About Elissa Glad

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So far Elissa Glad has created 11 blog entries.

The Pros of Building Foundations with ICF

More comfortable living space. Thanks to the 2 layers of continuous insulation, ICF basements are less prone to moisture ingress, dampness, and drafts. Greater energy efficiency. ICF walls have 2 layers of continuous insulation, which give them airtightness and prevent heat loss through air movement. What’s more, these walls also come with a high thermal mass, which helps keep the indoor temps steady even as the outdoor temperatures plummet. ICF walls are insulated inside and out. Not only is this great for comfort and energy efficiency, but the exterior foam layer keeps the concrete surface warm and condensate-free. This helps you avoid dangerous moisture build-up in your wall cavity. You can follow this link to continue reading...

By |2026-10-02T08:18:03-05:00October 2, 2026|Design|

Tips For Building a Foundation with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

ICF foundations are comfortable, energy-efficient, and easy to construct. But like any part of a building, ICF foundations come with certain nuances you must consider while planning, designing, and after your crews’ shovels hit the dirt. In this post, we’ve consolidated all the advice we could give anyone who’s embarking on an ICF foundation project. In the guide below, you’ll learn the key things to consider as you plan an ICF foundation and give you a few handy tips for the design and construction phases. Big Picture Planning Considerations For ICF Foundations Here are three key big picture planning considerations when you’re building an ICF foundation. How Do You Want To Use Your Basement Space? Before you start working with a designer, take the time to consider what you will do with the ICF basement space. Considering the mechanical and storage elements will consume up to 50% of the basement floor area, you’ll be left with 50% (or more) of the basement at your disposal. You can follow this link to continue reading...

By |2026-10-01T10:42:08-05:00October 1, 2026|Design, Training|

Why Build an ICF Home?

An XtraComfort Home Why not build like everyone else? Because you’re not everyone else. When you build with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs), you’re building smarter—from the ground up. You’ll get a stronger, more resilient, and more energy-efficient home that significantly reduces your environmental footprint while surrounding your family with unmatched comfort and safety.   A forever home for everyone—built to last, built for comfort   Building an XtraComfort home isn’t just about walls and windows—it’s about creating a space that feels right every day, for decades to come. That’s where ICF changes everything. ICF homes don’t just look solid—they are solid. With reinforced concrete cores, continuous insulation, and airtight precision, they deliver a performance you can feel from the moment you step inside. Treat yourself to high-quality concrete construction and enjoy luxury living for a lifetime! 1. Everyday Comfort You Can Feel No drafts. No cold corners. No rooms that can’t keep up with the thermostat. ICF walls surround you in consistent, even comfort year-round—thanks to continuous insulation and the thermal mass of concrete. Indoor temperatures stay steady and energy bills stay low, no matter what’s happening outside. Read more here

By |2026-08-14T09:12:04-05:00August 14, 2026|Design|

Passive House Meets ICF

Insulated Concrete Forms are typically associated with strength and energy efficiency—but, somewhat surprisingly, they are not commonly used in Passive House construction. For Dennis Borren, a high-performance builder in Central Alberta, that disconnect didn’t make sense. Rather than debating it theoretically, he decided to test it the only way that matters: by building his own Passive House using ICF. In this first installment of our 6-part in-depth video and blog series, Dennis explains why he chose ICF, how energy modeling shaped the design, and where Passive House requirements influenced detailing decisions. You can follow this link to continue reading, or watch this 4 minute interview segment to hear Dennis discuss this aspect of the project in his own words.

By |2026-04-21T13:39:04-05:00April 21, 2026|Design, ICF Projects|

Do Building Codes Require ICF Installers To Be Certified? The Answer is NO and Here’s Why.

Hello, builders, contractors and building officials! In some municipalities there is some question as to if an ICF installer requires a certification (sometimes referred to as a Wallet Card). Well, here’s some good news: according to the key standards for ICFs like ASTM E2634, CAN-ULC 717.1, and even the national building codes, there's no requirement for ICF installers to be certified. That’s right – whether you're working under the guidelines of the IBC for commercial buildings or the NBC and IRC for residential projects, having a certificate in your pocket isn’t required. Let’s explore why this is the case and what it means for your day-to-day work. The Lowdown on ICF Standards and Building Codes First things first, the formal regulations – the prevailing standards that govern ICF construction, and the engineering specs derived under PCA 100, don’t require or even reference certified ICF installers. Even in situations where the IBC calls for special inspections, it’s not exclusive to ICF projects, and these inspections can be carried out by anyone deemed competent, certification or not. Why the Lack of Certification Requirement Makes Sense Keeping Costs in Check Mandatory certifications can drive up expenses and limit the pool of available skilled [...]

By |2024-05-27T15:19:56-05:00May 27, 2024|Miscellaneous|
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