ICF or Insulated Concrete Forms, are capable of resisting higher wind forces than traditional stick framing. Easily available anywhere in the US, there should be no reason why we aren't using these materials more often. ICF has proven to be a system that can truly stand up to Hurricane and Tornado wind forces in the past, and really should be looked at by insurance companies as an alternative to wood framed construction when rebuilding the homes lost in Alabama and the South on April 28th, 2011.

Using ICF makes sense, seeing that it's benefits out way any cost difference over wood framed construction. Albeit, most of the homes destroyed were more than likely built when the building code was less stringent and not so conscious of wind forces. 

Kết quả hình ảnh cho Rebuilding in Tornado Alley, you should consider ICF construction.

Imagine, your home built using ICF construction and because of the rebar integrated in the concrete, the entire exterior wall is mechanically tied to the concrete slab and foundation. Creating a monolithic structure that is much harder for wind forces to pick up or move. Nothing is indestructible, but some of the ICF structures that have survived these kind of storms are very impressive. It could mean the difference between losing your property completely are just suffering repairable damage. Let alone the lives that could be saved.

ICF construction has been around for more than 60 years and is used in almost every part of the world. Some of the other benefits are it’s: 

Fire resistance: It does not support fire. The flame simply goes out, unless you have a blow torch aimed at the structure, shooting a stream of fire constantly at the wall, there will be no fire. No harmful fumes, No flame spread.

Bullet proof: because of the concrete in the walls, most bullets will not penetrate the wall.
Superior Insulation: The forms are a polystyrene product, no VOC’s, which act as the insulation. Increasing the R-Value as between R25 to as much as R40 in some cases. Much higher than the R16 of most wood framed walls.

Mold and Mildew resistant: The Polystyrene dose not support mold or mildew growth. It just can’t survive.

Termite resistant: Termites don’t eat Polystyrene, nor concrete, which is what you structural walls are made of. Treatment is still required as the bugs will try to make a path around the material. But you won’t have damage to the exterior wall structure due to these pest.

Sound insulation: Improved sound reduction. The insulation and the concrete reduces sound decibels so your home is much quieter than a conventional home.

So beyond the obvious benefit of Wind Resistance, you will have all the added features I just listed above. 

Roof types, interior and exterior finish materials, floor plan layout, window and door sizes have no effect on the use of ICF construction. A designer can definitely work to allow for less waste when planning the project, but there are no constraints. 

ICF home look no different than any other homes. You can’t even tell by looking at them. You can tell if you rap on the walls and sense the solid construction or stand inside one and notice the quietness. Plus, there are no special craftsman or specialized tradesman required. ICF construction is easy to learn so most contractors can pick up on the techniques in two days. The blocks are lightweight, so no heavy lifting. Openings are simply stacked or cut into place. So simple to use.

If you are affected or know someone that has been, you would be doing them a great service by introducing them to ICF construction for their replacement home. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or see any of the links found on this Blog for more information.