Building Paradise Stronger
Have you heard of ICF? For those who aren’t in the know, it’s one of the hottest building trends in the business. Here’s the skinny:
Photo courtesy of Build With Strength.
What is ICF?
ICF are building blocks made of polystyrene foam filled with concrete. These blocks are used in place of wood or plywood and are separated by a structural plastic webbing. Once the frame is assembled, concrete is poured in them to create a wall.
Why is it useful?
There are many benefits to using ICF, starting with the fact that it’s easy to install thanks to its interlocking sections. This construction ensures a snug fit that prevents air leakage, offers two layers of insulation, and doesn’t need a vapor barrier. The result is a tight building envelope that reduces heat loss. This innovative composition creates a material that is durable, long-lasting, and energy-efficient. Once the concrete pour is completed, drywall and other finishes can be applied directly on the material.
Lifespan
The foam used in the construction of ICF doesn’t degrade, giving it a lifespan of over 100 years. Homes built with ICF can provide peace of mind for their occupants since they perform well in seismic and flood zones.
A Real-Life Example
In 2018, one of the deadliest wildfires in US history tore through Butte County. It nearly consumed the towns of Paradise, Concow, and Magalia. With around 95% of the structures in those areas destroyed, the community has undertaken the herculean task of rebuilding.
Mathews Readymix is proud to be a part of helping rebuild the Ridge and Paradise. Along with other members of the Build With Strength coalition, our company has teamed up with the Butte Habitat for Humanity for the construction of new homes in Paradise.
The Project
Habitat for Humanity recently finished three homes on Garden View Lane, all designed for Camp Fire survivors. Representatives from Build with Strength attended, and Mathews Readymix supported these builds with a donation of concrete for the affordable and sustainable houses. Our donation of concrete was literally the building blocks of these houses, since it will be used to fill Insulating concrete forms (ICF).
The Importance of Rebuilding Stronger
After the devastation of the Camp Fire, it’s become clear that it’s important not just to rebuild, but to build stronger and smarter. Since ICF is more fire-resistant than wood, it is an optimum choice to ensure this kind of tragedy doesn’t happen again. The structural core of ICF will not warp, bend, or weaken in a fire. When combined with the other planned fire-resistant materials and defensible space in these future homes, it offers a solution that has strength.
Opportunities for using ICF
Using concrete is an opportunity to set yourself apart from traditional building methods here in Butte, Yuba, and Sutter Counties. And by building with ICF, you encourage the construction of sustainable homes that are durable and long-lasting. And most importantly, ICF provides its occupants with the knowledge that their home is fire-resistant and able to withstand natural disasters.
Want to explore options for using concrete for ICF? Mathews Readymix is happy to discuss them with you. Contact us to learn more.