E-Z Block-About Our Product-In Depth

Block Cost

Our blocks are two feet long by one foot high with a cost of less than $3.50/sq. ft., depending upon volume ordered. Each square foot of wall takes less than 1/3 cubic foot of concrete to fill. The amount of steel needed varies, depending on the project, but can be roughly estimated at less than $.45 per square ft. of vertical wall surface..

Additional Savings

Other factors should also be taken into consideration when totaling the savings of using E-Z blocks.

Basements- A finished basement made from concrete requires an extra wall to be built onto the concrete wall to provide insulation and studs to attach drywall. E-Z blocks, in contrast, are ready to plaster or drywall immediately, with no added expense.

Insulation- Forget the cost in labor, materials, and time required to insulate a wood frame house. The materials used in the production of E-Z Blocks make them self-insulating.

Stucco- Stucco is applied directly to the surface of E-Z blocks. No more papering and chicken wire. Apply a brown coat and a color coat (we recommend an elastomeric color coat in extreme climates) and you're done.

Plaster- Plaster can be applied directly to the blocks for a beautiful interior, at a lower cost.

Energy Savings- Your building will be worth more on the market when using ICF construction. Whether you sell it for more money, or sell it sooner because of its advantages over other houses, this increase in savings cannot be ignored.

Energy Efficient Mortgages- EEM's provide home buyers special benefits for buying homes that are energy efficient. EEM loans allow a higher debt to income ratio for the buyer, and allow a buyer to receive a higher loan amount. This will make your home easier to sell in any market. More on EEM's...

ICF's

Based on a study conducted on houses throughout the United States and Canada by the Insulated Concrete Form Association, houses built with ICF exterior walls require an estimated 44% less energy to heat and 32% less energy to cool than comparable frame houses. Given the current (and future) costs of energy, this savings will become a significant issue in many locations.

Thermal mass- The concept of thermal mass is important to consider when calculating a homes overall energy efficiency. The concrete core of E-Z blocks acts as a thermal mass. It absorbs heat during the hottest part of the day, and radiates that heat back during the cold hours of the night. This evens out variations in temperature, and is an effective way of using solar energy to help heat your home. Thermal mass is not taken into effect when calculating R-values. That is why the concept of 'mass enhanced' R-value, or 'dynamic R-value' has been introduced. Here is a great link explaining the science behind thermal mass.

Air Leakage- In tests, ICF houses averaged about 1/2 as much infiltration (air leakage) as frame homes.

Sound Insulation- About one-sixth as much sound gets through an ICF wall compared with an ordinary frame wall. This sharply cuts the intrusion of noise from outside.

Installing E-Z blocks is simple and fast. Our blocks do not require any mortar. Each layer of blocks can be glued together using an easily available polyurethane foam. This will provide rigidity to the wall before it is filled. This is recommended if your project is in a high wind area or if it will be standing for a length of time before being filled, but is not required for most jobs. The top level of blocks must be glued to prevent the blocks from floating up during pouring. A simple level and handsaw are the only tools required to lay a beautiful wall. We have developed a comprehensive installation manual for any new customers. For pictures and video of E-Z blocks being installed click here...

E-Z blocks have undergone an ASTM E-84 test with an accredited laboratory. In this test, a flame is applied to one side of the block. The tester then measures the time it takes for the other side of the block to heat to a certain required temperature. Amazingly, the side of the block not subjected to heat never reached the needed temperature to end the test.. Here is a copy of the test.
With this unique characteristic, our blocks create a safer house (especially in fire prone areas) and can also be used when code requires a fireproof separation wall between duplexes and apartment buildings, like this 7-plex...

Sometimes laying blocks can be fun and artistically satisfying. One of the most artistic features of our blocks is how easily they can be shaped. Click on the picture below for a video demonstration.

Making a curved kitchen wall, or a round library at the corner of a house is a way to add distinction and creativity to any project. Now it can be accomplished without any undue expense. With a little rasping you can create a true curve, not just a series of angles. Be artistic.

This feature is not limited to houses. One of our clients had a problem. They were involved in a development, and had a specific look for their development in mind. Their privacy walls and site walls were going to be curved, but the blocks they were using to accomplish this were difficult to work with, and tended to crack over time. Then they found E-Z Block. We were able to provide them with beautiful walls that enhanced their development and fulfilled their artistic goals. For decorative walls our blocks are the easiest to lay and shape, and may not require expensive footings but simple post holes for stability. Here are some examples...