What are the constraints of masonry construction?

Blockwork structures are much harder to adapt than timber buildings and normally incorporate concrete or steel lintels and beams. Block and beam floors are often used to create a very dense and solid construction. The drying out process can take a long time, and plastered walls and ceilings crack more often than they do in timber frame buildings. The use of cement in the blocks and mortar results in higher CO2 emissions than timber, although the blocks are made locally.