Why are Florida homes 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.

Why do they put cinder block walls in Florida?

Storm Resistant Especially here in Florida, having a home that can stand up to Mother Nature is critical. Concrete block construction puts eight inches of concrete block between you and the elements, withstanding winds up to 250 miles per hour and providing more security in hurricanes, tornadoes and even earthquakes.

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).

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.

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.

How a concrete home is built in Florida, by Gordon Berken

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.

How long do cinder 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.

What is the difference between concrete blocks and cinder blocks?

A concrete block contains stone or sand which makes it heavier. Cinder blocks don't have any tensile strength to withstand pressure. Concrete block is a hard, durable substance. As cinder blocks are not very inflexible, many building codes prohibit to use a cinder block.

Are cinder block homes good?

Concrete block houses are energy-efficient, fire-resistant, noise-reducing, pest-resistant, low-maintenance, and healthy. Concrete homes are also a good investment.

Can a tornado destroy a concrete house?

Yes, a tornado can destroy a concrete building, especially if in its direct path. But concrete is the strongest building material against it. It's important to prepare for a tornado, and you can do that by inspecting your home, finding the safest place to hide, and having a disaster supply kit.

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 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.

Is it cheaper to build with wood or cinder block?

According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, traditional wood framing cost around $13 per square foot of living area in 2002. According to Concrete Homes magazine, a concrete block home with a stucco finish usually cost around $6 per square foot in 2002.

How long do houses last in Florida?

The most durable foundations are concrete and poured-block footings and foundations. They're rated at over 80 years, and many will last longer than that.

What are Florida interior walls made of?

​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.

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.

What is the disadvantages of concrete block?

Disadvantages of Concrete Blocks:

The expense of constructing a residence out of concrete blocks is significantly higher. Some of the blocks may need to be cut to reach critical systems. Concrete block homes aren't usually attractive from the outside. Over time, concrete blocks may be subject to water seepage.

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.

What is a disadvantage to using a block wall?

Concrete blocks can be susceptible to water seepage over time. If your property is in an area with a high water table, then using concrete blocks for your structure can lead to seepage damage over time. Cement may be strong and resilient, but it is also a porous material.

Why do cinder blocks have holes?

The openings are called “cells” and one reason they are there is because they make the blocks lighter and easier for a mason to handle. But the primary purpose of the cells is that they align from top to bottom of the wall when laid, and enable a builder to fill some cells with grout/concrete to strengthen the wall.

Do they still make cinder block?

Cinder blocks are still used today but are prohibited in some building applications under building codes.

Is a cinder block house better than wood?

Concrete block is more forgiving to water and moisture intrusion. For example, if a garage were to flood, it would be much easier to dry out or repair damage to CMU walls. Water coming in over time will rot out exterior sheeting, window and door headers, and structural wood framing.

Can mold grow on cinder blocks?

Mold can grow down in the holes of cinder blocks. Molds can grow in many areas such as kitchen ceilings, underneath bathroom sinks and on carpet. However, many molds grow in areas much more difficult to see.

How do you insulate a cinder block house?

The simplest and most affordable method of insulating the interior of a block wall is to install rigid foam board insulation. Available in large, three-by-five or four-by-eight sizes, the panels are lightweight and held in place with special foam-safe glue.