Why ICF - Insulating Concrete Forms
The best way to explain this is to share the actual words of a satisfied TBE homes customer. After a great deal of personal research about ICF, this customer is now in the process of building his first ICF home for his family. Read what he has to say about "Why ICF?".
From a T.B.E. Homes customer:
"It's no secret that severe weather conditions often threaten the beautiful area in which we live, especially those summer hurricanes that we hope will continue to pass us by. But if one does decide to turn our way, doesn't your family deserve the safety and peace of mind that ICF home owners enjoy? When compared with this area's popular "stick built" construction, the ICF built home retain its value year after year. Energy savings and conservation take on real meaning in an ICF home. While saving at least fifty percent on power bills you will also be taking positive action to help save our planet. When you combine the positive effects of the thermal mass of concrete with zero air infiltration and the natural insulting properties of over five inches of expanded polystyrene, you have the strongest, most well insulated home that can be built.
Another threat to your family's safety and peace of mind is something that all home owners hate to even think about: fire. Wood burns. Expanded polystyrene does not support flame and of course, neither does concrete. That's why ICF walls have a four hour fire wall rating, the highest in the industry. There is almost no potential for catastrophic home loss from wind or fire. That's probably why the insurance rates for an ICF home are the lowest in the industry.
Every home owner is concerned about maintenance. ICF walls don't crack. You don't have worry about termites. If you install a good roof (perhaps metal) and brick or cement siding and vinyl windows, a good pressure wash once in a while is all that will be needed.
Although simple in concept and a proven technology, the construction of an ICF home requires skill and commitment. Tom Benton and Doug Potter combine over thirty years of experience in the home building industry. They both live in ICF homes that they built themselves. We're glad that we chose TBE Homes and the insulating concrete form system for our new home."
Benefits of an ICF Home
- Shorter Construction Time
Based on the simple concept of interlocking blocks, the unique design allows for quick and easy construction.
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Excellent Energy Efficiency
ICF walls have R50 insulating power, minimal air infiltration and the thermal mass of concrete. This technology should greatly reduce your energy bills.
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Superior Sound Resistance
ICF walls are up to three times more sound resistant than wood-frame construction.
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Higher Indoor Air Quality
ICF walls feature a solid wall surface, preventing the passage of airborne particles like dust and pollen.
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Outstanding Fire Resistance
ICF walls typically have a 3-hour fire resistance rating.
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Higher Wind Resistance
An ICF home is up to 8.5 times stronger than a wood-frame house, and can more effectively withstand the damaging effects of winds up to 250mph.
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Mold Resistance
Due to the technology of the ICF walls, there are no gaps inside the walls for moisture to collect and mold or mildew to grow.
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Termite Resistance
Some ICF forms are treated with borates to repel termites.
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Lasting Value
With ICF walls, the investment you've made will continue to pay back throughout the lifetime of the home.
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Close up detail of ICF blocks.
ICF blocks braced and ready for concrete.
ICF blocks joined by rebar forming walls on a new home.
A message from a satisfied customer:
"Let me start by saying that if I were to build another home in this area, I would give the job to TBE. They build homes with ICF (Insulating Concrete Forms) rather than traditional frame exterior walls. This results in a home that is
superior to frame in strength, moisture control, insulating value and termite resistance. My wife and I are very pleased."
L.V.H - Tallahassee, FL
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