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Durability
While the insurance crisis is illuminating the need for more durable housing , climate change will only increase the urgency . According to data from NOAA , there were 60 weather and climate-related disasters in the US from 2020 to 2022 , with losses exceeding $ 1 billion per year . For comparison , between 1980 and 2019 the average per year was eight . Concrete homes can even withstand the extremely high winds associated with large hurricanes and tornadoes . “ Today , precast can hold up to a 200 mile an hour wind load , depending on how it ’ s designed ,” Mark explains .
However , it is often not just the straightline wind that causes significant damage during a wind event . Shrapnel from other structures is also a major concern . As part of that , the Precast Concrete Institute ( PCI ) wanted to test the durability of concrete panels by pitting them against both a concrete block wall and a wooden house with brick veneer .
“ They fired the two-by-fours out of an air cannon at 150 MPH at the concrete sandwich panel and the lumber shattered into toothpicks , without any damage to the panels ,” adds Wiggins . “ However , it blew a massive hole straight through the exterior of both the brick and cinderblock wall .”
Energy efficiency
Another area of concern being addressed by new concrete home designs is energy efficiency . While concrete is very dense and therefore airtight , it is not considered a good insulator . By incorporating a thick layer of insulation into the concrete panels , however , the energy efficiency of the home can exceed that of a traditional wood-framed home . In addition , adding the insulation into the casting process further reduces construction time and costs by eliminating the need for insulation and sheetrock along the exterior walls .
Design
Traditional concrete homes typically offered limited architectural design options . However , the concrete industry has come a long way and design choices are now almost endless with colored , patterned , and textured concrete . Additionally , you can utilize traditional exteriors such as stone , brick or stucco to add the coveted curb appeal .
Further savings
While builders can see their construction costs greatly reduced by utilizing these new methods for building concrete homes , homeowners also stand to benefit . Not only does it promise a much safer option , with lower energy consumption and fewer
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