Likewise, in high traffic areas, like the kitchen, a concrete block island will weather spills, dings, and other normal wear and tear.
Concrete blocks—so often seen as just gray cinder blocks—actually come in dozens of colors. Reds, browns, ivories, golds, sand colors, grays, and whites are just a few of the coloring choices available for most concrete products at your local masonry material stores. Additionally, you can mix and match colors to create designs that match your decorating style and aesthetic. Beyond coloring, concrete products can also be textured. Blocks come in smooth, rough, raised, and other designs which can also help you create a unique indoor space.
Besides versatility, durability, and color and texture choices, concrete products are environmentally friendly options inside your home for several reasons. They do not need to be painted, and this will save you on both money and chemical use. Likewise, cleaning concrete products is usually as simple as applying some hot water and scrubbing. Most concrete products are also usually made of recycled materials, which helps in terms of sustainability and cost to you.
You can add concrete to an already built home as part of a larger renovation, or if you are building your home from the ground up, concrete can be a vital part of your indoor design. So, whether you are building outdoor living options in your backyard or wanting to give your indoor space a facelift, consider using concrete products to help with your next masonry project!
Disclaimer
The pictures on this website are intended to represent general color ranges and surface textures of our products. Precise color match to actual product cannot be assured due to variations in monitors/viewing screens, room lighting, and other factors beyond the control of General Shale.