Building a new home isn’t just about getting the walls up fast and efficiently, it’s about crafting a safe, sustainable and comfortable shelter that stands the test of time. The best building method to achieve an energy-efficient and durable house is Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs). Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, contractor or distributor, keep reading to see how ICFs streamline residential building construction while addressing your unique needs.
ICF Benefits for Homeowners
Using ICFs and concrete for load-bearing walls results in a strong, highly insulated home that can withstand anything nature throws at it. Here’s how Nudura® concrete forms benefit homeowners:
1. Maximum Energy Efficiency
With two layers of continuous insulation, an ICF home can achieve up to a 58% increase in energy efficiency. That means lower utility bills and a smaller environmental footprint—a win-win for the homeowner and the planet.
2. Family Safety & Built to Endure Nature’s Fury
ICF houses are more resilient than those that rely solely on wood framing. They withstand winds up to 250 mph (402 kph) to provide superior protection against hurricanes, tornadoes and other extreme weather. With a minimum of a 6-inch (152 mm) concrete core, ICF walls have a fire-resistance rating of over 4 hours, compared to 45 minutes of a conventional wood-frame structure.
Continue reading full article here.