Benefits
There are many benefits to using ICFs in the construction of a new home, commercial structure or specialty building
1. Energy Efficient:
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One of the primary elements driving modern buildings and appliances is energy efficiency. The standard R-rating of our ICF forms is 27. In a properly constructed building, independent test results have measured as high as R50+. Every year more and more homes are being awarded with the LEED Platinum Rating, the highest rating available today for sustainable building, and ICF’s can contribute significant points towards this prestigious award.
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- Some links:
http://www.cement.org/buildings/green_leed.asp
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19
http://www.energystar.gov
http://www.ase.org
Links: The_difference_is_obvious_flyer.pdf
2. Sound Insulation
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The mass and sound insulating qualities of ICFs cannot be overlooked for occupant comfort and peace of mind. A 2 x 6 wood framed house has 32 ft/lbs of mass for a 8ft wall and an Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 32, whereas an ICF wall has 440 ft/lbs and an STC rating as high as 70. With a rating of more than twice conventional framing it is easy to see why using this type of construction would be highly desirable near busy roads, highways, freeways or airports. However for some commercial applications, such as apartments, condominiums, hotels or even home theaters where keeping noise from traveling from one residence to another is equally important ICFs are the way to go.
3. Comfort
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Building comfort is measured by the comparison of the temperature difference between the floor and ceiling. According to ASHRAE, (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) "A persons body may feel thermally neutral as a whole, but may not be very comfortable, if one part of the body is warm and another part is cold.” In buildings constructed of conventional materials, the temperature difference between the floor and ceiling can range from as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. By comparison, the temperature difference from floor to ceiling in an ICF building is typically something less than 3 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Strength & Safety
- Earthquakes
Hurricanes
Tornadoes
Fire
Links: The_difference_is_obvious_flyer.pdf
5. Air Quality
- Properly constructed ICF homes and offices have been proven to reduce by at least 75%, the amount of infiltration and leakage found in conventionally constructed buildings. In fact, the reduced air leakage of an ICF home or office, when used in conjunction with properly installed fresh air exchangers and electrostatic air filters, can result in the best possible living environment available for respiratory allergy sufferers.