Modern Home Builders Issue 141 | Page 17

______________________________________________________________________________________________ Concrete Homes

Residential construction is at a critical inflection point, especially in fire-prone regions across North America. The catastrophic wildfires that swept through Los Angeles in 2025- and the blazes that continue to devastate parts of Canada- are urgent reminders of the vulnerability of woodframed homes. As the frequency and intensity of wildfires grow, the case for change is becoming impossible to ignore.

Engineers have long supported the use of fire-resistant materials in home construction. Yet historically, the low cost of wood has kept it as the default option. Today, however, innovations in concrete construction are rapidly shifting that equation. With advances in prestressed concrete, new design options, and added energy efficiencies, concrete homes are not only becoming more cost-effective, they’ re becoming essential.
By adding fireproof doors, windows, and metal roofs, concrete homes can be transformed into fireproof structures. However, these improvements go beyond fire resilience. Modern concrete homes also offer superior protection against hurricanes, tornadoes, and seismic activity.
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