ICF

What is an ICF?

ICFs are lightweight, interlocking foam panels that remain in
place as a functional part of the wall after the concrete is poured. The
insulating qualities of the foam panels, against noise and weather, combine with
the strength and stability of the reinforced concrete, resulting in an
exceptional wall.

Greater Comfort & Lower Energy Bills:

Energy savings and comfort are built into every ICF system. ICF's
start with a high R-Value. Four and one quarter inches of EPS (Expanded
Polystyrene) foam insulation, combined with a five inch concrete wall in a
typical ICF system - have an effective R-Value Between 30 - 50. Other insulating
form configurations and materials also exhibit high R-Values.

But that's not all! 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 Home is
virtually Air TIGHT!

The concrete walls of an ICF home have high thermal mass, which
buffers the interior of a home from the extremes of outdoor temperatures and
elements during every 24-hour cycle. This reduces both peak and total heating
and cooling loads.

This combination of high R-values, low air infiltration, and high
thermal mass is accounts for the amazing (up to) 72%* energy savings of ICF
versus wood or steel-framed homes.

Solid & Lasting Security

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.

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. Also, tests show
that its tendency to transmit an outside flame source 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.]

Peace & Quiet

New ICF homeowners almost always remark on how unbelievably quiet
their new house is, compared with their old stick-built home. They expect the
new-found comfort and energy efficiency, but the peace and quiet -the protection
from outside noise - never fails to surprise and delight them.

Less Repair & Maintenance

With ICF homes, the equation is simple. No Rot = Less Repair
and Maintenance. Neither polystyrene nor concrete will ever rot or rust.
Concrete can even be exposed to the elements for centuries with few ill effects.
Reinforcing steel, buried deep inside and protected by concrete's alkalinity,
does not corrode.

A Healthier Home & Environment

Building with ICF's is healthier for environment in a number
of way minimizing the number of different building products involved in co tion,
by reducing the amount of waste generated on the construction sit' by lowering
energy requirements heating and cooling.
ICF homes provide a healthy indoor environment, too. Nothing held
within or ordinarily 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.

Versatile System - Flexible Designs

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.

Cost Competitive

Over the last ten years, concrete prices have been remarkably
stable. Recent price increases in other materials have generated interest in
concrete building systems as never before. Labor savings and readily available
materials make ICF's, feature for feature, one of the most cost competitive wall
systems in U.S. and Canadian housing markets.