Table of Contents
From its durability to the fact that it gets stronger with time, concrete is one of the best building materials. If you’re looking to build a home or purchase one, then concrete is the way to go.
In fact, homes framed with concrete increased by 46% from 2018 to 2019, showing how strongly builders preferred concrete over wood.
But what makes concrete the excellent building material that it is? To learn the 5 most amazing benefits of building with concrete, be sure to keep reading for the most up to date information.
1. Affordable
One of the best reasons to use concrete as a building structure is its affordability over time. Concrete homes resist drafts better and work to create an additional layer of insulation. As a result, your home will have lower energy bills, saving you money in the long run.
2. Lower Maintenance
Concrete homes and buildings are lower maintenance since they are more durable and hold up better over time. Your walls will be sturdier than those supported by wood frames, and if your exterior is a textured concrete, you won’t have to worry about repainting your home’s exterior.
3. Fire Safety
Since wood and steel can make a house fire spread faster, concrete is an excellent choice for fire resistance within your home. It helps reduce how fast flames travel within your home and can withstand fire damage better than other materials.
The concrete doesn’t burn and when heated, it fails to bend. It can even tolerate heat that can be as high as a few thousand degrees and isn’t flammable.
4. Protection From Earthquakes
If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, then consider concrete as one of the best building materials. If your concrete walls are strengthened by steel, your home will do better in an earthquake.
One of the reasons concrete provides such superior earthquake protection is ductility. In the event of an earthquake, concrete can withstand deformations without collapsing.
5. Health and Environmental Safety
For homes with concrete as resource building materials, you’ll benefit from fewer airborne pathogens, such as mold and other toxins. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, concrete homes also serve as a barrier.
Concrete homes have lower levels of VOCs, as wood can off-gas toxins into the air you and your family breathe. Breathing in high levels of VOCs can lead to serious lung irritation and can even damage your liver and kidneys. Choose concrete over wood to avoid dangerous toxins within your home.
Choose the Best Building Material
If you’re looking for the best building material available, then look no further than concrete. It’s durable, provides long-term affordability, and has fire-resistant properties. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, then concrete is the best building material for your next home.
For more articles about sustainable homes, check out the rest of our website. We’ve got the latest information on building and renovations, so make sure to read our complete line of posts.
