29,800,000 trees (or 89,000 acres) are cut down every day as of a 2005 report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This number could actually be much higher today, and does not include illegal logging. How can we sustain this pace, with our growing world-wide population of 7 billion?
The simple answer – we can’t. Finding sustainable building materials which last, and can be recycled at the end of their life is more important now than ever before. Concrete has a multitude of advantages over wood structures, which include quality and longevity. Here are five reasons to purchase a concrete home the next time you are in the market:
1) Built to last
Concrete walls naturally protect against structural damage that can be caused by the effects of nature. While concrete structures in the 20th century were built to last around 50 years, with newer concrete technologies being produced, structures built in the 21st century could last thousands of years.
2) Concrete doesn’t burn
Living in a dry area prone to fires can add worry to a homeowner living in a wood framed home. A concrete home can bring peace of mind to homeowners, knowing their structure is less susceptible to fire.
3) Health and Air quality
Concrete acts as an air barrier, improving air quality by limiting moisture infiltration into the building. Concrete also reduces the amount of harmful VOC’s in the air, caused by chemicals used in treated wood and carpet. Concrete is also a great insulator, reducing energy costs compared to a wood framed home.
4) Better sound-proofing
Concrete acts as a shield to air-borne noise vibrations. In addition, concrete structures have fewer gaps in their design, such as the joint area, where wooden structures often have a weak point, allowing a passage for outside noise. Also, concrete floors do not creak as wooden floors do, providing sound comfort to bottom floor condo dwellers.
5) Lower repair and maintenance costs
Most insurance companies recognize concrete homes as being lower risk, and therefore reduce premiums by as much as 15% – 20% compared to wooden homes. Concrete walls are not prone to rot, and are easier to repair when encountering water damage. Concrete is also a great insulator, reducing energy costs compared to a wood framed home.
