ICF
Build Green with Insulated Concrete Forms
Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are hollow foam blocks which are stacked into the shape of the exterior walls of a building, reinforced with steel rebar, and then filled with concrete. Insulated concrete forms combine one of the finest insulating materials, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), with one of the strongest structural building materials, steel reinforced concrete. The result is a wall system of unmatched comfort, energy efficiency, strength and noise reduction. 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. 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.
Energy efficient homes are becoming the new standard for home buyers. At a time when energy costs are soaring, many home owners are deciding it makes more sense to spend money on a safer, longer lasting, and more energy efficient home than to spend that same money on utility bills.
Energy efficient homes are composed of various elements which work together to reduce the overall amount of energy consumption. One of the most basic elements of an energy efficient home is a well-insulated and sealed building envelope. BuildBlock Insulating Concrete are ideal for creating this energy efficient envelope.
Homes built with ICF exterior walls and the proper compliment of windows, doors, HVAC systems, and methods, generally accomplish at least a 50% savings in heating and cooling. In some cases, depending on the area and climate, home owners experience as much as an 70% decrease in energy use and costs.
The old saying goes: It takes money to make money. It also takes money to save money. Insulating concrete forms cost a little more about 3-5% on average than traditional stick wall construction, but that additional investment is quickly recouped by the tremendous savings in energy, interest, and insurance costs. Then consider the reduced maintenance costs and higher resell value and you can see why insulating concrete home structures are actually more affordable than wood construction.
In severe weather, the walls of your ICF home provide protection for your family that is far superior to wood frame construction. A Texas Tech University study proves that walls built with Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) withstand the damage and projectiles launched by tornado and hurricane strength winds. A Safe Room is the perfect complement to an ICF home.
***Information provided by www.buildblock.com***