The Benefits of ICF
Insulated Concrete Forms are the fastest growing segment
of new home construction, and for good reason -
The benefits of the ICF building method include:
Up to 70% energy savings over conventional built homes
Eco-Friendly Materials
Tornado, Hurricane and Fire Resistant
A Virtually Soundproof and Healthy Environment
Flexible Designs
With ICF both internal and external walls are insulated
with polystyrene panels. Walls do not heat up during daytime and therefore
cannot give back the heat during the night. This is especially beneficial
in European countries such as Spain.
With ICF it is not necessary to install expensive central
heating, a simple under floor or low watt density electrical heater
will be more than sufficient to give you a very comfortable and economical
heating source, by the same token in summer you will only need to run
your air conditioning minimalistically - if at all.
Although ICF is a high performance product, it is not
a high cost product. The speed of build produces cost savings throughout
the construction phase - and beyond!
Beneficial cost savings of construction include:-
• Lightweight materials reduce the need for heavy
lifting equipment
• Reduction in skilled labour requirements
• Speed of construction means less time lost to weather conditions
• Cost effective basement construction
• Roof is in place at a much earlier phase
• Reduced requirement for scaffolding
• No special lintels, cavity closers, or wallties are required
• Special shapes are easily formed from standard parts
• Smaller heating systems can be specified
• Service chases are easily formed using a small router
• Rails allow easy fastening of exterior finishes
• Rails allow quick fixing of plasterboard linings
• Most internal fixtures can attach to the horizontal rails
• Lower occurrence of shrinkage cracks to remedy
Possibly the greatest saving will be found by the early
occupation and the consequent reduced cost of capital!
Cost savings once the property is occupied include:-
• Solid construction
• Reduced heating costs - for ever!
• Reduced air conditioning costs
• Lower maintenance
• Noise reduction
As outlined above, there are numerous
benefits to building with ICF, for more information on this alternative
building method for Spanish property, as well as traditional
building methods, please contact us.
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