Superior Walls vs. Block Walls

Cost

• Block foundations prove popular primarily for economic reasons. These foundations are commonly the least expensive, as the blocks themselves are very inexpensive. Superior Walls, on the other hand, are custom-made one panel at a time to fit the planned foundation, making them a more expensive option.

Speed

• If you're building in a hurry, concrete blocks may be the better bet. Because these blocks are standard and available from an assortment of vendors, builders can easily buy the blocks they require to craft their structures. Superior Walls, which are custom-crafted, must instead be ordered, potentially delaying the building process.

Water Resistance

• A leaky foundation can be quite the headache, particularly for homeowners who intend to put their basements to work as usable space. While both of these options are relatively watertight, Superior Walls, which are crafted of large solid panels, have a slight advantage over concrete blocks. While Superior Wall panels do have seams where they meet, there are fewer seams in this type of wall than in a concrete block wall, where every juncture between two blocks is a potential space for water to invade. While concrete block installers do add mortar to make these joints more watertight, the mortar is still more prone to leakage than a solid surface would be.

Pest Resistance

• Both concrete blocks and Superior Walls are pest-resistant. Because neither system includes the use of any wood or wood products, termites and other potentially problematic pests do not pose any risk to the foundation.

Flexibility

• Builders who have not yet decided upon a final foundation plan may be best served by concrete blocks, as the ability to arrange and rearrange these blocks while crafting the foundation allows for flexibility. Because Superior Wall panels are custom-made, once the panels are cast, there is no way to change the setup or dimensions of the foundation.