Example of Thermal Mass, Reduced Air Infiltration, and the Continuity of Insulation
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
R- Values

R- Values only represent the potential of a materials ability to restrict heat flow. In ICF there are three key factors that enhance the effectiveness of thermal performance.

1. Continuity of insulation- ICF walls have a continuous layer of insulation by necessity as opposed to a traditional stick framed house that has many gaps.

2. Reduced air infiltration- ICF homes consistently show results of 0.15 air changes per hour (ACH) compared to a traditional stick frame house with 0.45 ACH to 1.05 ACH

3. Thermal mass- the mass of an ICF wall acts as a buffer that moderates indoor temperature fluctuations, which reduces peak loads and allows for a decrease in the sizing of HVAC equipment.
Durability
Buildings using ICF's have life spans of more than double of traditionally built structures. For every year of its life span an ICF building uses 30-70% less energy to heat or cool compared to a building using traditional materials. Buildings with longer life spans mean less waste created by removal and replacement
Earth Friendly
  • Building an ICF home instead of traditional wood framed home saves at least 10 trees
  • ICF's contain no HCFC, Formaldehyde, asbestos, or fiberglass. No CFC's are used in the manufacturing process and there is no degree of "off-gassing"
  • Using ICF's result in less than 3% construction waste. Much less than traditional materials.
  • Reduced energy use result in less carbon dioxide being released.
Healthier Home
Using ICF's create super quiet, safe and sound homes. The air tight envelope created by ICF's eliminate air infiltration through the wall assembly which allows greater control of a building's interior air quality, resulting in no drafts or cold spots. The inorganic nature of ICF's means they do not support mold growth ensuring a superior indoor air quality free from allergens, mold, and pollutants.
Energy Savings

When building with ICF's most buildings can reduce the reduce the size of HVAC equipment by up to 50%. When completed a properly built ICF building will use 30-40% less energy resulting in smaller bills and less carbon dioxide released into the air.

Because of it's many benefits, ICF's will qualify for an energy efficient mortgage making the conversion to a green building more affordable.
 

  
 
   
 
     
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