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Reply to "Basements...Poured Concrete or Cinder Blocks?"

Cinder block would tend to date the house.   Most construction 1960 to present would have concrete cast block. Cinder block tends to be more pourous, a black, gritty dust when drilled, and soft in comparison to aged concrete block, which can be difficult to drill.   Today, in Pennsylvania, under the UCC, Universal Construction Code, the block walls have to be rodded and concrete poured in the block cells. Not all the cells, but substantial, to increase structural strength.  By adding this detail and expense, a lot of builders just go with the poured concrete wall v.s. the block lay-up. 

 

Moisture control has a lot to do with the outside membrane installation and proper drainage from the footer area as has been mentioned.

 

Also most homes technically don't heat or air condition the basement area.  The HVAC systems were designed to heat the living space above.  There may be a few vents to the basement area.    Appropriate climate control in the basement is a whole other discussion, that relates to a train layout, or for that matter converting the area to living space. This may require additional mechanical equipment.    

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