Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturers Association

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About Natalie Rodgers

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So far Natalie Rodgers has created 49 blog entries.

Optimizing heating and ventilation for sustainable living with Nudura ICF

Insulated concrete form (ICF) construction enables incredible design versatility, with the blocks available in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them suitable for framing any style of building, from classic to contemporary, commercial to residential, and then finished with any cladding material.But buildings constructed with ICFs are also some of the most energy-efficient structures. With two layers of insulation on either side of the solid concrete wall, a standard-thickness ICF assembly is rated at R-23.59, with options available to achieve up to R-50. The continuous insulation creates an air-tight building envelope that eliminates the thermal bridging commonly associated with wood framing. This insulating power, combined with the thermal mass of the concrete, helps ICF walls regulate the interior temperature and reduce hot and cold drafts.It all adds up to a building that consumes almost 60 percent less energy for heating and cooling than wood-framed structures. This makes ICF construction the perfect solution for net-zero, zero-energy and passive house projects, while also earning LEED credits for energy performance, recycled components and indoor air quality.   Continue reading more here.

By |2024-05-23T14:01:55-05:00July 26, 2024|Miscellaneous|
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6 ways to cut back on energy bills

It’s no secret that the cost of everyday living is high. We could all use a break on some expenses. And there’s even more need to reduce our energy bills now that we’re feeling the effects of climate change more often, including extreme temperatures that force us to regularly crank the heat and air conditioning.Here are six reliable ways you can reduce energy spending – from simple to perhaps surprising. Take advantage of smart tech There are plenty of tools to help you automatically reduce the amount of energy your home consumes – all with minimal impact on your comfort levels. Set up a home energy monitor to understand how much energy you use and when. A “smart” or programmable thermostat can automate changes for you to optimize performance depending on the climate or season. It can turn down the heat at night while you sleep, when no one’s home, or whenever you choose. You can also program it to readjust temperatures on your commute home or at a certain time in the morning. The customizations are endless to make your existing mechanical systems more efficient and aligned with your schedule and personal preferences. To continue reading ways to cut [...]

By |2024-05-23T13:58:37-05:00July 12, 2024|Design, Featured, Technical|
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What every builder and architect should know about building codes

Building codes are constantly evolving based on the latest research and market shifts. But rather than looking at local codes as a challenge to overcome, the best builders and architects see them as the minimum standard to meet and exceed to provide the highest quality and longest-lasting structures for their customers.To ease this ever-changing process, here are four ways building codes will likely evolve, so you can make sure you’re ahead of the curve. Accessibility As our population continues to age, older generations are increasingly looking to “age in place,” continuing to live in the homes where they raised their families. To accomplish that often requires accessibility retrofits to add-on accommodations like ramps, stair lifts and grab bars.Forward-thinking builders and architects are already incorporating features that future-proof homes for any necessary modifications down the road.These vary from integrating wider doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs to installing handrails along both sides of every stairway. Other options include roughing in wiring at the base of stairways for a future chair lift or stacking closets on each floor of a multi-story home that can be later converted into an elevator shaft. Continue reading the full article here.

By |2024-05-23T13:55:59-05:00June 28, 2024|Design, Featured|
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The Build with ICF Podcast

The Build With ICF podcast features hosts Trevor Brown and Heather Hering-Brown. With over 20 years of ICF installation, technical, and sales experience Trevor is considered an industry expert…on the other side of the table is Heather, aka the Girl Boss, and she has earned that title as the award winning owner of an ICF building company as well as a ICF drafting & design company…SLEEVES UP, BOOTS ON, this is the Build With ICF Podcast. Click here if you are interested in checking out these podcasts.

By |2024-06-20T07:44:29-05:00June 24, 2024|Design, Featured, ICF Projects, Miscellaneous, Technical|
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NRMCA 100 – Link to downloadable file

The NRMCA 100 provides a simplified approach to the design of concrete footings, foundation walls, and above-grade walls, both load bearing and non-load bearing, intended primarily for use in detached one- and two-family dwellings. This 2023 edition of the standard coordinates with the criteria of ASCE/SEI 7-16, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, and ACI 318-19, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary. Follow the link to download your FREE copy off the NRMCA website here.

By |2024-06-19T15:21:29-05:00June 19, 2024|Design, Featured, Technical|
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