An overview of the different concrete home building methods

An overview of the different concrete home building methods: "In the last eight years, home buyers and builders have increasingly chosen concrete for their home. Even in this area, they have a choice of materials. Concrete masonry block, ICFs (insulating concrete forms) and removable forming systems (cast-in-place) are the top three choices. Precast/prestressed, tilt-up and autoclaved/aerated concrete systems are some other options, but less popular for residential building.

'About 1994,' said Jim Niehoff, residential promotion manager for Portland Cement Association, 'things started to pick up in a significant way nationally. PCA estimates that for 2001, the market share for all concrete building methods run about 14.6 percent. Of course, concrete masonry block has always been around. With the strongest showing, it's market share is hovering right around the 9.5 percent mark. The ICFs market is also very good. Estimates for 2001 for ICFs alone are approximately 2.5 percent.

'Cast-in-place systems are pulling in about 1.7 percent of the market, but are expected to capture a more significant share in the next couple of years, based on the work of the Concrete Homes Council, which is part of the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA). There is a network of concrete contractors who are familiar with the concrete forms building methods below grade; they just have to be convinced to take it above ground. The skill is in place.

'What would make a difference? First, the council needs to help contractors see that they could sell these houses "