Choosing an ICF Home
Healthier Air – Non- Toxic - ICF walls reduce air infiltration by 75%: The extreme reduction of leakage of outside air, hay fever, asthma, and other airborne allergies can be greatly alleviated. The measurement of air contents of actual ICF houses shows an almost complete absence of any emissions.
Family Protection - A Safe House. Not just one safe room
· High Wind Resistant - ICF creates a concrete wall that is 10 times stronger than wood framed structures.
· Fire Resistant - The extremely low flame spread and smoke development make ICF walls safer from the hazard of fire.
· Earthquake Resistant – Reinforced walls are among the safest and most durable types of structures in an earthquake.
· Tornado and Hurricane Resistant - Withstand the damage and projectiles launched by tornado and hurricane strength winds.
Comfort - The high thermal mass and minimal air infiltration of insulating concrete form walls create a more uniform and stable temperature throughout your home.
Quiet - Peace and quiet and true protection from outside noise. In sound transmission tests, ICF walls allow less than one-third as much sound to pass through as regular frame walls.
Energy Efficient - At least a 50% savings in heating and cooling.
Affordable - Save MONEY
· Increased Home Value – A Great Investment
o The EPA Energy Star Homes Program concludes that home value increases by about $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills. This means you can profit by investing in energy efficient homes.
· Insurance Savings – Discounts/Lower Premiums
o Qualify for a lower premium than a home in the traditional wood frame class.
o Insurance providers are recognizing the fire and natural disaster-resistance of insulating concrete form structures and are offering special discounts on top of those lower premiums.
· Mortgage Qualification – Make your Money Work for Your Future
o Mortgage companies offer "Energy Efficiency" Home Mortgages
o Qualify for a higher mortgage payment. That means you're taking that same money which would be going to the utility companies and instead putting into your home!
Permanent – Stands the Test of Time – Lasts for Centuries
· increases the value of your investment
o Neither polystyrene nor concrete will ever rot or rust.
o Reinforcing steel, buried deep inside and protected by concrete's alkalinity, does not corrode.
Earth-Friendly – GO GREEN – Create a better environment for the next generation
· Building an ICF home instead of traditional stick frame home saves at least 10 trees.
· Reduction in energy use saves our natural resources.
· Less carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.
· Less construction waste.
· Contains no HCFC, formaldehyde, asbestos, or fiberglass, and no harmful CFCs
