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New! ICF Construction
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What are ICFs?

While there are a number of ICFs on the market today, our experience has been working with Eco-Block ICFs, and these are the ones being discussed in this section.
 
ICF stands for Insulated Concrete Forms, and it is the construction method for the new millenium. They are modular blocks made of expanded polystyrene, which, once put in place, create the form into which concrete is poured.
 
Concrete with reinforcement is placed between the forms to provide a high strength monolithic concrete wall having excellent fire resistance and high resistance to sound transmission. After the concrete has cured, the ICF stays in place and becomes the insulation (interior and Exterior) for the walls of the home.
 
No additional  vapor and air infiltration barrier is required. The completed wall has a fire resistance rating of 3 hours (6" thick concrete) or longer and provides a sound transmission class (STC) of 50 or better.
 
Below, you will find additional links that will give you more information about ICF construction.
 
 
 
 

House in Wilton, CT
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Ali & Ben Design Studio

Eco-Block House Under Construction
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Courtesy of Cotton's Concrete Construction Athens,PA

www.eco-block.com

www.concrete-cottons.com

ADVANTAGES OF ICF CONSTRUCTION
 
  • Home is "Climate Adjusted"...Money-saving and  energy-efficient, an ICF home has "high thermal mass". What this means is that the solid concrete core (surrounded by insulation, inside and out) acts like a buffer, resisting temperature swings from day to night, and back again. a "low mass", conventional wood frame house would have to have in excess of R-50 insulation to match the insulating capability of an ICF home. As a result, the Eco-Block's "high thermal mass" wall system save the homeowner up to 50% in heating and cooling costs.
  • Home is quiter
  • Home is longer lasting...No wood rot
  • Home is stronger...hurricane, tornado and earthquake resistant.
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Versatile

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