Dear Editor,
There was a story on CBS’s Sunday Morning today interviewing a lady building with fireproof block in Malibu. People seeing her interview might be compelled to build with the material she is using without understanding what they are getting into.
She stated that she was instrumental in getting the approvals for using the block in Malibu instead of typical stick-frame construction.
Newsflash..I got approvals and built with Rastra block almost twenty years ago on Decker Edison Rd.
She stated that the block was cheaper than lumber. What an oversimplification. The block might be cheaper, but the block has to be reinforced with large amounts of rebar. Then the cells are backfilled with concrete. Depending on the house design, the entire structure may need to be waterproofed because the block is porous like concrete. The block is fireproof, but more than likely, the roof is plywood.
Electrical and plumbing have to be channeled through the inner walls with chainsaws. The construction process isn’t cheap.
Having said all of that, I wouldn’t hesitate to build with it again. It’s a fantastic material with an R value that is off the charts, and you can plaster and stucco without any mesh.
If she is going to recommend building with ICF, she needs to discuss the negatives as well as the positives.
Bruce Lett, Rimforest, CA (formerly Malibu)