Energy Efficient,
Superior Strength
Lower Utility Costs Combined with Sustainable Living
What Is ICF?
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) take a unique approach to the construction of exterior walls and foundation as a cast-in-place concrete wall. By combining the strength of a poured-in-place concrete wall with the outstanding insulation capabilities of high-density foam, homeowners are given an energy efficient and disaster resistant building standard.
Learn more below about how homes that are built using ICF have been found to save over 40% per year on utilities, withstand up to 250 mph winds, create noise barriers within the home, and more.
ICF is superior to standard construction
Homes that are built using ICF have been found to save up to 44% per year on utilities. A research project was recently completed that revealed a 5,000 square foot home in East Tennessee incurred a yearly utility cost of just $1,250. This home was built from the footers to the roof trusses with ICF and had all electric utilities. This type of construction provides superior energy-efficiency that will keep paying for itself year-after-year.
Strength is another major benefit to building with ICF. Concrete homes have long been regarded as some of the safest homes. Tests have proven that ICF homes provide superior strength in high-wind situations and have proven to withstand up to 250 mph winds or an F4 Tornado. One of the best tests any ICF home has been through was a real-life application in Stoughton, Wisconsin. The ICF home in this situation was one of four being built. One night, a horrific storm blew across the town. During the night, an F3 tornado touched down in the newly established community destroying everything in its path. Three of the four houses were totally destroyed, the fourth home was built using ICF, the other three homes were traditionally built using wood framing. Aside from the windows needing replacement, and the roof needing some repair, the workers were able to return to work later that week and restart construction where they left off.
Noise comfort is another plus that comes with building with ICF. With a sound transmission class rating of 50, the foam insulation provides an excellent noise barrier. In fact, a home in the Knoxville area was a classic example of the level of comfort that comes with ICF. In an upscale community in West Knoxville, a couple was hosting a dinner party with other guests from the community. At the same time every evening, a train passed behind the community creating noticeable noise. When the time for the train arrived, the guests were astonished when they could not hear the train from inside the home.
As you can see, choosing ICF can make a dramatic difference in the quality of life you and your family can have. ICF provides many other benefits including mold and pest resistance, resistance to allergens, and fire-resistance along with quick construction and environmental friendliness. If you would like more information about ICF or our company, contact us and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.