Concrete structures, even for residential units, are becoming much more popular in coastal areas.

Concrete homes were some of the few left standing in storm surge zones after Hurricanes Katrina and Ike. Well-built concrete structures can withstand winds in excess of 200 miles per hour.

Concrete may be somewhat more expensive initially than a wood-frame home, but in the long run the thermal properties mean overall lower costs. Concrete by itself does not provide adequate thermal properties, but the advent of insulated concrete forms (ICF) allows for a structurally sound, hurricane-resistant house with excellent insulation. In a coastal surge zone, elevation is still an important factor, even with an ICF structure.