Energy-saving ICFs now available in Springfield

by Elise Crain

for the Business Journal

If you could have a building that saves energy, muffles exterior noise, increases comfort, reduces insurance costs, and requires less maintenance would you be interested?

There is a product, called "insulating concrete forms" (ICFs), that does all those things. It is available in this area now.

ICFs can be used for commercial or residential construction, above and below grade. These forms are expanded polystyrene (foam) and stack like building blocks. They are filled with concrete, and the forms stay in place. They provide a straight, plumb wall inside and outside, so it is easy to place finishes.

Any conventional exterior may be applied, such as brick, exterior finish or wood. Drywall or paneling is easy, and any other interior finish can be used.

Fewer labor hours are required for erection and placement of concrete. The forms weigh about six pounds each, so workers' compensation claims are reduced, Forms have no odor or fumes, and cracking in foundation walls and basement walls is eliminated.

ICFs have become popular for hotel/motel construction. The owners appreciate the value of the sound-proofing qualities. It is nearly impossible to hear the television set next door. Parents of teenagers also appreciate the lack of sound from other rooms!

All owners appreciate the insurance savings. The ICFs are considered "non-combustible" and generate about a 30 percent savings in fire insurance premiums.

Resale of an ICF structure is easy. The owner can demonstrate the utility and insurance savings, and everyone who enters an ICF building is immediately aware of the lack of noise from outside.

They are virtually indestructible in a tornado, and some homes and businesses use ICFs for a "safe room," even when they do not use ICFs for the complete structure.

Because of the thermal mass, ICF structures require less heating and cooling. The finished wall can be equivalent to an R40 wall. The construction provides less leakage of air around penetrations and doors and windows, also important to the utility savings.

One manufacturer talks about a "stop" program ... "stops heat, stops cold, stops water, stops fire, stops drafts, stops rot, stops sound, stops deforestation, stops pollution."

This building system has long been popular in the northern United States and Canada, where the heating season is long, and it is becoming popular in the southern United States where the cooling season is long.

Several manufacturers are in the market. As with other products, some are better then others. A few require certification of contractors. Certification and experience are important. A trade association, Insulating Concrete Forms Association, has information on various manufacturers. The manufacturers can provide distributor and contractor information for you.

A few ICF structures are already being built in the area. The Concrete Promotion Council of the Ozarks is working to provide education by vigorously promoting an ICF house in Springfield. The group expects spring 1999 construction.

Additional information is available from Elise Crain, at Increte of the Ozarks, 863-2054, fax 863-2056, or e-mail at

ecrain@concocompanies.com.

(M. Elise Crain is marketing manager for Increte of the Ozarks.)

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