A fair face block is a type of concrete block designed to be used without any additional finishing treatments, such as plastering or rendering.
Understanding Fair Faced Blocks
Fair face blocks differ from standard concrete blocks primarily in their surface appearance and manufacturing process. Here’s a closer look:
- Purpose: Unlike regular blocks that serve as a base for further finishes, fair faced blocks are meant to be exposed. This means their aesthetic appeal is a key consideration during production.
- Texture: As highlighted in our reference material, fair faced blocks have a finer texture. This smoother surface is achieved through carefully selected concrete aggregates.
- Visual Appeal: The primary aim is to create a more visually pleasing surface than typical concrete blockwork. This allows the blocks to be used in construction where the raw materials are meant to be part of the final design.
- Manufacturing: To ensure the desired texture and appearance, the manufacturing process requires precise control and selection of materials.
Key Features Summarized
| Feature | Fair Faced Block | Standard Concrete Block |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Intended to be visible; no additional finish needed | Foundation for added surface treatments |
| Texture | Finer, smoother, more visually appealing | Typically rougher |
| Material | Carefully selected concrete aggregates | Standard concrete mix |
| Surface Finish | No additional finish required | Requires plaster or other forms of finishing |
Advantages of Using Fair Face Blocks
- Cost-Effective: By eliminating the need for additional surface treatments like plastering or rendering, fair faced blocks can significantly reduce construction costs.
- Aesthetic Appeal: They provide a modern, industrial look that is often preferred in certain architectural styles.
- Reduced Construction Time: Skipping the finishing stage also accelerates the construction timeline.
- Durability: Like regular concrete blocks, fair-faced blocks are highly durable.
Practical Insights
- Material Selection: The selection of aggregates is crucial in creating the desired surface finish, hence the increased importance during manufacture.
- Architectural Use: Fair face blocks are ideal for buildings where the intention is to reveal the construction material as part of the visual design, e.g. minimalist or industrial-style buildings.
By using fair faced blocks, architects and builders can achieve visually appealing and structurally sound buildings while optimizing costs and construction time.
