Benefits for Architects/Engineers
Architects and engineers are discovering the advantages of solid concrete construction as the long-term, quality alternative to typical wood- and steel-framed housing.
A solid concrete home can withstand fire, infestation, and forces of nature like tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes significantly better than homes made of other building materials.
A concrete home can also be built in a choice of architectural styles, including contemporary, traditional, one- or two-story, in a single or multi-family home. Once cast, the exterior walls can be covered in any of a wide range of attractive, low-maintenance materials: from stucco to siding to brick or stone.
Check out the rest of these benefits:
- The Strength To Withstand Hurricane/Tornado Force Winds
- In independent tests simulating 250 mile-per-hour ground level wind speeds equal to the strongest hurricanes and tornadoes, steel-reinforced concrete walls substantially outperformed typical wood- and steel-framed walls for: 1) reducing flying debris, the greatest hazard to homeowners during this life-threatening weather; and 2) withstanding collapsing and structure damage. Researchers at the Wind Engineering Research Center at Texas Tech University* concluded that walls built with wood or steel studs lack the strength and mass to resist the impact of wind-driven debris, while concrete walls consistently stood up to the test without structure failure.
- The Power to Stand Up to Earthquake Forces
- In a range of strength tests, concrete proved two to four times stronger than the maximum wind load and five to nine times stronger than the maximum earthquake load — bending strength considerably greater than the standards required by the Uniform Building Code.
- The Toughness to Resist Fire
- In countless firewall tests, concrete has proven itsel as one of the most fire- and heat-resistant construction materials. Unlike wood or steel, concrete does not burn, soften, or bend, so concrete structures are more likely to remain standing through a fire.
- No Appeal for Insects and Rot
- Unlike wood framing, concrete is not susceptible to rotting wood or damage by insects like termites that can cost thousands of dollars to treat or repair.
- A Range of Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Design Options
- Architects and engineers are discovering the advantages of solid concrete construction as the long-term, quality alternative to typical wood- and steel-framed housing. A solid concrete home can withstand fire, infestation, and forces of nature like tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes significantly better than homes made of other building material.
* The Texas Tech University Wind Engineering Research Center testing is independent of the Concrete Homes Council.
MORE BENEFITS
Learn about the other benefits of concrete home construction, especially for builders and developers, concrete contractors and government agencies.