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MAY 19, 2011
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How to Get Started Building a Concrete Home

Concrete home


Get all the advice you need for building a concrete home, from choosing a forming system to finding an experienced builder.
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Tornado-Proof Your Home with Concrete

Dear Jim, 
Damage from an EF5 tornado

The recent outbreak of tornadoes that ravaged the south, particularly in Alabama, caused more tornado-related fatalities than ever recorded in U.S. history, despite today's advanced weather-warning systems. Thankfully, many people survived these devastating storms, but their homes did not. For those who plan to rebuild in these storm-prone areas, protecting their families and reducing the potential for tragic losses when a major storm hits are sure to be top priorities. Learn how building a home with concrete walls vs. traditional wood-framed walls can minimize tornado damage and ensure your safety. Concrete safe rooms and basements are other options for providing  protection from tornado-force winds.

Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network
Silo-shaped home

Concrete Homes 

Reinforced concrete homes have proven their ability to withstand tornadoes and hurricanes, sustaining minimal damage in fierce storms that completely flattened neighboring structures. Learn more about concrete home construction and see these examples of tornado-proof concrete home projects:

 

Parade of Homes House Withstands Tornado

Silo-Shaped Concrete Home Designed to Withstand Tornadoes
Concrete foundation

Concrete Safe Rooms 

 If building a concrete home isn't practical, you can provide the same protection from severe weather -- but on a smaller scale -- by adding a safe room. This small windowless room is completely encapsulated in concrete, from the ceiling to the walls to the floor. Learn more about the benefits of building a safe room and some of the design considerations.  
Basement under construction

Concrete Basements

Even a home with a concrete basement can provide shelter from a storm, and is certainly safer than a home sitting on a slab-on-grade. A basement is also a good place to locate a safe room, which can be built in a corner using two existing basement walls.

 
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