[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Bilyclub

Since this has become a matter of opinion I prefer block over vinyl siding. Block needs to get painted every 10 or so years, but what do you do with worn out looking vinyl?

You might be able to put on wax if it bothered you that much.

[PurePeach]

Originally Posted by RICH1

BLOCK …. Unless you want noise and high AC bills

We live in a Patio Villa and dont have noise problems or high AC bills.

[dadspet]

Originally Posted by chrisinva

Currently live in a block constructed home, built 2018, with stucco surface. I'm considering a frame constructed , per the TV advertisement, home in Citrus Grove. The frame house has siding. I didn't know the developer still made frame homes.

Being from the north, I've heard & believe that block construction is better than frame for withstanding hurricanes. Your opinions? Thanks!

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We were here on 2/2/2007 a EF-3 Tornado(155 to 165 mph wind) hit The Villages and destroyed about 1300 houses . Our mind was clearly made up BLOCK Construction next house. BTW The Villages did an outstanding job stopping everything they were doing to help the people and The Villages recovered years before other areas.

[patfla06]

For us block construction is preferrable. This is our 3rd block house in Florida.

[margaretmattson]

.

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

As far as hurricanes go, the roof is the weak spot, not the walls. So, whatever the walls, the roof needs to be held down by straps or some other mechanism.

You forgot to mention the windows. Once a home is compromised, you may have water damage depending on how long and heavy the rain. If your walls withstood the tornado or hurricane, the inside can be completely destroyed. Even a small hole can lead into a bigger problem. With water, you have the potential for mold. It is silly to believe you are safe or better off in any home. Take care of yourself and loved ones, and know that you will have to rebuild. That is all any of us can do.

[Randall55]

I am a retired contractor. There is so much misinformation on this thread that I do not know where to start. My advice: Look at the pictures provided. A picture is worth a 1000 words. Call an insurance agent and ask for quotes on a frame, block, and tilt-wall construction home. Not just to save money. Their quotes are based on claims they had to pay out for a natural disaster. Compare the quotes. If one seems extremely high, then do not purchase that type of home. Chances are that type of home does not withstand as well as the others. If the quotes are all reasonably comparable, it does not matter which type of home you buy. Home construction, natural disasters, and claims are COMPLETELY different issues. Insurance companies gather information regarding each of these issues then price protection accordingly. You would be doing yourself a favor if you talk to them before buying. Guessing based on the story of the big bad wolf is probably not the best of thinking.

Note: Even as a contractor I will not tell you which type of home is best to buy. Too many variables. I would recommend having the home inspected before purchasing.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

Your comment is very misleading and incorrect. To my way of thinking you forgot two of the most important things . . .

1. What kind and how much insulation in the walls, and

2. The windows. Yes, the windows! We had new Andersen windows installed and we hear almost NOTHING from the outside The windows are far more important than block or wood construction. Regarding your A/C bills, quality windows keep out the transfer of heat and cold in combination to what you have as insulation in the walls.

Our windows have UV film on them which the previous owner had installed. Not only does the film reduce glare in our home, it keeps it cooler and protects all our "stuff". mainly the furniture from UV rays. Our windows are the original double pane windows that were installed during the build.

[westernrider75]

Originally Posted by chrisinva

Currently live in a block constructed home, built 2018, with stucco surface. I'm considering a frame constructed , per the TV advertisement, home in Citrus Grove. The frame house has siding. I didn't know the developer still made frame homes.

Being from the north, I've heard & believe that block construction is better than frame for withstanding hurricanes. Your opinions? Thanks!

We rented a frame courtyard villa before purchasing a block/stucco CYV. We definitely heard more outside noise in the frame villa than in the block one we bought. Was it because the frame one was older, had different windows or maybe was closer together? Not sure, but there is a difference.

[phousel]

Originally Posted by Ksarracco

Absolutely

Let's see...
Both have windows. Both have doors. Both have garage doors. Both have wood frame roofs.
Where do you see the "better" hurricane protection?

[phousel]

Where are the facts to support this? Both buildings have the same roof structures, windows, doors and garage doors. Sound trough walls - minimal.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Cybersprings

Concrete vs. wood: Which is more soundproof? — Acuslat.

The noise I hear in block home come down from attic vents through fans and a/C ducting.

[ldj1938]

We lived in south Florida in 2002 during hurricane Andrew. South of Miami ALL of the wood
frame homes disappeared. All that was left was a concrete slab. Many of the block homes were gone as well, but their survival rate was much better. This was an extreme test, but I would NOT live in a wood framed house in Florida after seeing that. It was an unbelievable sight!

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by pikeselectric

Hi there! Personally I have always preferred block construction for the overall appearance and longevity. I feel that most frame homes have higher maintenance requirements. Found this article with pros and cons of both: Concrete Block Vs. Wood Framed Homes (Pros, Cons, & Myths)
The Villages New Construction does dabble in both types still, along with the precast/"tilt up" block options as well. My opinion overall is to stick with block. Have a great day!
- Casandra with Pike's Electric

I have to say, I am very pleased with Pike's Electric and their sponsorship and contributions here. Most "sponsored" posters generally just pop on to hawk their own specialty, but Casandra contributes and posts like a regular user, but often lends their knowledge when appropriate - but not always. It doesn't feel like they are here just for their business, but actually participate regardless. I appreciate that. It helps to form some rapport and appreciation between the business and other posters (well - at least for me).

All that being said, I'm going to ask an "electrical" related question about this topic: How easy/difficult is it to run, adjust, add, modify, etc. electrical in one of the Developer's tilt/precast structures? I mean, if I wanted to add an outlet, or change a duplex to a quadplex, or anything else, would it have to be run via exposed conduit, like a modern contemporary loft or something?

This has been my biggest concern with what would otherwise be a strong and advantageous building structure. It would make me lean more to block or frame construction instead.

Thanks.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

.You forgot to mention the windows. Once a home is compromised, you may have water damage depending on how long and heavy the rain. If your walls withstood the tornado or hurricane, the inside can be completely destroyed. Even a small hole can lead into a bigger problem. With water, you have the potential for mold. It is silly to believe you are safe or better off in any home. Take care of yourself and loved ones, and know that you will have to rebuild. That is all any of us can do.

Windows ARE important. I think that it is so humorous that all the homes around me have FAKE ornamental shutters. Real shutters would be nice during a hurricane or tornado. Even clear plexiglass shutters could help. If I had unlimited money and time, I would put up some plexiglass shutters.