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You may know the benefits of concrete and foam, but have you heard what they can do together? Foam blocks have a variety of applications when it comes to building and insulating structures. To learn more about this material, consider the following overview.

An Introduction to Foam Blocks

How Is It Made?

foam blockLike other forms of concrete, foam blocks are made by mixing wet ingredients and allowing them to dry and harden. To make foam concrete, builders combine water, foam, and cement. Depending on its application, a variety of additives can be used, such as sand, limestone, or pulverized fly ash. The material is poured into molds. After the blocks have hardened, they’re sold in 6-inch and 8-inch blocks.

What Are the Benefits?

Due to the partial replacement of concrete with foam, foam blocks are much more lightweight. This makes it easier for construction workers to carry large loads, allowing them to conserve their energy, avoid injuries, and work more efficiently. Foam blocks also have an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, which allows for reliability in the construction industry. They are crack- and shrink-resistant and are more flexible than conventional concrete.

When temperatures are extreme, the added foam makes the block less likely to warp or deteriorate. Finally, foam blocks are an environmentally friendly building choice. In addition to being made with fewer chemicals, they allow for increased insulation, so property owners can enjoy 50-80% savings on their HVAC utility bills.

How Is It Used? 

Foam blocks are often used in basements, foundations, and multi-story buildings. Because the foam holds back airflow and is less flammable than other construction materials, it’s often used for insulation purposes—both for temperature and sound. The foam can also be made to fit in irregularly shaped spaces, such as gaps between bricks or beams, or inside defunct pipes. Sometimes, eco-friendly contractors even use foam blocks to construct floors or partitions.

 

If you’re interested in supplementing your project with foam blocks, get in touch with Best Transit Mix of Soldotna, AK. Their foam concrete is made in Alaska, so you can help the environment even more by eliminating transportation emissions. With an impressive fleet of 10 mixer trucks, you can trust this team to cater to all your concrete needs. For more information on their offerings, visit their website, or call (907) 262-6273 to request a free estimate. 

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