FEATURES & BENEFITS
Built To Last
Our ICF has higher R-values that will withstand storms with high winds making it a stronger options than wood frames.
Energy Efficient
The superior insulation, air tightness, and mass of the walls cut the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling by 30-40%.
- High R-value – Four inches of foam insulation (2″ interior and exterior) over a solid concrete wall create a highly insulated mass that blocks heat and cold variations. Insulating values for Universal ICF walls using polystyrene foam are R-22 to R-50, compared to wood frame’s R-9 to R-15.
- Low air infiltration – Due to continuous air barriers, there are no convection air currents within the wall cavities. In tests, Universal ICF walls averaged about half as much air infiltration as wood-frame homes.
- Greater thermal mass – Universal concrete walls have the heat-absorbing property, “thermal-mass,” the ability to smooth out large temperature swings. It keeps the walls warmer when the outdoor temperature hits its coldest extreme and cooler when the outdoor temperature is hottest. The walls “add back” heat or cooling, which contributes about 6% of the needed energy to the house for free.
- Lower energy costs – bills are reduced 34% to 50% over typical wood framed structures. In colder climates, basements that are not insulated account for up to 40% of a home’s heat loss
- Lower sound transmission – About one-sixth to one-third as much sound gets through Universal ICF walls compared with an ordinary frame wall.
- Enhanced solid structure – High mass walls create the feeling of a significantly enhanced solid structure with virtually no cold spots and fewer drafts.
- Solidity and rigidity – Universal ICF wall construction reduces the flex in floors and reduces shifting and vibrations caused by high winds.
- Labor Savings – An ICF structure can be set up by an experienced crew in an average of 1 minute per square foot of wall area.
- Increases of Lumber Costs – Dwindling supplies of quality lumber have continued to keep lumber prices on the rise.
- Reduced Heating and Cooling Equipment – Smaller heating and cooling equipment needed for such an energy-efficient structure can cut construction costs by an estimated $500 to $2000.
- Reduced insurance costs – Home Owner’s insurance costs can be reduced as much as 10% by many insurance companies.
- Resale of your ICF home increases – ICF construction adds value to your home; seller’s may enjoy additional gains of $3.00 per square foot when selling their ICF home, over conventional wood frame construction.
- Mold and Mildew – With the Universal ICF system mold and mildew have nowhere to grow and no materials to grow on. Unlike wood an organic material, the components that make-up the Universal ICF system do not harbor moisture or promote mold growth.
- Reduced Air Infiltration – The interlocking foam faces, sealed with continuous concrete in the center, make Universal ICF walls exceptionally airtight. By reducing drafts, germs and allergens are locked outside of the Universal airtight structure.
- No Entrance for Pests – The interlocking foam faces, sealed with continuous concrete in the center, make Universal ICF walls exceptionally airtight. An airtight structure translates into a “pest tight” structure.
- Termite Barrier – If termites seeking food were to permeate the exterior foam of a Universal structure, the patented Universal PVC rail serves as a barrier, blocking the termites from progressing to wooden components such as window casings, door casings, or roof structures. Termites are incapable of travelling freely throughout the Universal ICF system.
FEATURE 1
SAFER & STRONGER
- Hurricanes - The strength and durability of a Universal ICF wall will provide unmatched resistance to survive the devastation of major storms and high winds.
- Tornadoes - Wood framed walls fail to stop the penetration of airborne hazards while Universal ICF walls have the strength and mass to resist the impact of flying debris.
- Fire - Unlike wood, concrete does not burn. Unlike steel, it does not soften and bend. Concrete does not break down until it is exposed to thousands of degrees Fahrenheit - far more than is present in the typical house fire. In tests, Universal ICF walls were subjected to continuous gas flames and temperatures of up to 2000º F for as long as 4 hours. None of the Universal ICF walls ever failed structurally.
- Freeze/thaw cycles - Freeze/thaw cycles have no effect on a Universal ICF foundation, the strength of the Universal ICF wall far exceeds the forces extended by these cycles.
FEATURE 2
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
- Our product is made from recycled material.
- Waste is reduced through minimizing the number of construction products required. With Universal ICF Wall System, all components, no matter the size, can be used in the wall construction.
- To construct the average wood frame home approximately 2 acres of forest are consumed in the build process. The earths natural resources may be conserved by building with Insulated Concrete Forms.
FEATURE 3
FLEXIBLE DESIGN
The same components are used whether building a straight, curved, or 45 degree wall; making the design changes much simpler as opposed to our competitors. For instance, you can use 3″ foam on one side and still use standard 2″ on the other. Any combination of foam thicknesses can be used to achieve any R-value.
- Designs can be of any style and accommodate tall walls, curved walls, large openings, long ceiling spans, custom angles and cathedral ceilings.
- The foam and rails are easy to cut and shape. Contractors can build curved walls and custom angles reducing the worry about structural load considerations.
- Finishes for ICF structures are the same as for traditional structures. The visible 2 1/4" wide rigid PVC rail at 1-foot intervals allows for materials to be easily attached.
FEATURE 4
LONG LASTING
- Unlike wood and steel, concrete and foam will not rot or rust. Concrete has proven that exposure to nature's elements over centuries of time has little effect on the strength and integrity of concrete.
- Thermal performance of polystyrene foam insulation stays stable where other types of insulation tend to take on moisture or settle.
FEATURE 5
LIGHTWEIGHT PRODUCT
- Rails and cross ties are compact and lightweight for easy handling and assembly. Working with this lightweight product means construction crews become less fatigued throughout the day.
- Our polystyrene panels are 1 ft high and vary in length up to 8 ft.