Home builders are increasingly turning to concrete wall systems, according to a recent Portland Cement Association market research survey showing 13.8
Home builders are increasingly turning to concrete wall systems, according to a recent Portland Cement Association market research survey showing 13.8 percent of respondents used a concrete above-grade wall system in 2007 Û a 60 percent jump from the 2003 survey. In early 2007, a questionnaire was sent to custom homebuilders throughout the U.S. to assess their awareness and use of concrete above-grade and competing wall systems, and perception of these alternatives.
Experiencing the largest growth in use were insulating concrete forms: 6 percent of builders surveyed in 2007 said they used ICFs, compared to 2 percent in 2003. The use of removable concrete forms for homebuilding doubled during that period, i.e., 1.2 percent in 2003 to 2.4 percent in 2007. Homebuilders reported that energy efficiency was the most important issue for homeowners, notes Jim Niehoff, PCA residential promotion director. It appears that more often this need is being met with concrete wall systems.
The survey also showed that, even if they are not currently using concrete wall systems, builders are becoming progressively more aware of them. All concrete systems received awareness levels of 92 percent or higher.