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Specializing in Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) Construction
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1-866-910-6642 |
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ICF'S
(Insulated Concrete Forms)
- are e-star rated
- are green builders
environmentally friendly
- save an average of
thirteen trees per house
- homes are six times
quieter than ordinary wood frame homes
- have a three to four hour
fire rating
- provide 25% to 50% energy
savings
- homes have lower
insurance costs
- homes qualify for energy
efficient mortgage rates
- have an R-50 wall
insulation value
- require smaller hvac
units
Foam blocks called insulated concrete forms or ICFs, offer a style
of concrete construction for residential as well as commercial
structures. These hollow blocks are pounds lighter than standard
masonry blocks because they are made of expanded polystyrene -
similar to the white, insulating foam used for take-out coffee
cups. They either stack together like giant interconnecting, toy
building blocks or are separate panels connected with plastic
ties.
During construction, the forms are filled with concrete, becoming
a permanent part of the wall assembly as well as adding a two-inch
thick layer of foam insulation to each side of the wall.
Reinforcing bars can be added for earthquake safety.
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Four inches of
ASTM C 578 polystyrene foam insulation, combined with five inches
of concrete in a typical ICF system - are rated above R-17 at 75*
mean test temperature. The concrete walls of an ICF home have high
thermal mass, which shield the interior of a home from the
extremes of outdoor temperature. This reduces both peak and total
heating and cooling loads. Foam block walls are so well insulated
that manufacturers predict a home's monthly heating and cooling
costs can be reduced up to 75 percent. The walls are fire, earth
quake and termite resistant, and the layers of foam insulation
provide excellent soundproofing as well as backing for drywall on
the inside and stucco, lap siding or brick on the outside.
Air infiltration in an ICF Home is minimal due to the continuous
air barriers provided by the foam insulation and the concrete.
Likewise, there are no convection currents within wall cavities.
The high-mass walls of an ICF home not only give it a remarkably
solid feel, but they also make it safer for the family. And make
it a remarkably solid and secure investment, too. Concrete homes
have a proven track record of withstanding the ravages of
hurricanes, tornadoes and fires, when all the stick-built houses
around them are in ruins.
This combination of high R-values, low air infiltration, and high
thermal mass is believed to account for the amazing 25% to 50%
energy savings of ICF versus wood or steel-framed homes.
In fire wall tests, ICF's stood exposure to intense flame without
structural failure longer than did common frame walls. The
polystyrene foam used in most ICF forms is treated so it will not
support combustion. Tests indicate that ICF's tendency to transmit
a flame source from outside is less than that of most wood
products. [Many insurance carriers are now offering a discount on
a home owner's policy for an ICF home.]
With ICF homes, there is less repair and maintenance. Polystyrene
and concrete will never rot or rust. Concrete can even be exposed
to the elements for centuries with few ill effects. The
reinforcing steel, deep inside and protected by concrete's
alkalinity, will not corrode.
ICF homes provide a healthy indoor environment, too. Nothing held
within or emitted by an ICF wall is toxic. The measurement of the
air contents of actual ICF houses shows an almost complete absence
of any emissions.
ICF homes can be designed in any style, and will accept any
traditional exterior finish including vinyl or wood siding, stucco
and brick. Because custom angles and curves are easily created,
it's simple to build in bows, bays and radiuses. And ICF systems
accommodate any of today's most popular design features, such as
tall walls, large openings, long floor spans, and cathedral
ceilings.
ICFs originated in Europe (where concrete home building is
standard) ICF systems have been used successfully around the world
for more than 30 years. Thousands of ICF homes have been built in
recent years throughout the United States and Canada. They have
proven successful in every region and climate, from Orlando to
Calgary. ICF systems are accepted by all the major model codes in
the U.S., and by the R-2000 program in Canada.
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