Why Consider ICFs for Your Project?
Residential
ICF construction has many benefits to you as a homeowner including reduced energy consumption, fire, wind and insect resistance, lower maintenance costs and improved resale value. In addition, ICF's construction improves your indoor air quality and lowers noise levels in your home.
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.
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
Commercial
From a commercial building standpoint, ICF construction offers incomparable strength and design flexibility. Walls constructed with ICFs meet fire, noise and vapor barrier requirements. During the construction process, costs can be reduced due to eliminating the need for much of the heavy machinery usually needed for traditional commercial construction. Time of construction can also be shortened with the ability to apply exterior wall systems like stucco directly to the ICF wall, without the need for additional and expensive surface preparation.
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.
Design and Architecture
Enjoy design flexibilty and unparalleled strength by utilizing ICFs in your plans. Using ICFs can contribute to the United States Green Building Council's LEED certification of a structure through the accumulation of points based on water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
Integrated Wall Systems
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361.574.8973 fax
5003-J John Stockbauer
Victoria . Texas . 77904
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