VOBB® = dry stack (mortarless) concrete blocks "Why cut it with a saw, if you can draw it with a pencil?"
*NEW: for technical videos, click here

 

(fullscreen with narration)

Engineers' and other Interesting Comments

LOUISIANA

"I built a two-story duplex building with the VOBB blocks in Gray, Louisiana. The blocks were very easy to work with and stack. The client is very satisfied with the sturdiness of the building as well as the center VOBB wall being sound proof. Another benefit of the VOBB blocks the client likes is the energy efficiency. The heating and cooling bills are very inexpensive."

Curtis Badeaux
Gray, Louisiana - close to New Orleans
(Note: Curtis built the first two-story building with VOBB.  He has also completed the building of a 10,000 sq. ft. commercial building with VOBB and a large outdoor firplace/outdoor kitchen.)

("Why cut it with a saw, when you can draw it with a pencil?" asked the VOBB duplex owner to a building contractor inspecting the quality construction.  In other words, if you can design the building to fit the material based on a grid of six inches, why waste money {both labor and material costs} cutting material?  It is 100% clear this man fully understands and appreciates the simplicity of VOBB.)
http://www.vobb.com/CP-LA-Westbrook-com.htm

TEXAS

"My daughter reworked my drawing for our bar-b-que pit and put it on a spreadsheet. This gave us a more accurate count on the VOBB block needed. I am still waiting to hear from the Texas company if they have any mortarless block but if I don't hear from them by tomorrow, I am going to send you a check. I actually like the size of the VOBB block better. I think the 6x6 in the various lengths will be easier for me to handle.

Please advise me of the new total cost because I have changed the number of VOBB needed. I noticed in your previous quote that there are different types of block depending on the grooves needed. I guess you can tell which type I'll need from this drawing.

I'll need the following number of block (this includes a 10% overage):
   127 eighteen inch
   80 twelve inch
   14 six inch

I increased the twelve-inch VOBB significantly because I need to build in support for the grills. This support is not shown on the computer drawing. Eleven of the eighteen inch block are for the backsplash that will run on wall A and F. This backsplash is not shown on the computer drawing.

I know this is a very small order compared to someone building a VOBB house, but I am hoping you can help me.   I live in Corpus Christi, TX.  No one in this area has even heard of mortarless block.

Many thanks for your help.
Sincerely,"
Jane Dodson
http://www.vobb.com/CP-TX-Dodson.htm

(Response from VOBB: An excellent "engineering" plan and design which shows the simplicity of VOBB. - Click here for a PDF file.)

 

TEXAS (However - currently working in Kuwait)

We received the VOBB info package and have viewed the DVD - this is outstanding and just what I'm looking for!  I gave one copy to my team of six over here (Kuwait) and everyone's looking at some project or home to build with your system. I've even had soldiers ask "What's that ya'll are watching?" -  It's a winner to everyone who sees it.  I'll be over here a couple more years at least.

But I'll contact you prior to leaving with some fairly accurate estimates - I'll be going heavy - looking to make a courtyard style home on my land. I'll keep promoting this one, everyone is over here to save and build their dream home.

Thanks again and I'll be in touch,

Mark P.
Contractor

(FIRST EMAIL: “I found your site - while cinder block shopping. I am very impressed with your product and WILL be purchasing several pallets. I'm currently a government contractor in Kuwait and just bought 10 acres in Bryan, TX and your product is just what I need. I'll be purchasing your product from Lowe's in Bryan.”)

ALABAMA

"Working with VOBB simply makes $ents! The amount of skilled labor required in laying up a traditional CMU wall will cost more time and money than working with VOBB block. VOBB brings constructors back to their childhood roots, working with legos. Simply stack, place clips and fill cells. No experience is necessary. We have found that using VOBB block for a backup wall in residential and small commercial applications is ideal."

Thank you,

Gerald Asay
Senior, Building Science
Auburn University
(334)332-6202
http://www.bsci.auburn.edu/projects/eaao/
http://www.vobb.com/CP-AL-Auburn-University.htm

 

TEXAS

(normally, we only put one comment per state, but this comment has such unique and pointed issues.)
2005 Sep 3 - Saturday (AM 05:55:24 CDT)

I am very interested in your VOBB concrete blocks in as we are in the process of designing our home in west Texas. Labor is easy to find but skilled construction crews are rare.

Michael M.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++\

2005 Sep 3 - Saturday (PM 01:35:52 CDT)

Thanks JG,

The information you supplied was more than I expected and was a pleasant surprise. We are in Houston but our future construction will be in Presidio. This is a small (3500) town on the Rio Grande river between El Paso (4 hours) and San Antonio (7 hours) in the desert.

Adobe was our first thought but the expense of an adobe house drove us to look into cinder block which lead me to your web site. Most of the actual work will be done by others under our supervision or oversight. We are close to completing our rough design or wish list and soon we will start looking into designers familiar with your product or at least concrete block construction in general. You supplied us with some names and soon we will start contacting designers that can work within our specific needs.

As I stated in the original email, labor we can find, skilled labor is much harder to find in Presidio.

We hope to have the plans finalized early next year and construction starting this time next year. Presidio has extremely hot summers (115°) and mild winters. The local labor force shuts down in the summer and they all find work in Marfa, Fort Davis or Apline during the summer months and I can't blame them for that.

We hope you and yours are safe from Katrina (I'm from New Orleans) and I am sure we will be speaking to each other soon.

Again, thank you,

Michael M.

 

GEORGIA

"I'm here in Athens, GA.

I've got a couple of structures and a big privacy wall to build in the next year, and I just stumbled across this site accidentally. I have a sawmill and was initially going to mill and use my own lumber, but VOBB blocks make more sense, economically and time-wise. I'm not quite at the building stage yet, but when I am, I believe I'll use your product."

Thanks, Adam

 

KENTUCKY

"I am President of a small company in Indiana that sells Office Furniture and related accessories. I am going to retire back to my home of Kentucky in a little over a year and want to build my own home on my ten acres in the Bluegrass state. In researching methods of construction I ran across the dry stack concrete block method while doing a search online. The VOBB design is obviously well thought out and has great appeal to a business person such as me for the labor reduction possibilities as well as engineering appeal for being well thought out and easy to design and build with.

I will be building not only a house but also a garage and a horse barn and I can see using the VOBB blocks in some or all of the parts of each of those buildings. I hope you will soon find a block manufacturer in our area. I would rather not have to truck all the block I will need all the way from Louisiana or Texas but if that is what it takes I may do so because I believe this is very possibly the answer for me and for a lot of folks like me. Best of luck in this exciting endeavor and kindest regards,"
Terry Gabhart,
Henry County,
Kentucky

 

CALIFORNIA

(VOBB RESPONSES ARE IN ALL CAPS FOR EASE OF READING)
"Are these approved for walls 18 ft. high?  (VOBB CONSTRUCTION HAS ALREADY BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED UP TO TWENTY FEET.) How about in the state of Utah?  (PLEASE SEE THE ENGINEER'S REPORT.  AT FIRST THE LOCAL BUILDING INSPECTOR/ENGINEER "MAY" SAY IT WILL NOT WORK. HOWEVER, ONCE AN INSPECTOR KICKS A VOBB WALL, THERE IS NEVER ANOTHER QUESTION FROM THE BUILDING INSPECTOR, BECAUSE THEY REALIZE VOBB IS SOLID.) Do you have any retailers in or near St. George, UT or in the Las Vegas area?  (WE SEND THE VOBB MOLD TO A LOCAL PRODUCER WHEN YOU MAKE A COMMITMENT TO ORDER VOBB BLOCKS.)  What would be the cost of materials for a building in Utah?

We are going to be starting a home/hanger project in the coming months. It will be pretty good size hanger (60' x 60' x 18') and home will be approx. 2500 sq. ft. The house & hanger have to be southwest style (basically a stucco exterior) . . . When I get going and get an exact square footage of wall, I will give you a ring. I think your product sounds great and is just what a DIY like myself needs.

You all seem like a first class organization. Hope we can make this a win-win situation and we get to use your building materials.

Thanks again,"

Mike
Michael Wright, Ph.D.
US NAVY
Chemistry & Materials Research Dept.
China Lake, CA

 

NEW MEXICO

(VOBB RESPONSES ARE IN ALL CAPS FOR EASE OF READING)
"I have been reading the info on your web site and have a few questions pertaining to a project I am planning. The project is an aircraft hangar, size 65'w x 45' deep with either 14' or 18' wall height, depending on the quote I get regarding the door. This building will have one 65' side nearly completely open due to the requirement for the large door.

The questions I have are as follows:
1. I have been exploring the possibility of erecting a large radius corrugated steel arch building ("Steelmaster") on top of block walls to give an appearance of a vintage aircraft hangar. As far as I can tell, these buildings do not exert much outward force and are, for all intents and purposes, self-supporting. Would it be feasible to place one of these arches on top of a VOBB structure without bracing across the 65' open space? YOU WILL NEED A LOCAL ENGINEER TO CALCULATE THE LOAD BASED ON THE LOCAL BUILDING CODES. WE HAVE NO DOUBT THAT A VOBB WALL WITH GROUT AND REBAR IS MUCH STRONGER THAN A REGULAR CMU WALL WITH A WEAK MORTAR JOINT. ACCORDING TO AN ENGINEER WITH THE NCMA, A WALL WITH GROUT AND REBAR IS TEN TIMES STRONGER THAN A WALL WITHOUT REBAR AND GROUT ON A LATERAL BASIS (THIS WAS A VERBAL STATEMENT). WE WILL SEND YOU A LINK TO THE COMPLETE ENGINEER REPORT WHICH COMPARES REGULAR CMU TO VOBB.

2. Has anything like this been done on a VOBB project? NOT YET, BUT WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE TALK TO US ABOUT BUILDING AIRPORT HANGERS. NOW THAT WE HAVE A BLOCK PRODUCER THAT CAN DELIVER TO YOUR AREA, WE WOULD BE MOST HAPPY TO MAKE THIS WORK FOR YOU.

3. Can the walls be built to an unfinished height, grouted to that height, and then "regrouted" to the full height when the wall is finished? YES. THIS IS THE STANDARD PRACTICE. YOU CAN DRY-STACK THE VOBB BLOCK UP TO THE HEIGHT YOU WANT AND THEN FILL WITH GROUT. WE RECOMMEND YOU DO THE CORNERS FIRST AND THEN PULL A STRING TO KEEP THE WALL STRENGTH. MOST JOBS GO UP FOUR OR FIVE FEET AND THEN FILL WITH GROUT AS THIS IS MOST COMFORTABLE.

4. What type (wood, etc.) door and window frames and headers are typically used? YOU CAN USE ANY KIND OF HEADERS YOU WANT, EITHER STEEL OR WOOD. MOST OF THE VOBB CONSTRUCTION TO DATE HAVE JUST USED WOOD. YOU CAN EVEN PRE-BUILD THE LINTEL ON THE FLOOR AND THEN RAISE THE FULL LINTEL AND SET IT IN PLACE.

5. Are there any approved block suppliers in New Mexico? PLEASE CALL TO DAVID'S PATIO IN TX. MARK O'RIELLY, VICE PRESIDENT - 817-713-2696 inquiry@davidspatio.com

Thanks in advance,"

Chris Kinnaman

 

UTAH

"My husband & I are planning on building a passive solar home in southern Utah. After 2 years of research we've decided to use concrete block by way of dry-stacking. It's stronger than mortared walls, fireproof, has a high insulating factor, lots of thermal mass, it's less expensive than concrete forms etc.

We found your site in our research for concrete block and are very interested in your VOBB product. We plan on building the walls ourselves and we feel that the interlocking grooves along with the clips would make the process a lot smoother. We've built with conventional block before and, although it works, the dimensions and uncomformities are difficult to maneuver for this type of building.

Will you be having producers in or near Utah that we can contact for our needs?
Thank you,"
Valerie Stechschulte

VIRGINIA

(VOBB RESPONSES ARE IN ALL CAPS FOR EASE OF READING)
"Thank you for your reply to my previous message. I have since studied the information on your web site fairly carefully, and I have some more specific questions. I would greatly appreciate your response. It looks to me like you have a great product.

Is there any horizontal "creep" in the length of a wall of block? What I mean is, when you lay 10 of the 18 inch blocks end to end, is the entire length 180 inches exactly, or is it longer because of spaces between blocks? (THERE IS NO CREEP. VOBB BLOCKS HAVE A BUILT IN EXPANSION GAP.)

It appears that I would be able to use your block for a below grade basement wall. How would I be able to prevent water seepage through the joints? I realize that some type of coating is probably used. Is that sufficient? (ALL CONCRETE BLOCK ABSORB WATER.  BASED ON THE LOCAL AREA, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A QUALIFIED PAINT/COVERING SPECIALIST.  VOBB HAS ALREADY SUCCESSFULLY BEEN USED FOR BASEMENT WALLS IN FRONT OF A RIVER WHERE THERE IS LOTS OF WATER.)

Are there any issues with code compliance in the state of Virginia? We are located in Bedford County which is near Roanoke, VA. (BASED ON ACTUAL EXPERIENCES, ONCE A BUILDING INSPECTOR HAS KICKED A VOBB WALL AND READ THE ENGINEERING REPORT, THERE HAVE NEVER BEEN ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS ON THE STRENGTH OF A VOBB WALL, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMPARED TO BUILDING A HOME WITH WOOD. HOWEVER, BEFORE YOU START CONSTRUCTION, ALWAYS OBTAIN THE LOCAL REQUIRED BUILDING APPROVALS.)

I've read that in order to achieve VOBB Quality Construction Certification both exterior and interior walls must be constructed of VOBB Block. Is that to mean that I couldn't build the exterior walls of VOBB Block and the interior walls of wood or steel? Or does it mean, as I suspect, that it is a requirement for VOBB Quality Construction Certification, and if built otherwise it doesn't qualify for that certification? (BUILDING ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR WALLS PROVIDE A MUCH SAFER HOME COMPARED TO JUST BUILDING THE EXTERIOR WALLS WITH VOBB. A HOME IS NOT JUST A BOX.  IT IS WHERE YOUR FAMILY SLEEPS AT NIGHT.  IF YOU HAVE EVER SEEN FIRST HAND THE DAMAGE FROM A SEVERE STORM, FIRE, ETC., A FEW EXTRA BUCKS FOR QUALITY CONSTRUCTION IS A SMALL PRICE TO PAY.  IT IS YOUR MONEY AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU MAKE THE CHOICE WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU.)

Can any block company make the blocks after contacting you, or is special equipment required to manufacture them? There are at least three large block companies in my area. (AT THIS TIME, WE SIMPLY SHIP IN THE MOLD TO A QUALIFIED BLOCK PRODUCER.)

Where would I obtain the VOBB clips? Are they reusable, or do they remain in place permanently? How do I determine how many VOBB clips are required? Is it two for each joint? (VOBB CLIPS CAN BE ORDERED AS PER THE MFG WEB PAGE. VOBB CLIPS ARE TO HOLD THE BLOCKS STRAIGHT UNTIL THE CONCRETE MIX IS DRIED. VOBB CLIPS ARE NOT REUSABLE. TWO VOBB CLIPS ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH CONNECTION OF VOBB BLOCKS.)

I'm looking forward to your response.

Regards,
Tom J*****
Bedford County which is near Roanoke, VA

 

FLORIDA - BAHAMAS

"First of all I enjoyed your comments on the"chief users" forum a week or so ago. I've been using Chief Architect for about a year and a half, along with Auto Cad.

But the real reason for my contact has to do with high-rise buildings. We are currently working on preliminary plans for a 15 story time share/condo project in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. As usual the developer is looking for ways to save money.

I would appreciate any info about the use of your product in a high wind (150 mph) area. Thanks in advance,"

d3, David L. Estes III, David estes & assoc., inc.
dlestes3@aol.com, 239.995.6231 office
4703 Randag Dr.
No. Ft. Myers, FL 33903

(Response by VOBB:  A test VOBB wall (with two rebars and all cavities filled with grout) has been tested (by an independent engineer/company) to an equivalent of 585 mph wind load.  On a compression load, this wall was tested to 12,500 lbs. (tested to this weight without failure). The question is, "Do you want to spend a lot of money for the "expensive" labor to lay a weak mortar joint or a lot less money on materials (grout and rebar) which will give more support and stay on the job after it is finished?")

 

MISSISSIPPI

"I am getting started to build a new home in Poplarville, MS., I am a masonry contractor, and will be using CMU for my exterior walls.  I am interested in your product. Can you send me information on VOBB, cost per block, and if there is anywhere in Mississippi that I can purchase VOBB.  If cost effective, I will frame the entire house with VOBB, and have hopes to start building CMU homes on the gulf coast.

Please send information to:
A & W Services, LLC
Attn: Bob Wedge
2037 Laurel Ave.
Terrytown, LA 70056

My job site is located 30 miles south of Hattiesburg MS, and 30 miles north of the intersection of where I-12 meets highway 59 in Slidell, LA.  I am very interested in VOBB.

Thank You,"
Bob

OHIO

"I'm really excited about the VOBB block. I have a carriage house project and fence project and your block would work great. I live in a historic district ("Tudor" style house) and one of my quirks is that I want to build things that are solid and will last forever. As a typical (nutty) DIYer , I have the following options:

1) Wood frame
2) Mortar and standard block
3) Insulated concrete forms
4) Dry-stack block

Option 1 is inexpensive but not solid enough, Option 2 requires skills that I would have to develop (and actually not as solid as one would think), Option 3 is great except it's expensive ($4.50/sq. ft) and I don't need the insulation. Option 4 is ideal except I can't find a supplier in this area. An advantage of your product is the 6" dimension - it's not as wide as other options and even the mathematically challenged shouldn't have a problem installing it."

Joseph M. Gottschlich
Project Engineer
AFRL/PRPG
1950 Fifth St, Bldg 18A
WPAFB, OH 45433-7251
937 255 6241 DSN 785-6241
937 656 4132 (F)
Joseph.Gottschlich@wpafb.af.mil

(Subsequent email)
"Thanks for keeping me on your distribution list, I appreciate it. Your website is very informative!"

   Mr. Joseph M. Gottschlich earned a BS in Systems Engineering at Wright State University in 1977. After graduation, he was hired by the Aerospace Power Division of the Air Force AeroPropulsion Laboratory, and earned a MSME from the University of Dayton in 1980. During his career he has worked on the Research and Development of aircraft secondary power and hydraulic systems, spacecraft thermal management, aircraft thermal management, and pollution prevention. His current programs are focused on electronics cooling, cryogenics, and spacecraft heat pump thermal transport systems. His private interests include historic preservation, woodworking and singing. His e-mail address is Joseph.Gottschlich@wpafb.af.mil

http://www.afrlhorizons.com/Briefs/0001/PR9906.html
Because of QwikBoost's™ energy and environmental benefits, those associated with its development received recognition for their achievements. Mainstream Engineering garnered the prestigious Tibbett's Award at the White House in 1997. Furthermore, the Federal Laboratory Consortium recently awarded Joseph M. Gottschlich, the Air Force Program Manager for the "Hybrid Cycle Heat Pump" program that led to the development of QwikBoost™, the Federal Laboratory Consortium Award for Technology Transfer.

NORTH CAROLINA

"Although I built a "frame / stick" house with my own hands, I am an amateur in the construction business - by profession I am an electrical engineer in the telecommunications field. I am attracted to the VOBB method because of my frustrations with maintaining a 20 year old "frame house", and because I came from Europe where brick and mortar houses are a commonplace and wooden houses are a rarity.

Having some experience in building with bricks, I can appreciate the elegance and ease in dry-stacking.  Because I want to build a "Passive Solar Heated House", the large heat capacity / accumulation (Wall and floor) of the CMU is essential."

Peter J.
Raleigh, North Carolina

OKLAHOMA

"My name is Tom J. and I am a police officer in Oklahoma City. I am a do-it-yourselfer and I want to build my next home. I have seen personally what a tornado can do to a wood frame home. I have been conducting research on different building techniques. I like the idea of building a home that will be strong and not end up as termite food. I thought dry-stacked surface bonded concrete blocks were the answer, but I was concerned about expansion joints and the fact that the blocks were not a full 8"x16". While surfing the web, I found your website. Your product does not have to be surface bonded, they come in increments of 6 inches, and the technique looks user friendly. It looks like your product is what I have been looking for."

Tom J.
Oklahoma City, OK

COLORADO

"I will be building a house in southern Colorado in the next year. I would like to learn more about your product.

Currently, my plan is for a single story home with about 1,800 square feet (3 bedrooms and 3 baths). I'm trying to make the home as "green" as possible with passive solar heating. I'm interested in some type of CMU's because of their thermal mass, low maintenance and fire resistance. Our property is in southern Colorado and we thought that our little cabin there would go up in smoke this past summer. We had two big fires start on either side of us while we were on vacation in June and left for the high country when it turned dark at mid-day and ashes were falling from the sky. So fire resistance is a big plus!

I'm also interested in the VOBB system because skilled labor is not easy to find locally in a small town of around 10,000. I would like to do a lot of the work myself (I worked as a carpenter for a few years), but that might be unrealistic. Still, I think that the VOBB system might at least allow me to contribute some of my unskilled middle-aged labor to the project.

I have some more questions about exterior finishing options, sources of blocks for my project, and that kind of thing. I'd also be interested at looking at some local projects, if there are any. I went to a continuing education class on building your own home a few years ago. The architect teaching the class didn't have much good to say about CMU construction in residential applications. I think his concerns related to moisture problems and cooling costs in Houston. I'm thinking the situation would be a lot different at my site, which is more like a desert blast furnace rather than a tropical sauna. Maybe you can help me with that, too."

Curry Haley, P.E.
Senior Consultant
Houston, TX to build in Colorado

(Response from VOBB: The architect teaching this class in Houston does NOT know what he is talking about! FACT: The people who live in a VOBB home in Lafayette, LA, have stated numerous times that they save over $100 per month in utilities. This is over $1,000 per year and $30,000 in 30 years - the time-frame of many home mortgages. After Hurricane Lili blew through, and after the electricity was off for over a day and then came back on, the air conditioning ran only one or two hours, as the VOBB home was still cool, despite the summer heat. Lafayette, LA has high humidity, termites, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, etc., just like Houston, TX. Please see Russell A. Hruska, Associate AIA, who has prepared professional house plans for quality homes built of CMU. His web site is http://www.intexure.com/ ).

(Subsequent to a meeting and actually viewing some sample VOBB and additional discussion and review of the VOBB web page:  
"Thanks for meeting me this afternoon. Your product looks just like what I have been looking for.")

ARIZONA

"Do you have a dealer in Arizona? If not, how can I become a dealer or at least obtain your product?

Thank you."

Lewis Mealer
White Jag General Contracting
5596-3 Showlow Lake Road
Lakeside, Arizona 85929
http://www.betterhousesforless.com

(Subsequent email:

"Remember to add me to your list of interested buyers.

I plan to use the VOBB blocks for the following house projects as well as for my own house this summer.")

 

DELAWARE

"I work for CABE Associates out of Dover, Delaware. CABE is mainly a civil/environmental engineering/consulting firm. I found your site, looking for 'dry stacking' info. It is my understanding that dry stacking can be done with traditional cmu's though I understand the VOBB product is a modified cmu.

I think at this point I am trying to determine if dry stacking with traditional cmu's is a valid/wise method; accepted by building codes; commonly done?; special methods required?; etc.

I am also interested in the VOBB product. We design a lot of pump stations and the like with different types of concrete block(cosmetic block and standard). For these structures, insulation and additional strength are not usually a major concern so I wonder about the cost balance? I would like any thoughts/information you have on cost comparisons/insulation comparisons, etc.

Thanks again for the reply and any advice/direction you might be able to offer.
Cheers,"
Dean

Have a great day!
Dean E. Holden
CABE Associates, Inc.
Cost-effective, Practical, User-friendly Solutions

PO Box 877
144 South Governors Ave.
Dover DE 19903
302-674-9280 ext. 131
302-674-1099 (FAX)
www.cabe.com

 

TENNESSEE

Greetings,

I have found and been all around your web site, and am very interested in your product. We are in the planning stages of a new home to be in the 2000-2300 square feet range, single story with crawl space, and we want to use dry-stacked block. We built a dry-stacked block house about twenty years ago, but it is too large for our current and projected needs. We understand and are enthusiastic about the technology, especially as opposed to stick construction, but also as opposed to ICFs, as with ICFs the concrete mass is insulated from the living space (duh!).

Anyway, our local block provider (Pendergrass Block Co., Inc., Fayetteville, TN 931-433-1282) buys from three of the "major block manufacturers in the Southeast", and none of them provide a dry-stack block other than the standard block designed to be mortared, which is what we used twenty years ago.

Thanks. I hope that we can do business down the road.

Regards,
Jack S.
Fayetteville, TN

WASHINGTON

"Hello I live in Washington state and I had some interest in what 7,500 to 15,000 blocks would cost delivered in Washington state with the VOBB clips.

I have had an interest in various types of concrete block construction for years now and your system looks creative and exciting.

Sincerely,"
Wade

Hawaii

I am interested in building with vobb in Hawaii, any comments?

We have begun plans at the conceptual level and will confirm with you over time. the project is a year out because of zoning issues. We are builders on Maui building homes and building out small developments but this one is for the company. we may be interested in offering this option to customers, but I think we should try for ourselves first.

It is early in the process, land has not yet closed. I would like to use vobb on an 8500 sq. ft. house, can the exterior face be flat with no groves exposed than be sealed and painted?

Trade R*****,

Canada

Do you sell your VOBB in Canada?  I am interested and like to get it in British Columbia or Alberta

Thanks,
Ahmed S***

Turks and Caicos Islands

"We are currently designing a town home project in the Turks and Caicos Islands that will contain 19 buildings. We are planning on starting the model within the next 60 days.  We need for planning purposes about 2,700 of the 18" VOBB block. Do you have a distributor in Miami?  What is the cost of the block in Miami or would there be freight charges?

Please send me literature on this product.

Thanks,"
Scott Jurak
scott@jurakremodeling.com
Plano, Texas

VIRGIN ISLANDS

"I am trying to find out where I can purchase the VOBB blocks? Best point for shipping for me would be in Florida. I'll have to ship them the Virgin Islands from there. Any information you could provide would be extremely helpful.

In regards to getting an idea of the number of blocks my project will require, here is the following:

I would like to use block on three exterior walls of the main house. The front facade will be made of local stone. These walls will measure 28 ft. x 60 ft. x 28ft. The height of the walls is ten feet. There will be nine windows that measure 24" x 72", three windows that are 48"x 28", one window that is 48" X 72", one door that is 34" x 78".

I have another separate utility unit that measures length 16ft. x width 23ft. x height 9ft.

I would also like to construct my cistern out of the block. Measurements are 60 ft. x 14 ft. x 5 ft. And if that is possible, my pool as well, measuring 30 ft. x 16 ft. x 9ft. I have to either pour concrete or use block as no one here does gunite.

Hope that helps. Please give me a call or e-mail with any questions. Thanks again!

Kind regards,"
Harley Smith
The Royal Overseas Yachting Co., Ltd.
http://www.overseas-yachting.com
harley@overseas-yachting.com
Phone Toll Free 1-877-693-9292
340-693-8441
St. John, Virgin Islands

POLAND

"We are established in Poland. We are active in the construction market. We think that your product can be good for this market. Please send me more technical information and prices. Poland needs thousands of houses with low prices, that your system give.

Please send me information by email tade@**********
and by mail Tadeusz J******, ***************, ul Majakowskiego 3, Poland"

Best regards
Tade J*************, engineer

 

ARGENTINA

We're surprised of the simplicity of your building system.

A South American producer might be interested in having a partial License (that is accepting other licensees in the same country) or for a limited territory with exclusivity.

This producer has a great deal of experience, a plant in operation, with Besser equipment, and a market established for many years over the capital city of he country referred.

Ernesto T******* -Directing Manager

 

INDIA

I wish to build a school building in my native village in India, I have a small budget, but a lot of volunteers for manual work for the project. Please let me know if vobb technology is available in India and how much your machine cost , in case you have collaboration in India, a contact address / tel. phone no, will be highly appreciated. Thanks and Regards, sincerely, B . kH**

 

UNITED KINGDOM

These look a fantastic idea. Only one problem, I'm in the UK!

I am looking at making a new barn and have been playing with the idea of ICF's, but have heard all sort of blowout stories! My normal way would be rent / make shutters, but that's a hell of a cost, so your system looks just what I want.
The UK seems to be well behind the rest of Europe and the USA on concrete blocks, all I can get is plain 9x9x12 two hole block. They have even stopped making ones with dividers in the middle.

It would be a great help if you know of anybody this side of the pond. By the way, what do you do about a damp proof course at the base?

Thanks,
Andy G****

PAKISTAN

We have come across your product through the internet which has studied with a view to market in Pakistan. We are a company which established in 1992 and deals in marketing and application of construction chemicals and Epoxy coatings.
It is therefore requested that detailed literature / catalogue of your company along with FOB price of your products may kindly be provided at the earliest to enable us to compare the price with similar products available in Pakistan.

Your early action will be highly appreciated.

For,
A******** INTERNATIONAL
KARACH- 75350 , PAKISTAN

OTHER INTERESTING GENERAL COMMENTS

TEK 10B Impact Resistance of Concrete

"Communities across the nation rely on concrete masonry for their prisons and detention centers. In addition to its strength and durability, the layout of concrete masonry walls and cells can be cost-effectively tailored to meet the facility's needs. Concrete masonry is a proven product for correctional facilities, providing secure construction with a minimum of long-term maintenance.

Concrete masonry walls designed as security barriers are most often fully grouted and reinforced. Typically, vertical grouted cells with steel reinforcing in every cell are provided, although reinforced horizontal bond beams may also be specified. This type of construction is found in prisons, secure facilities or other areas where the integrity of the building envelope or wall partition is vital to secure an area."

TEK 10B Impact Resistance Concrete

FOR PETS AND FARM ANIMALS/AGRICULTURE
http://www.purina.com/dogs/breeders.asp?article=59

"For efficiency in cleaning and maintenance, concrete and concrete block construction is generally recommended. Walls of this type, with concrete floors and kennel runs, make for a durable and economical commercial kennel structure. Frame buildings may be used, but they can present problems. Dogs will usually chew on wood, unless it is specially protected, and this not only creates an unfavorable appearance, but provides hiding places for bacteria and parasites. Wood absorbs more urine and urine odors than concrete, and wet wood deteriorates rapidly.

The higher initial cost of a concrete and concrete block building is usually offset by lower maintenance costs, ease of cleaning, savings on insurance and general appearance."