Farmhouse-style sink

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If you're a regular reader of this newsletter, you already know that concrete has an abundance of great attributes, from decorative versatility to easy maintenance. But did you know that concrete can also be good for your health? Using concrete versus other materials in and around your home can actually reduce your exposure to nasty toxins, make it easier to breathe, and keep you safer from weather extremes. Here are five concrete remedies for creating a healthier home environment for you and your family.

Reduce allergens

If you're looking for allergy relief, removing your wall-to-wall carpeting and opting for decorative concrete flooring can help. When it comes to allergies, carpeting can be one of the biggest contributors to your suffering because it's difficult to keep clean and often becomes a haven for dust mites, pollen and other allergens. Concrete floors can ease your sneezing and congestion because they don't trap allergens and they are easy to clean. What's more, synthetic carpets can also emit harmful VOCs, as can some of the products that accompany carpet installation such as adhesives and padding. Learn more.  

Install a concrete driveway

If you're installing a new driveway, or simply want to replace your existing cracked asphalt, a concrete driveway is a healthier, low-maintenance choice. Some of the products used to seal asphalt driveways and parking lots contain coal tar, a toxic byproduct of steelmaking that contains high levels of chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems.

Prevent toxic mold

Exposure to toxic mold in homes and buildings has been blamed for ailments ranging from headaches to severe respiratory infections and immune system disorders. Mold can thrive on any organic material, especially in warm, moist, humid conditions. Unlike wood and other organic materials, concrete won't support the growth of mold, mildew and other hungry microorganisms. See Why Concrete Is a Healthy Alternative.  

Improve indoor air quality

In addition to concrete floors, another way to improve the quality of the air inside your home is to build the exterior walls with insulating concrete forms (ICFs). These solid, draft-free walls reduce the infiltration of air that can bring in outside allergens. Also, the polystyrene foam used in many ICF walls is completely nontoxic and free of VOCs. Read more about using concrete and ICFs for home construction.

Build a safe haven

If you live in a hurricane- or tornado-prone area, building your home with concrete structural walls will protect you from fierce storms that would otherwise level a wood-frame home. Tests have shown that ICF walls can withstand flying debris from tornadoes and hurricanes with wind speeds of up to 250 mph. See other benefits of living in a concrete home.