The Benefits of Concrete Construction for Homes

3 September 2015

Eugene Vargas

Concrete may seem like a dull and drab building material, as it's often associated with roads and driveways. However, it's a very versatile construction product that can be used to create the actual frame of a home and even be used for flooring and countertops inside a house. Concrete has many advantages over other building materials, so if you're having a new home constructed or are doing any type of renovating inside the home, you might want to note if concrete is a good option for you.

1. Fire resistance

Because of its overall composition, you cannot actually set concrete on fire. It doesn't burn or melt and it doesn't give off harmful fumes and emissions when a fire is nearby. If your new home is going to be located in an area that is at high risk for fire such as a dry brush land, having a concrete frame can mean less risk of your home actually burning to the ground if there is a fire. 

Inside, a concrete countertop or concrete floor can be good protection if you have an increased risk of fire. If you regularly cook with copious amounts of oil, you may have already suffered a kitchen fire or two. Choosing poured concrete for the kitchen counters and floors can protect this area from damage and stop any such fire from spreading.

2. Strength and durability

Consider for a moment why it is that a building's foundation is made of concrete, while its frame may be made of wood. Concrete is strong and can actually hold up the weight of a building, which is why it's now often preferred for the frame of the building as well as the foundation. Wood trusses and studs may eventually absorb water and become soft over time, and in turn they may splinter or shift. This is often why older homes have cracks in the walls and ceiling, as the drywall and other materials are not being supported by this shifting timber.

Concrete is very durable and very strong, and doesn't tend to shift and crack when used as a building material. You aren't as likely to see cracks in the wall, and it won't eventually rot or show signs of mold and mildew growth over time. Concrete is also a poor host to insects, so you typically don't need to worry about termites and other infestations when you choose concrete as a building material for your home.

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