Conventional masonry blocks are often referred to as Grey Masonry. The benefits of masonry are aesthetics, low maintenance, strength and durability, thermal efficiency, noise reduction and fire and earthquake resistance.
Note: Our blocks/masonry products are made in NZ with locally sourced natural materials and as such colour variation between regions is expected. If honing natural grey masonry, there may be medium to extreme degrees of colour and exposed texture variation between blocks which will appear throughout the finished wall. Please talk to your local Firth representative for more information.
Grey masonry is available in a range of sizes: 10, 15, 20 and 25 series.
Structural Benefits & Cost Effectiveness:
The use of reinforced masonry can result in substantial savings for buildings of up to ten stories. For the construction of structural walls and buildings, the need for formwork and associated labour is eliminated. The savings result from the speed and simplicity of using concrete masonry as a structural frame (load bearing and shear walls with horizontal diaphragms), as well as exterior skin and space divider.
Energy Efficiency:
One of the most valuable advantages of concrete masonry is the cost savings derived from its capacity to store energy and to delay the passage of heat. This unique feature, known as the 'thermal mass effect', allows masonry buildings to be designed with less additional insulation. Hence, material costs and energy consumption can be reduced, and the comfort of living space is improved.
Sound Control:
Concrete masonry is an ideal sound barrier, providing reduced sound transmission relative to the size of the wall. Click here for more information on concrete masonry's acoustic performance by NZCMA
Fire Protection:
The fire protection benefits of concrete masonry are recognised by the Fire Service and the insurance industry. The extra ability to resist fire comes from the type of aggregate used, and the equivalent solid thickness of the masonry units.
Firth is one of New Zealand's best known and most trusted trade names in concrete. They have been developing, manufacturing and delivering concrete and concrete products to New Zealanders for almost a century.
90 year proud history
The history of Firth is part of the history of New Zealand. Firth's capability extends through the construction industry, roading & infrastructure, industrial and commercial projects to residential builds.
Industry leading
All of our products are formulated to meet strict NZ standards. Our engineers ensure Firth customers consistently receive delivery of the highest quality product that they can rely on. Our concrete products are tried and trusted so customers can be sure what we make, makes the grade. Always.
Our national, dependable brands include: Firth Certified Concrete®, Firth Masonry, Firth RibRaft® floors, Dricon® bagged concretes, mortars and sands.
Innovation that endures
From day one innovation has been at our core, but not at the expense of long lasting durability. In 1925, the 'original' Firth family with their entrepreneurial spirit created innovative concrete products that made life easier.
Today's wider Firth family still carries that same can-do spirit into today's market challenges. Our designers work alongside our engineers to ensure new designs will stand up to the rigors of time.
Kiwi Made
Like the people who manufacture them, our concrete ranges are all products of New Zealand. We employ 650 people spread across 70 plant sites throughout the country.
Firth's strength lies in its regional relationships delivering a quality service locally to loyal customers, every day.