Building Advantages:
Cinder Crete is an environmentally conscious, non manufactured building material. The resource-efficient, lightweight construction material does not require heavy form work. The material's structural and thermal properties can be achieved in one application, compared to drywall and stud construction, it can save labor and natural resources. The relatively large wall thickness allows room for surface detailing. The cast pumice matrix can be sculpted into all the organic forms and integrated furnishing features typical of other earthen techniques, though the shapes of primary structures are limited by form work. Plastering is necessary on all surfaces but the material will not deteriorate due to moisture as with earthen products, thus making it suitable for use in all climates and regions. It is readily compatible with other earthen based and concrete materials.
Cost Advantages:
Cinder Crete cost advantages begin with the price of pumice as a raw material is $40 to $60 per ton, and is locally available, so no shipping cost to Hawaii. Labor is half of regular construction since the walls complete with electrical and plumbing can be poured in 3-4 days. The processes of applying drywall, insulation, moisture barriers, etc are no longer necessary. Cinder Crete Cost: $150 to $200 per square foot.
Maintenance Advantages:
Cinder Crete is inert and will last hundreds if not thousands of years, only new applications of plaster may be needed as necessary (once every 50 years). All of the electrical and plumbing is within conduit in the walls allowing all electrical and plumbing to be accessed later to either replace or repair. Since the walls are solid poured, pest infestation is eliminated. There is no wood for termites to eat, and since pumice has hardness greater than steel, rats are unable to burrow or tunnel in Cinder Crete. Cinder Crete is not susceptible to calamities like fire, hurricanes, and tornadoes or flooding. Cinder Crete can also sustain earthquake damage provided with proper earth quake building methods. Mold, rot, and fungus do not grow on Cinder Crete, and since cinder is inert there is no off gassing of radon or other toxic gases.
Environmental Advantages:
Other factors that explain the rising popularity of these materials have to do with health and sustainability. More homebuyers are demanding cleaner home environments, free from toxic gases that can come from the carpeting, plywood and adhesives specified in traditional home construction.
ALL lumber in Hawaii is pressure treated with toxic materials to eliminate pest importation. The chemicals used to pressure treat lumber are a mix of pesticides, preservatives and glues containing chemicals and elements such as chrome, arsenic, ammonia, pentachlorophenol, and copper naphthenate.¹ These chemicals have been linked to causing cancer and a host of other health issues. Today the typical 2,000-square-foot home uses 16,000 board feet of lumber plus 6,000 square feet of wood panels². So an average Hawaiian home is made of 20,000 feet of lumber which is considered too toxic to be considered acceptable to be left in a landfill.¹