Buildings made of concrete, be it concrete block or poured concrete, have some distinct benefits to them. In addition to a rather unique look that many are fond of, there are some other reasons to consider using concrete as the main construction material in your new home.
It’s Long Lasting
Concrete lasts much longer than most other building materials. It should last at least three times longer than wood, but concrete is often around many decades later. It’s designed to last for at least 100 years and should be there for longer. This means your home will remain intact for future generations. The biggest reason longevity matters is that you won’t need to rebuild or repair very often.
It’s More Energy Efficient
During the cooler months of the year, concrete homes tend to stay warmer than other houses. During the hot months, the houses stay cooler. This is due to the insulation qualities of concrete and it can easily save you quite a lot of money on energy. Combine it with other options like geothermal heating and radiant floors to really boost the savings.
It’s Safer
Concrete is fire resistant, and wind resistant. When built correctly, even earthquakes and storms won’t cause issues with a concrete building. There’s no rot or rusting to worry about and most insects and animals stay away from concrete, as it is difficult to burrow into and doesn’t serve as food.
It Requires Minimal Maintenance
You don’t have to do much to concrete once it’s set up and cured. It will stay the same for many years and doesn’t need to be upgraded, treated or rebuilt. Over the years, the concrete will remain essentially the same, so there just isn’t much to do, apart from regular cleaning and removing any algae growth in damp areas.
It’s Customisable
Many people enjoy the look of pure concrete, but you can also customise it. Colour may be worked into the concrete itself or added after it is cured. You can also paint or decorate the concrete and add different textures, if desired. Concrete floors may be matte, shiny, or anything in between, including stamped with a unique texture.
It’s Recyclable
Old concrete can be broken down and turned into aggregate, which is then used to create new structures. It’s a more energy efficient material than most. While you may intend to have your home for a long period of time, you can always recycle if you end up tearing the building down again.
There are many options for concrete homes, so you will need a good source of concrete. At Forth Valley Concrete, we offer quality ready made concrete for all your building needs. Reach out to us today to learn more.