|
|
Features & Benefits
ICF buildings are much more energy
efficient than ones built with wood or steel, yet they cost only
slightly more. Among the many benefits of building with ICFs are
tax incentives. And concrete buildings are quieter, safer, lower-maintenance
and provide all the same flexibilities as other building materials.
What makes ICF buildings so energy-efficient?
Energy savings and comfort are built into every ICF system. ICFs
start with a high it-Value. Four inches of ASTM C 578 polystyrene
foam insulation, combined with a five inch concrete wall a typical
ICF system - are rated above R-17 at 75* mean test temperature.
But that's not all! Air infiltration in an ICF structure
is minimal due to the continuous air barriers provided by the foam
insulation and the concrete. Likewise, there are no convection currents
within wall cavities. The concrete walls of an ICF building have
high thermal mass, which buffers the interior from the extremes
of outdoor temperature during every 24-hour cycle. This reduces
both peak and total heating and cooling loads.
This combination of high R-values, low air infiltration, and high
thermal mass is believed to account for the amazing 25% to 50% energy
savings of ICF versus wood or steel-framed structures. Equivalent
wood-frame thermal performance would require 2 x 12 construction
with super-insulated wall cavities.
How much does an ICF building
cost?
The many benefits of a structure built with insulating concrete
forms (ICFs) are available for only slightly more than the cost
of other building materials. ICFs are simple to assemble and they
consolidate several construction steps into one. The walls can be
economical despite the use of high-quality materials. ICF material
cost ranges from about $1.75 per square foot to about $3.50 per
square foot. Cost for installation labor, reinforcement, bracing,
and concrete placement will be additional. On average, ICF buildings
cost about two- to five-percent more.
Are there tax advantages to building an ICF building?
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 extended tax credits
for energy efficiency measures on commercial buildings or systems
placed through December 2013. A one-time tax deduction of up to
$1.80 per square foot is available to eligible owners or tenants
(or designers, in the case of government-owned buildings) of new
or existing commercial buildings designed to reduce the total annual
energy and power costs [..] by 50 percent or more in comparison
to a reference building which meets the minimum requirements of
ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001. Partial deductions of up to $0.60 per
square foot can be taken for comparable reductions from any one
of three building systems - the building envelope, lighting, or
heating and cooling system - that meets goals consistent with achieving
the 50% savings for the entire building. For more information view
the IRS Instructions & IRS Guidance or visit the Tax Incentive
Assistance Project or Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction Coalition
|
What other advantages do ICF buildings provide?
SUSTAINABILITY
ICF buildings reduce the use of wood and steel, optimize energy
performance, and build durable, easy-to-maintain structures. The
concrete used to fill the form cavities use recycled materials,
is manufactured locally, will not burn or rot and contains negligible
levels of VOCs. The easiest and most economical way to achieve LEED
Certification for residential and light commercial projects is to
build them with ICFs.
QUIET
Owners of an ICF building almost always remark on how unbelievably
quiet it is They expect the new-found comfort and energy efficiency,
but the peace and quiet -the protection from outside noise - never
fails to surprise and delight them.
SAFE
The high-mass walls of an ICF building not only give it a remarkably
solid feel, but they also make it safer for those inside and a remarkably
solid and secure investment, too. Concrete buildings have a proven
track record of withstanding the ravages of hurricanes, tornadoes
and fires, when all the stick-built structures around them are in
ruins. In fire wall tests, ICFs stood exposure to intense flame
without structural failure longer than did common frame walls. The
polystyrene foam used in most ICF forms is treated so it will not
support combustion. Also, tests show that its tendency to transmit
an outside flame source is less than that of most wood products.
Many insurance carriers are now offering a discount on an owner's
policy for a building made from ICFs.
LOW MAINTENANCE
The equation is simple. No Rot = Less Repair and Maintenance. Neither
polystyrene nor concrete will ever rot or rust. Concrete can even
be exposed to the elements for centuries with few ill effects. Reinforcing
steel, buried deep inside and protected by concrete's alkalinity,
does not corrode.
FLEXIBILITY
ICF buildings can be designed in any style, and will accept any
traditional exterior finish including vinyl or wood siding, stucco
and brick. Because custom angles and curves are easily created,
it's simple to build in bows, bays and radiuses. And ICF systems
accommodate any of today's most popular design features, such as
tall walls, large openings, long floor spans, and cathedral ceilings.
|
These inherent benefits of ICF Construction Technology are the
final market driver. ICF buildings are strong, safe, quiet, comfortable,
secure, easy-to-maintain, highly energy-efficient, demonstrably
environmentally-friendly, and affordably cost-effective. For more
information on ICFs, contact the Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete
Association at (608) 250-6304, or email at info@wrmca.com.
|
|
