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Pros and Cons of Using Ecology Blocks

Ecology blocks, also known as bin blocks are easy to install. They are extremely cheap in comparison with other types of building blocks or barriers. In fact, bin blocks are generally less than two hundred dollars! That is an incredible savings, especially if you are building a big project. This can save you potentially thousands of dollars when compared to using other types of blocks, walls, or barriers! 

Another element that is good to know is that bin blocks are also stackable. This definitely makes it easier to transport them to and from, and could be useful to stack depending on what type of project you are doing. Another element that is beneficial is that you can take the bin blocks apart again after you use them, and you can use them again in a different project if needed. They are extremely versatile, sturdy, and will last for years to come. Bin blocks are quick to install, and most projects just take a few hours to totally install.  

On the other hand, there are some challenges when using bin blocks as well. Firstly, they are not very aesthetically pleasing. To fix this, you could always paint the blocks or add a surface veneer to the font of it. This could add a bit of beauty to your wall or structure. The veneer could be rocks, bricks, sandblast, or other forms as well.

Another challenge when using them is that you have to use heavy equipment to maneuver them because they are so heavy. Each ecology block weighs two thousand to four thousand pounds. You will need a crane, forklift, or other type of heavy machinery. Another limitation due to the blocks’ heaviness is that some soil types cannot support the weight of the bin block, so you cannot build everywhere, you have to make sure that the soil can support it first.

Surface

You may want to upgrade and get a surface veneer on the front side of the concrete blocks. There are many surface effects that you could choose from, such as stoney rock, brick, boardformed, and more. This could make your structure or retaining wall look upgraded and polished, but it does come at an extra price. When it comes right down to it, most people just prefer the simple concrete block at that point because it is the cheapest option of ecology blocks. Remember, you can always paint over the surface of the blocks to add a little something extra to it. A lot of people end up going this route. 

DIY Concrete Blocks

If you have the skills needed, you can make your own concrete blocks at home. You would need your own concrete, a mold, rebar for the loop, and oil to coat the mold. However, you don’t end up saving a lot of money when you do it this way, and it is a huge hassle. It takes hours to build cement blocks from scratch, and it’s a lot of heavy lifting and hard work involved. A lot of times it’s just easier to give us a call and order bin blocks from the manufacturer and skip the hassle. 

Regulations and Permits

A lot of people don’t realize, but it’s important to make sure that you have the proper permits if needed when building structures with ecology blocks. You need to make sure that you have the permits needed in advance before your building project. Keep in mind that not every state or city requires the permits, but you need to check in advance to see if your area needs them.

There is a good reason for the regulations and permits- some soil types do not support cement structures, and the wall or structure could become unsafe over time. Permits and inspections are not needed everywhere in the United States, but they are needed in many states, so it is always a good idea to check in advance. It is always better to do your homework early and get the project started on the right foot.

Safety

Always make sure that you are putting safety first when doing a project with the ecology blocks. When you’re maneuvering massive concrete blocks that weigh anywhere between two thousand and four thousand pounds, the consequences of something going wrong could cause injury or even death, so you need to be absolutely sure that you are following all the safety protocols necessary so that no one gets injured or hurt in any way.

You need to make sure that everyone on the team is wearing the proper attire. Everyone should be wearing steel toed shoes, a hard hat, and safety glasses when working around heavy machinery and heavy concrete. Another thing to note is that everyone on the team should clearly understand the plan of action before the project starts. This way there is no confusion about what is going on. When there is a clear plan of action, there is more peacefulness and clarity on the job site. 

Additionally, everyone on the team should understand that they should not be near the concrete block when it is suspended in the air. This is obvious, but sometimes people are careless or unaware of the danger involved in these types of projects. Also make sure to have a spotter who has a clear line of vision to the person who is operating the heavy machinery, that way they can communicate back and forth while the blocks are being moved.

Please Reach Out!

We would love to get in touch with you, answer any questions you may have, and show you how easy we make the process of obtaining all the ecology blocks you need! We offer competitive pricing and a high quality product. We take the time to get you exactly what you are looking for. We know that your project is going to look great and feel great as well. What are you waiting for? Get in contact with us today!