Building code changes

[Rob Tucker]

Interesting article.

I agree with a central premise - avoid building with wood. The point about concrete and concrete block acting as a heat sink is correct. Using Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) systems eliminates the heat sink problems and lowers the cost of concrete wall construction. My home is built this way and is insulated at R-30 and I obtain the full strength of a reinforced concrete wall with only 26% concrete (by volume)... this is how concrete construction competes with wood frame for cost. Termite proof, rot proof, hurricane, earthquake and fire resistant. A lot of bang for the buck.