Genest Concrete’s Comfort Block warmly received at NAHB show

Sources: CP staff; National Association of Home Builders, Washington, D.C.; Genest Concrete, Sanford, Me.

An insulated concrete masonry wall system, with block placed on adhesive or thin set mortar, was among Best of IBS Awards/Most Innovative Building Products category finalists spotlighted during the NAHB’s International Builders’ Show. Developed by Maine building and hardscape unit producer Genest Concrete, Comfort Block is offered in two- and four-piece versions, CB-8 and CB-16, for 8- or 16-in. thick walls.

The base Comfort Block has two transverse channels running near full unit width; one is for 2.5-in. expanded polystyrene foam insulation inserts, the second for wire and electrical box placement along the inside wythe—affording builders or owners a plaster or stucco finishing option to furring and drywall. The CB-16 system accommodates three EPS inserts, totaling 7.5 inches of insulation sandwiched between four concrete masonry sections.

Precision grinding of Comfort Block units to uniform height enables the use of a thin mortar joint or an adhesive exhibiting five times the bonding strength of conventional masonry mortar. Genest Concrete debuted the system at the International Builders’ Show, January 9-11 in Orlando, following early installations in New England, including a Maine ranch-style home. Comfort Block production licensing inquiries can be directed to Chris Genest, president, 207/324-3250 ext. 123; [email protected].