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home > ICF
(Insulating Concrete Forms)
ICF (Insulating Concrete Forms) Applications
There are many applications for using insulated concrete
forms (ICF). Here are some examples:
Single Family Homes:
Since the increases in price and decline in quality of North-American
lumber in the early 1990's, the use of ICFs in the U.S. housing
market has skyrocketed . In fact, according to data collected
by the Portland Cement Association, it has become the fastest
growing alternative to wood frame for above-grade perimeter
wall construction. The number of single family homes built
from footing to eaves with ICFs has been increasing approximately
25% each year. In 2004, about 60,000 above-grade ICF homes
were built in the U.S. About one-third of all ICFs sold are
used in above-grade residential construction.
Multi Family Homes:
Townhouses and Condominiums represent a rising and significant
application for ICFs. Due to the necessity for increased firewall
protection and sound deadening between units in these structures,
above grade ICF walls are becoming an increasingly popular
and cost effective option for builders and developers
Residential Basements:
In cold climates, energy experts tell us up to 40% of a
home's heat loss is through the ground. ICFs create the perfect
basement walls for locking out winter, and keeping more warm,
heated air inside. ICFs have been used for decades in foundations
and basements throughout North America. Currently, about one-third
of all ICFs sold are used in residential basements.
Non-Residential Buildings About another third of all ICFs are used in non-residential
construction, both for foundations and for above-grade walls.
In addition to lowering the ongoing operating costs of the
building due to the increase in energy efficiency, using ICFs
for the entire structure can significantly decrease the construction
cycle time, speeding up a project by weeks or even months.
Non-residential uses of ICFs - for hotels and motels, retail
and professional buildings, warehouses, schools and churches,
theaters, and others - are a rapidly growing application.
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