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Texas Foam is taking a forefront role in providing a new technology designed to build stronger, more energy efficient and environmentally friendly homes. Texas foam is an EPS manufacturer, and can provide Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) to any specification as well as many stock items. We also offer sheet stock that can be cut to order. Please feel free to contact us for any Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF).
What are Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF)
In short, Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) are shape molded foam forms that are filled with reinforced concrete and reinforcement bar to create insulated structural walls.
Insulating concrete forms (ICF) are rigid plastic foam forms that hold concrete in place during curing and remain in place afterwards to serve as thermal insulation for concrete walls. The left-in-place forms not only provide a continuous insulation and sound barrier, but also a backing for drywall on the inside, and stucco, lap siding or brick on the outside. The foam sections are lightweight and result in energy-efficient, durable construction. The durability of concrete construction also aids against fire, wind, and deterioration.
Insulating concrete forms (ICF) consist of insulating foam, commonly expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS). The three basic form types are hollow foam blocks, foam planks held together with plastic ties, and 4 x 8 panels with integral foam or plastic ties. Within these basic Insulating concrete form (ICF) types, individual systems can vary in their design. "Flat" systems yield a continuous thickness of concrete, like a conventionally poured wall. The wall produced by "grid" systems has a waffle pattern where the concrete is thicker at some points than others. "Post and beam" systems have just that – discrete horizontal and vertical columns of concrete that are completely encapsulated in foam insulation. Whatever their differences, all major Insulating concrete forms (ICF) systems are engineer-designed, code-accepted and field-proven. Insulating concrete forms (ICF) can be used to form various structural configurations, such as a standard wall, post and beam, or grid. They provide backing for interior and exterior finishes.
Insulation values of Insulating concrete form (ICF) walls vary depending on the material and its thickness. Typical insulation values range from R-17 to R-26, compared to between R-13 and R-19 for most wood-framed walls. The strength of insulating concrete form (ICF) structures relative to lumber depends on configuration, thickness, and reinforcement. However, insulating concrete form (ICF) walls are designed as reinforced concrete, having high wind and seismic resistance.
So just how expensive are insulating concrete forms (ICF)? The truth is you can get superior Insulating concrete form (ICF) technology for a lot less than you’d think. Insulating concrete forms (ICF) are so efficient to build with and easy to use, that the cost of building an insulating concrete form (ICF) house is comparable (possibly 2-5% more expensive) to that of an ordinary 2x6 wood-framed house.
Insulating concrete form (ICF) Advantages
Energy Savings
Energy savings and comfort are built into every Insulating concrete form (ICF) system. Insulating concrete forms (ICF) start with a higher R-Value.
Air infiltration in an Insulating concrete form (ICF) Home is minimal due to the continuous air barriers provided by the foam insulation and the concrete. Likewise, there are no convection currents within wall cavities.
The concrete walls of an Insulating concrete form (ICF) home have high thermal mass, which buffers the interior of a home from the extremes of outdoor temperature during every 24-hour cycle. This reduces both peak and total heating and cooling loads.
This combination of high R-values, low air infiltration, and high thermal mass is believed to account for the amazing 25% to 50% energy savings of Insulating concrete form (ICF) versus wood or steel-framed homes.
Less Noise from Outside
New Insulating concrete form (ICF) homeowners almost always remark on how unbelievably quiet their new house is, compared with their old stick-build home. They expect the new-found comfort and energy efficiency, but the peace and quiet – the protection from outside noise – never fails to surprise and delight them.
In sound transmission tests, Insulating concrete form (ICF) walls allowed less than one-third as much sound to pass through as do ordinary frame walls filled with fiberglass. With double-glazed windows in Insulating concrete form (ICF) walls and beefed-up roof insulation, you will rarely hear street noises or airport traffic.
Solid & Lasting Security
The high-mass walls of an Insulating concrete form (ICF) home not only give it a remarkably solid feel, but they also make it safer for the family. And make it a remarkably solid and secure investment, too. Concrete homes have a proven track record of withstanding the ravages of hurricanes, tornadoes and fires, when all the stick-built houses around them are in ruins.
In fire wall tests, Insulating concrete forms (ICF) stood exposure to intense flame without structural failure longer than did common frame walls. The polystyrene foam used in most Insulating concrete form (ICF) forms is treated so it will not support combustion. Also, tests show that its tendency to transmit an outside flame source is less than that of most wood products. (Many insurance carriers offer a premium reduction on a home owner’s policy for an Insulating concrete form (ICF) home.)
Less Repair & Maintenance
With Insulating concrete form (ICF) homes, the equation is simple. No Rot = Less Repair and Maintenance. Neither polystyrene nor concrete will ever rot or rust. Concrete can even be exposed to the elements for centuries with few ill effects. Reinforcing steel, buried deep inside and protected by concrete’s alkalinity, does not corrode.
Environmental Benefits
Building with Insulating concrete forms (ICF) is healthier for the environment in a number of ways: by minimizing the number of different building products involved in construction, by reducing the amount of waste generated on the construction site, and by lowering energy requirements for heating and cooling.
Insulating concrete form (ICF) homes provide a healthy indoor environment, too. Nothing held within or ordinarily emitted by an Insulating concrete form (ICF) wall is toxic. The measurement of the air contents of actual Insulating concrete form (ICF) houses shows an almost complete absence of any emissions.
** Information in this article is referenced from cement.org and toolbase.org
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