- Certain concrete walls are energy-efficient.concrete wall image by bayu harsa from Fotolia.com
Concrete walls provide a solid, secure structure for a home or building. Similar to conventionally constructed homes that mostly rely on wood overlaid with other insulating materials, a homeowner can modify the exterior of a home made of concrete to suit his needs. A variety of methods for creating a concrete wall exist and each one has its own advantages. - Cast-in-place is a method of preparing concrete walls that is traditionally used for basement foundations and commercial buildings. The Portland Cement Association, reports that form manufacturers have started using this method for above-ground walls erected in homes. It uses a mold made of plywood, aluminum or steel to form a wall shape. Steel bars are placed inside the mold as reinforcement before the concrete is poured into the mold. After the concrete hardens, the mold is removed and a layer of foam insulation is affixed on either side or sometimes both sides of the concrete. Form liners are applied to the wall to add an architectural element. Plaster is used to cover the interior wall before it receives a coat of paint. The insulation and plaster applications are used in place of drywall, which is not needed.
- An advantage of using a concrete wall, like one made of autoclaved aerated concrete, is that it can be molded and cut to accommodate architectural dimensions. This type of innovative concrete and mortar provide contractors more design options for constructing walls in homes and buildings. It's comprised of very fine grains of sand, cement and a natural expansion element that allows concrete to expand much like dough rises. As it expands, small air pockets form in the cement that makes it easier to cut and form into different shapes to secure wall panels as well as floors and roofs.
- Certain concrete walls, such as an insulated concrete form (ICF), not only serve as a solid structure, but also are energy-efficient. These walls either are built with polystyrene blocks piled and locked or using planks joined together with multiple metal ties. Concrete is poured on both sides of the structure to create an added layer of insulation that resists external moisture and maintains internal temperatures. Drywall is then fastened to the cement with screws.
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