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The Daily Insight

What is split face concrete block

Author

Isabella Wilson

Published May 13, 2026

Split-Face Block, Split-Faced Block & Rock-Faced Block all mean the same thing: A concrete building unit which appears to have been hand-chiseled (or “split”) to give it a very textured look. … Sometimes architects refer to a Concrete Block as “CMU,” which stands for Concrete Masonry Unit.

Is split face block more expensive?

Split Block Backsplashes This finish is more expensive than other interior options like tile or wood paneling at $8 to $18 per square foot, not including installation.

What is split faced CMU?

Splitface Concrete Blocks have a deep textured relief which gives depth to the unit while also exposing the inner aggregates. This lends itself to customization through the use of different colored aggregates.

Is split face block waterproof?

This UV stable product allows for penetration of up to 3/4 of an inch or more depending on porosity of the concrete masonry unit. This creates a deep, long-lasting waterproof zone within the surface while producing only a minimal glossy look.

What are the different types concrete block?

  • Concrete Bricks.
  • Solid Concrete Blocks.
  • Aerated Autoclaved Concrete Blocks.
  • Hollow Concrete Blocks.
  • Lintel Blocks.
  • Concrete Stretcher Blocks.
  • Jamb Concrete Blocks.
  • Concrete Pillar Blocks.

How often does split face block need to be sealed?

Before: Split face block is extremely porous and needs to be sealed every 5 to 7 years. After: Clearcoat sealants do not leave any residue on the block. Before: Split face block is very porous and susceptible to water penetration.

Who makes split face block?

Split Face | Westbrook Concrete Block.

Should brick be sealed?

Sealing bricks is necessary. Brick is strong and durable, but water can still seep through the material. … Over the years, water absorption can cause decay and damage to the bricks. Sealing the bricks will protect them against water damage and also reduce the growth of moss between the bricks.

How much does it cost to seal split block?

The word on the streets is that you will always have to seal the block, which can cost typically $6K-20K for a typical 3 flat condo building. There are lots of conversations on the type of sealer, clear vs the heavy paint-looking sealer, or an elastomeric sealer.

What is split face stone?

Split face is a broad term used in the building materials industry for any material that has been broken or split to expose a rougher surface. In the case of stone, the split face is desirable as it provides natural texture and stratification that is hard to duplicate outside of nature.

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How much does split face block weigh?

Stock Product:YESVolume:Unit Weight:27 lbsPallet Quantity:132 unitsPallet Weight:3564 lbs

What is face concrete?

Face: (1) The surface of a wall or masonry unit. (2) The surface of a unit designed to be exposed in the finished masonry. Face shell: The outer wall of a hollow concrete masonry unit. [ 5]

What are the 4 types of blocks?

  • Types of Hollow Concrete Blocks:
  • Concrete Stretcher Blocks.
  • Concrete Corner Blocks.
  • Concrete Pillar Blocks.
  • Jamb Concrete Blocks.
  • Partition Concrete Block.
  • Lintel Blocks.
  • Frogged Brick Blocks.

What is better bricks or solid concrete blocks?

Concrete blocks are more durable and can carry heavy loads as compared to bricks. Hollow concrete blocks provide high insulation because of the presence of a cavity within. They work better than the bricks. … So as compared to solid blocks, brick is better suited to provide insulation.

Are there different grades of concrete blocks?

Hollow concrete blocks come in three grades: Grade A has a minimum density of 1,500 kg/m3. Grade B has a density of less than 1,500 kg/m3. Grade C has a density greater than 1,000 kg/m3.

Why is it called split face block?

This is because the exterior face of the block is a flat and level surface. The block face is not actually smooth to the touch, but it gives the appearance of a smooth building. … Split faced block can have a slightly uneven installation, but the differences are hidden in the rough faces of the block.

Can you paint split face blocks?

Split-face will typically require twice as much primer and paint than smooth block. The multiple coats of primer will help fill the porous split-face block. We typically use 100% acrylic coating as they outlast oil paints by a wide margin. A sprayer will likely be used to apply the coatings.

Can you put siding over split face block?

Vinyl siding, unlike other types of siding, “hangs” from nails that are not driven all the way in during installation. It offers a quick exterior facelift for block buildings, but you must install furring strips on the block wall before you can hang the siding.

What is slump stone?

Slump Block is a concrete block unit that is removed from the mold before it has a chance to completely set. This causes the concrete block to keep a slumped appearance like adobe brick. … Slump block concrete blocks are available a variety of both common and specialty concrete block sizes.

What is split face finish?

A building stone having a rough face; usually slabs of stratified stone are sawn parallel to the bedding so that the split face exposes the bedding in its natural orientation, but some stone is sawn perpendicular to bedding and then split with the exposed bedding running vertically.

What is burnished CMU?

A burnished block is a CMU with a surface that has been ground down to reveal the mix of sand, gravel, or crushed stone it is composed of. This surface can then be treated and sealed to both protect the block and enhance its natural textures.

How often does tuckpointing need to be done?

Tuckpointing is the process of removing and replacing the mortar joints in between the brickwork on your home (or any wall really). Generally speaking, you should re-do the Tuckpointing in your home every 10-15 years.

How do you seal a block building?

  1. Introduction. Ensure That Wall Is Clean and Dry. Scrape off any peeling paint and sweep down walls to remove dirt or debris. …
  2. Patch Holes. Patch any holes in the wall with expanding hydraulic cement. Allow cement to dry for 24 hours.
  3. Add Finish Coats. Cover the wall with a second thick coat and, if needed, a third coat.

How often should concrete block be sealed?

By sealing your concrete every 2-5 years, as recommended by experts, you should keep your floor in good shape, preventing cracks, pitting, and additional damage.

How much does a CMU cost?

The national average materials cost to install a cmu block wall is $2.49 per square foot, with a range between $1.98 to $2.99. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $14.44, coming in between $12.76 to $16.11. A typical 300 square foot project costs $4,330.83, with a range of $3,827.82 to $4,833.84.

Is waterproofing brickwork a good idea?

Waterproofing Your Exterior Brick Walls Helps Solve any External Damp Issues. When your external walls are exposed to a water source such as rain, this water can enter your masonry, in some cases travelling laterally from your external walls to your internal walls.

Can you use Thompson's Water Seal on brick?

Waterproofer Plus Masonry Protector. Provides proven waterproofing protection for all masonry surfaces including pavers, brick, concrete, stone, stucco, clay and quarry tile. Use for concrete waterproofing and as a brick sealer.

Can Split face tiles be used outside?

Can split face tiles be used outside? Yes, Split face mosaic tiles can be fitted outside to many substrates, including brick and block work walls as these are waterproof substrates. You just need to ensure that the wall is clean and sound, removing any flaking paint or garden debris.

How do you split a face in Revit?

  1. Go to the Modify tab.
  2. In the “Geometry” group click the Split Face button.
  3. Select the surface you wish to split.
  4. Using the draw tools draw a boundary around the surface you wish to split.
  5. Click the green tick in the Ribbon bar to finish.

What does an 8 split face block weigh?

W x H x LDescriptionApp. Weight8x4x168” Concrete Half High Block218x8x168” Concrete Split Face Block448x8x168” Concrete Split Face Corner Block (1 Side + 1 End)508x8x168” Haydite Line Block (Window Corner/Jam mixed in cube)28

What size is split face block?

In addition to color, split face concrete blocks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so we are sure to have what you need. Typical standard finish dimensions are 7 5/8” x 15 5/8”, while nominal bed depth sizes include 4″, 6″, 8″, 10″ and 12″.