Safe

Concrete masonry buildings are structurally sound. They are weather, earthquake, flood and fire resistant.

A firewall built with concrete masonry is less expensive to construct and safer during a fire than a composite wood and drywall firebreak in multi-story residential applications.

Concrete masonry does not burn, melt, or warp, and is the ideal material for fire-resistant applications. Concrete masonry also resists mold, insects, and other pests that plague other building materials.

There are a number of tall reinforced concrete masonry structures near earthquake epicenters that suffered virtually no damage, while structures built with other materials suffered major damage during the same disaster.

Thanks to these and other widely recognized safety benefits of concrete masonry, insuring a concrete masonry building is noticeably less expensive.

More information:
Experts challenge Home Depot building design, codes after Joplin tornado
Mold resistance of various building materials

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