All Masonry Homes Questions and Answers

Q. What is an all masonry home?
A. An all masonry home is build with a concrete foundation, concrete block basement wall and a precast concrete floor. The outside walls consist of concrete block walls, insulation and brick veneer. Additionally the interior walls are concrete block. In fact the only wood used is in the roof trusses. The interior block is covered with 1/2 inch drywall creating the same appearance as a frame house. Masonry homes have thicker walls, 14 1/2 inches in lieu of 5 inches for a wood frame house creating greater thermal mass. Conventional wood floor systems may also be used.

Q. What are the advantages of an all masonry home?
A. The advantages of an all masonry home includes energy efficiency, disaster resistance, and low maintenance that can significantly reduce the cost of home ownership. Noise reduction and a low air filtration result in the quiet comfort you've always dreamed on in a new home. The depletion of our forest is becoming an increasing environmental concern. A 2,000 square foot lumber house uses 47.10 trees. An all masonry home of the same sizes use only 5.10 trees. This saves 47 trees from being cut down. Alternative methods to building homes must be found. Block, brick, concrete and stone are primary components used in all masonry homes. These materials are made from either clay or limestone from quarries, which are plentiful resources. The added safety and security from fire, violent storms and termites only add to the value of the home.

Q. Are there financial advantages associated with an all masonry home?
A. The overall quality, longevity, and total value of an all masonry home justifies the 12 percent initial cost outlay of that of a lumber home. In addition to low utilities, low maintenance creates saving in repairs of damaged siding, rotting of wood, painting and staining. This creates a cost effective, quality alternative to standard wood construction.

Q. How long does it take to build an all masonry home?
A. An all masonry home can be build in the same amount of time as it takes to build a lumber house. It is also much safer and more durable.