Concrete block walls code#

5) and Energy Efficient Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 (ref.

Concrete block walls code#

Energy codes and standards such as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) (ref. The benefits of thermal mass have been incorporated into energy code requirements as well as sophisticated computer models. Due to the significant benefits of concrete masonry’s inherent thermal mass, concrete masonry buildings can provide similar performance to more heavily insulated frame buildings. This, in turn, effectively reduces heating and cooling loads, moderates indoor temperature swings, and shifts heating and cooling loads to off-peak hours. Masonry walls remain warm or cool long after the heat or air-conditioning has shut off. Because of its comparatively high density and specific heat, masonry provides very effective thermal storage.

Thermal mass describes the ability of materials to store heat. Lower density concrete masonry mix designs result in higher R-values (i.e., lower U-factors) than higher density concretes. The steady state and mass performance are influenced by the size and type of masonry unit, type and location of insulation, finish materials, and density of masonry. The thermal performance of a masonry wall depends on its steady-state thermal characteristics (described by R-value or U-factor) as well as the thermal mass (heat capacity) characteristics of the wall.