Material Efficiency: Concrete Masonry
Single vs. Multiple Layers
Concrete masonry vs. steel stud systems
- Steel is very high in embodied energy
- Multiple products required for complete wall:
- Drywall: mold food sources
- Primer and paint: VOCs
- Batt insulation: toxic binders
- Sheathing: adhesives, mold food source
- Significant additional materials needed for fire or acoustical applications
Note also a single trade constructs the concrete masonry wall. A multi-component structure can involve three, four, or more separate trades