Concrete blocks or concrete tiles for a facade? Comparison of solutions

Concrete is a versatile building material. It is very popular in both residential and commercial construction. It has replaced façade stones, which for many years were the most common material of choice for covering building facades. In recent years, concrete façade elements have grown in importance, becoming an attractive choice for many builders. In this article, we take a look at two solutions offered by our company and compare their advantages and disadvantages. One product is the TOM façade block, the other product is the PIANO façade tiles.

TOM façade blocks

Nowadays, when we think about building or renovating a house, not only functionality, but also aesthetics and durability of materials play a key role in our choices. Their aesthetics and high durability are also important. In this context, concrete blocks with a split surface are an interesting proposition. However, the choice of this type of material also comes with some challenges.

In the remainder of this article, we will take a closer look at these aspects, considering both the benefits and challenges of choosing split-face concrete blocks for modern and traditional building projects.

Aesthetics and durability of concrete blocks

Concrete blocks with a split surface are distinguished by their raw, natural appearance, which blends perfectly with both modern and minimalist architectural designs and traditional house architecture. Their solid construction makes concrete block facades look solid and durable. Such façade blocks are resistant to mechanical damage - so the façade remains aesthetically pleasing for many years.

Thermal and acoustic insulation

Concrete blocks with a split surface are ideal as the outer layer of 3-layer walls. One of the main advantages of concrete blocks is their thermal and acoustic insulation. The thickness of the blocks makes them effective in protecting building interiors against weather conditions, heat loss and outside noise. As a result, TOM concrete blocks are often chosen for projects where thermal and acoustic comfort is a priority.

Building facade blocks - installation and costs

Installing concrete blocks requires more work and time compared to tiles. Their weight and size make the installation process more complicated and require the right equipment and experienced professionals. As a result, installation costs can be higher than for concrete tiles.

PIANO concrete façade tiles

Today's building solutions offer a wide range of materials, such as architectural concrete, structural concrete or split stone, which not only enhance the aesthetics of buildings, but also contribute to their functionality and durability. Among these, exterior stone-like façade tiles stand out for their attractive appearance. The installation of these tiles is much simpler and quicker than with heavier concrete blocks.

The durability of the façade tiles, despite their lighter weight, remains at a high level. Simple maintenance is another advantage that makes it easy to keep the façade in good condition for a long time.

The remainder of this article will continue the theme, focusing on the detailed aspects of selection, installation and maintenance that characterise concrete façade tiles.

Aesthetics and versatility of concrete tiles for facades

Exterior stone-like façade tiles also have an attractive appearance that adds a natural charm to facades. The surface of the tiles faithfully imitates the look of split stone. Thanks to their smaller size, PIANO tiles allow for greater creativity in façade design. They can be used both on large surfaces and as decorative accents.

Concrete facade tiles - installation

Concrete façade tiles are much easier to install than blocks. Their lightness and handiness enable faster and simpler installation, and gluing façade tiles is trivial. Each tile is matched to the next, so it is difficult to make a mistake here. This makes concrete tiles the ideal choice for those looking for efficient and cost-effective solutions. In addition, the ease of cutting and fitting the tiles makes them suitable for use on a variety of surfaces and in hard-to-reach areas.

Durability and maintenance of façade panels

Although exterior concrete façade tiles are less solid than blocks, they still have high durability and weather resistance. They are resistant to moisture, frost and UV radiation, ensuring the longevity of the façade. Maintenance of the tiles is relatively simple and low-maintenance, which is an added advantage of this solution.

Concrete blocks or concrete façade tiles - a summary

The choice between blocks and split-face concrete tiles depends on the individual needs and preferences of the builder. TOM concrete blocks offer better insulation and a solid appearance, but involve higher costs and more complicated installation. PIANO concrete tiles are more versatile, easier to install and more economical. The final decision should take into account both aesthetic and functional qualities, as well as budget and project specifics.