Michael Donovan
Insulated Concrete Forms
Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are being selected more as a choice of material
in the residential market during the last 10 years: concrete homes currently account
for about 22 percent of single family construction. Lately, more architects, builders
and owners are also exploring ICFs as an option for commercial construction, capitalizing
on the system's energy efficiency, durability and ease of construction. Commercial
structures built with ICFs are poised to reap the environmental benefits of the building
system on a grand scale, creating longer-
This modern concrete system is engineered
for versatility and economy. They are quiet, energy efficient, strong and fire resistant.
They reduce noise by as much as 50%, utilities by as much as 40% and it can be designed
to resist winds over 250 mph. Owners can lower their insurance rates by designing
a total concrete home or building. They can easily design a basement or safe room
into your floor plan as well.
In a typical ICF home or building, energy savings are very
significant, usually in the neighborhood of 15 to 40 percent less than conventionally
framed construction. The ICFs' heavy-
Beyond increasing energy savings or ensuring durability and safety, ICFs offer some
basic benefits that boost employee productivity and enhance the health and well being
of building tenants. The thermal mass of concrete walls ensures evenness of temperatures,
providing a comfortable working environment no matter the season. The monolithic
construction method reduces air infiltration, boosting indoor air quality. Solid
concrete walls help reduce sound transfer, providing a quieter work environment.
All these benefits add up to more comfortable, inviting workplaces, which help businesses
attract-
