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For the builder |
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• Design flexibility
The provision of a variety of shapes and components creates limitless design opportunities. A range of features can be introduced – such as bay windows and arches – without the need for specialist products. In addition, floors can be constructed using ICF components.
• Variety of finishes
The exterior of the building can be clad in any finish the architect requires, including masonry, brick slips, render, tiles, curtain walling and weather boarding, with or without a cavity. Internally, plaster or dry lining is applied directly to the face of the EPS formwork.
• Compatibility with other
building systems
Any type of foundation, flooring, partition, stair or roofing system is compatible with ICF construction.
• Meets building performance
standards
ICF provides an easy means of achieving high standards of structural, energy, fire and acoustic performance.
• Modern Methods
of Construction
The use of ICF is a technique that is fully compatible with the ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ initiative being promoted by the Government through the Housing Corporation and the Housing Forum. |
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• Speed
ICF is quick and easy to use, without the need for skilled tradesmen. In fact, any builder or practical self-builder can quickly erect an ICF structure, as the lightweight units are easier to handle than traditional materials. Typically, an experienced team of four can erect and concrete the walls of a three-bedroom bungalow in a day, significantly reducing the contract programme.
• Reduced labour
A low labour content and the reduced need for skilled tradesmen results in the more efficient use of increasingly scarce construction workers.
• Less downtime
The ability to continue building in wet or freezing conditions (the EPS also protects the fresh concrete), and the quick erection of the exterior walls makes year-round construction the norm.
• Immediate follow-on
trades
With speedy construction of the watertight building envelope, the internal services and finishings can progress independently of the external cladding. |
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• Simple service
installation
Service ducts and utilities can be pre-installed within the concrete core, or easily chased into the EPS with a router or hot wire cutter.
• Less plant
and equipment
ICF components and temporary bracing systems are delivered as lightweight portable packs, which do not require any mechanical handling. Hand tools are limited to normal basic items.
• Good housekeeping
Just-in-time deliveries and direct placement of ready-mixed concrete reduces waste and site storage requirements, resulting in an overall tidier site.
• Site safety
The very lightweight ICF components, minimal requirements for tools and equipment and a tidier working area reduce the risk of accidents on site.
• Cost savings
In addition to the cost savings listed above, the energy-efficient buildings provide the opportunity to downsize the central heating system. |
| For a sustainable environment |
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For the occupier |
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• Superior thermal performance
The combination of the EPS insulation and in-situ concrete easily produces a robust building with a U-value of under 0.20 W/m2K, well below both the current Part L Building Regulations requirement for energy efficiency and the proposed Regulations for 2005.
Example of Air Test Certificate
• High thermal mass
The high thermal mass of the concrete provides more ‘fabric energy storage’ (FES) than lightweight construction. This absorbs and stores heat or coolness, which results in smaller temperature fluctuations. This thermal stability means that less energy is required for heating or cooling and produces a much more comfortable living environment.
• Waste and recycling
With ICF construction, there is minimal waste during construction and at the end of the building’s useful life the materials can be recycled.
• Fewer deliveries – less traffic
The use of ready-mixed concrete from a local supplier means that the main construction material has not been imported or hauled long distances, and with only two key materials, the number of deliveries to site is reduced. |
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• Low running costs
The occupants benefit from low running expenses, as the energy-efficient building costs less to heat. In fact, some well-designed houses need no heating other than that provided by solar energy.
• Good acoustic
performance
The ICF insulation reduces impact sound within the building, while the concrete core provides a solid mass to reduce airborne noise. This makes the system ideal for party wall construction where the concrete core may be up to 300 mm thick.
Example of Acoustic Certificate.
• Healthy indoor
environment
All materials used in the ICF system are inert, so give off no toxic fumes. The building maintains an even, more comfortable temperature and air quality is easily controlled with no leakage – good news for those with asthma or other allergies. Problems associated with condensation, mould and mildew on walls are eliminated. |
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• Fire resistance
All EPS materials used in ICF systems are treated with fire retardant. All ICF systems have the appropriate fire certification and, of course, the concrete structure more than meets the requirements.
• Flood damage
Experience has shown that ICF buildings subjected to flooding have been more resistant to water ingress and have suffered much less consequent damage than other forms of construction.
• Mortgage, insurance
and planning acceptance
All mortgage lenders, insurance companies and planning authorities accept ICF construction. |
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