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   Locations of VOBB displays in FL

 

(fullscreen with narration)

Other Products useful for building with quality

I. THIN-WALL BRICK

 

As the next enhancement to VOBB concrete blocks, we intend to bring VOBB thin-wall bricks to the market. This sib based on having six-inch concrete block for the structure and a thin-wall nice looking brick for the covering. We believe that this this arrangement ill give the look of brick, but the safety of VOBB block on a cost effective basis. This product is in the design phase.

 

II. Other

Concrete pump rental

For concrete pump rental in the New Orleans, LA area, please click on below:

http://www.vobb.com/concrete-pump-rental.htm

 

Z-Furring

http://www.dietrichmetalframing.com/products/
http://www.dietrichmetalframing.com

 

MCAP - electrical wiring

http://www.southwire.com/processChannel.do?channelId=
b724b9b2efefc010VgnVCM1000002702a8c0RCRD

As per the local Chief Electrical Inspector "The Code requirements for metal clad cable are found in article 330 of the National Electrical Code."

 

Grout Grunt

For an interesting tool, please check out:

http://www.groutgrunt.com/index.htm

Airplaco Pumpmaster

http://www.airplaco.com/Airplaco-PG-21.pdf

 

http://www.mobilemixla.com/

 

 

Roofing

We are very impressed with the Gerard roofing system. Check out:

http://www.gerardusa.com/

 

Vibrator to consolidate concrete

There are many vibrators available. An example is the DeWalt 18V pencil vibrator, DC5305KA. .

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DC530KA-Cordless-Pencil-Vibrator/dp/B000BMBO20

 

Block saw

a typical concrete block saw

 

Rebar

   

   

http://www.whitecapdirect.com/articles/rebar/rebar-rebar.html

White Cap Raises The Bar On Rebar

• White Cap Raises The Bar On Rebar
  
  
• Steel Industry Fluctuations Dictate the Rise and Fall of the Average Price of Rebar
  
  
• Evaluating and Inspecting the Strength of Concrete: Rebar Stirrup Spacing and Other Factors
  
  
• How Much Corrosion in Rebar is Too Much?
  
  
• Estimating the Cost for Rebar Materials and Labor
  
  
• To Not-So-Odd Couplers: With Changing Federal Standards, Rebar Couplers Gain Popularity
  
  
• How to Bend Rebar: Does Bending Bars in the Field Weaken Them?
  
  
• A Tip of the Cap to the Standard Set by OSHA: Rebar Covers Keep Workers Safe
  
  
• Rebar's Important Role in Modern Construction and in Our Lives
  
  
• What to Look for in a Good Rebar Bender
  
  
• With the Right Rebar Detector, Reinforced Concrete is Virtually See-Through
  
  
• You're Grounded! Get Compliant with Rebar Grounding Clamps
  
  
• The Steel-Spotting Sleuth: Rebar Locators are Easy to Find
  
  
• How to Find the Best Rebar Price in Your Area
  
  
• The Yo-Yo Effect: Up and Down Rebar Prices Can Leave Both Owners and Builders Bewildered
  
  
• A Wild Ride: Why Does Rebar Pricing Fluctuate So Much?
  
  
• Why There's No One Standard for Measuring Rebar Sizes in the U.S.
  
  
• Thanks for the Support: Rebar Standees Bend to Ensure Structures Don't Break
  
  
• Tie After Tie: A Rebar Tying Guide for Builders
  

 

Outside Coatings

http://www.extremeperformancecoatings.com/movies/HPS-Web.swf

"When choosing to have Extreme Performance Coating applied to your home, you should be prepared to see significant preparation and work performed. Your independent contractor, like any home improvement contractor, should be able to provide you with proof of liability insurance and local or state licensing requirements necessary in your area. During the course of your project, you will find windows, doors and other fixtures covered for protection from time to time and maybe throughout the duration of the job. This small inconvenience is about protecting your property from exposure to work being performed. It may be necessary to pull mulch away from the base of your home, remove gutters, shutters and other obstacles in the way of required sealant, bonder and coating installations. You should expect to see any and all damaged or rotted siding removed and replaced. Certain siding materials are inherently under performing—like pressed particle board, for example. These materials have been used in the past because they are less costly, but have little resistance to moisture and exposure to the elements. In these instances, if there is little or no damage to the siding, it's a good idea to have your contractor remove the bottom board around the entire home, and any corner boards, window trim and any boards showing swelling or deterioration. These areas should be replaced with a cement based composite siding with a matching texture. If more than casual evidence of damage, swelling or deterioration exists, you will want to consider replacing all the siding before coating.

Homes often have problems and damage resulting from lower price contractor grade products used during construction, or poor attention to installation standards. During your installation of Extreme Performance Coating, it is common to find your independent contractor repairing or replacing defective materials they discover such as rotted or split wood, cracks in masonry, removal of failed caulking or poorly adhering paint and more. They can explain the reasons in detail if you wish. When it comes to your home, you should never allow anyone to cover damaged areas as they will only get worse and may adversely affect the performance of any products used. "

http://www.extremeperformancecoatings.com/consumer_info.html

"In order for us to offer the homeowner the lifetime warranty for as long as they own the home, the Company has stipulated that with concrete blocks, they would have to spray an acrylic block filler and then apply our coating system."

 

WALL COVERINGS

(These products have been used by thousands of people. However, please contact the company directly and check references for your personal satisfaction. VOBB offers no warranty on these products.)

Stuc-O-Flex International

17639 NE 67th Court, Redmond, WA
1-800-305-1045
or
McCown Paint & Supply, Inc.
1725 Sale Road
Lake Charles, LA
337-474-8884
(There are numerous colors to chose from or you can get a customized-color mix. This is the material used on the Harrah's Casino on the lake, which is subject to constant moisture. The Harrah's Casino is a multi-story building and has the Stuc-O-Flex on it's exterior walls for over six years with no problems. Stuc-O-Flex has been used on numerous homes and commercial building with great success. The cost is $82.50 for a five-gallon pail which equates to approximately 55 cents per sq. ft. for the material cost. This cost per sq. ft. depends on the thickness of the application.) Likewise, with volume purchasing, this cost can be reduced to approximately 36 cents per sq. ft.
http://www.stuccoflex.com/index.html

Warranty: Five (5) Year Limited Warranty: STUC-O-FLEX INTERNATIONAL, INC. warrants that STUC-O-FLEX as supplied, when applied in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and installation instructions, is free from defects and will perform as described in the manufacturer's literature.

Note: While a primer is not required, it helps to prepare the surface for a quality finish.

One of many distributors, please call to:

Construction Materials Inc.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
225-751-4000

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Thoroseal or Thorolastic for wall covering

for their web page:       http://www.chemrex.com/

Thoroseal®

A portland-cement-based waterproof coating for concrete and masonry. Thoroseal® resists both positive and negative hydrostatic pressure, enabling it to waterproof both interior and exterior surfaces. It fills and seals pores and voids, correcting surface irregularities and eliminating the need for concrete rubbing. Thoroseal® creates a low-cost, low-maintenance, highly durable water barrier that is resistant to damage from impact, abrasion, and mildew. It can be overcoated with a variety of Thoro® decorative finishes.

One of many distributors please call to:

Elks Concrete Products
2612 SW Evangline Thrwy
Lafayette, LA
1-337-234-3288

 

SSI Building Products

http://www.ssicm.com
Per Jeff, the cost is $98.12 for a five-gallon pail of Thoroseal which covers from 50 - 100 sq. ft. depending on the thickness.

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Rainguard - wall covering which is used on thousands of construction projects every year.

http://www.rainguard.com/index.htm
Products: Anti Graffiti Coatings; Water Repellents; Masonry Sealers; Masonry Stains; Elastrometric Coatings; Below Grade Waterproofing

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"By protecting against foundation wall leaks, seepage and interior condensation, TUFF-N-DRI® helps control three main sources of basement moisture."

http://www.guaranteeddrybasements.com/
products_tuffndri_defined.htm

 

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Hydro Blok is for concrete blocks, very poor concrete, and concrete with very high vapor transmission rates. It is often used on concrete block walls, retaining walls and concrete with very high vapor transmission rates. It is formulated to fill large pores in concrete block and very porous concrete.

Endur-O-Seal USA, Inc.
12502 Lazywood Lane
Pinehurst, TX 77362

800-259-8855 Toll Free
281-356-5117 Houston
281-356-9332 Fax

CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY SERVICES

http://homeguide123.com/index.html

Welcome to HomeGuide123.com
HomeGuide123.com was designed by a staff of individuals who understand how important—and expensive—home ownership can be. Our team believes in providing our visitors with the most practical, up-to-date home care information possible so that they can protect their investment. HomeGuide123.com's writers and developers have designed a comprehensive, user-friendly directory containing articles, tips and additional resources dealing with a wide array of topics, such as home improvement, services and remodeling. Our articles are original, thoroughly researched and written with a homeowner's needs in mind.

 

Web site which is extremely informative for numerous construction questions

http://www.askthebuilder.com/

Web site with a great listing of numerous manufacturers of construction products and distributors

http://www.4specs.com

or

http://www.build-smarter.com/manufacturer/mf1.htm

or

 

http://www.ebuild.com/

 

or

Home Construction Resource

Construction resource is a user friendly site where we provide information to homeowners, buyers, sellers, and contractors.
http://www.construction-resource.com

SELF CONSOLIDATING CONCRETE (SCC)

SCG is a Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) mix that contains coarse aggregate with a maximum top size of 3/8 inches (9.5 mm), a Glenium®-based high-range water-reducing admixture, a viscosity modifying admixture (VMA) if needed, and a concrete slump flow (spread) of 27 inches (686 mm) ± 1.5 inches (38 mm).

SCG eliminates grout vibration and significantly reduces construction time and labor costs. SCG has improved engineering properties – increased grout compressive strength, reduced vertical CMU core voids, and improved structural integrity of the concrete masonry wall.

For full details, please see:
http://www.masterbuilders.com/eprise/main/
MBT/Content/NewsRoom/pageStories

DOORS, DOORS AND MORE DOORS

Interior Doors Direct

http://www.interiordoors.com/styles.html
4810 State Route 7
Burghill, OH 44404
1-888-891-7912 1-330-772-0035 Fax: 1-330-772-3665

 

Masonite International Corporation

http://www.masonite.com/
1 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Suite 950
Tampa, Florida 33609
813-877-2726           1-800-663-3667

 

Solar Solutions
Solar Screens, Screen Doors, Storm Windows, Insect Screens, Storm Doors, Replacement Windows
James Broussard
6110 Milwee, Unit F
Houston, TX 77092
713-682-7178
(Based on personal experience, very good service and very fair prices!!! Highly recommended.)

 

When installing a door with the superior craftsmanship and quality of Therma-Tru, good design is more important than ever. The three sections below provide everything you need to choose the door that’s right for you. Once you have selected your door, visit our Product Catalog section to learn more about the specifications and technical details.

http://www.thermatru.com/company/index.shtml

Custom Doors & Windows
Marvin Windows and Doors

P.O. Box 100
Warroad, MN 56763
# 1-888-537-7828 (U.S.A)
http://www.marvin.com/

 

http://www.doors-windows.com/

Quality interior and exterior doors, fireplace mantles, shutters

Pincrest

2118 Blaisdell Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55404-2490
Telephone: 612-871-7071
Fax: 612-871-8956
Email: info@pinecrestinc.com
http://www.pinecrestinc.com/

GLASS BLOCK

 

Glass Blocks Unlimited

http://www.glassblocksunlimited.com/
126 East 16th Street
Costa Mesa, CA. 92627 - Contact John Morehart or Fred
1-800-992-9938 or 1-949-548-8531 or fax 1-949-548-1502

WINDOWS

As per the Journal of Light Construction August 2002 edition.

Choosing Vinyl Windows        

This article lists numerous manufacturers of Vinyl windows. Of most importance is the nailing flange which makes installation in new construction very easy.

Vinyl, wood, aluminum, etc. can all be used with VOBB block. The key is to purchase these windows based on a six-inch grid avoid wasteful cutting, etc.

FYI.  It is strongly recommended that the windows are installed when the VOBB blocks are being dry-stacked and before the grout is poured/pumped. This will ensure a tight fit and that the windows are level and square. Installing the windows after the grout has been poured/pumped has resulted in wasting time to make the opening fit properly.

 

ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING

http://www.aesnortheast.com

 

http://www.ryan-design-group.com

CONCRETE PUMP RENTAL

http://www.awagnerco.com/
25 Lafayette Street, Paterson, N.J. 07501 * 973-345-4335 * Fax: 973-345-7650

FIREPLACES

With distinctive products for every room of the house, from bath to kitchen to family room, a Lopi fireplace or stove immediately creates an ambiance of warmth and tranquility.

http://www.lopistoves.com

 

The selection includes the Mission Collection™, which honours the popular Arts & Crafts movement. You can also choose from the clean styling and sleek lines of Avalon's contemporary Northwest Collection™, which combines the appeal of fine furniture with unsurpassed warmth and functionality.

http://www.avalonstoves.com

 

The Ring of Fire features gas flames that flicker through three tiers of water cascading over a choice of multi-colored glass beads or polished river stones. This eye-catching display can be installed flush in a deck, custom built into your patio or positioned on a cast concrete base.

http://www.ringoffirebytravis.com

FOR OUTDOOR APPLIANCES

http://www.dcsappliances.com

LOW E INSULATION

"Slab-Shield™ insulation was designed specifically for under slab applications. Manufactured using two separate layers of 1/4" polyethylene foam with a pure aluminum center. This product is available in 4' x 63' rolls for easy application. It is simply unrolled and taped together ( this is necessary for a complete vapor barrier to be achieved). Slab-Shield provides excellent thermal performance, and a vapor barrier all in one easy to use product. With Slab-Shield there's no time wasted installing 4' x 8' foam boards. With a puncture resistance of 92.9psi you can work and walk on top of it without it crumbling apart.

One major difference between Slab-Shield and the foam board insulations is the pure aluminum center-leaf of the Slab-Shield. It is important to know that in most applications the ground temperature that the insulation is going to be directly exposed too is a constant 55 degrees or lower all year round. Mass insulations ( foam boards/extruded polystyrene) even though they may have high R-values( depending on thickness) will eventually stabilize at that constant ground temperature of 55 degrees or lower depending on climate. Therefore the mass insulation provides a constant drain on the radiant system and the slab. This is where the pure aluminum center-leaf comes into effect. It provides an effective thermal-break between the foam layers and prevents the slab or heating system from seeking the cold ground below it, thereby allowing the slab to reach temperature sooner and help the system perform more efficiently."

For more information, please see:
http://www.low-e.com/Applications/Residential/Concrete/Under%20Concrete.html

Low-E Radiant Barrier is a double sided aluminum barrier designed for installation under rafters or in any application where an airspace on both sides of the product is achieved. The product is very easy to install and can dramatically reduce energy bills in any climate.

In warm climates it will stop radiant heat transfer from entering your attic which will put less strain on your A/C system. In cold climates it will work the same way by keeping valuable heat within the home. It is a fact that heat rises, without a reflective insulation or radiant barrier installed in your roof or attic you will lose a considerable amount of heat through your roof and/or ceiling. In areas where ice damming is a severe problem installing a radiant barrier will slow down the snow melting on the roof, which causes ice damming. Ice and water shields can be expensive and are only a patch or "Band-Aid" for the problem, they do not contribute to fixing the problem, Low-E does.

For more information, please see:
http://www.low-e.com/Products%20&%20Services/
Product%20Line/Radiant%20Ba
rrier/Radiant%20Barrier.html

 

VOBB provides the above information only as a courtesy. Each person needs to check out and take full responsibility for their purchases/use.