Are all homes in Florida built with cinder blocks?

Now for the Reality…

Most of Florida's residential exteriors are built using one of two structural methods. One method is engineered frame wood construction and the other method is concrete block construction or CMU construction (short for concrete masonry unit).

Why are Florida houses built with cinder blocks?

Block-built dwellings were formerly popular in Florida. Concrete-block buildings were preferred over frame-built houses by consumers and builders because they were deemed to be stronger, more resistant to termites, and free of the rot problems that may damage wood.

What is the best material to build a house in Florida?

Engineered hardwood is great for Florida's coastal climate because it isn't negatively influenced by humidity and temperature fluctuations, as solid hardwood is. White oak is another option to consider. Concrete is gaining popularity as well, both inside and outside.

Why are houses in Florida built on concrete slabs?

Block-built houses used to be the rage in Florida. Consumers and builders chose them over frame-built houses because concrete-block houses were thought to be stronger, more resistant to termites and free from the rot problems that can affect wood.

Are cinder block houses hurricane proof?

Concrete block construction puts eight inches of pure strength between you and the elements. It can withstand winds up to 250 miles per hour and provide extra security during hurricanes, tornadoes and even earthquakes.

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What are houses built out of in Florida?

Most of Florida's residential exteriors are built using one of two structural methods. One method is engineered frame wood construction and the other method is concrete block construction or CMU construction (short for concrete masonry unit). The exterior walls are constructed with 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 dimensional lumber.

How long do concrete block houses last?

Overall, cinder block houses can't outlast concrete blocks, which have a lifespan of over 75 years. Therefore, you can expect a cinder block house to last fewer years.

Do Florida homes have concrete floors?

In addition, many of the homes in Florida have been built on concrete slabs. Concrete looks solid, but it is porous and will absorb (and release) water. Any floor covering you choose for this region will need to have the following characteristics: Scratch-resistant.

Why can't you have a basement in Florida?

Damp soil is the major culprit in most cases of missing basements in the southern states. Most parts of Florida, Louisiana, and eastern Texas have swaths of wetland or swamps or significant coastlines. So, there's just too much water underground to make basement construction feasible.

What is the foundation of Florida built on?

During the early Mesozoic Era (251 – 66 mya) the supercontinent of Pangea began to rift and break apart. As North America separated from Africa a small portion of the African plate detached and was carried away with the North American plate. This provided some of the foundation upon which Florida now rests.

Do Florida homes have studs?

Studs. ​The interior walls of most Florida homes are framed with wood. The thickness of the wall depends on its purpose. Normal interior walls are a different thickness than those containing plumbing or air ducts.

What to know about building a home in Florida?

Can you build a wood frame house in Florida?

The majority of residential exteriors in Florida are built using one of two methods: concrete block construction or CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit), and engineered wood frame construction.

How long will a cinder block foundation last?

Foundations. Poured concrete block bases and slab foundations will last for a lifetime, 80 to 100 years or more, given they have been constructed with precision. The termite proofing of the base, 12 years, provided the chemical barriers remain intact.

Can you build a house with concrete in Florida?

Durable Concrete block is one of the most durable materials on Earth and unquestionably the most practical building material for a home in Florida. In addition to the benefits we've already covered, concrete block does not rot, rust or warp, and there are no extensive maintenance requirements.

Do concrete houses get hot?

It is made out of concrete blocks and cement floors. So it has poor insulation and it has a low, exposed roof. So the structure gets very very warm in the summer even when its reasonably cool outside. The temperature difference between the inside and outside can easily be 10 degrees or more.

Why are houses in Florida made of stucco?

Houses in Florida are made of stucco because stucco is fairly inexpensive, creates a great finished look, and is easy to apply to homes constructed with concrete blocks. It is less popular in some regions because it can be damaged as a house shifts and settles over time.

Do Florida homes have crawl spaces?

“We looked into a lot of houses in Florida and there are indeed a lot of crawl spaces. Most of the crawl spaces are usually not higher than two to three feet,” he said. Smaller, submerged crawl spaces — defined as an area of limited height under a floor or roof — can be found in Florida.

Do people have attics in Florida?

In Florida, most houses have attics. However, because a lot of houses don't have basements, attics get finished at a higher rate than in other states. As a result, making sure there is proper insulation is a must to keep temperatures cool and protect property from mold or mildew.

Are Florida homes built on slabs?

Most Floridian homes are built on slabs due to the Floridian Aquifer System. This system is underground and can be as little as 6 inches from the ground surface. Meaning you could dig in your yard to place a fence or a mailbox and delve straight into water.

Why is there no wood floors in Florida?

Unfortunately, hardwood doesn't react well to Florida's humidity. But, a good quality engineered wood floor is ideal for the climate and style of home building Florida offers, as it can be laid directly onto a cement slab.

What kind of flooring is best in Florida?

Laminated Wood

Laminate wood flooring is resistant to moisture, and this type of flooring does not move or expand when in contact with moisture, which makes it great for Florida weather.

What's wrong with concrete houses?

A further area of concern in both precast concrete and cast-in-situ systems is the quality of thermal performance, which tends to be poor. A large number of concrete houses have been found to suffer from excessive heat loss, surface condensation leading to mould growth, and rainwater penetration.

How can you tell the difference between cinder blocks and concrete blocks?

Cinder Block vs Concrete Block

Cinder block displays a hollow rectangle structure. Concrete block exhibits a flattened structure. Cinder block is fabricated of- concrete and coal cinders. Concrete block is produced by steel, wood, and cement.

What is a CBS house in Florida?

CBS stands for concrete block structure. This means the outside walls are built from concrete blocks rather than wood or frame construction. CBS is generally considered more preferable but not always actually superior.