Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are foam block structures that have been hollowed out and laid in the pattern of a building’s outer walls. These forms are then reinforced with steel and concrete. Our ICF concrete forms take this method to the next level, and replace the traditional styrofoam composite material with Nexcem, a greener, more natural substance. This cutting edge insulating technology boasts the following benefits:
1. Energy Efficiency
Nexcem ICF concrete is extremely energy efficient. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, homes insulated with ICF concrete can save owners up to 25% on annual energy costs. It doesn’t take a math wiz to figure that’s a few hundred dollars a year, at least!
2. Sturdier Buildings
Structures insulated with ICF concrete are six to nine times stronger than buildings insulated in traditional ways – and the materials to achieve this efficiency can weigh 40% less. Structural soundness is particularly important in areas that experience weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes. ICF concrete is a good, sound investment in these environments because these building materials can withstand winds up to 402 kilometers per hour.
3. Greener, Healthier Materials
Critically, Nexcem ICF concrete forms do not use styrofoam as similar, older technology does, and is therefore better for both humans and the environment. People exposed to a lot of styrofoam can exhibit a host of bad symptoms such as irritated eyes, skin, GI tracts, and even depression. Furthermore, styrofoam does not degrade and can last forever, a huge environmental concern. Nexcem units on the other hand are mixed using recycled, green wood and standard cement. They are breathable, mold-resistant, fire-resistant, vermin-resistant, and moisture-resistant, making for healthier and more durable structures that stand the test of time.
4. Cost-Effective
Because of the reliability, durability, and multi-purpose nature of Nexcem ICF concrete, this building material is almost always a solid investment, even if it costs more upfront. Being on the cutting edge of a nearly 100-year-old technology means something, especially as the world at large becomes more conscious of the effect human agency is having on the environment. Using Nexcem ICF concrete forms in your next building project will reduce the likelihood of having to scramble down the road to get your structure up to cod, and will mitigate an unintended environmental consequences of your project. Overall, it is estimated that using ICF concrete forms can reduce the final cost of a property by .75 cents per square foot – a figure that adds up!
If you have a building project coming up, talk to your contractor about Nexcem ICF sooner rather than later, and don’t be afraid to shop around.