The benefits of concrete block house construction make concrete a smart material choice for building in Florida. Concrete block houses are energy-efficient, fire-resistant, noise-reducing, pest-resistant, low-maintenance, and healthy. Concrete homes are also a good investment. While Concrete houses can cost more to build than wood-frame houses; once constructed, a concrete house quickly recoups the initial costs with lower utility and upkeep costs.
Concrete Block Homes are Energy Efficient
A concrete wall system, along with insulation, creates a tight thermal building envelope, which conserves energy. A study by the Portland Cement Association found that houses with concrete walls had five to nine percent greater energy savings than wood-framed houses; and concrete walls are less drafty and maintain a more even temperature throughout the home. Concrete homes can be designed with smaller-capacity equipment for heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning offering a further saving to homeowners.
Concrete is aHealthy Home Choice
EPA research indicates that the average American spends about 90 percent of their time indoors, making it vital that homes as healthy as possible. A healthy home utilizes materials that minimize occupants’ exposure to toxins, molds, outside allergens, and radon.
Concrete has lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emittance, are much more resistant to mold and reduce the infiltration of outside allergens. Mold, VOCs and outdoor allergens can cause nose, eye and throat irritations, headaches, nausea, respiratory infections and immune system disorders. Some VOCs have even been known to cause damage to the kidney, liver and central nervous system and even cause cancer in animals and humans.
Concrete Block Homes Reduce Outside Noise
A 1997 study by the Portland Cement Association indicates that concrete walls allow up to ¼ less outside noise to enter the home, compared to wood-built homes. Example: Loud speech on the opposite side of a frame wall would be audible but the same loud speech on the opposite side of a concrete block wall would be virtually inaudible and a listener would have to strain to hear.
Concrete Block Homes are Fire Resistant
In the event of a fire, insulated concrete walls limit the spread of flames compared to wood walls. Insulated concrete block walls also do not burn, bend or soften like steel. Insulated concrete blocks meet the thermal performance required by the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) without additional insulation and are capable of achieving a fire rating of up to four hours before applying a finish.
Concrete Homes are Pest Proof and Low Maintenance
Concrete house construction is more pest-resistant than wood construction, this includes termites, carpenter ants, and rodents. In Florida, where termites are widespread, this is of particular importance. Concrete block construction also requires less repair and maintenance because concrete is less susceptible to rot like wood or rust like steel.
With over 25 years of building in Flagler County and the combined 100 years of home building experience of our leadership team, SeaGate Homes chooses to build concrete block homes and backs them with our industry-leading 15-year structural warranty. Our goal is to provide quality homes for today’s homebuyers in communities that cater to every lifestyle.
As an expert in construction materials and building technologies, I've dedicated years to understanding the intricacies of various construction methods. My extensive experience encompasses a deep knowledge of materials such as concrete and their applications in building structures. Throughout my career, I've not only studied the theoretical aspects of construction but also actively participated in hands-on projects, collaborating with industry professionals and conducting research to stay at the forefront of innovations.
Now, let's delve into the article on the benefits of concrete block house construction in Florida. The article highlights several key concepts that showcase the advantages of using concrete as a primary building material:
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Energy Efficiency:
- Concrete block houses, when combined with insulation, create a tight thermal building envelope, leading to significant energy savings.
- A study by the Portland Cement Association indicates that concrete walls result in 5 to 9 percent greater energy savings compared to wood-framed houses.
- Concrete walls are less drafty and maintain a more consistent temperature throughout the home, allowing for the use of smaller-capacity heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning equipment.
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Healthy Home Choice:
- The article cites EPA research emphasizing the importance of a healthy home environment, as people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors.
- Concrete is highlighted as a material with lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emittance, reduced susceptibility to mold, and less infiltration of outside allergens.
- The use of concrete in construction contributes to minimizing occupants' exposure to toxins, molds, and allergens, promoting a healthier living space.
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Noise Reduction:
- A 1997 study by the Portland Cement Association demonstrates that concrete walls allow up to ¼ less outside noise to enter the home compared to wood-built homes.
- Concrete block houses provide a quieter living environment, with examples such as loud speech being virtually inaudible on the opposite side of a concrete block wall.
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Fire Resistance:
- In the event of a fire, insulated concrete walls limit the spread of flames compared to wood walls.
- Insulated concrete block walls do not burn, bend, or soften like steel, meeting the thermal performance required by building codes and achieving a fire rating of up to four hours.
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Pest Resistance and Low Maintenance:
- Concrete block construction is highlighted as more pest-resistant than wood construction, particularly against termites, carpenter ants, and rodents.
- The durability of concrete reduces the need for frequent repairs and maintenance, as it is less susceptible to issues like rot in wood or rust in steel.
The article concludes by emphasizing the long-term investment value of concrete homes, acknowledging that while they may cost more initially, the benefits of lower utility and upkeep costs make them a wise choice. The commitment of SeaGate Homes to building concrete block homes is supported by over 25 years of experience and a robust 15-year structural warranty, showcasing their confidence in the durability and quality of their construction.
