Astra-Glaze-SW+® Glazed Masonry Units

  • Glazed-face structural or veneer CMU
  • One-step installation
  • Low maintenance
  • 96 standard colors with custom color matching also available
  • Custom color-matching
  • Fire rated per NFPA 119 (CHECK)
  • Sound absorbing units available
  • Integral water repellant added at manufacture to deliver mold and moisture resistance
  • Easy to clean and graffiti-resistant
  • Cast-on glazed facing conforms to ASTM C744
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About Astra-Glaze-SW+® Glazed Masonry Units

Echelon’s ASTRA-GLAZE-SW+® glazed block units are pre-faced architectural concrete glazed masonry blocks with a thermoset glazing compound permanently molded to one or more faces. This glazing compound is cured and heat-treated in gas-fired tunnel kilns — thus becoming an integral part of the masonry unit rather than a post-applied face shell. Additionally, ASTRA-GLAZE-SW+ glazed CMU blocks are cast in individual molds, ensuring dimensional uniformity of the glazed facing regardless of minor variations in the block to deliver the ultimate in aesthetic uniformity and seamless installation.

Continuing Education

Lunch and Learn

Excellence in Single Wythe Masonry (LU/HSW)

 
CEU Credits: 1 LU | HSW

When properly constructed, single-wythe masonry walls offer a myriad of benefits that no other building material can touch from fire to moisture protection, durability to aesthetics, and cost-effective installation This presentation covers how to properly construct a wall using proper design techniques focusing on the prevention of moisture, cracking, and cleaning issues in order to take full advantage of the benefits of masonry construction.

After completing this course, attendees will be able to:
• Understand why and where masonry walls begin to crack. 
• Understand updates to energy codes in relation to single-wythe wall design 
• Plan and design a sound single-wythe wall. 
• Eliminate unnecessary repairing and cleaning of masonry walls.
 
This course is applicable to all structural masonry product lines except veneers.
 
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Lunch and Learn

Concrete Masonry Walls for Mold and Moisture Prevention (LU/HSW)

CEU Credits: 1 LU | HSW

Protecting the building’s envelope from water penetration is critical to the architect and design team. This program addresses the specific detail measures that can contribute to a successfully designed building which will help prevent water penetration.

After completing this course, attendees will be able to: 
• Identify successful methods in detailing masonry so that moisture and mold are minimized in building design. 
• Describe sustainable efforts to eradicate mold and moisture in building design. 
• Explain what mold is, and how it develops in buildings.
• Discuss and diagnose with architects the moisture problems that have occurred in their projects.
 
This course is applicable to all masonry product lines.
 
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Lunch and Learn

Modern Masonry: Fire Protection and Enhanced Performance

CEU Credits: 1 LU | HSW

The recent string of large construction fires across the US has cost billions of dollars in damages to job sites and nearby structures. In this course, learn the root cause of these blazes and how sound design, paired with the use of masonry, can offer fire resistance both during the construction phase and over the life of the building. 

After completing this course, attendees will be able to: 
• Discuss the factors involved in the recent rash of construction fires around the nation.
• Explain masonry’s ability to resist fires and assure safe buildings both during the construction phase and after completion.
• Identify the ways in which masonry can resist moisture intrusion and protect buildings from moisture damage over the life of the building.
• Describe three masonry systems that have been upgraded to meet codes, resist fires, and boost building performance and energy efficiency. ​
 
This course is applicable to all masonry product lines.
 
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Lunch and Learn

Green Building Design with Concrete Masonry Units (LU/HSW)

CEU Credits: 1 LU | HSW

Green building strategies – in accordance with or independent of LEED standards – continue to rise in importance across all building types.
 
This course will discuss the green building and sustainable design benefits of concrete masonry including life cycle costs, durability, energy performance, and safety. Additionally, the course will detail how building with concrete masonry can contribute to specific LEED credits, and to the health, safety, and indoor comfort of the occupant.
 
After completing this course, attendees will be able to: 
• Become familiar with the ways in which concrete masonry can potentially contribute to economical and sustainable building practices. 
• Identify concrete masonry's inherent sustainable qualities. 
• Identify changes to LEED in relation to specifying concrete masonry.
• Explain how concrete masonry can prevent the growth of mold in the building.
 
This course is applicable to all masonry products.
 
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Lunch and Learn

Masonry and Leed v4.1 (LU/HSW)

CEU Credits: 1 LU 

Sustainable design and green building are ever-evolving, with the latest version, LEED v4.1 introduced in 2019. 

This course will explore the latest modifications to the LEED standard, with a particular emphasis on masonry compliance and contribution. Developed by LEED expert Christine A. Subasic, P.E., LEED A.P., the course will introduce attendees to sustainable design and provide an overview of the LEED Rating System, and its credit categories, with a particular emphasis on Materials and Resources, as well as covering criteria and considerations used in selecting masonry products for LEED projects.

After completing this course, attendees will be able to: 
• Understand the changes in the Materials and Resources credit category in LEED v4. 
• Identify elements of sustainable design that are not always part of green building rating systems. 
• Provide an overview of the LEED v4.1 BD+C New Construction Rating System. 
• Explain sustainable design strategies and LEED strategies that utilize masonry.
 
This course is applicable to all masonry products.
 
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Lunch and Learn

Designing with Masonry for a Healthier, Safer Building Environment (LU/HSW)

CEU Credits: 1 LU | HSW

Masonry delivers a variety of benefits to occupants and designers alike including being highly environmentally-friendly due to its durability and reduced embodied energy compared to other structural building materials. 

This course will discuss ASTM specification classifications, as well as the various texture, pattern and color variations offered by masonry. Additionally, the course will review the environmental contributions that masonry offers the architect including the prevention of moisture and mold in construction projects and protentional LEED credits.

After completing this course, attendees will be able to: 
• Identify the performance characteristics of the various types of architectural masonry. 
• Understand different ASTM Classifications and how these affect the architect's specification of concrete masonry. 
• Discuss the proper detailing of concrete masonry to prevent moisture intrusion. 
• Explain the LEED rating system and how masonry plays a part in achieving LEED certification.
 
This course is applicable to all masonry product lines.
 
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Lunch and Learn

Controlling Moisture in Masonry (LU)

 
 
CEU Credits: 1 LU | HSW

Moisture intrusion is a leading cause of structural damage across all building types, and a leading threat to occupant health and wellbeing.

This presentation will cover masonry solutions that deliver superior moisture control and an environmentally sound structure. We will cover proper flashing and masonry installation strategies, discuss water repellant admixture advances for both block and mortars, and review the advantages of complete masonry systems to mitigate water penetration and provide backup moisture management.

After completing this course, attendees will be able to: 
• Discuss flashing and other proper masonry installation strategies to manage moisture in a masonry wall. 
• Explain the advantages of complete masonry systems that mitigate water penetration and provide backup moisture management. 
• Describe water repellent admixture advances and uses in concrete block and mortar that help control moisture and meet green building codes. 
• Specify a masonry solution that delivers superior moisture control and an environmentally sound structure.
 
This course is applicable to all masonry product lines.
 
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Lunch and Learn

The Concrete Benefits of Glazed Masonry (LU/HSW)

CEU Credits: 1 LU | HSW

Glazed concrete masonry units are a safe, clean, and highly durable alternative to glazed brick and ceramic tile. 

This course will detail the benefits of glazed masonry units including their contributions to sustainable design, LEED certification, occupant health, as well as their undeniable ability to deliver flexible, stunning aesthetics to architectural projects ranging from schools, hospitals, gymnasiums and beyond

After completing this course, attendees will be able to: 
• Understand the potential LEED considerations that might be obtained by specifying and using glazed CMU. 
• Discuss the proper moisture detailing required for glazed masonry. 
• Explain the manufacturing process of glazed masonry. 
• Discuss the utilitarian and aesthetic benefits of using glazed masonry.
 
This course is applicable to Astra-Glaze-SW+® glazed masonry units.
 
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In The Field

When we first surveyed the post-Katrina damage, we took note of construction materials that survived. Glazed concrete block and Glazed tile best weathered the inundation and could be cleaned and reused." Modern Masonry Vol. 2 Issue 3 Read More

Shapes & Sizes

Astra glaze spec 2s

Stretcher
2S
1 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 8s8

Stretcher
8S8
7 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 7 3/4

Astra glaze spec 416s

Stretcher
416S
3 3/4 x 15 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 412s12

Stretcher
412S12
3 3/4 x 11 3/4 x 11 3/4

Astra glaze spec 4s

Stretcher
4S
3 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 6s

Stretcher
6S
5 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 8s

Stretcher
8S
7 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 10s

Stretcher
10S
9 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 12s

Stretcher
12S
11 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 8st

Stretcher
8ST
7 7/8 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 44s

Stretcher
44S
3 3/4 x 3 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 8x

Stretcher
8X
7 3/4 x 7 5/8 x 15 11/16

Astra glaze spec 8mr

Stretcher
8M-R
7 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 8u

Bond Beams
8U
7 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 8ut

Bond Beams
8UT
7 7/8 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 8kobb

Bond Beams
8KOBB
7 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 8ucpx

Bond Beams
8UCPX
7 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 8ucpxt

Bond Beams
8UCPXT
7 7/8 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 6g

Cove Base
6G
6 1/4 x 7 7/8 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 4g

Cove Base
4G
4 1/4 x 7 7/8 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 8g

Cove Base
8G
8 1/4 x 7 7/8 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 44g

Cove Base
44G
4 1/4 x 3 7/8 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 4gdr

Cove Base
4GDR
4 1/4 x 7 7/8 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 4gjor

Cove Base
4GJOR
4 1/4 x 7 7/8 x 16 1/4

Astra glaze spec 4gjpr

Cove Base
4GJPR
4 1/4 x 7 7/8 x 16 1/4

Astra glaze spec 44gjpr

Cove Base
44GJPR
4 1/4 x 3 7/8 x 16 1/4

Astra glaze spec 44gjor

Cove Base
44GJOR
4 1/4 x 3 7/8 x 16 1/4

Astra glaze spec 8jo


8JO
7 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

Astra glaze spec 8jp


8JP
7 7/8 x 7 3/4 x 15 3/4

*All dimensions displayed in inches as width x height x length

Performance Upgrade Options

Increase the performance of Astra-Glaze SW+® glazed CMUs by pairing them with the EnduraMax High Performance Wall System, Acousta-Wal sound absorbing units or the Insultech System.

Acousta-Wal®

EnduraMax® High Performance Wall System

InsulTech System™

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