Concrete structures can last for hundreds of years versus decades for some wood structures and have lower lifetime operational and maintenance costs. ICF walls resist fire with temps up to 2000 degrees for 3-4 hours and can withstand winds in excess of 200 mph. Few materials can compare to the strength of ICF and concrete.
Insulated Concrete Forms do not contain harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, fiberglass, HCFCs or CFCs and doesn't suffer from off-gassing. Additionally, they do not use wood, which eliminates issues with mold, rot, or mildew. ICF creates consistent inside temperatures and cleaner, healthier indoor air quality by reducing air infiltration by up to 75% and eliminating thermal bridging.
An ICF wall system can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 50% or more on average compared with traditional wood construction. High density, continuous insulation combined with the thermal mass of concrete provide at least 58% better R-value than most wood framed walls.
Those who live in ICF homes list sound reduction as one of the most appreciated benefits. With solid walls that allow only about one-sixth of common outdoor noise to pass through, Insulated Concrete Forms are a great choice for those who value peace and quiet, even in the noisiest environments.
ICF is green in more ways than one. ICF is a great way to protect the environment by reducing the number of trees needed in the construction industry. Additionally, Expanded Polystyrene insulation (EPS foam) has much lower environmental impacts than many other insulation materials.
Insulated Concrete Forms constructed of EPS foam, as we know them today, are not a new technology, but are tried and tested dating back to the late 1960s and the adoption of ICF construction has steadily increased since the 1970s.
Read more about The History of ICFs from EcoHome.net below.
Insulated Concrete Forms revolutionized the way that environmentally conscious and resilient buildings are constructed in Oklahoma and throughout North America. Property owners are beginning to realize that it's time to build more responsibly and sustainably and to take advantage of the lower operational costs of ICF.
Owners of high performance ICF buildings consistently praise the structure for its living comfort, healthy interior, noise reduction, energy efficiency, and safety.
Building with Insulated Concrete Forms and reinforced concrete gives you the strongest, healthiest, and most energy efficient home, period!
Find out how simple and cost effective it is to build with ICF right here in Oklahoma. Contact us today!
Copyright © 2024 ICF of Oklahoma - All Rights Reserved.