Homeowners moving forward with a home remodel, including an addition, should consider whether they want to use wood frame or concrete block options.
Historically, homes in central Florida were framed using lumber. Engineered wood frame construction has been the norm for the past few decades. Concrete block framing is increasingly popular, primarily in response to wind and storm mitigation.
Pros and Cons: Engineered Wood Frame & Concrete Block Construction
Let’s quickly explain the difference between engineered wood frame and concrete block construction for home remodels, additions, or custom homes. Then we’ll compare the pros and cons.
(Engineered) Wood Frame Construction
Wood frame construction is the standard in much of the U.S. Today, we use engineered wood to enhance material quality, consistency, and durability. Exterior walls are built using 2×4 or 2×6 dimensional lumber. The lumber is spaced at set intervals of 12-inches or 16-inches on the center, depending on the design. They are supported at the foundation by the slab, a weather barrier, and a foundational 2×4 laid right onto the slab.
Because homes are engineered for sheer value, wind loads, uplift, and hold-down protection, a selection of hardware is used for fastening and tie-downs, including clips, rods, and cables.
Concrete Block Construction
In concrete block construction, exterior wall framing is completed using factory-made uniform cement blocks (called CMUs) placed directly on the slab foundation. A typical residential exterior wall made from CMUs measures 8″ x 8″ x 16″ and is 80 % hollow.
The blocks are laid in an interlocking and staggered pattern, bonded together using mortar to hold them in place. Some of the hollow blocks are filled with concrete and further stabilized using rebar. Finally, a concrete lintel (beam) is poured across the top. We call a finished concrete block structure a (CBS) in the industry.
Both wood frame and concrete block construction use wood roof trusses/rafters, interior lumber walls, and sheeting. Also, with exceptions, second stories of residential homes are built using wood frame construction to minimize costs.
Pros of Engineered Wood Framing
The pros of a wood-framed home remodel or addition are:
Affordability
Wood framing is more affordable from the outset, including expenses associated with future remodels. As you can imagine, it’s far easier to demo a wood-framed wall and make changes than it is for a concrete wall.
Better Thermal Insulation
The reverse of CBSs, wood-framed homes are more inherently energy- and heat efficient, requiring less insulation to meet comfort and energy efficiency goals.
Cons of Wood-Framed Construction
Less Solid
Undoubtedly, a home built with concrete blocks is more durable than one built using wood, especially when it comes to extreme wind and storm conditions.
Lifetime Maintenance Costs
In a climate like ours, wood-framed homes require far more maintenance over the cost of a home’s lifetime due to inevitable damage or rot via storms, moisture damage, and pests.
Higher Insurance Premiums
Finally, insurance costs are higher for homes built with wood. And, the older the home, the higher the premiums due to the wood’s exponentially faster decomposition rates when compared with concrete.
Pros of CBSs in Florida
There are several benefits to opting to go the CBS route for your remodel.
Safety First
First and foremost is structural stability. As a result, CBSs are more stable in the face of high winds and hurricane-force storms, minimizing the risk of damage to a building and its occupants.
Moisture & Fire Resistant
Concrete dries quickly, and blocks are undamaged after exposure to storm waters or a flood. In addition to reducing the risk of rot, the CMUs don’t develop mold or mildew.
Similarly, the lack of organic or flammable matter means they’re also highly fire-resistant. While other wood and flammable home system components may burn, the general framework will not, saving tens of thousands of dollars – and expediting the rebuild process – if a fire destroys your home.
Noise Cancellation
If your home is located on a busy street or high-density area, you’ll appreciate the noise-canceling benefits of CBSs. You’re less likely to be disturbed by noisy traffic, sirens, or noisy children/neighbors outside.
Pest Resistant
Like mold and mildew, most wood-destroying organisms and termites feast on wood fibers or other organic matters. That means a CBS does not suffer the same risk of termite and other WDO damage.
Optimal Savings in Lifetime Costs
The durability and minimal maintenance associated with concrete block construction mean reduced lifetime expenses related to maintenance, repairs, and damage. Furthermore, many Florida home insurance carriers offer premium reductions for homes built using CMUs.
Cons of CBSs
Here are the cons associated with CBSs.
Reduced Thermal Insulation
Heat and cold transfer quickly through the blocks. High-quality insulation materials are essential for comfort and efficiency.
Environmental Impact
CMUs are manufactured using high heat and pressure systems that are energy and resource consumptive. Their heavy weight means transportation costs are also an issue.
Higher Costs
Concrete blocks are more expensive than 2x4s and 2x6s. However, in a hurricane-prone state, combined with the aforementioned lifetime savings possibilities, this “con” should be discussed with your builder.
The Right Contractor Facilitates the Right Decisions
Consulting with an experienced, local home builder is the best way to ensure you make the right materials selections for your upcoming remodel. Contact Fogle Constructors to schedule a consultation.
