Integra Block: From the ground up (Part one)
The photo below is of a footing that was recently poured for a custom home that we are building in Central Phoenix. (A footing is a foundation usually out of concrete that is used as a base to support the weight of your house. ) Many houses start out this way unless they are using a Post-tensioned slab. (We can discuss that at another time.) You can see rebar coming out of the footing that will provide a connection between the footing and the stem wall.
Custom Integra Block House
The stem wall is used to raise up the outside perimeter of your house to the future level of your floor. (See Photo below)
- Masonry Stem Walls for Integra Custom Home in Phoenix, AZ
In the photo above, you will notice a channel running through the top row of block. This channel is an opening for the masons to place horizontal rebar into. When grouted, (filled with concrete) that top row of block is called a bondbeam. A bondbeam adds strength to a wall. It combines the weight bearing properties and rigidity of block, with the strength and bendability of rebar.
Dressing Up a Remodel with Brick
If you are planning a remodel, consider using brick or block to add to its value. Brick is a durable material that never needs paint and adds beauty and style to your home. Masonry walls need less maintenance than wood. This characteristic will save you time and money over the life of your home.
This is Oscar, one of our talented (and camera-shy) masons. He is adding brick to a carport support column in a residential remodel. The brick columns will make a beautiful addition to this remodeling project.
Residential Work
- Chapman Residence built out of Integra block for Johnson Carlier
The Darrin Gray Corporation specializes in the Integra Wall System. We have many years of experience building these energy-efficient homes. We have built hundreds of tract homes, and many, many Custom homes using the Integra Wall System.
Let us build YOUR next Masonry home!
Darrin Gray Corp. 