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| Features and Benefits of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) Construction | |
| Certified in NUDURA Building Technology | |
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Energy Related
· High performance R-values · No air infiltration · Permanent performance; no downgrading over time · Shifts thermal loading from peak periods · Lower cost to heat and cool Health Related· No air infiltration means less dust and allergens · No cavity walls for mold, mildew, bugs or rodents · Non-toxic materials * No off gassing of materials Structural related · High wind resistance · Fire-rated assembly · Strength is permanent · Will not rot or decay · Resistant to termites (the concrete) · Impact resistant * No maintenance requirements |
Comfort Related
· High sound attenuating · Enhances steady temperatures · Peace of mind during inclement weather events · Low maintenance structure * May attribute to lower insurance costs Constructability Related· Design versatility · Energy efficient · Structurally capable · Fire rated · Sound deadening · Quick (depending on installer) · Conducive to Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) · Permanence · Fully code accepted cast-in-place concrete walls · Time tested and proven |
| Energy Efficient Energy efficiency is the core feature of insulating concrete form construction because so many owner/occupant benefits stem from it. Actual studies show that homes built with ICF exterior walls require an estimated 44% less energy to heat and 32% less energy to cool than comparable wood frame houses.* However, homes and structures built with the proper complement of windows, doors, HVAC systems, and methods, generally accomplish at least a 50% savings in heating and cooling. And in some cases, depending on the area and climate, homeowners experience as much as an 80% decrease in energy use and costs. | |
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What
are Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs)
Insulating Concrete Forms (or ICFs) are forms or molds made from expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Reinforcing steel is added and concrete is poured into the form. The end result is a high-performing reinforced concrete wall that is insulated, vapor retardant and structurally unsurpassed. It is ready to accept ANY final exterior / interior finishes. Why consider building with anything else? Are structures built with ICF walls safer? Yes, ICF walls are proven to significantly withstand 2000 degree heat from fire for 3-4 hours and 200 m.p.h. wind caused by severe weather. Structurally superior, the life expectancy for ICF buildings is more than 200 years. Plus, the air inside structures made with ICF walls is safer because there is no air infiltration to encourage mold, dust or pollen. Building materials for ICFs are safer for the environment too. How do structures "breathe" through ICFs? Structures built with ICF walls are barriers against allergens--including mold, dust and pollen--because virtually no air or moisture passes through ICF walls. However, proper ventilation is necessary to ensure an ample supply of fresh air and exhaustion of normal household gases. They reduce energy consumption up to 72%, Adheres to "Green Building" guidelines, Recycled Plastic is used in the internal ties(like studs). All components are recyclable, No-off gassing from ICF forms, Air-tight interior means controlled healthier air to breathe. Here are some of the best reasons to build with ICFs: Energy Efficiency Homes built with ICF exterior walls require an estimated 44% less energy to heat and 32% less energy to cool than comparable wood frame houses. Consequently, HVAC systems can be downsized. Build Green with ICFs - Protect our Children's Future! Our world’s number one challenge is to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is being discharged into our atmosphere. The earth’s relatively sudden warming and consequent dramatic effects of climate change are directly related to these carbon dioxide emissions.
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Greater Comfort
The high thermal mass and minimal
air infiltration of insulating
concrete form walls create a more
uniform and stable temperature
throughout your home. You'll have no
more hot spots or cold drafts.
Reinforced concrete has proven
design capabilities. ICF wall
systems can support concrete floor
and roof systems and the exterior
and interior walls are ready to
receive any finish materials you
choose. Healthier Air ICF walls reduce air infiltration by 75%: The effects of hay fever, asthma, and other airborne allergies can be greatly alleviated as a direct result of the reduced leakage of outside air, which brings dust, pollen, and other pollutants. Indoor air pollution is a great health concern today. ICF walls are non-toxic. The measurement of air contents of actual ICF houses shows an almost complete absence of any emissions When planning a new house, consider the greater well-being that comes from living with more even temperature, sharply reduced drafts, and noticeably greater quiet. That's what you get with an insulating concrete form home. |
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| The cost of ICF vs. more traditional methods of construction is typically more for the actual construction, but the cost of ownership of an ICF structure is significantly less than the more traditional methods. In nearly every documented case of the cost of an ICF structure, the return on investment (ROI) for the extra construction cost is within 5 years with many showing less than 3 years. Depending how costs are viewed, ICF may cost a little more or significantly less to build and operate. | |
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Insulated Concrete Form Construction
The house is completely constructed using Insulated Concrete
Forms. Using sustainable materials such as concrete yields
higher quality, creating a building with more value, and the
cost to the environment is substantially reduced. These
materials cause minimal impact and provide the highest energy
efficiency.
Q: Why concrete?
A:
The latest advancement for walls in technology consists of
stay-in-place concrete forms, which are vastly superior to
construction with wood. The Lego-like, pre-assembled units allow
for more freedom of design. It also produces far less waste than
the traditional wood-framing method. The reinforced concrete is
then sandwiched between two layers of expanded polystyrene foam
insulation.
Q: What are the benefits?
A: Energy bills are reduced up to 70% and with this concrete system you also get…
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Equal Housing Opportunity