Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturers Association

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So far Natalie Rodgers has created 67 blog entries.

ICF construction provides eco-friendly, sustainable development

With the present generations' increasing focus on saving planet earth, several key initiatives are being adopted to reduce our negative impact on the environment. One of the leading movements today is the focus on sustainable development. The expression might sound complex, but in fact, simply applies to any kind of development that meets today's needs without compromising those of tomorrow. In that spirit, construction with Insulated Concrete Forms - commonly referred to as ICF - follows the principles of sustainability to promote a better quality of life for present and future generations. ICF constructed buildings are sustainable, qualify for LEED certifications, and allow architects and engineers to come up with longer-lasting structures that use up less natural resources. In other words, ICF is synonymous with ecological efficiency. ICFs help reduce waste and emissions Not only do NUDURA ICFs allow for less waste and wastage on any given construction site, said Rector, but they also make for waste that is 100 percent recyclable. Indeed, the blocks require fewer natural resources such as gas, electricity, and wood. ICFs can generate as little as just 1 percent construction waste, and given they are produced without any CFC's, HCFC's, or chemicals, the blocks considerably [...]

By |2019-07-24T17:24:07-05:00August 22, 2019|Design|
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Solid from bottom to the top: How to provide a strong foundation for your new home

The foundation is the most important part of a new home construction. Its solidity and durability will define the structural load it can withstand. It also serves to make sure the load is spread out evenly, preventing any kind of uneven settlement. Solid and well-built, it offers a firm bed for construction, improving the stability of the whole structure. Various systems and materials are used to build foundations, but all have to adhere to certain basic criteria. For instance, you have to consider the type and bearing capacity of the soil you are going to build your house on. Settling, water, and frost are equally important aspects that should help you decide what type of material you are going to use and how. A solid foundation will offer a stable home for years. Foundations made with ICF are durable and energy-efficient Initially, concrete foundations were made by pouring concrete into temporary forms. Once the concrete was cured, it was removed from the forms. Over the past few decades, insulated concrete forms, also known as ICFs, have emerged as an innovative building material in the construction industry deemed the highest strength level reached with concrete. According to Keven Rector of NUDURA, [...]

By |2019-07-24T17:23:24-05:00August 16, 2019|Design|
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Busting common myths about insulated concrete forms (ICFs)

The use of insulated concrete forms (ICFs) is gaining momentum in the building industry. Boasting a variety of advantages, it is being adopted as the new standard for the construction of various types of buildings from single family homes to hotels and commercial structures. Builders, designers and architects are embracing this technology to keep their buildings as energy-efficient as possible while saving on construction time and costs. Nonetheless, several myths and misconceptions persist even today. Common myths regarding ICF construction No, ICFs are not only used for basements. Just like this misconception, there are several other myths that persist. Following are the most common that rapidly need to be busted: Too complicated Just like with any other construction techniques, ICFs should be installed by professionals. The truth is they are even easier for DIY than wood. According to Keven Rector at NUDURA, the manufacturers of an advanced version of the insulated concrete form (ICF), builders receive many workplace benefits using their system. “Built like Lego, the pre-assembled, interlocking blocks assure adherence to recent building code requirements; the ICFs require less shipping space and manpower than other methods; and the construction time is much faster than building with wood. Time-strapped builders [...]

By |2019-07-24T17:22:58-05:00August 13, 2019|Design|
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Concrete making a comeback and for good reasons

Concrete has been used for construction since the ancient Egyptians. After World War II, it was used as a staple material for rapid reconstruction. But in the 1980s, builders and architects grew tired of the concrete jungles and it simply went out of style. However, today, it’s making a comeback in an even better and more durable form as insulated concrete forms (ICF). Designed with polystyrene and concrete, they make one of the most solid, durable and energy-efficient building envelope materials for homes and commercial buildings. Insulated concrete walls offer an array of advantages over wood: Unlimited design ICFs can be constructed in any shape or design. They can also be used for gables up to 47 degrees and can be achieved with ease. Since they can be built with minimum resources, they also represent an ideal solution for remote constructions. Homes made of ICFs can look just like any other houses or very different depending on the desired designs. Generally, the exterior surfaces can be finished with brick, stone, vinyl or wood siding or in more modern concrete styles while the inside can feature unique designs and creative architectural shapes for attractive doors, arches and bay windows. Structural strength [...]

By |2019-07-23T15:57:31-05:00August 8, 2019|Design|
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Concrete walls emerging as green trend in new construction

With today’s mandate of building tighter, more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly homes, builders are constantly looking for durable and energy-efficient materials for the construction of their new building projects.The combination of these rising energy requirements and fuel costs mean that they need to make the most of the latest advances in building technology.With the continuous decline in the quality of framing lumber and unpredictable price fluctuations, Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) building systems have emerged as an innovative building material in the construction industry over the past decade. What are Insulating Concrete Forms? “Insulated Concrete Forms are made of two panels of EPS (expanded polystyrene) joined together by plastic webs. During construction, they are assembled to form the foundations and walls of a building,” explained KevenRector at NUDURA, a leading name in building with insulated concrete forms. “Concrete is then poured inside the gap between the foam panels to form a solid, continuous insulated structure. ICFs are an efficient alternative to conventional wood framing techniques that is solving energy costs, storm security and interior air quality as well as occupant conservation priorities all at the same time.” ICFs can withstand extreme weather conditions ICFs are designed to stay in place as [...]

By |2019-07-23T15:54:50-05:00August 6, 2019|Design|
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