LIGNACITE LTD
NORFOLK HOUSE
HIGH STREET
BRANDON
SUFFOLK IP27 0AX
Tel: 01842 810678
Fax: brandonsales@lignacite.co.uk
Suppliers of: Concrete Blocks Masonry Blocks Dense Concrete Blocks lightweight blocks building Blocks Concrete Blocks Concrete Soffit Blocks concrete
Lignacite are a leading manufacturer of concrete and masonry products and have one of the most efficient and modern manufacturing sites in the U.K.
Sustainable and Environmentally Sensitive Manufacturing
Lignacite sets the standards for sustainable and environmentally sensitive manufacturing. Our curing chambers re-use heat given off by the exothermic reaction between cement and water and when additional heat is needed, gas emissions are pumped back into the chambers, where blocks absorb CO2.
All water used at Brandon comes from a on site borehole, and is recycled at up to 5000 gallons / hour. Sand and aggregate quarried on land adjacent to the plant saves around 36,000 lorry journeys over the period of extraction. The land is then restored on an annual basis for wildlife conservation.
Main Product Ranges:
Concrete Blocks
All our products are Kitemarked as conforming to BS EN 771-3 Aggregate Concrete Masonry Units. They comply with category 1 Masonry Units and are manufactured under a quality assurance scheme assessed and certified to BS EN 9001:2000 by the British Standards Institute.
Lignacite concrete blocks comprise a range of medium density loadbearing units, used in internal or external walls. Lignacite blocks contribute to sound environmental practices as they contain graded wood particles, a selected waste wood product as an alternative aggregate. They also provide exceptional sound reduction qualities.
Concrete Blocks - Lignacite Ash GP:
Ash GP is a medium density concrete block which is robust, durable and suitable for a range of walling applications. Typical uses include the inner leaf of cavity walls when used with cavity insulation, separating or partition walls, and infill blocks in beam and block flooring systems. Ash GP can also be used externally where rendering or cladding is to be applied to the wall. Ash GP blocks provide a strong background for holding fixings. Ash GP is produced using at least 35% of recycled aggregate (by volume) thereby conserving valuable sources of primary material.
Concrete Blocks - Fibo850 Blocks:
Fibo850 is an excellent light weight house builder block. The block is manufactured from expanded clay lightweight aggregate, and contains up to 24% recycled aggregates by volume.
Lignacrete is a robust and durable block that provides a good background for fixing, and that has excellent acoustic properties and thermal capacity. Lignacrete blocks are used in internal or external walls and manufactured from cement, sand and dense aggregates, and contains up to 20% recycled aggregates by volume.
Further technical information is available to download from the BPi download Library or directly from the manufacturer’s own website.
Concrete blocks and water resistance: everything you need to know
When it comes to construction in the UK, one of the key considerations for architects and specifiers is how well concrete blocks withstand exposure to water. Understanding this is essential for ensuring durability and avoiding expensive future repairs.
This article outlines how water interacts with concrete blocks, the risks of water damage and practical ways to protect your project. From choosing the most water resistant block types to managing moisture effectively, you’ll find guidance to help you make informed choices.
Are concrete blocks water resistant?
As a building material, concrete blocks are some of the strongest and most durable. However, while concrete blocks offer water resistance, they are not completely waterproof. The way they’re made means they have voids within their structure, which makes them porous. As such they can absorb moisture.
It’s also important to mention that not all blocks are created equal. Different types of concrete blocks have different water permeability qualities. Dense concrete blocks have very low water absorption because their structure isn’t so porous.
How resistant concrete is to water?
While standard concrete blocks provide some protection against water, they can allow water to pass through under certain conditions. This occurs because of capillary action, where water moves through the tiny pores in the concrete blocks.
The level of water resistance depends on several factors, including the block type, composition and the type of construction in which they are used, for example, a cavity or single-leaf wall. In cavity walls, the intervening gap of 50mm acts as a very effective drain for any moisture that penetrates the outer leaf.
All types of aggregate concrete blocks can provide good resistance to the ingress of moisture and blocks of 7.3N/mm2compressive strength are deemed to be moisture and frost-resistant in all locations, including below the damp-proof course.
On the rare occasions where excessive moisture passes through a wall, it is often diagnosed as a result of poorly filled mortar joints, or joints that have not been adequately tooled. Tooling is the simple process of compressing the mortar joints before they are allowed to harden. This works the mortar tight into the joints, which produces better weather resistance.
How does water affect concrete?
Concrete blocks are highly resistant to moisture and can be used in a range of conditions and provide adequate durability throughout the lifetime of the structure.
During the construction phase, it is recommended practice to protect blocks stored on site from the effects of inclement weather. This practice should also extend to protecting partially complete blockwork from the ingress of moisture as well as the risk of frost damage occurring during low temperatures.
One common moisture-related condition is called efflorescence. This is a white, chalky powder that is deposited on the surface of a concrete block or brick wall. Up close, it may look furry, or like crystals forming on the blocks. This occurs when water penetrates the surface and causes lime to dissolve and start to leach out, where it accumulates on the surface. It is usually a cosmetic issue but one that should be addressed, particularly if any surface finishes are to be applied to the wall.
However, the likelihood of efflorescence occurring will be significantly reduced if attention is paid to protecting blocks and blockwork during construction.
The most water resistant types of concrete blocks
All concrete blocks offer a high degree of resistance to water. Blocks of 7.3N/mm2 compressive strength are deemed the minimum quality to provide adequate resistance to moisture, as well as the risk of freezing.
Blocks of lower compressive strength, such as 3.6N/mm2 can be used in less protected locations. For example, they can be used for interior walls below ground, or external walls above ground if covered by a render of cladding treatment.
However, dense blocks, such as those in the Lignacrete range, are particularly effective. This is due to the use of aggregates that are less porous.
Concrete block thickness can also make a difference in water penetration. For example, in single-leaf external walls, thicker blocks are generally better at resisting moisture because water must travel further to pass through.
Moisture management for concrete blockwork
If water resistance is a concern, for instance in areas exposed to the weather, or where drainage is an issue, specialist advice should be sought to determine the cause. When appropriate, several treatments are available to improve the performance of the walls.
Applying render is one option, with pre-mixed varieties offering consistent quality and built-in colour. In extreme cases, cladding the walls may need to be considered. Bitumen wall coatings are another common choice for protection against moisture.
Water-repellent treatments, sealers and masonry facade creams can also have a role in reducing moisture ingress. These treatments fill the pores on the surface of the concrete masonry units, preventing water from entering and causing it to run off instead.
To ensure the water resistance of any wall, you should ensure that mortar is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Poorly applied mortar may deteriorate or crumble, allowing water to penetrate between the concrete blocks.
All is not lost if you start to notice water damage. Efflorescence can often be removed from walls with a dry brush, or with a specialist chemical treatment. Even penetrating damp can be treated in some cases with the aid of desiccants or heat lamps.
Speak to our team
If you’re planning a construction project and want advice on selecting the right concrete blocks, get in touch with our team. We’re here to help you make the best choice for long-lasting, durable results.
Lignacite : Sustainable block launch: ECO50 and ECO70
We’re delighted to announce the introduction of ECO50 and ECO70, which put recycled materials front and centre of concrete block production.
At Lignacite, we’re dedicated to researching and developing sustainable solutions for concrete block manufacture. That’s why we’re proud to bring two new products to market: the Lignacite ECO50 and ECO70, featuring 50% and 70% recycled content respectively.
This development underscores our commitment to sustainability and the reduction of the environmental impact of construction materials.
Striding towards sustainability
As a business focused on reaching net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years before the government deadline, we’re also conscious of our customers’ desire to reduce their impact on the environment. Finding new ways to cut the carbon footprint of our blocks is therefore a key business priority.
We’ve worked extensively on optimising our energy use, building a more efficient factory, and switching our on-site vehicles to green fuel HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil). With these improvements in place, we turned our attention to the composition of the blocks.
Using recycled materials in our blocks is not a new concept for us. For instance, our flagship Lignacite block already contains recycled wood particles. However, we wanted to create blocks that made even greater use of sustainable aggregates.
The result is our Lignacite ECO50 and ECO70 blocks.
The new additions to our range feature high proportions of recycled material. In the ECO50 block, this stands at 50%. In the ECO70 variant, recycled content makes up 70% of its constituent parts.
The mix contains recycled materials sourced within the UK, as local as possible to our factories. These materials are compliant with ISO 14021, the international standard for self-made environmental claims.
Both blocks are medium dense, making them ideal for a range of applications. They are also both available in 100mm or 140mm sizes, with compression strength of 7.3N available initially. The ECO50 block also has a paint grade finish.
EPDs are currently in progress.
Order ECO blocks today
To learn more about the ECO50 and ECO70, contact our Sales team. You can call them on 01842 778485 or fill out an enquiry form.
Both ECO blocks are made to order and have a lead time of 13 weeks. We also offer customers in London an eco-friendly delivery option via HVO-powered vehicles, which will reduce carbon emissions by up to 95%.
