Barnes & Cone has manufactured Pre-Insulated CMU for over 40 years. Energy Code requirements have increased significantly over the last few years, but that has driven manufacturers to come up with some innovative shapes to meet these requirements.
Several considerations factor into the decision of which units to choose. Hi-R and Hi-R Spec Brik are pre-insulated units that utilize two cut down cross webs that help reduce thermal bridging. These walls can be partially grouted and can meet Energy Code requirements using ComCheck.
The most popular units that we manufacture are the Hi-R H and Hi-R H Spec Brik. These units can comply prescriptively with Energy Code requirements when Light Weight mix designs are used or they can meet requirements utilizing ComCheck. HI-R-H and Hi-R H Spec–Brik are single web pre-insulated masonry units that are used for fully grouted Single Wythe wall systems.
Their Primary use is for Double exposed single wythe masonry walls for conditioned spaces in Climate Zones 1-6. These Load-bearing units can be used above and/or below grade and provide a durable architectural finish inside and out. A single partial height cross web is utilized for reduced thermal bridging. Thermal mass is exposed to the interior, conditioned space for optimal thermal performance. A variety of colors and textures are available.
These wall systems require minimal coordination of trades since the wall finishes, load bearing structural elements and the insulation are all built into the masonry itself.
