{"id":58675,"date":"2005-07-12T14:53:40","date_gmt":"2005-07-12T14:53:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zonda-develop.go-vip.net\/concrete-construction\/article\/insulating-concrete-forms_o-4"},"modified":"2005-07-12T14:53:40","modified_gmt":"2005-07-12T14:53:40","slug":"insulating-concrete-forms_o-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zonda-develop.go-vip.net\/concrete-construction\/products\/insulating-concrete-forms_o\/","title":{"rendered":"Insulating Concrete Forms"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the past decade, the insulating concrete form (ICF) industry has focused on selling to homeowners. ICFs are appealing because of energy savings, wind resistance, and noise reduction. Total ICF shipments last year increased 26% in North America, from 44.7 million square feet in 2003 to 56.4 million square feet in 2004, according to the Insulating Concrete Form Association (ICFA).<\/p>

ICF homes previously went up one at a time, but new changes\u2014both subtle and obvious\u2014could make them go up much faster. The subtle changes include a gradual shift in the marketplace to flat wall systems, whether block or panel construction, rather than post-and-beam or waffle systems.<\/p>

Construction techniques have been honed over the years to create systems that assemble quickly and allow regular poured-wall concrete mixes. There are differences between the various systems, though most of these differences are small.<\/p>

Development of ICF ancillary products is a more obvious change seen in the marketplace, and represents a real growth area. Some ICF systems have greatly benefited from the development of self-consolidating concrete, where concrete more easily fills the forms with little or no vibration. Other products, like detailing guidelines for acrylic finishes, window and door bucks, and common connections like straps and tie-downs, have also been developed to make design and construction easier and more flexible. This trend will likely continue as more companies tune into the opportunities the growing ICF market presents. \u201cICF construction has changed the way people think about building,\u201d says Joseph Lyman, executive director of the ICFA.<\/p>

Marketing efforts for ICFs are shifting from homeowners to concrete contractors. ICF manufacturers, through their dealer networks, are creating more sophisticated home plans to interest contractors, who then act on behalf of homeowners. In some cases, this has led to the construction of entire subdivisions of ICF homes like Rio Del Sol in Cathedral City, Calif., and Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, S.C.<\/p>

To learn more about the following ICF systems or accessories, circle the corresponding reader service number and mail the card.<\/p>

ICF walls engineered for results<\/h3>

The Engineered Wall System by Phoenix Systems is an affordable, efficient ICF system that delivers energy savings, noise reduction, severe weather protection, and healthier indoor air than traditional homes. Installation is quick and easy. The expanded polystyrene panels are 4 feet long and 16 inches high, in 5- and 7-inch widths; 90-degree and 45-degree corners are also available. Phoenix Systems & Components, 877-423-3676, www.phoenixicf.com.<\/a> <\/strong>Circle 7.<\/p>

ICF system for tall walls<\/h3>

Ideal for tall wall applications, this insulating concrete form system handles 8-foot concrete pours in one lift without blowouts. Features include 1.5-inch-wide metal attachment studs on 8-inch centers, 2.5-inch-thick expanded polystyrene for maximum holding strength, and a 1-inch-thick tongue and groove for quick assembly. It also features alternating left- and right-hand corners for proper stud alignment, and notches in metal studs that work as bar chairs for reinforcing steel placement. The system installs much faster than conventional materials, reducing construction costs. Commercial Block Systems, 888-921-2480, www.commercialblock.com.<\/a> Circle 8.<\/p>

ICF technology for home construction<\/h3>

Homes constructed with Nudura Insulating Concrete Form building technology are three times more sound-resistant and two times more energy-efficient than typical wood frame homes, according to the manufacturer. The system replaces wood studs and traditional walls with a sturdy concrete wall enclosed in insulating foam building forms that interlock and are filled with concrete. This process creates a nearly fireproof wall with high insulation value, sound-dampening qualities, and resistance to wind, rain, insects, and mildew. Nudura Corp., 866-468-6299, www.nudura.com.<\/a> Circle 9.<\/p>

ICF corner reinforcing strap<\/h3>

The weakest spots in any ICF wall during concrete placement are the corners. The Logix corner reinforcing strap is a molded-in-place metal strap that strengthens corner form units. This helps the units better resist pressure of concrete placement, and makes installation faster and easier for the builder. The straps also double as a fastening surface for finish materials, which can be screwed directly to the strap at any point along its length. Logix Insulated Concrete Forms, 800-415-6449, www.logixicf.com.<\/a> Circle 10.<\/p><\/div>

Insulating capacity and structural integrity<\/h3>

The Arxx wall systems of interlocking expanded polystyrene forms are designed to be an integral part of the wall. The insulating capacity of expanded polystyrene coupled with the structural integrity of reinforced concrete combines to make stronger, safer, quieter, and more energy efficient walls. Arxx walls meet or exceed building code standards, and allow fast and easy positioning of horizontal and vertical rebar. Arxx Building Products, 800-293-3210, www.arxxbuild.com.<\/a> Circle 11.<\/p>

Plastic tied ICFs<\/h3>

The PolyPro Knock-down Flat Wall form is a plastic-tied ICF that can be shipped as a flat panel and assembled on the jobsite in a variety of wall thicknesses from 4 to 24 inches. This results in an affordable form that is easier to ship and inventory. The 2×4-foot form has ties and attachment studs every 6 inches on center and incorporates rebar cradles for simple installation and varied design options. All forms are treated with Perform Guard for protection against termites. American PolySteel, 800-977-3676, www.polysteel.com.<\/a> Circle 12.<\/p>

Panelized ICF wall systems<\/h3>

The IntegraSpec ICF wall system consists of flippable, reversible panels of superior strength expanded polystyrene with locking webs that accommodate concrete core thicknesses from 4 inches to more than 24 inches in 2-inch increments. The walls create a \u201cheat sink\u201d effect, with insulation on the outside of the wall protecting against cold and heat, and insulation on the inside keeping the internal space at a comfortable temperature. The outside and interior insulation of the walls work together to offer mold, mildew, and moisture protection and improved air quality. IntegraSpec, 800-382-9102, www.integraspec.com.<\/a> Circle 13.<\/p>

Helps with LEED certification<\/h3>

The iForm insulating concrete form was designed for easy installation. The 48×16-inch panels are reversible, with no top or bottom, no male or female ends, and no left or right corners. The recessed plastic ties were designed with loose fit, snap-in rebar chairs. The system can be used to help earn points toward the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification. Reward Wall Systems, 800-468-6344, www.rewardwalls.com.<\/a> <\/strong>Circle 14.<\/p>

New tie design<\/h3>

Tritex ICF Products has developed a new tie design for its Xillix insulating concrete forms that make it easier for contractors to affix exterior and interior finishes. Each tie has a thicker furring strip with increased fastener withdrawal strength and greater fastening surface area. Tritex ICF Products, 877-287-4839, www.tritexicf.com.<\/a> Circle 15.<\/p><\/div> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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