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.
FAQs
The benefits of concrete block construction make it a smart material choice for building a home 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.
What are the benefits of a concrete block house? ›
However they're made, concrete homes offer powerful advantages to homeowners:
- Strength. Able to withstand 250-mile-an-hour winds and wind-borne debris, the storm resistance of concrete homes is the No. ...
- Energy efficiency. ...
- Temperature control. ...
- Noise control. ...
- Durability. ...
- Fire resistance. ...
- Green construction. ...
- Economic value.
Durability: Block construction, commonly using materials like concrete or cinder blocks, offers exceptional durability. Structures built with blocks are highly resistant to fire, insects, and adverse weather conditions.
Is it cheaper to build a house with cement blocks? ›
Concrete block homes offer great value and are eco-friendly. Concrete block is a more cost-effective building material than many other materials. It has a high R-value and can be used to reduce heating and cooling costs up to 20% in certain areas, especially if there is additional insulation within the walls.
How long will a concrete block house last? ›
Block doesn't rot, warp or grow mold, and it stands up remarkably well to even the most extreme weather. Even with a lifespan of up to 100 years, you can be sure the building's structural integrity isn't compromised over the years like it can be with wood.
What are the disadvantages of cinder block homes? ›
Disadvantages of CMUs
While the advantages of concrete masonry units are significant, there are also drawbacks to consider. Some of the disadvantages of concrete masonry units include weight, lack of insulation, and the skilled labor required for construction.
What is the disadvantage of concrete house? ›
One con that comes with concrete homes is that only some people have the tools and know-how to make them. Many building companies want to build concrete homes, but they often don't have the resources to implement construction. It mostly depends on the area you're in.
Why aren't more houses built with cinder blocks? ›
Cinder block is certainly not strong enough to use as construction materials due to its tendency to crumble over a relatively brief time. It is porous and subject to seasonal damage from freezing et al.
Are concrete block houses cold? ›
So, a concrete home will stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than a wood-framed house with the same amount of insulation. Concrete also limits air leakage, compared to wood-frame construction - air leakage accounts for the most significant percentage of energy loss in a home.
What are the pros and cons of concrete block foundation? ›
Concrete block foundations can be a good choice due to their strength, durability, and ease of installation. However, they do have some downsides. Proper construction, extra waterproofing, and good drainage are crucial to prevent water intrusion and cracking.
The best insulation for concrete block walls is going to be either spray foam or injection foam insulation. Foam insulation is the best option for concrete block walls because it creates an air seal, which helps make the space more comfortable and energy efficient.
How much wind can a concrete block house withstand? ›
Concrete block construction puts eight inches of pure strength between you and the elements. It can withstand winds up to 250 miles per hour and provide extra security during hurricanes, tornadoes and even earthquakes.
How strong is a concrete block house? ›
For concrete blocks, the compressive strength is typically around 17.5 N/mm2 or 2500 psi. This means that the blocks can support a load of up to 17.5 N per square millimeter before they start to crack. Compressive strength is tested to determine how much compression a concrete block structure can endure.
Are block homes energy efficient? ›
Just looking at a piece of lumber and then a concrete masonry block makes it clear why concrete homes are more energy efficient than wood-frame homes. Concrete's mass slows down the passage of heat moving through the wall.
Can a concrete house withstand a tornado? ›
Strong Tornado-Resistant Wall Systems
In fact, a study published by the Portland Cement Association (PCA) found that concrete walls have more structural capacity and stiffness to withstand the in-plane shear forces of high winds than wood or steel framed walls.
Are concrete block homes filled with concrete? ›
What is concrete block (or cinder block) construction? Using blocks formed from concrete, which are then stacked to create a wall. They require both horizontal and vertical reinforcement, and then are filled with either concrete or insulation.
Is a concrete block better than poured concrete house? ›
Poured concrete walls have better lateral strength than CMU block foundations, which improves their resistance to pressure from water and soil. A poured wall doesn't have joints like a block wall, so it is easier to waterproof.
Why are houses in Florida built with cinder blocks? ›
It's healthier. Concrete emits low VOC's (volatile organic compounds) into the home. It is also harder for allergens to penetrate a block wall than a wood one. Additionally, concrete block is much more mold resistant – and mold can be devastatingly toxic, sometimes causing fatal health conditions.
