Concrete blocks are often associated with more industrial or commercial construction, but they can be quite useful for residential construction as well. Consider working with residential concrete block construction suppliers for your home build to obtain benefits such as safety, comfort, durability and energy efficiency.
Here’s a quick look at some of the primary benefits of concrete blocks for residential construction:
- Energy efficiency: Sustainable, energy-efficient construction is in greater demand than ever before as builders look for ways to decrease their environmental impact and market themselves as focused on green initiatives. Tightly-sealed concrete walls deliver high thermal mass and strong insulation, which prevents drafting and leads to a much more efficient home. When compared to wood, concrete creates a much slower transfer of heat, meaning the home will stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
- Low maintenance: Concrete will hold its shape and structural integrity for decades and provide much greater resistance to wind and heavy rain. Because it is resistant to rot, rust and insects, you won’t have to worry about making significant repairs to your concrete due to these problems. Furthermore, the solid concrete will not dent from impact, and the facades most commonly used for concrete (stucco, brick, texturing) do not require painting.
- Fire resistant: If you live in an area where fires are common, this is a big deal. Concrete walls are fire resistant, limiting the spread of flames compared to other building materials. Steel melts and wood burns, but concrete survives.
- Disaster resistance: Concrete construction is common in areas that see a lot of hurricanes or tornadoes because of how well it holds up to severe winds. Some concrete walls can withstand 250 mph winds and flying debris. Concrete construction is also resistant to earthquakes. Homes that feature steel-reinforced concrete have enough strength and ductility to withstand the forces from earthquakes.
- Environmentally friendly: The environmental benefits associated with concrete construction aren’t just limited to the sustainability it provides from reduced energy consumption. Concrete absorbs CO2, which helps reduce its carbon footprint. The materials can come from local sources and can be recycled for reuse. Concrete production takes significantly less energy than steel and wood production.
- Acoustics: Concrete’s rigidity and mass reduces transmission of noises from outside, meaning you can enjoy a much quieter and more relaxing interior of your home.
- Flexible: There are all kinds of options for how you can use concrete for designing a home. There are concrete blocks, which can serve as the primary structural components for your home, as well as the opportunity to use free-flowing concrete for unique, custom shapes and features throughout the building.
Interested in learning more about some of the primary benefits associated with working with residential concrete block suppliers for your building project and the methods of building you can employ with these materials? Contact us today at Beavertown Block Co., Inc., and we will be happy to answer any questions you have for our team.