Why some are choosing fire-resistant materials
Rebuilding efforts after the Palisades and Eaton fires are prompting some homeowners to move away from traditional wood framing and adopt concrete-based systems that offer greater fire resistance and long-term durability. While only a small share of U.S. homes are built with concrete, interest is growing in high-risk areas where thousands of homes were lost. Homeowners like Karen Martinez are turning to insulated composite concrete forms, lightweight, non-combustible blocks that also resist earthquakes, termites and moisture. Although the material is still unfamiliar to many architects and contractors, insurers are beginning to offer significant premium discounts for homes built with fire-resistant materials, helping offset cost barriers.
Experts emphasize, however, that concrete alone does not make a home fireproof; vents, windows and other components must also be carefully sealed and designed for wildfire resilience. Even so, rising awareness of fire danger and examples from L.A.’s architectural history suggest a growing openness to building differently. Many homeowners say concrete construction is no longer dramatically more expensive than wood and may be a safer long-term investment as wildfires intensify. For Martinez and others, rebuilding with concrete isn’t just about replacing what was lost; it’s about creating homes that are better prepared for the future.
