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Insulated concrete forms have been used as a building material since the 1960s. In recent years, however, ICF construction has become more common. The increase in the intensity and frequency of severe weather events, coupled with rising energy costs, has altered the industry perception of the insulated concrete form as an alternative material. Increasingly it is viewed as a mainstream building option.
Concrete forms can deliver significant benefits to both developers and homeowners. The versatility of the insulated concrete form makes it a popular choice with designers and contractors find it simple to work with. Homeowners can enjoy reduced energy costs and rest assured that their home is of sound and solid construction. The concrete form is both a safe and green building material that delivers environmental benefits.
Keeping energy costs low is a priority for most homeowners. Depending on local climate, homes made from insulated concrete forms can save anywhere between thirty to ninety percent on standard energy bills. The insulation is uninterrupted even where walls and ceilings meet. Drafts and leakage of air are minimal. This enables homeowners to downsize their heating and cooling systems significantly.
Homes constructed with insulated concrete forms are homes that are built to last. In some cases they are twenty times stronger than conventional timber constructions. Their continuous unbroken shell enables them to withstand the onslaught of hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes far more successfully. Those who own concrete homes are less likely to spend their time and resources on battling wood rot, pest infestation and the development of mold.
Insulated concrete forms are safe and are not manufactured from hazardous or toxic materials. Furthermore they afford homes far greater protection from fire. Even when subjected to temperatures of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit for over four hours the concrete shows no sign of structural damage. Whereas a timber framed building will facilitate the rapid spread of fire from one room to the next, concrete walls contain fire. This means occupants have more time to evacuate and firefighters can do their job more easily.
Noisy lawn mowers, busy traffic and loud music can all disrupt peace in the home. Concrete houses, however, are much better than stick built homes in reducing exterior noise levels. Noise insulation levels are thought to be up to four times higher.
It may be contentious to suggest that concrete is a more sustainable material than wood. Nevertheless, its value in reducing fossil fuel consumption through increased insulation should not be overlooked. There is also very little waste involved in the building process and concrete forms are recyclable.
Insulated Concrete Forms construction allows for imaginative and bold design as it is easy to incorporate features such as curved walls and arches. A variety of exterior and interior finishes are easily applied once the concrete has been poured. The building process is simple and quick. While the cost of materials is initially high, these will soon be offset by savings in energy consumption and maintenance.
Concrete forms can deliver significant benefits to both developers and homeowners. The versatility of the insulated concrete form makes it a popular choice with designers and contractors find it simple to work with. Homeowners can enjoy reduced energy costs and rest assured that their home is of sound and solid construction. The concrete form is both a safe and green building material that delivers environmental benefits.
Keeping energy costs low is a priority for most homeowners. Depending on local climate, homes made from insulated concrete forms can save anywhere between thirty to ninety percent on standard energy bills. The insulation is uninterrupted even where walls and ceilings meet. Drafts and leakage of air are minimal. This enables homeowners to downsize their heating and cooling systems significantly.
Homes constructed with insulated concrete forms are homes that are built to last. In some cases they are twenty times stronger than conventional timber constructions. Their continuous unbroken shell enables them to withstand the onslaught of hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes far more successfully. Those who own concrete homes are less likely to spend their time and resources on battling wood rot, pest infestation and the development of mold.
Insulated concrete forms are safe and are not manufactured from hazardous or toxic materials. Furthermore they afford homes far greater protection from fire. Even when subjected to temperatures of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit for over four hours the concrete shows no sign of structural damage. Whereas a timber framed building will facilitate the rapid spread of fire from one room to the next, concrete walls contain fire. This means occupants have more time to evacuate and firefighters can do their job more easily.
Noisy lawn mowers, busy traffic and loud music can all disrupt peace in the home. Concrete houses, however, are much better than stick built homes in reducing exterior noise levels. Noise insulation levels are thought to be up to four times higher.
It may be contentious to suggest that concrete is a more sustainable material than wood. Nevertheless, its value in reducing fossil fuel consumption through increased insulation should not be overlooked. There is also very little waste involved in the building process and concrete forms are recyclable.
Insulated Concrete Forms construction allows for imaginative and bold design as it is easy to incorporate features such as curved walls and arches. A variety of exterior and interior finishes are easily applied once the concrete has been poured. The building process is simple and quick. While the cost of materials is initially high, these will soon be offset by savings in energy consumption and maintenance.
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The leading supplier of ICF Construction for energy-efficient, green commercial and residential construction.
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