The Pros and Cons of Concrete Homes

Thinking about taking on a concrete home building project in Racine, WI? Concrete as a home building material has become very popular in recent years, and not just due to the fact that it’s a strong, durable material. Here are the pros and cons of concrete homes to help you decide if this material is a good option for constructing your new home.

The pros

There are many pros to choosing concrete home building methods to construct your new house in Racine, WI, including the following:

• Strength: Concrete is an extremely strong building material that holds up much better than other alternatives, including wood, brick and more. It’s a great option if you live in an area that’s prone to severe weather. Concrete blocks and removable form concrete resist windblown debris, withstanding even the strongest storms.
• Energy efficiency: Sealed concrete walls, along with appropriate insulation, have high thermal mass and prevent drafting. It’s the best material when it comes to creating airtight high-performing, energy-efficient housing. Since concrete stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than a traditional wood-framed home with identical insulation, you’ll be able to keep your indoor air at an optimal temperature much easier. Since concrete also limits air leakage, your conditioned air has less opportunity to escape when compared to other forms of construction. As a result, your HVAC system won’t need to run as hard, and you’ll save on your monthly energy bills.
• Appearance: Not everyone appreciates the appearance of concrete as a home building material, but it can make an impressive architectural statement in the right setting. Modern applications for concrete, including options for interesting textures and colors, can transform it from a standard gray slab into an attractive building material. It’s important to work with an experienced concrete contractor for your building project, since they’ll have a vision for using the material in a creative way.

The cons

It’s important to keep in mind that there are also some drawbacks associated with concrete homes. Here are two of the big ones:

• Regional preference: If concrete isn’t a regionally accepted building material in your area, it can be a challenge to break out of the box and do something completely new. Take your neighborhood into account and try to blend your home as best you can with the surrounding properties. Working with a qualified concrete contractor can help you integrate your new home into the neighborhood in an attractive way.
• Cost: Depending on your region, concrete homes can cost more than typical wood framing. It’s an accessible material for most budgets, though, and an experienced contractor will be able to work with your design to create a budget-friendly home. Since designing with concrete can be very versatile, there are likely some design changes you can make to bring the cost in line with your budget.

Understanding the pros and cons of concrete homes can help you determine if the material is right for your building project in Racine, WI. Working with the experts in concrete construction provides you with a beautiful, modern home that stands up to the elements. Contact Langenfeld Masonry & Concrete today to learn more about the modern uses for this ancient material.

Categorised in: Concrete Contractor