Insulated Concrete Forms ( ICF )

Why Choose an ICF Home

Cost Savings

Energy Efficiency: Over the last few decades, energy prices have been highly volatile and on the rise. We recognize that this is an important concern for you, which is why we recommend ICF system for maximum energy efficiency. ICFs combine expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation and concrete thermal mass which even out temperature fluctuations by absorbing and storing heat. This highly effective combination equates to an average of approximately 30-50% in monthly savings on heating and air conditioning and allows for superior temperature control. Concrete walls are very airtight, drafts and hot and cold spots are virtually eliminated and a room's temperature remains consistent from floor to ceiling, providing significant long-term savings and exceptional comfort.

Lasting Value: Over time concrete homes become stronger, sturdier and require much less repair and maintenance than conventionally built homes. As a result, they retain their value for a longer period of time. ICF homes are built to last and get stronger every day.

Comfort

Sound Barrier: Insulated concrete forms provide exceptional sound attenuation. While a wood framed house has a sound transmission class (STC) rating of 36-38, a ICFs home has an STC rating of 50+ which corresponds to a reduction in over two thirds of transmitted noise. With ICF, you will always enjoy peace and quiet in your home.

Superior Insulation: ICF system replaces commonly used fiberglass insulation with expanded polystyrene (EPS). Traditional fiberglass insulation is a network of intertwined fibers which allows air to move though the gaps in the insulation. ICFs on the other hand consist of closed plastic cells that together with concrete walls prevent air movement creating an airtight seal around the entire perimeter of a building. ICF is the premium insulation choice for your long-term comfort.

High Indoor Air Quality: The use of EPS insulation in ICF eliminates all air borne glass fibers and insulation settlement caused by fiberglass insulation. Also, the impermeable walls prevent the entry of dust, pollens and pollution. ICF homes provide the highest indoor air quality and qualify for Enviro-home status in Canada (the highest possible air quality rating given to an occupied shelter).

Superior Structure: Unlike conventional homes where walls and floors loosen and shift over time creating warps and creaks, an ICF home will remain straight and quiet making your home more comfortable.

Sustainability

Fire Resistant:  ICFs are manufactured using only approved raw material bead with flame-retardant agents and have a 3+ hour fire rating. Consequently, ICF homes provide much greater fire resistance than traditional "stick built" homes, making your home safe for you and your family.

Wind and Storm Resistant: ICFs are constructed with reinforced concrete, which tremendously increases strength and maximizes resistance to high winds and storms. In addition, drafts typically found where conventional floor joists rest on foundation walls, are considerably reduced due to the system's unique design.

Mould Resistant: Traditional homes are constructed using organic materials such as wood, and are easily infiltrated by moisture which can result in the growth of mould and mildew. ICF homes virtually eliminate this problem since they are constructed using the highly effective combination of non organic materials, EPS and concrete.

Insect Prevention: Since there is no food value for insects in the ICF system, the possibility of structural damage due to insects like termites is entirely eliminated. Also, insects cannot penetrate the concrete core of an ICF wall and therefore cannot enter your home.

Green

Reduced Emissions: One of the major issues we are faced with today is global warming, which is negatively affecting the environment and weather patterns worldwide. Global warming is a direct result of harmful gas emissions into the earth's atmosphere. An ICF home reduces energy consumption on average by 30-50% monthly, which translates to an equivalent reduction in harmful emissions. Some ICF products can generate as little as 1% construction thus, greatly reducing land filling which produces methane emissions. Furthermore, companies use steam and cold water to produce ICFs. No CFC's, HCFC's, formaldehyde or any chemicals are used in the manufacturing process and no off-gassing is present.

Saves Trees:  Worldwide deforestation adds 1-2 billion metric tons of carbon to the atmosphere annually! In order to protect our atmosphere and ourselves, it is essential to reduce the number of trees we cut down. Every ICF home saves several trees, which absorb carbon dioxide and give us oxygen. Do your part, build with ICF.