Insulated Concrete Homes 101

In this article I wanted to talk a little about ICF - insulated concrete forms.

With growing concerns about health, quality of life, energy costs and natural resources rapidly being depleted, an increasing number of homebuilders around the world are turning to “green building.” This natural approach to homebuilding emphasizes quality construction, energy efficiency, good indoor air quality and livable neighborhoods.

There are many companies that sell this new green construction building blocks.

they are basically foam forms with plastic ribs that are built into the foam, rebar is set inside them and then they get filled with 3000 psi concrete making an air tight home with about a R-50 - which is very green.

A Healthier Home : On average, we spend an amazing 90% of our time indoors, yet inside air can be ten times more polluted than outdoor air. Unhealthy air inside can pose serious health risks such as cancer and respiratory ailments like asthma. Properly ventilated green ICF homes can have far fewer problems with mold or mildew and the fresh air inside will keep your family breathing easy.

The cost is about 10% more compared to regular stick frame construction.

People report savings in utilities of up to 60%

There are a myriad of tax incentives and rebates offered in the USA and Canada for new residential and non-residential green buildings. Listed above are a couple of links to give you a sense of what is available.

If you are considering building with ICF you have to know about these programs. The problem is that these programs are listed all over the place and finding the right forms and information is usually a time-consuming and painful process.

A Healthier Home: On average, we spend an amazing 90% of our time indoors, yet inside air can be ten times more polluted than outdoor air. Unhealthy air inside can pose serious health risks such as cancer and respiratory ailments like asthma. Properly ventilated green ICF homes can have far fewer problems with mold or mildew and the fresh air inside will keep your family breathing easy.

A Quietly Comfortable Home

A ICF home is a serene and quiet place that is insulated from intrusive outside noise from traffic, neighbors and the like.

Energy Efficiency : energy efficiency is the cornerstone of every green home. Green ICF homes tend to be up to twice as energy efficient as traditional homes built to code. Improving energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources are effective ways to reduce the potential of energy supply interruptions, improve air quality, reduce the impacts of global warming, and slow the rate at which we need to build new power plants. Energy efficiency also makes good sense for home-owners: green ICF homes are more comfortable and cost much less to heat and cool.

A Strong, Durable and Sustainable Home

Concrete walls are one of the most durable building materials available and are designed to last for centuries. ICF walls are over 8 time stronger than conventional wood-framed walls and are able to withstand the damaging effects of strong winds and dangerous storms.

A Quietly Comfortable Home : A ICF home is a serene and quiet place that is insulated from intrusive outside noise from traffic, neighbors and the like.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is the cornerstone of every green home. Green ICF homes tend to be up to twice as energy efficient as traditional homes built to code. Improving energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources are effective ways to reduce the potential of energy supply interruptions, improve air quality, reduce the impacts of global warming, and slow the rate at which we need to build new power plants. Energy efficiency also makes good sense for home-owners: green ICF homes are more comfortable and cost much less to heat and cool.

A Strong, Durable and Sustainable Home

Concrete walls are one of the most durable building materials available and are designed to last for centuries. ICF walls are over 8 time stronger than conventional wood-framed walls and are able to withstand the damaging effects of strong winds and dangerous storms.

You can find additional info at the following links:

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