Safety should be at the forefront of every building design, whether it’s an apartment complex, new sports facility, or commercial warehouse. While each project’s specifications and building codes play a role in material selection, masonry is a premier choice to extend the longevity and safety of any structure.
Concrete masonry units (CMUs) are particularly durable in the face of severe weather events, like the recent hurricanes, storms, and fires in the United States. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information, there were 27 weather and climate disasters with an estimated $1 billion in damages in 2024 alone. These various weather events can cause extreme damage to certain building materials, like lumber and metal, but masonry products are designed to withstand the elements.
Wind and Storm Resistance
High winds often result in billions of dollars in damages from the destruction of buildings, and recent data shows that tornado risks have increased across several states, including those farther east. The dense, rigid composition of CMUs makes them incredibly steadfast in the face of high winds from tornadoes, hurricanes and other severe storms. Concrete masonry walls are impenetrable to wind-borne debris, and reinforced concrete masonry walls can withstand winds of up to 109 miles per hour. Structures built from concrete masonry units are one of the safest places to take refuge during a severe storm.
In addition to its wind resistance, concrete masonry is incredibly resilient against water damage from severe rain. During hurricane season, storm surges can cause catastrophic damage in coastal areas. Concrete masonry construction is one of the best ways to meet storm surge resiliency standards and keep coastal properties and residents safer during these dangerous situations.
Mold is another common and destructive side effect left behind by harsh rain and hurricanes. When materials like wood or drywall come into contact with any sort of moisture, mold can grow rapidly, and it’s nearly impossible to rid these materials of the damage. In the event that mold attaches to a CMU, it can easily be cleaned with the right solution. Construction methods, such as the double wythe cavity wall, also known as the “perfect wall,” establish a drainage plane on the inside of the block to help moisture escape through the back of the wall, thereby preventing mold and other moisture-related damage from occurring. This method not only aids in repelling water but also increases the strength and fire resistance of the wall.
Fire and Temperature Resistance
A yearly report from the National Centers for Environmental Information shows that more than 8 million acres burned in wildfires in 2024. CMUs are particularly suited for building in areas prone to wildfires, as they can withstand fire and its intense heat. Unlike timber, CMUs do not contribute to flame spread. A noncombustible masonry wall can help contain flames within a building, keeping structures and inhabitants safer. The noncombustible nature of concrete masonry also does not fuel flames or emit toxic gases.
In the event of a fire, masonry construction also typically can be repaired with minimal effort. Rather than having to demolish or replace integral parts of the structure, crews can usually patch cracks and tuckpoint mortar joints.
Temperature resistance and insulation are other advantages of building with concrete masonry. In warmer climates, the thermal mass of CMUs is enough to meet local standards for insulation. The baseline insulation of CMUs requires less additional insulation in cooler areas, helping reduce material and building costs.
Seismic Resistance
Today, the United States has specific building codes aimed at reducing seismic risk and protecting public health and safety. Reinforced concrete and masonry buildings adhere to these codes for better performance during seismic events, like earthquakes. Reinforced concrete and masonry buildings take mass, strength and stiffness into account, which helps determine how much they will shake. A well-designed reinforced masonry building will have a reliable load path, helping transfer the force through the structure and into the soil.
Investing in the Future through Masonry Construction
Concrete masonry structures are some of the safest in the world, offering resistance to various weather events and minimal rebuilding efforts when damages do occur. The ability to repair versus demolish and rebuild provides significant savings and helps reduce environmental impact.
In 2024, the United States experienced natural disasters on a new scale, with FEMA distributing more than $110 billion in disaster relief funds to affected areas. As we see more severe weather and natural disasters, it presents opportunities to futureproof structures through masonry to ensure they can last through significant impact.
