What are ICF's?

Insulating (or insulated) concrete forms (ICFs) are hollow foam blocks which are stacked into the shape of the exterior walls of a building, reinforced with steel rebar, and then filled with concrete. ICFs combine one of the finest insulating materials, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), with one of the strongest structural building materials, steel reinforced concrete.

The result is a wall system of unmatched energy efficiency, strength and noise reduction. A structure built with the BuildBlock Building System is capable of reducing heating and cooling bills up to 70%. It also provides superior safety for its occupants with a continuous wind load rating up to 200 mph and a fire resistance of up to three hours.

Why Use ICF's?

Unlike wooden or aluminum concrete forms, BuildBlock forms stay in place serving as insulation that far exceeds the latest energy standards. Use of the forms not only saves energy dollars, but also saves construction time by reducing labor costs. These savings are passed on to the homeowner.

All conventional interior and exterior finishes are easily applied to BuildBlock walls, including brick, stone, masonry, siding, and stucco.

#1-- Living Comfort
ICF homes provide unparalleled peace and quiet, uniform and stable temperatures throughout, and a draft-free environment that greatly reduces dust and pollen.

#2 -- Energy Savings & Increased Home Value
ICFs save valuable construction time, lower heating and cooling costs (by 50-80%), and often reduce insurance premiums. Also, a recent EPA study concluded that energy efficiency increases home value by about $20 for every $1 decrease in annual utility costs.

#3 -- Structural Strength & Safety
ICF homes are capable of withstanding hurricanes and tornadoes, and can be built to meet commercial two-hour fire protection.

#4 -- Adaptability
Insulating concrete forms have successfully been used in virtually every type of construction, from one-story residences to multiple-story office buildings. ICFs are lightweight, versatile, builder friendly, and easy to install.

#5 -- Earth-Friendly
Insulating concrete forms are environmentally safe and energy efficient. They do not contain chlorofluoro-carbons (CFCs), HCFC, formaldehyde, asbestos, or fiberglass. Also, ICFs directly reduce the lumber used in construction. Working in partnership with concrete, one of earth's most abundant materials, BuildBlock forms are environmentally superior in every way.