The Premier Manufacturer and Building Materials Supplier for California's Central Coast

Split-face concrete masonry units (CMU) provide an attractive alternative to standard precision blocks.

The rugged texture of split-face blocks reveals the natural aggregates used in their manufacture to create a visually appealing finish for any project. Split-face blocks are made by manufacturing two or more blocks joined together as one large unit. After a curing period, the units are put through a guillotine-like machine that utilizes four blades to split the units apart and expose their interior aggregates. The amount of visible aggregates will vary from block to block and from run to run. As they are mined from the earth, the aggregates used to manufacture these concrete masonry units are subject to natural color variations Because of these facts, it is important to order all split-face masonry units for a project at one time to ensure aggregate color uniformity.

Common Shapes and Sizes
Split-Face Block Design Units
Split-Face Block Accessory Units

For consistent quality and color, be sure to specify Amerimix Type S Mortar.

Applicable Standards

The concrete masonry units manufactured by Air Vol Block, Inc. comply with the requirements of ASTM C-90 and section 21-4 of the Uniform Building Code. Air Vol Block maintains an inventory of medium weight split-face units. Lightweight and normal weight units are available as special-order items. For more information regarding the ASTM standards pertaining to concrete masonry units, please call our sales office.

Quality Assurance

Air Vol Block has on-site testing facilities in which we can test our products to ensure that they comply with the necessary specifications. Additionally, we participate in a testing program in which an independent laboratory randomly samples and tests our concrete masonry units.

Available Colors

Air Vol Block stocks medium weight split-face units in natural Gray and our stock Nutan color. A wide variety of custom colors may be special-ordered. Architects, please log-in to Architect’s Corner to view a large sampling of colors that can be manufactured. Please contact your Air Vol Block representative for more information regarding pricing of custom colors. The raw materials utilized in the manufacture of concrete masonry units are subject to natural variations in color which affect the color of the finished product. It is important that our customers understand that color can be guaranteed only to a range of color. Even natural Gray units, which are manufactured without pigments, may have noticeable shade variations from run to run.

Available Sizes

Air Vol Block maintains an inventory of 8 x 8 x 16 and 12 x 8 x 16 split-face units. Other sizes can be manufactured on a special-order basis. Note: Most split-face units are manufactured as single open-end units.