Concrete has been used in homes for many years, and for good reason. There are a variety of benefits to be had from using concrete around your home in places like counter tops, floors, the driveway, and your wall system.
With new and better types and designs for concrete coming into existence every day, there’s never been a better time to incorporate concrete into your home. If you’re considering installing some concrete in your home, here are 3 benefits that will help solidify your decision to use concrete.
- Net Zero Energy Upgrades for the Home
If net zero energy expenditure is something you’re interested in, concrete wall systems like ICFs can help you get there in a big way. In the opinion of The Reviews Insider, Insulated concrete forms are specially designed and interlocked to create an air barrier that far outperforms anything built with wood, metal, stone, or other materials. This is especially important when building a hurricane proof house or when constructing in severe weather areas that need to meet stringent building standards.
Along with concrete’s strength, the energy-efficiency rating of concrete wall systems like those produced by Foxblocks and other companies make them one of the most effective net zero energy home upgrades you can find.
- Increase The Lifespan of Your Driveway
Another way in which concrete can benefit you is if you choose to renovate your driveway with it. Concrete can take some heavy abuse as a driveway, especially if it’s installed with a drainage system. The load-bearing capability of concrete can be especially important if you own a larger truck, boat or RV and park it on your driveway.
The service life of a concrete driveway is, on average, about 50-60 percent longer than its asphalt counterpart. Therefore, the typical asphalt driveway is much more expensive to maintain over time.
By installing a sleek discreet slot drain in your concrete driveway, it will allow you to enjoy the many aesthetic and functional benefits of a concrete driveway without worrying about common issues like erosion and other damage caused by stormwater.
Concrete driveway drainage is essential, and implementing a discreet and effective drainage solution is crucial to getting the most out of a concrete driveway.
- Modernize your Bathroom
There’s almost nothing more beautiful than a properly sealed and shined concrete floor. Concrete floors can be installed with different levels of gloss, and even logos or patterns ingrained in them as well. Other types of flooring like wood can become creaky and noisy, but concrete is silent. It’s also easier to maintain than tile flooring and adds much more value to your home than basic laminate floors do.
Concrete flooring in the home is not just for your kitchen either. A polished concrete bathroom floor is water-resistant like tile, and it is easy to clean and care for. Not only is a concrete bathroom floor practical but you can choose from a wide variety of colors that blend with any style. Incredibly durable, easy to take care of and designed to fit your home’s personality, you’re guaranteed to have a beautiful colored polished concrete bathroom floor.
If you are willing to invest the time and money up front to have a concrete floor installed by professionals, you are guaranteed to reap the benefits for a long while to come.
Concrete Can Improve Your Home in a Variety of Areas
Many people aren’t aware of the many different ways concrete can be used to beautify and solidify a home. From concrete wall systems like ICF Foxblocks to concrete driveways with discreet drainage and beautiful, durable concrete floors with a stunning sheen, concrete is incredibly versatile and aesthetically pleasing.
As long as you take care to have it properly installed and drained, concrete will not only improve the value of your home, it will help you achieve net zero energy-efficiency and improve its aesthetic beauty as well. By choosing concrete as a material for your next home upgrade, you are choosing quality, beauty, and functionality.