Wood frame vs Concrete block on two story homes in Florida (insurance, construction)

[browniegolfman]

What are the real pro's and Con's?

[58robbo]

i would assume that you don't have wood rot, termite damage and mould with concrete block. i plan on building with concrete block and it would be interesting to find out what the potential hazards are if there are any.

[58robbo]

also less fire risk i would assume. any experts out there who can confirm?

[BobKovacs]

Pros to concrete block construction are termite/rot resistance and hurricane resistance (if reinforced properly). Cons are difficulty im making changes later (like adding a window), and cost.

[kevcrawford]

The blocks definitely cost more, but if you're using the ICF or SIP technology, the energy efficiency is great. They're definitely better than wood for termite resistance and fire hazard, but they're harder to build with and you have to make sure you have the right subs to do the job. I've seen untrained subs try to build with concrete and it takes forever and you end up with a bad product.

I also know green builders that can achieve the same energy efficiency with wood construction and upgraded insulation/wood windows/tech-shield/etc.

The above comment hit it dead on in that if you build with concrete, make darn sure you won't be making any changes a few years down the road, as it'd be incredibly difficult.

[TampaKaren]

I've seen very few 2 story all block homes in Florida. Most are block on the ground level and frame on the second level with stucco over both (or sometimes siding). It makes no sense to me...it must be the cost. Insurance is cheaper on a block home because they're supposedly more wind resistant.

IMO, the con on frame construction in Florida is the maintenance (termite, wood rot, etc.)

[joeybusta]

Very odd that I'm being censored on this site. I guess proponents of wood frame homes don't like what I have to say.

[joeybusta]

BTW you're one ugly woman SouthernBelleIn Utah