Hi Guys I have been searching for the larger concrete cinder blocks (in coolthaihouse.com)they are called heavy cement blocks 13 kilograms as opposed to the lighter 5 kilograms blocks that you can find at most building stores in Udon Thani.I helped build several buildings with these rather cheap blocks in U.S. and they stayed very cool in the summer months(granted this was in the cooler Seattle area!).At any rate am thinking of building walls for our house with these type blocks if I can find as opposed to (2) thinner cinder block walls with air gap in the middle or filled with burnt rice husks as I have read capped with cement top of wall.My thinking is that this would be a lot less expensive than Q-Con or Superblock construction as the builder(father in law) has never built with them and to keep peace in the family and he really is a nice trust worthy man of good charcter and I don't want to offend the entire family PERIOD! Besides I think it would be cheaper? Has anyone had any experience with double wall cinder block or had opportunity to use the larger blocks and where could I get them as we are to build in Udon Thani right near Ring Road?I plan to use Air Conditioning because I'm older,thicker and don't like to sweat so much anymore and need to save my strength for a Younger Woman than I'm use to in America so also need some advice on the roof? Whatever I use I intend to use the foil back insulation(shiny side down)under the ceiling and probably also some type insulation on top of the ceiling (guess it doesn't really matter about the shiny side as when it gets dust on it that part becomes useless?).I like the looks of the cement tiles roofs or (Old Clay Tile roofs of California fame ) but have heard that light colored metal roofs are cooler and that some composite roof materials don't absorb heat like the concrete tiles?Any and all information you could provide would be very helpful and Yes I have looked through previous discussions on the website but am just as confused the more I read it seems? Idon't have much building experience but try to understand enough to make kind of wise(or Wise Ass)decisions though!Thanks,SammyG

It seems nobody know's much about these Cinder Blocks, or have'nt had the chance to answere yet. Many may not agree with me but I have had a Zinc Alum roof on my house here in Oz for the past sixteen years and I swear by them. Fifteen minutes after the Sun goes down it's as cool as you could hope for, and vertually maintenance free. I have read from other posters here that you can get good quality Zinc Alum in Udon, but I'm afraid I dont know where. Good luck in your search.

Well my wife found an old school teacher friend in NongbuaLamphu who reminded her of a factory (how big I don't know) there that manufactures a brick they call "Cool Blocks" that are larger than the small red brick maybe 12 times as big(as far as I know now!) that were made years ago for a Christian Scool there for their buildings.My wife said yes that the buildings were very cool inside and remembers now hearing about the bricks.The friend also told her that there is a big factory somewhere around Bangkok that also makes them.The friend supposedly knows the person that owns the factory in NongbuaLamphu and is supose to get more info. on them.Will keep all informed if there is any interest in these bricks and their price.Still looking for the larger cinder blocks until I find something cheaper and better.Thanks Aardvark for the info. on the metal roof and your good fortune with it.I believe though that it must be either Galvanized steel roof or Aluminum as I don't believe they have both in one.If it is galvanized zinc it will have a shiny(well in the beginning but later dull look metal look)to it and most likely not painted with anyother color?It it is aluminum it may well likely be painted with a certain color.What color is your roof if it is painted?I have seen old galvanized steel roofs in Montana that are very heavy steel and thick galvanizing that were built in the early 1920's they say and they still look very good shape.Not pretty asthetically but in good physical shape.Thanks for your post reply,SammyG

Hello Aardvark You are correct in saying your roof is a Zinc Alum one as I found a site for Colorbond roofs that is located in Udon.I am a former corrosion specialist for a pipeline co. for 34 years and no quite a bit of galvanic series and corrosion.I had heard of galvanized Steel Roofs for years and some better than others and of Aluminum Roofs soft and light in weight but had never heard or knew that the 2 could be mixed at all.They say that the commericial brand is strong enough to walk all over the roof without damaging it.They also say that if you have foil insulation under it it is somewhat quiet.Do you have such on yours and is yours really loud on rainy days?I really don't mind the sound on my metal roof here in the rain and rather enjoy it but have probably 6" of insulation in my attic .Is it comparable in price to a concrete tile roof and why did you decide to go with it over tile?Still no luck on larger cinder blocks only the single look like 4" wide but long concrete blocks but am stil looking into the so called "cool blocks" in NongbuaLamphu.SammyG

Hi Sammy, when I was building the house I got into a conversation with another builder who told me the Zinc Alum only weighed about 300 kg compared to Tiles at about 1 ton over my roof area. Considering it was slightly cheaper and came with a 25 year unconditional guarantee I thought it was the better option. The Insulation I used was R3.5 fibreglass bats that do a good job of insulation and keep the noise down on really rainy days, but without detracting from the sound of the rain on the roof. I have never had to do any maintenance on the roof or the gutters, except to remove leaves etc. I think the weight factor alone would make it a consideration on it's own if your going to use the concrete blocks. Good luck with your search, Aardvark.