Storms. Fires. Floods. Earthquakes. Utility bills. The world’s a dangerous place.
It’s no secret that our weather patterns seem to be changing, and natural disasters are more frequent. The images of flattened homes are burned in our minds, leveled by whatever rage Mother Nature chooses to inflict. Summers are hotter. Winters are colder. Utility bills are jaw-dropping. We like to think of our homes as the places we can go to escape from everything outside, but if they’re traditionally constructed…we might be sadly mistaken.
Structures built with ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) offer supreme protection in the event of a major storm. ICF buildings are proven to withstand major wind-related weather events, such as tornadoes, making homes built with ICF technology ideal for areas like the Ozarks. Concrete is a natural firewall, with the capability to withstand wildfires for up to four hours longer than lumber. The force of floodwater is no match for solid reinforced concrete; ICF has also proven a high degree of protection against earthquakes. And in an age when energy consumption has reached dangerous levels with a price tag to match, ICF offers energy savings at 25 - 50% over wood or steel framed homes (it’s tough to leak air through 11” of foam and concrete).
We could go on and on, but we thought you might want to see some cool proof and read some pretty mind-blowing studies yourself. We’ve put together a list of information for your research and enjoyment; we’re happy to answer any questions you might have, even if you aren’t quite ready to build.
FAQ
We’ll talk about ICF all day long. But not everyone wants to do that, so here’s a list of questions we get pretty frequently. We even answered them, which is helpful.
ICF Weather Resistance
If you’ve heard anything at all about ICF, you’ve probably heard about the way it stands against North America’s infamous tornados and hurricanes.
ICF Earthquake Resistance
They say the big one’s coming. Even if it doesn’t, it’s still a good idea to be prepared.
ICF Fire Resistance
Whether the fire originates inside or outside the home, concrete is a natural firebreak and can resist the heat for up to four hours longer than lumber.