Walls and Floor Engineered to Carry the Weight of Cars

As I continue to learn about home building, I have to admit that a lot of stuff used to fly right over my head.  I consider myself to be fairly smart but sometimes those builders just happen to talk in language (builder's code) that is not decodable to the average listener.  So, as I learn about all this STUFF and understand it, my goal is to bring things down to a readable and understandable level.  While there may be other reasons and added benefits for using a product, you unfortunately get to see what I see from that product.

Honestly, you may wonder if some of these green things are important.  I guess it depends on your perspective and what's important to you.  Is it important to know that your home is sturdy and safe?  It may be important if your home is prone to tornados, fires caused by droughts (no rain for a long period of time), hurricanes, heavy snow fall etc...  Is it important for good indoor air quality?  It may be if you suffer from allergies or other bronchial infections such as asthma.  Is it important to you to block the sound from the outside or from other rooms in the house?  It may be if you live on a busy street, noisy neighborhood, or have kids.

So what in the world am I talking about?  I'm talking about a home that is using a precast concrete structure.  Concrete is one of the most solid building materials, known to be used throughout the ages.  It not only provides a safe and secure envelope (the outer walls of a home are referred to the envelope) but a safe and secure environment that can withstand tremendous heat (as in a fire) and other natural environmental conditions.  To put it simply - it defies severe weather!

In Charles Moore's article, Concrete reasons: most common building material a better choice, he says that, "Decisions made during a building's design and construction stages will affect cost and performance for decades to come." The intentional plan to build a home made of concrete or ICF forms as in the home in Canadian Lakes was for the benefit of the buyer.  This builder understands the benefits of concrete construction and also understands the benefits to the buyer of using the 6" concrete walls on the house and garage and a 4" concrete roof.  Not only are these walls engineered to be so durable to carry the weight of a car, they are also thick enough to be a great sound barrier.  It is very quiet in this house and it is all because someone did a little bit of planning to build a great healthy home. 

 You need to check it out, and listen.  Did you hear anything?  Me neither.   

Oh, by the way, this is what Moore also said in the article, " The economic and life safety benefits of precast concrete also make a property more desirable, resulting in better tenant retention, higher net-operating income and increased property value."

References: Moore, Charles. Concrete reasons: most common building material a better choice. March 1, 2005. http://www.allbusiness.com/north-america/united-states-indiana/380697-1.html