Design and build with Block. Burnaby BC: February 17, 2013 This photo of a recent fire in Burnaby, B.C. clearly shows the destruction that fire leaves behind. But notice the tower on the left? It’s still standing. Why? Because it was built with concrete block. Concrete block isn’t just fire-resistant — it doesn’t burn. Period. […]
Ontario Government needs to focus on fire containment as well as sprinklers in proposed Fire Code and Building Code changes TORONTO — FEBRUARY 1, 2013 — Mandatory sprinklers in Ontario retirement homes are a big step in the right direction but seniors also need the protection of more fire-resistant building material such as concrete block. […]
Sound judgment and project specifications — not political agendas — should determine the building materials used in Canadian construction. TORONTO — December 7, 2012 — Canada’s National Building Code encourages the use of different materials to optimize building performance, and cities like Halifax should do the same, say several Canadian builders and engineers. Their statements […]
CCMPA supports Ontario Fire Chiefs’ fire-sprinkler findings and advocates containment as part of a four part balanced design to prevent the spread of fires and save lives. When fire strikes, there can be any number of contributing factors, from human behaviour (an untended fry pan; a cigarette left- burning) to the proximity of hazardous materials (half-empty […]
While LEED is largely responsible for catalyzing green efforts in the building industry, many professionals recognize that responsible, sustainable construction is as much as about durability and lifespan as it is about earning LEED credits. There was a time when the term ‘LEED’ — short for ‘Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’ — was reserved almost solely […]
The recent tornado in Goderich and this year’s earlier devastation in Alabama strengthen the case for building with concrete block, brick and stone. TORONTO — September 20, 2011 — Hotter summers. Heavier rain. More frequent severe storms. These are the effects of climate change, and while building owners can’t directly control them, they can minimize […]
Concrete masonry and tougher building codes could help preserve your home. TORONTO — July 19, 2011 — Block, brick and stone in homes may help deter one of nature’s most destructive insects: termites. Termites cause an estimated $120 million in property damage annually in the Toronto area alone, inflicting serious structural damage to homes and […]
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