Ever since Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492, people have building using essentially the same methodology: wood framing. Wood was once an abundant resource in the United States which made it the product of choice. Due to over logging and poor management of this valuable resource, the government stepped into to regulate the logging industry. Today, forests are sustainably harvested and tree farms are growing all over the United States so lumber is still readily available, even though prices have continued to rise. What if wood is not the best way to build? Beaver Den took a day to learn more about the newest building technology: ICF’s.
Attending the beginners class for ICF’s hosted by Logix ICF, I learned why ICF’s- insulated concrete forms- may be a great way to start changing the way we build.
Let’s take a moment to compare the Logix ICF’s verse tradition framing:
| LOGIX ICF | Traditional Building | |
| Energy Consumption | R 24 rating, performs similar to R 40 | R 19 rating, performs similar to R 15 |
| Up to 50% more efficient | ||
| Building Envelope | No air vapors | Needs additional air barriers |
| No mold can grow | Wood and moisture can create mold | |
| Air changes per hour: .22 | Air changes per hour: 5.5 | |
| Fire Rating | 3 to 4 hour fire rating | 15 to 30 minute fire rating |
| Structure: | 8 times stronger (all concrete!) | |
| Near sound proof (STC 56) | STC 36 | |
| Cost: | Estimated 5% premium over traditional. |
Interested in learning more? Contract Brandyn Deckinga at Brandyn@beaverdenbuilders.com.
