Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 2/18/2009

Question
Bruce,
Am going to add an addition onto my house that has concrete block walls on good footings. My question is this: is it cheaper to use concrete blocks for the stem walls, or poured reinforced concrete walls for the addition. And is one kind better structurally speaking than the other. Thanks in advance for this great service provided.


Answer
Hi shawn, I used to be strictly a "poured concrete" proponent until I moved to Florida and really got into concrete masonry unit construction CMU.  I have come to like CMU and feel that there is not that much difference in the two types of construction.  I would say if your walls are going to be CMU then your foundation should probably be CMU.  I like the CMU because you don't need formwork and all the labor that goes with a concrete wall.  You can also inject foam into a CMU wall which gives it a good insulation property you can't get with a concrete wall.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com