For most south and east coast residents, the fear of hurricane season is at the forefront of their minds.
As global warming continues to worsen, we can anticipate these storms to get progressively stronger over time.
Understandably, this creates a great amount of fear for everyone. It likely leaves you wondering what you can do to prevent damage the next time around.
When building a house in these hurricane-prone areas, you should always talk to your contractor about your options. They will likely present to you two choices: wood and precast concrete.
The benefits of both materials are endless, but there are also disadvantages to consider.
Take a look at some of the pros and cons of each material. This will help you make an informed decision about which is right for your needs.
Wood
Pros
One of the biggest benefits of wood is that it’s a relatively cheap material compared to precast concrete. It can be made from a variety of resources, like bamboo or cedar, making it more eco-friendly in the long term. Wood is also easier to alter and transport if you’re not happy with the structure of your home once it’s built.
Cons
Wood does not stand up well against high winds in a storm. Not to mention, it’ll add fuel to the fire if you live in an area where forest fires are common. Wood structures may also have to be replaced more often than precast concrete and other building materials. This is thanks to decay from termites or other natural occurrences.
Precast Concrete
Pros
Precast concrete is stronger, heavier, and more durable than wood when it comes to withstanding bad storms or hurricanes. There are also various precast concrete materials to choose from, which can allow you to get creative with your architectural design.
Concrete lasts for decades against all forces of nature, is a better insulator than wood, and is resistant to termites.
Cons
Unfortunately, concrete isn’t technically environmentally-friendly, but this is the sacrifice you’ll have to make to save your house during a hurricane.
Precast concrete is also more expensive and time-consuming than wood structures during the building process, but you truly get what you pay for in this industry.
If you’re looking for a material that will withstand a hurricane, then precast concrete is your best bet. At Port Aggregates, we offer the highest quality concrete in the state, which is why we’ve been a trusted industry professional for over 40 years. Contact us today to request a quote!
