An ICF system uses concrete as the frame of the home.
The options for concrete home construction are known as insulated concrete form systems, or ICF systems. This is a type of building material that is used to support the structure of your new home, rather than a wood-framed house. Once you decide to build with an ICF system, your next task will be to compare the various system options. There are more than 20 brands in North America that offer ICF systems, and factors that can be compared include the warranty offered, customer service, energy efficiency and the builder offering the ICF system.
Instructions
1. Look into the options for ICF systems. These will vary by brand. Your area might have regulations about which ICF systems you can choose, so check with your local zoning commission. Otherwise, compare the performance and price of each system.
2. Find out the warranty of the ICF systems you're considering. The company offering the system should offer you a warranty that covers any possible defects for a period of time. These defects can include cavities or voids that were not filled, air leaks or ineffective sealing of the ICF system.
3. Ask about the customer service for the company offering the ICF systems you're considering. Customer support is important throughout the building phase, as well as for any problems that arise after your home is complete. ICF systems are more complicated than framed buildings because the semi-liquid concrete needs to cover every possible void and cavity. If anything should go wrong, a well-staffed and readily available customer service department will be very helpful.
4. Check the energy efficiency of the ICF systems you're comparing. Efficiency is rated by R-value, and the higher the R-value, the more energy-efficient the system is. The starting R-value for ICF systems is generally around 20, but you can find values that go much higher.
5. Interview a variety of builders. The builder will be in charge of the concrete construction for your new home. If handled improperly, the concrete in the home construction will not be an effective insulator. Therefore, it's important to get a builder with experience dealing with the ICF system you chose. Also, check up on their credentials, including a state license, education and any references they provide.
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