Concrete forms solve many construction problems

M. Elise Crain is owner of Crain Enterprises LLC.

Picture your building standing after a major storm. Imagine your structure in good condition after a fire or an accident, such as a car running into it. How can this be? Build with insulating concrete forms.

ICF construction, such as that of the Domino's at Sunshine Street and Scenic Avenue, will withstand wind, storm and fire because ICF walls are stay-in-place concrete forms filled with concrete.

Besides the safety, energy efficiency is increased 65 percent over wood frame, the construction is eight times safer in a seismic event, and it is resistant to bugs (bugs do not like foam or concrete).

Experienced crews build faster because the forms stay in place, the subcontractors can be more efficient, and work can be accomplished 12 months a year. Any finish you desire can be used on both the outside and inside walls. Another benefit is straight walls in and out. That building efficiency results in less construction cost.

ICF construction eliminates cavities that can hold moisture and foster growth of mold and mildew. It also eliminates "cold spots." It is dust and pollen free. Sound transmission classification in ICF buildings is typically 50 (inaudible); typical wood classification is 25. The fire rating is three to four hours compared to 15 minutes to one hour in wood. Insurance will be 10 percent to 15 percent less with ICF construction.

Door and window openings, and wall and roof penetrations must be properly placed and sealed for all of this to work. As in other construction, it takes the entire team to build a good project.

The Insulating Concrete Form Association is meeting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Naval Facilities Service Center, and the U.S. Marine Corps to discuss possibilities of ICF construction being one of the security answers for our military facilities.

While we expect the threats in our corner of the world to be more weather-related than terrorist-related, the solution may be the same for both.