Question 1

What is BLOCK?

Accepted Answer

BLOCK by Tempio is a ventilated façade (rainscreen) cladding system that delivers a brick/stone masonry look as a modern exterior cladding option for Canadian projects.

Question 2

What makes BLOCK different from traditional masonry veneer?

Accepted Answer

BLOCK is a mechanical, mortarless ventilated cladding system—so it eliminates mortar and much of the labour and complexity associated with traditional brick or stone masonry. That makes it easier, faster, and more cost-effective to install, while still delivering a high-end masonry look. Because it’s mortarless, BLOCK can also be installed year-round, including in cold conditions.

Question 3

What substructures can BLOCK be installed on ?

Accepted Answer

BLOCK can be installed on wood strapping or an engineered aluminum substructure, depending on the wall assembly, design requirements, and project conditions. Both options support a ventilated façade (rainscreen) installation. For projects that require additional depth—such as thicker insulation or more robust wall build-ups—the engineered aluminum substructure is typically the better choice.

Question 4

Is BLOCK a good choice for Canadian weather (including Atlantic Canada)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. BLOCK is a porcelain ventilated façade (rainscreen) cladding system designed for exterior performance in Canadian climates, including Atlantic Canada. Porcelain’s low water absorption supports durability in freeze–thaw weather, and the ventilated rainscreen approach helps manage moisture behind the cladding. Compared to traditional terracotta, porcelain is generally denser and less porous, which can translate to better long-term performance in wet/cold conditions. As a mortarless mechanical system, BLOCK also supports year-round installation, including colder seasons.

Question 5

How does BLOCK compare to brick, metal panels, terracotta, and fiber cement?

Accepted Answer

BLOCK is a mortarless, mechanical porcelain ventilated façade (rainscreen) cladding system that delivers a stone masonry-style exterior with a more efficient installation approach than traditional masonry. Compared to other options:
 • Vs. brick/stone masonry: BLOCK eliminates mortar and most masonry labour, making it faster and simpler to install while maintaining a high-end masonry look.
 • Vs. metal panels: Porcelain avoids the oil-canning/visual waviness that can show up with thin metal panels and delivers a more substantial, architectural finish.
 • Vs. terracotta: Porcelain is generally denser and less porous, which helps in freeze–thaw climates and long-term exterior exposure.
 • Vs. fiber cement: BLOCK uses porcelain in a ventilated rainscreen assembly, offering a premium exterior look with low absorption and strong long-term performance characteristics.

Block

Natural Stone Design
Porcelain cladding

NO mason? NO problem!

EASY
INSTALLATION

Collection

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