Saturday, 21 January 2017

OK then, what size then....?

Popular sizes


Contractors and many home owners in Lesotho prefer sizes 6" and 9".  Hence why, except in very rare instances, or by special order, most brickyards would carry only these two sizes.

Contractor's Views....


"The bottom line is the load.  What load would your wall be carrying?"  Says Mr. Masienyane J and experienced manager of a thriving construction outfit.  

 If you are building a two roomed structure, the load of the roofing cannot compare with a sprawling 6 roomed structure, thus for a 6 roomed structure you may want to select a larger stronger size 9" for your walls.  You see, the determining bottom line is the load.  The roof for a two roomed structure can easily be carried by a size 6" concrete block.

However be warned that there are other considerations to be made even in the case of a two roomed structure.  How stable is the ground onto which this structure is being put?  For advise on this matters you will need to speak to your surveyor, architect or other concrete block experts.

Architect's views....

We also spoke to Mr. Mosese a seasoned Architecture instructor at the Lerotholi Polytechnic in Maseru.  He knows that architect specification would state either sizes 9" or 6" or any other size based on the anticipated "load" or weight the structure is expected to carry.

"Most room division walls would specify a lower strength size 6" since the load of the roof would not be carried by these walls, the outer walls would bear the weight of the roof."  This is why external walling would specify size 9" concrete blocks.

Therefore consideration largely depends on the load, there are other instances that may warrant stronger and larger concrete block sizes in cases where size "6 would normally be specified. It is recommended that home buyers talk to a professional architect if they are in doubt.

Homeowner's views....

Ntate Mofolo is a veteran at home improvement.  He has had to build, break, restructure, reshape, improve and extend many buildings in his lifetime.  His take is that most home improvement projects are very cash sensitive.  "Many people, new home owners or Do-It-Yourself home improvement enthusiasts approach their projects with a strict eye on the expenses, thus, make purchasing choices based on the cost."
  
Whilst this approach is rational and understandable, a quick inquiry from professional builders or architects would save you a lot of money in the long run.

The cost of using the wrong size of concrete block for a wrong project can be marginally higher than the cost of paying for professional advice.

So what size.....

Is it going to be a 9 inches or 6 inches? The verdict is that your project requirements would determine the right size of block. Luckily we at Blues Brick and Paving have in-house expertise to advice you on your project. Give us a shout anytime of day for free advice on what size of block to choose.  #+266 2831 1001


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