CONCRETE
BLOCK WALLS

There are two areas of competition; other block systems and competing alternative systems.

As for other block systems there is the old standard CMU or concrete masonry unit and the more recent ICU insulated block. The material cost of most other wall systems is often less per square foot than the SonomaWall™. The real savings comes from the speed of construction.

It is important to realize that clients do not buy CMU blocks, they buy walls.

CONCRETE
TILT-UP WALLS

Concrete tilt-up walls appear to erect fast, however the following conditions drive up the costs:

• Casting and preparation work
• The need for large crews
• Expensive handling equipment
• Large staging areas
• Post erection utility costs
• Secondary finishes

The SonomaWall™ is almost a third the cost of a raw construction grade tilt-up wall and less than half of a finished tilt-up wall..

STICK FRAME
CONSTRUCTION

Wood and metal frame construction is often favored because it requires little equipment and is very flexible and adaptable for many designs both in residential and commercial construction. The SonomaWall™ with a variety of pre-cast window and door frames, inside and outside corners, caps and bases approach stick frame construction with unique adaptability.

Normally it is difficult to introduce new materials and new building methods in such a traditional market. The greater versatility and significant cost difference would find an early adoption in a trade where most decisions are derived from the bidding process.