Why Concrete Masonry?

Building a Greener Environment

Headwaters is committed to sustainable business practices and products, and is proud to participate in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program.

Energy Performance

Homes built with masonry materials can help improve energy efficiency. From brick to concrete block, masonry offers thermal advantages over traditional wood-frame construction. With the ability to provide thermal storage, concrete masonry absorbs heat more slowly and retains it longer. This keeps interior walls slightly warmer when outdoor temperatures are coldest, and keeps the house cooler when the outdoor temperature is hottest. When peak heating and cooling loads are evened out, homeowners achieve a comfortable environment with more consistent control over energy costs.

Recycled Materials

Damaged, “unusable” concrete blocks and spillage from the manufacturing process can be crushed, screened and sorted, then recycled into new block as aggregate – of which concrete block itself is then 45-80% recyclable. Recyclable concrete block takes shape in the form of homes, schools, churches, and public buildings, of which provides considerable thermal mass for more efficient heating and cooling. So again, carbon footprint is lessened, and waste is reduced.

Another key contributor to sustainability is the use of fly ash in many of our products, a resource recovered from burning coal to create electricity. The use of fly ash in place of cement reduces demand for cement itself, of course, which helps reduce CO2 emissions during manufacturing. For more information about fly ash, click here.

No VOC

Concrete masonry framed homes are healthier homes because concrete is an inorganic product. Building homes and hardscapes using concrete have sustainable and durable attributes that are unmatched with other home building materials. Concrete is an environmentally friendly product using natural and recycled materials. Concrete does not excrete VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or toxins into the air, unlike some wood materials, allowing for a healthy living environment. They also contribute less dust that other building materials thus protecting families from allergens.* For information about Post and Pre Consumer Recycled content, or to see how Headwaters Construction Materials can contribute to your LEED projects, email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

We are committed to improving the materials that comprise our built environment. To learn more, visit www.headwaters.com.

*CCMA