"My husband and I just finished building our dream home with Conduit Development. Simon, Denise and their whole staff were absolutely wonderful during this very important time in our lives. They were there for us for every decision, and were very reassuring that we would be pleased with the outcome. Conduit is a professional and trustworthy business that I gladly refer to others. Thank you for making our dreams come true!"
Insulating concrete forms are hollow blocks made out of plastic foam that are stacked igloo-style, then filled with reinforced concrete to shape the walls of a building. ICF construction sandwiches concrete between two layers of light, high-insulation foam to create a wall with a highly desirable combination of air tightness, strength, sound attenuation, insulation and mass. Home and business owners benefit from stable temperatures and energy efficiency that can reduce heating and cooling costs by nearly half, superior rigidity that helps structures withstand natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes, unparalleled fire protection, and a sharp reduction in exterior noise.
While ICF may be a relatively new concept for some potential homebuyers, it is not new to Conduit, a company well-versed in sustainable building.
Over the long run, ICF benefits like energy efficiency, disaster and fire resistance, and durability reduce the cost of owning your home or operating a business. Reduced noise and more constant temperatures mean quiet comfort can be enjoyed all year round. It all adds up to savings that add up year after year.
With its high R-values, low air infiltration, and high thermal mass, smaller heating and cooling systems are needed, resulting in savings of up to 50% of heating and cooling costs compared to a conventional home. In fact, ICF homes or businesses may qualify for an energy-efficient mortgage.
| *Item | Conventional Home | ICF Build | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Cost | $200,000 | $208,000 | 4% more |
| Monthly Costs | |||
| Mortgage | $1,119 | $1,163 | 7.5% interest |
| Taxes | $300 | $312 | 15% tax rate |
| Insurance | $60 | $48 | 20% savings |
| Energy | $145 | $102 | 30% savings |
| Total Monthly Cost | $1,624 | $1,625 | Cost Only $1 more |
ICF wraps a structure in two continuous layers of foam insulation, virtually eliminating "cold spots" that occur in conventional frame walls. True to Conduit's green building philosophies, an ICF home has 33% to 50% less air infiltration than a conventional frame house, preventing drafts and creating significant energy savings.
The solid concrete core of an ICF wall stabilizes indoor temperatures because of its thermal mass, even as outdoor temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.
ICF technologies typically have a two-hour UL/ULC listed Fire Resistance Rating on every 6" wall. This can be doubled to a four-hour rating by adding fiber to the concrete. How? Fire retardant is added to the EPS foam, providing a self-ignition temperature of over 800° (430°C) in every ICF form.
Sound Transmission Classification (STC) up to 50 or higher can easily be attained with an ICF wall. That means peace and quiet for neighbors on both sides of common walls—perfect for condos, townhouses and movie theatres and churches.
ICF walls are built like a sandwich with a reinforced concrete core. The structural integrity of this steel-reinforced concrete core provides exceptional protection from hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes.
