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Why do they use cinder blocks in Florida?

Concrete Homes are Pest Proof and Low Maintenance 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.

seagatehomes.com - The Benefits of Concrete Block House Construction | SeaGate Homes

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The Benefits of Concrete Block House Construction

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 a Healthy 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.

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