Advantages of Concrete Block House Construction in Kenya

Concrete block has been used as a building material for more than a century around the world. In some regions, concrete block is also a common building material frequently used in home construction. Generally, concrete blocks are fabricated using products such as portland cement, different aggregates such as stone or quartz, and water. The chances are also high that you’ve seen many concrete block homes that don’t look like they’re made out of concrete block because of their external facings or coverings.

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Characteristics

A concrete block is referred to as a concrete masonry unit, or CMU, in the construction industry. Concrete blocks can be solid or hollow, with two or three cores or voids. The blocks also come in a range of standard shapes. Depending on which type of concrete machine you use, generally, concrete blocks measure 16 inches long by 8 inches wide by 8 inches high, though their actual widths and heights are a quarter-inch less. Concrete blocks are lightweight, durable and fireproof, making them a useful homebuilding material.

Which machine to choose?

The most widely used machine in this industry in Kenya is the manual Makiga Concrete Block Machine which is the best so far in East and Central Africa as it uses no fuel and is easy and safe to use as well as high yielding.

Makiga Engineering Services Ltd makes 2 types of Concrete Block Machines which manually compact concrete into walling blocks and makes 3 different sizes of concrete blocks:

Concrete Block Machine Type 1 makes these sizes:
1.16″x8″x8″
2.16″x6″x8″
3.16″x4″x8″

Concrete Block Machine Type 2 makes these sizes:
1.18″x9″x9″
2.18″x6″x9″
3.18″x4.5″x9″

Our Concrete Block Machines:
👉TYPE (1) measures 18" x18" and can make 3 different sizes of blocks:- going by L*W*H. 18*9*9, 18*6*9,18*4.5*9.
👉TYPE (2) measures 16*16- and can do 16*8*9,16*6*9,16*4*9. Call/Whatsapp: +254721599866; sales@makiga-engineering.com; #MakigaMachines pic.twitter.com/gkIMIeIC9k

— Makiga Engineering Services Ltd (@MakigaKe) February 27, 2019

Advantages

When they’re assembled and built correctly, concrete blocks are ideal for foundations and basement walls because they’re stronger than poured concrete. Partition walls in any home can be put up quickly using concrete blocks, and their cores or voids can be filled with steel reinforcing rods and concrete for additional strength. Concrete block is unaffected by termites or extreme temperatures and is virtually soundproof, depending on construction quality. Concrete blocks also provide insulation against cold and heat and may reduce a home’s energy usage.