ForConstructionPros.com

Homeowners look to concrete

In 2005, concrete homes accounted for 17.9 percent of all new single-family detached homes, up from 16.3 percent in 2004, according to research from the National Association of Home Builders and the Portland Cement Association.

Concrete offers advantages to traditional wood frames house. Concrete homes offer strength against tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes; protection against fire; and energy savings. For example, research has shown that homes built with insulated concrete forms (ICFs) require 44 percent less energy to heat and 32 percent less energy to cool than comparable frame homes.

In addition to ICFs, other concrete building systems include masonry block, removable concrete forms, precast panels and autoclaved aerated concrete.

TCA seeks speakers

The Tilt-Up Concrete Association has announced a "Call for Presentations" for the 2007 Tilt-Up Convention, to be held Oct. 3-6 in College Park, Md.

TCA invites industry experts to submit 100-word abstracts, a bullet-point listing of main objects, and speaker bio and experience. Submit presentations to James Baty, TCA technical director, at jbaty@tilt-up.org by Jan. 31.