There are two main ways in the U.S. to build a home, and they use masonry construction techniques, or wood frame. With a wood frame home, high quality hardwood is used in construction, and this method has a long and powerful history throughout the country. Homes made from masonry, on the other hand, usually consist of bricks, stone or concrete.
While both options are more than capable of giving you a wonderful home for you to enjoy for many years to come, there are pros and cons associated with them both. That said, it’s widely agreed that masonry-built homes have a distinct advantage over wood frame homes, especially when it comes to the factors listed below:
Masonry is highly fire-resistant
This advantage is not one to be taken lightly, and while a wood frame home can light up like a piece of tinder, homes made from stone or brick simply won’t catch alight as easily, if at all.
It never rots
Wood rot is understandably a huge concern in homes constructed using wooden frames, and even though newer types of wood are more moisture resistant than before, the risk of rot occurring, remains. Homes made from brick or stone, on the other hand, will never succumb to rot, no matter how much moisture they’re exposed to.
Masonry doesn’t get eaten by insects
Ants and termites are extremely fond of wood, and when they get their teeth into any construction made from wood, they can severely compromise its integrity and cause significant damage. Masonry, on the other hand, isn’t desirable to such insects, and homes made from brick or stone will never face damage from ants and termites.
It’s highly resistant to weather
Strong winds, such as those that might occur during a hurricane, tornado or other such severe storm, are more than capable of causing significant damage to a wooden structure, and in some instances, can even destroy them altogether. Masonry constructed homes are far more able to withstand such extreme weather conditions and come away unscathed.
Masonry is stronger and more durable
From bricks and stone to concrete, anything constructed from masonry is always going to be a lot stronger than something made from wood. Thanks to its ability to withstand high levels of pressure, and bear more weight than the average section of wood, masonry buildings are stronger and last a lot longer than their wooden counterparts.
It costs less
Timber has increased in price significantly over the years, and that isn’t set to change anytime soon. If you’re looking for a more affordable material to construct your home from, masonry is the solution.
Masonry is typically reserved for use in larger buildings, so if you’re planning to construct a bigger home for you and your family to enjoy, wood is not the ideal material to make it from. Overall, masonry is a solid option for use in the construction industry, and to make your home last longer, hold up well in storms and provide you with the best fire protection, choose to have it built by an experienced masonry contractor.