Residential and Commercial Applications Once a structure is built with ICF there is no comparison to typical frame or block construction. The ICF industry falls into a trap of comparing the benefits and features to typical frame construction, there are no true comparisons between the two. Both ICF and traditional methods of construction perform the same requirements for most structures, but ICF performance criteria are significantly greater than traditional methods. ICF's have one limitation vs. concrete block construction...It requires the application of a durable finish material whereas concrete block can be painted or left bare. The cost of ICF vs. more traditional methods of construction is typically more for the actual construction, but the cost of ownership of an ICF structure is significantly less than the more traditional methods. In nearly every documented case of the cost of an ICF structure, the return on investment (ROI) for the extra construction cost is within 5 years with many showing less than 3 years. Depending how costs are viewed, ICF may cost a little more or significantly less to build and operate.

Why should you build with ICFs? A better question would be,"Why would you consider building with anything else?" Here are a few of the best reasons to build with ICFs: Comfort Nothing blows through reinforced concrete. There will be absolutely no drafts or cold spots. ICF homeowners have commented on how constant temperatures stay within their homes. Because of the tremendous thermal mass of the exterior wall envelope, temperature peaks are smoothed, and therefore homes are noticeably warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Safe & Healthy There are no CFCs, HCFCs, or formaldehydes, and also no wood to rot and mold. ICFs are the answer for allergy and asthma sufferers. They have a two-hour fire rating and are termite and pest resistant. But most importantly, these structures can withstand a severe storm hit. Have you considered climate change into your future structure's design?

Build Green with ICFs - Protect our Children's Future! Our world's number one challenge is to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is being discharged into our atmosphere. The earth's relatively sudden warming and consequent dramatic effects of climate change are directly related to these carbon dioxide emissions. . Landfilling construction waste is reduced to less than 1% when you build with AMVIC. For every one tone of methane produced by landfilling practices, 20 tones of CO2 are produced. . Every ICF home saves approximately 8.5 trees and effectively preserve nature's air filters. Ask yourself the question, "How much oxygen does sand and gravel produce?" . If we can reduce our energy bills by as high as 40%, we can reduce CO2 emissions by the same amount. The world's international Kyoto agreement insists on a reduction of emissions by 50% just to slow down the effects of global warming. ICFs are a part of the answer to CO2 reductions.