Everything related to building homes these days costs more, especially labor and lumber. Concrete literally has been the foundation of building for centuries. It has also been used for mostly utilitarian basics, such as patios and driveways. Seeking lower costs and greater efficiency, architects and builders are finding traditional and new concrete materials useful and energy-efficient alternatives to wood-frame construction. For instance the old standby, cinder blocks and concrete blocks are now called concrete masonry units (CMUs). Concrete blocks are thermally and acoustically efficient, as well as fire-, moisture- and insect-resistant.
"If you want permanence, security, resistance to fire, wind and insects, you ought to consider concrete masonry," says Robb Jolly of the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA). He adds, "Concrete masonry has a life that extends into the hundreds of years. It is still one of the most environmentally friendly products on the marketplace."
Find articles about several innovative concrete materials that can help home builders reduce costs, save time, increase durability, and lower energy demands. Also, learn how concrete systems such as insulating concrete forms (ICFs) and precast walls can be an efficient alternative to traditional construction methods.
