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SPONSORS
JOHNSON CONCRETE PRODUCTS, |
The benefits of concrete masonry, according to Paul LaVene, president of Carolinas Concrete Masonry Association, include “energy savings; strength; sound-dampening; and fire, mold and termite resistance.” Each of these deserves a closer look. Fire, termite and mold resistance: Concrete doesn’t provide a food source or favorable environment for termites, fire or mold. It also isn’t susceptible to rot or decay. With problems such as termites and decay eliminated, lower maintenance costs can be realized. Sound dampening: Concrete walls help keep outdoor noise where it belongs—out! Strength: Concrete masonry homes boast a natural strength of 400 pounds per running foot. That strength, combined with the fact that reinforcing steel is used to bind the exterior walls and foundation system as one unit, means that the NHI Dream Home—or any other home framed with concrete masonry—will provide its occupants with maximum protection from the dangerous winds of hurricanes and tornadoes.
Energy savings: Concrete stores energy and, therefore, helps a
home retain warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Interestingly,
although concrete masonry homes enjoy lower utility bills, maintenance
costs and even insurance premiums (compared with their wood-framed
counterparts), they cost only 3 to 5 percent more to build.
Although the structural advantages of concrete masonry homes are numerous, a potential homeowner might be hesitant to build one, fearing that it just wouldn’t be as attractive as a wood-framed home. Yet one look at the NHI Dream Home proves this isn’t so. Its regal beauty is indicative of what can be achieved with this type of construction. Concrete masonry units come in a wide variety of colors and shapes; plus, they can be overlaid with materials such as real stucco, natural or manufactured stone, or brick veneer. The possibilities are endless and can be adapted to any style of home, whether traditional, transitional, ranch or contemporary. “It’s [also] a methodology you can use when constructing any size home,” says Rich Kearney, division manager with Johnson Concrete Products, the company that provided the concrete masonry units used to frame the NHI Dream Home. He has seen this type of construction in starter homes, as well as in multimillion-dollar homes. Kearney points out that concrete masonry framing is prevalent in Florida and in the southwestern US, while noting that in this area, “It’s an emerging methodology. You’re seeing more and more of it in residential construction.” The NHI Dream Home has a castle-like quality, thanks to the application of DUFFERIN Stone over the concrete masonry. This veneer, supplied by Adams Products Company, an Oldcastle Company, has a natural stone appearance, enhanced by an antiqued finish. It is available in several textures, patterns, and color blends. (“Chambly Beige” was chosen for the NHI Dream Home.) Pigment dispersion throughout the product during the manufacturing process ensures that the stone will maintain its wonderful color over the years. In addition to being used on the exterior of the home, DUFFERIN Stone was also used on the bridge entryway, in the barbecue and fire pits outside the home, and on an interior fireplace. One of the most impressive features of this product, besides its authentic stone appearance, is its versatility. It is also durable and maintenance-free. With DUFFERIN Stone, “you get the look and feel of stone, with the ease of brick installation,” says Frank Werner, vice president of marketing with Oldcastle.
DUFFERIN Stone, used
in conjunction with concrete masonry framing, is sure to make any home a
dream home! ▪
Next>> Concrete Countertops |
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Copyright © 2005 Lone Wolf Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Information contained on this website is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Prices Subject to change without notice. The information is provided without a warranty of any kind. www.newhomesandideas.com |
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