River

 ICF are forms or molds that have built-in insulation for accepting reinforced concrete. The first patent application for an ICF was registered in the late 1960’s. Since then, and particularly in the last 5 years, ICFs have been fast-becoming the mainstream preferred building product worldwide for all of the right reasons. These large, hollow blocks are stacked right off of the truck and filled with reinforcing bar and concrete. The end result leaves you with a high-performing wall that is structurally sound, insulated, strapped, has a vapor barrier and is ready to accept final exterior and interior finishes.

 A solid concrete Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) Home can be multiple stories high and have many design features of a typical frame home.  The ICF walls incorporate framing, insulation, vapor barrier and shear resistance into one step.  The typical added cost of building with ICF vs. the typical wood frame construction practices is typically less than four dollars per square foot.  The added cost of building with ICF and concrete again typically has a payback (via savings to the homeowner in operating costs) of less than five years.  Many homeowners report that the “payback” is less than three years.  ICF homes offer many benefits to the homeowner some of which we list here: 

ICF homes typically save upwards of 50% of utility costs when complementary materials and methods are incorporated into the structure during construction.  75% utility savings are common.  Especially now since electric and gas have gone up as much as 80% in cost.

1. Energy Efficiency
With the combination of a solid concrete core in full contact with an interior and exterior insulation panel, a super energy efficient wall is created protecting the indoor air temperature. A “heat sink” is created from the thermal mass of the concrete which is now very difficult to penetrate. The total wall system is greater than the sum of its parts, reducing air leakage and increasing the “R” Performance to 40+. Owners enjoy energy savings up to 70%.

2. Safe
An ICF wall is also a superior structural combination of concrete and steel. When compared to stick framed buildings, an ICF wall offers greater protection from high winds in hurricane and tornado areas and from the often dangerous projectiles hurled during these storms. The strong “bond beams” created within the walls from the steel rebar protect in earthquake and mudslide prone areas stabilizing the structure when the ground has shifted or fallen.

3. Quiet
ICF walls provide an STC rating of 50 or greater when combined with other sound reduction materials. This creates a quiet environment from external noise in high traffic areas, high wind areas or other noisy neighborhoods dealing with trains, airports, etc. Conversely, ICF walls also offer sound protection from within, as is necessary in music and sound studios.

4. Healthy
One of the great concerns in older homes today is mold and mildew found growing behind drywall, in the attic and in basements. ICF walls eliminate the moisture commonly experienced seeping through concrete block or conventional poured concrete walls and condensation commonly found in stick framed homes. Expanded Polystyrene is a safe material without glues and does not off-gas Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) commonly found in material such as form oil release agents, plywood and chip board. Persons suffering from such allergies can feel relief.

5. Fast & Reliable
When using an ICF, you are getting 5 steps in one; structural superior walls, super insulation, strapping/studs, air and moisture barrier, completed professionally. This replaces concrete block, conventional poured concrete, stick framing, exterior sheathing, house wrap, plastic wrap and insulation. Depend on one crew including a certified contractor to quickly perform all these tasks in one step. For your peace of mind, RVQB demands that any installation of their product include supervision by a certified installer.  

 *The Foam and webbing are so important

to the pour !

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So many haven't been introduced to this yet...

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  When homeowners are looking

for quality and professionalism,

there is no better place than

River Valley Quality Builders!

  We have researched the product

for you and have only the best

quality of products and crew

members to build that building for

you!

When the time is Right to build that home...

 ICF block will bring you not only into the future but will amaze you on the cost you will save! Quick and Easy River Valley Quality Builders will bring you the best ICF that is in the industry!