Concrete Homes Gain Significant Market Share

Recently released residential market share numbers from National Association of Home Builders indicate that 16.1% of all new single family homes built in 2003 employed a concrete wall system. This is a 2% increase over 2002 market share data.

“We saw over 42,000 more concrete homes built in 2003 than 2002,” says Craig Schulz, PCA Director of Market Research. Overall, an estimated 211,000 concrete homes were constructed in 2003. More

Concrete Homes, the Norm in China

China is undergoing the world’s hottest housing boom. With billions in foreign investment pouring into the country, the ranks of affluent Chinese are swelling along with demand for housing—mostly small apartments in and around China’s big cities—seems insatiable.

Most Chinese homebuyers want amenities like acoustic and thermal performance in a concrete shell. More

The pilot for the Pennsylvania Concrete Masonry Association’s new International Building Code Program for Concrete Masonry was held August 25 in State College, Pa. The pilot program was a great opportunity for the PCMA Codes Committee members, selected architects, engineers, code officials, and industry representatives to see a draft of the final program and evaluate the content. More

ACI Forms Committee to Analyze ICFs

The American Concrete Institute held its Fall Convention at the Hilton in San Francisco, October 24–28. At the convention, ACI created a new technical committee, ACI 560: Design and Construction with Insulating Concrete Forms. Dr. Carla Yland, president of East-West Consulting, Inc., will chair of the committee. More

ICFs Making 'Grand' Strides in Myrtle Beach

ICF construction is changing the landscape of the homebuilding industry in Myrtle Beach, S.C.. More than 200 ICF homes have been built in the area since 1999, which gives Myrtle Beach one of the highest concentrations of ICF homes in the country. In the prestigious Grande Dunes development, well over 100 luxury ICF homes have been built, with an additional one to two ICF homes being poured every week. More

Dow to Make a Splash in Housing Market

The Dow Chemical Company is poised to make a major impact in the residential market with their precast wall system. Styrofoam T-Mass Technology incorporates extruded polystyrene or polyisocyanurate insulation and fiber composite connectors sandwiched between layers of concrete. The system has all of the benefits associated with concrete and foam wall systems—superior energy efficiency, disaster and mold resistance, and a quiet indoor environment. More

Fiber Cement Siding

The publication describes fiber cement siding and the many benefits it has in the construction marketplace. If you are looking for a traditional appearance without the worry of rotting or maintenance with wood siding, fiber cement siding is your product of choice.
IS314—$15