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While governments and the insurance industry grapple with viable solutions , there is growing discussion as to the future of residential construction and the pursuit of a more durable alternative to wood-framed , single-family homes . This is of particular importance to those living in areas where natural disasters like hurricanes , tornadoes , and wildfires devastate thousands of wooden structures every year in the US .
While looking for an advanced technology for the future , some home builders are looking to improve upon a design that has been used in other parts of the world throughout history , namely concrete . The ancient Romans and Greeks were very successful in constructing just about everything , from homes to stadiums out of concrete , some of which are still standing centuries later . There are several advantages to utilizing concrete over wood . Most notably , of course , is its durability , which greatly outperforms wood-framed homes . Additionally , unlike wood , concrete is not vulnerable to external factors like insects , moisture , mold , fire , or wind - all of which can result in structural damage and pose safety risks .
Yet , even with the advantages to utilizing concrete , there are some significant reasons for the lack of wide-spread adoption . Chief among them is the high cost of construction . Other drawbacks include concrete ’ s poor insulation , less appealing finishes and designs , and the added time required for construction .
However , recent innovations are not only eliminating these drawbacks , but promise a huge reduction in initial cost , making them comparable to wood-framed structures . In fact , when lifetime upkeep , insurance , and other expenses are factored in , concrete homes are expected to greatly reduce the total cost of ownership .
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