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Concrete Building Systems,ICF,Foam Blocks
Insulated Concrete Form SystemsAerated Concrete BlocksAerated concrete blocks have been used in Europe for more than 50 years. It has gained
in popularity throughout the rest of the world and has had a large presence in the Far and
Middle East for the past 30-40 years and, to a lesser extent, in Australia and South
America for the past 20 years. The manufacture of AAC is also on the increase in China and
plants are under construction in India. The worlds current greatest producer of AAC
is Russia. Undoubtedly the areas of massive growth potential are China, India and North
America. Like typical concrete blocks, aerated concrete is strong, fire resistant and good
sound insulation. However, aerated concrete is also lightweight and energy efficient.
Aerated concrete was brought to the U.S. by Hebel Southeast, a German company with offices
in Atlanta, Georgia. SafeCrete Blocks and panels, made from autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), are noncombustible, inorganic, dimensionally accurate and durable. The cellular structure of the material provides remarkable thermal and sound insulation. Build a safe, efficient, permanent home with autoclaved aerated concrete. Cellular Structure is created by the unique manufacturing process. Millions of tiny air cells give SafeCrete amazing insulating properties, reducing heating and cooling costs by as much as half. Thermal Mass Inertia slows the transfer of heat through the wall. SafeCrete walls are typically 8 to 10 inches thick. The sheer mass of the wall causes heat to pass through more slowly. In temperate climates, this lag time allows the HVAC system to compete against the average temperature of the day, rather than the peak temperature. SafeCrete block is an excellent building material for residential construction. The light weight and workability of SafeCrete enable quick and safe installation. Excellent thermal properties benefit homeowners for the entire life of the home. SafeCrete block is available in a range of sizes. Size should be selected based on design, thermal, and sound absorption requirements. The comprehensive website has house plans online. www.safecrete.com Aerated Concrete Corporation of America has a comprehensive website
with lots of information on their products and the engineering specifications. They make
concrete blocks and panels. You can see photos of many of their projects--most of them are
commercial. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) has been used for close to 70 years and in 28
countries around the world. AAC is a dynamic, single component building system that is a
mixture of Portland cement, quicklime, sand, aluminum powder and water. The complex
chemical production process results in a concrete matrix that is ideally suited for use in
the construction industry. ACCOA's panels and blocks can be used to construct complex
systems for floors, walls and roofs. E-Crete Concrete Products--In the Western US you can find E-Crete Concrete Products. E-Crete blocks can achieve the look, feel and workability of adobe but with characteristics such as superior thermal and acoustic insulation. E-Cretes AAC blocks can be seen on various residential projects on the website. E-Crete has several distributors located in the Western United States. E-Crete has an extensive database of architects and engineers located in the Western United States. E-Cretes porous structure and high surface mass, coupled with its ability to dampen mechanical vibration energy, make for a building material that provides an outstanding defense against noise pollution. E-Crete AAC blocks are solid with no coves. E-Crete buildings are very energy efficient due to a combination of high R-value, thermal mass and air-tightness. E-Cretes excellent insulation qualities greatly reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling compared to most conventional systems. Better temperature and humidity control provide greater comfort and cost savings. www.e-crete.com The Contec Building System includes masonry components like blocks, floor and roof slab panels, wall panels, staircase steps and lintels made out of AAC, for a wide variety of construction applications. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is similar to the material formerly known as cellular concrete. AAC is designed as a lightweight product consisting of calcareous materials, such as cement and/or lime and siliceous fine materials, such as quartz, sand, and water to form a homogenous cell structure. The cellular structure is attained by the inclusion of microscopic voids originating from a chemical reaction. Autoclaving is used for final curing of the material. Contec Building System makes Standard Blocks, Semi-Jumbo Blocks and Jumbo Blocks and Panels. They are produced by in two different strength classes. The blocks are used to build both load bearing and non-load bearing masonry walls. www.thermacrete.com AERCON --Currently, AERCON is one of four producers of AAC in the United States. Buildings can be constructed quickly and safely using AERCON building systems. The product itself is lightweight; therefore easily handled. AERCON Florida has placed a strong focus on working with clients in the school, hospitality, and multi-family housing industries due to the correlation between industry needs and product benefits. Decision-makers working for schools, hotels and apartment complexes find AERCONs fire resistance ratings, sound insulation and thermal insulation attractive for building projects. www.aerconfl.com Unique Concrete Home SystemsGeckoStone----In Hawaii termites are a big problem, one man is addressing this issue. The Kula Lodge Garden Terrace, located on Maui in Hawaii, was designed and built by John August from 1989-1992. Concrete is used in vary practical and beautiful ways. John August, on his website, is advocating using concrete for both housing and outdoor furniture. He has online discussions of concrete vs. wood construction and essays on other aspects of concrete construction. One section is devoted to lightweight concrete information. The web site offers online ordering of molds for making your own artistic concrete pavers. www.geckostone.com/conhouse.html Concrete Roofing and Floor Pouring SystemsPlastbau Technology makes a foam system for fast and easy pouring of
concrete roofs and floors. They say their system saves labor, time and money and that it is
safe. The website gives the experiences of one beachfront waterside vacation home builder
and also commercial application info. Up to 40' spans with Post-Tensioning Up to
30' spans with Non-Post-Tensioning methods. Delivered ready to install Insul-Deck comes
pre-cut to your length and staged for quick assembly. No on-site scrap generated.
Lightweight system requires no crane Insul-Deck Expanded Polystyrene Forms eliminate heavy
material handling equipment. Makes Insul-Deck ideal for difficult sites and conditions. A
comprehensive detailed estimating guide can be downloaded. www.insul-deck.org ICF--Insulating Concrete Form Systems
ARXX Building Products -The Arxx Wallsystem consists of interlocking, lightweight, expanded polystyrene forms. Designed to be an integral part of the wall, the forms remain in position after the concrete is placed. The insulating capacity of expanded polystyrene coupled with the structural integrity of reinforced concrete is a powerful combination it makes Arxx walls stronger, safer, quieter and more energy efficient. Arxx walls meet or exceed standards set by building codes. Arxx walls stand up to the forces of time and nature. The structural integrity of steel-reinforced concrete provides exceptional protection from hurricanes and tornadoes. Arxx walls are fire-resistant too. Arxx walls provide exceptional insulation and this means significant ongoing savings to building owners and increased comfort to the people who live and work in Arxx buildings. These ICF walls can provide thermal performance values equivalent to, or better than, R-50 wood-frame construction. Nice website had much info--lots of it in downloadable .pdf files. www.arxxbuild.com The Insulating Concrete Form Association has a site where you can learn much about the advantages of building with ICF construction. Their mission is to promote the use of ICFs, and to promote ICF industry growth. They offer online answers to many home buyers and builders questions. The ICF Association also sell s books online like the fully illustrated field manual for building concrete homes with insulating concrete forms. Step-by-step instructions describe: planning and design; job logistics and site preparation; setting forms and placing concrete; connecting to roof and floors; utility installation; interior build-out; installing fixtures and finishes. www.forms.org ReddiForm, Inc. was founded in 1990 to develop, manufacture and market
the patented ReddiForm insulated concrete form wall system. ReddiForm is an expanded
polystyrene stay-in-place concrete form used to build insulated concrete foundations and
walls. The Amvic Building System is regarded as one of the highest quality
ICF system on the market . Your wall is only as strong as the weakest link. That comes
right down to how well each individual form is interlocked together. The Amvic Building
System features the FormLockTM interlocking system- allowing forms to be locked easily to
build a wall regardless of which direction the form is placed. It saves time and money,
and the job is done right the first time. Insulated concrete forms combine close
celled expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation with the terrific performance of concrete's
thermal mass to give you 30-50% savings in your heating and air conditioning costs.
Nothing blows through reinforced concrete. Covered EPS does not settle or deteriorate.
There is no food value for termites in an Amvic wall. Outside winds do not
effect inside comfort. Gone are those uncomfortable winter drafts and huge areas of heat
loss or gain from electrical boxes. ICF structures built from footing to rafter typically
have their floor joists hung by engineered systems so that you have a full height
reinforced insulated concrete wall. Huge savings in heat loss are now possible by
eliminating drafts that are typically found where conventional floor joists rest on
foundation walls. It is commonplace for someone living in a home built with an Amvic ICF
envelope to be completely surprised when venturing outside into gale force winds. Quad-Lock Insulated Concrete Forms--Quad-Lock is a lightweight,
insulating, stay-in-place concrete forming system ("insulating concrete form" or
"ICF"). A Quad-Lock wall is stronger, more soundproof, more resistant to natural
disasters, rot, and termites, better insulated (superior R-value) and, therefore, more
energy efficient; it reduces air infiltration and benefits from the thermal mass of the
concrete keeping inside temperatures more even. The price of building varies depending
upon freight. Quad-Lock ICF and this method of concrete construction are competitively
priced with stick-frame and other traditional wall systems. Quad-Lock is code approved but
final acceptance is up to local codes. Quad-Lock ICF system forms solid, flat, monolithic
concrete walls. The Durisol Wall Form System is the original insulated concrete
forming system (ICF). It is the only ICF system that does not use foam or polystyrenes and
is made from our unique proprietary material.Durisol lends itself to below- and
above-grade building construction. They will work with architects, contractors and
homeowners to help create a building that is energy efficient, environmentally friendly,
and built with green building practices. The Durisol wall forming system is a
straight-forward method of building a reinforced concrete wall with built-in thermal,
acoustical and fire protection. The wall forms are interlocking modular units that are
dry-stacked (without mortar) and filled with concrete and reinforcing steel. The
Wall Form units are available in a variety of widths and insulation configurations that
create a system that is flexible, design friendly and optimized for each specific
application (above-grade, below-grade, commercial, residential, etc.). The thermal Wall
Forms incorporate mineral fiber (rockwool) insulation that is also non-combustible,
moisture resistant and positioned towards the exterior of the wall, resulting in
additional energy efficiency that is not possible with other insulated concrete forms.
Durisol is a proprietary cement-bonded wood fiber material. It is composed of specially
graded recycled waste wood (100% clean, natural softwood lumber), that is neutralized and
mineralized, and then bonded together with Portland cement. TF Systemâ, an ICF (insulated concrete form) system for energy-efficient building. They provide an energy efficient concrete wall forming system for homes or commercial buildings. The TF Systemâ insulated concrete forms wall panels slide up and down, exposing construction armature, electrical wiring, plumbing -- or even tools which might have dropped during building construction. Because of ready mixed concrete, the structural framing of a TF Insulated Concrete Building will not rot, burn, or be susceptible to damage from insects. The expanded polystyrene foam used in the stay-in-place forms can also be treated for insect resistance. TF Insulated Concrete Buildings provide for maximum protection from fires, storms and high winds, and other natural disasters. Debris driven by high winds presents the greatest hazard to building occupants during storms. Recent laboratory testing compared the impact resistance of Insulated Concrete Building Technology to wood-frame construction. Insulated Concrete Walls successfully demonstrated the superiority of the strength and mass of Insulated Concrete Walls over any other building system. Insulated Concrete Walls stop wind-driven debris from traveling through exterior walls. Frame walls lack the weight and mass to resist the impact of wind-driven debris. Debris can travel completely through a wood-frame wall. Building owners in costal and/or seismologically-active areas are beginning to embrace Insulated Concrete Buildings because they can be easily designed to guard against damage from earthquakes. Concrete is one of the most resistant construction materials to heat and fire. TF Insulated Concrete Buildings are more likely to remain standing through fire than are structures constructed from other building materials. Unlike wood, concrete does not burn. Unlike steel, concrete does not soften and bend. Concrete does not break down until it exposed to thousands of degrees Fahrenheit ... far more heat than is present in a typical building fire. TF's sandwich of steel-reinforced, 100% concrete, surrounded by two-pound density expanded polystyrene foam, solidly outperforms today's conventional construction methods. Consider the TF Insulated Concrete Building System for the foundation and above-grade exterior walls of any light commercial project. www.tfsystem.com Nappi Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) is located in Rockford, IL
manufacturers a complete wall system. The Nappi product is a 48" X 16" block
with manufactured right and left hand corners that form a wall to receive concrete and
stay in place to provide insulation, and internal and external studs for any finishes. An
ICF wall creates a building that is exceptionally strong, durable, quiet and safe. Our
alignment system ensures straight and plumb walls. www.nappi-inc.com
The Tech Block Wall System is the superior method for building
exterior walls for residential or commercial buildings. By combining polystyrene foam
beads, cement, and water with an integrated 3/4 inch OSB attachment surface for drywall,
Tech Blocks provide a fast, easy, cost effective and highly energy efficient approach to
permanent wall construction. The walls are essentially impervious to air infiltration,
moisture, fire, and termites, are sound-resistant, and are also very architecturally
versatile.Competitively priced compared to standard building methods, but delivering
superior installation time, termite resistance, wind resistance, environmental impact,
sound proofing and Insulation value (R 35+). Reward Wall Systems, Inc. is one of the oldest and most
well-established insulating concrete form (ICF) manufacturers and distributors in North
America. Reward is the only major ICF manufacturer with two complete and diversified lines
of insulating concrete forms used in residential and commercial structures --iForm,
an innovative universal flat wall form that is horizontally and vertically reversible, and
eForm, an efficient waffle grid form that saves 30% on concrete. Because of the
incredible strength of Reward concrete walls, all of todays modern architectural
features such as arches, long spans, curved walls, and large open areas are easily
accomplished. Rewards customers include general contractors, residential
contractors, concrete contractors and construction supply distributors. With hundreds of
distribution points throughout the United States and Canada, Reward has established itself
as the ICF industry leader in providing quality, state-of-the-art products, prompt
delivery and outstanding service and support. From the outside you would never guess a
Reward house is made of concrete. Thats because of the unique design of the recessed
plastic ties within the Reward expanded polystyrene (EPS) forms. These ties act as furring
strips and allow your home to be finished inside and out just like any other
house
except your house will be much stronger and better insulated. Reward walls have
achieved a sound transmission class decibel rating that makes it one of the
quietest building products on the market. In their photo gallery you will see
a selection of the homes that have been designed for Reward ICFs and you can click to
print the house floorplans. www.rewardwalls.com CanadaIsoMatrixx is a major distributor for the industry leading
"NUDURA" Integrated Building Technology. IsoMatrixx distributes in a major
portion of Southwestern Ontario and provides the following services and support to
Contractor Installers of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). Their wall system is the new
generation of form unit in the world of insulated concrete forms. The system is a stay in
place high density polystyrene form. Each form is 12 sq.ft of wall area. Typically our
6" monolithic wall provides an insulation value of R22 and 3 hour fire rating
resistance. wall system is designed for all types of construction. Basement, single
dwelling, semi-detached, row housing, low rise, multilevel apartment, commercial,
industrial and institutional buildings. NUDURA walls may be finished with stucco, siding
or masonry. Special units are available to provide a ledge for masonry construction.
NUDURA walls are excellent when used for in ground swimming pool walls, thus resulting in
an extended season of use. NUDURA Building Technology can be utilized in virtually any
building design. Homes, apartments, commercial buildings, Churches or Schools all fit the
criteria for ICF buildings. It is an ideal product when insulation value, building
strength, sound and comfort are desired features. When combined with in floor heating
there are potential energy savings of up to 70% compared to conventional stick frame
homes. This will quickly pay back the slightly higher cost involved in a full home
construction utilizing NUDURA. As added benefits IsoMatrixx can supply the NUDURA
insulated floor and ceiling technology systems which accentuate the insulation value of
the ICF wall system. Type 1 & 2 EPS, Tongue and Groove panels in varying thickness can
provide extremely high insulation value for you home or building. www.isomatrixx.com Australia / New ZealandBuilding Blocks Northland Limited-exclusive suppliers of CSR Hebel
products for Northland. CSRä HebelÒ building systems can be used for all applications including walls, roofs, floors and balconies, in both loadbearing and non-loadbearing applications. Hebel products are not affected by harsh climatic conditions and will not degrade under normal atmospheric conditions. The HebelÒ story began over 45 years ago in West Germany, when a building contractor named Josef Hebel decided to develop a more cost effective building system. From the initial success of the first Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) products, Josef Hebel was encouraged to set up a mixing, moulding and cutting plant at Emmering near Munich. Architects and builders quickly saw the advantages of this strong yet lightweight material, and were soon utilizing its range of properties in all types of construction. In 1961 the first home was built from HebelÒ and in the next year a further division, Hebel House, was formed to specialize in residential projects throughout Germany. The success of HebelÒ in Germany was soon noticed overseas, and in 1967 the first joint manufacturing license was signed with Asahi Chemicals of Japan. That partnership now accounts for six factories and supplies a major share of Japans masonry requirements. In addition, HebelÒ now manufactures in ten countries worldwide. As Australias largest supplier of building materials, it was logical for CSRä to become involved with HebelÒ in the establishment of an Australian operation. In early 1989 the two companies signed a joint venture agreement, the first stage of which was the building of a $34 million factory at Somersby on the NSW Central Coast. www.hebelaustralia.com.au Zego Insulated Concrete Forms manufactures and distributes ICFs throughout Australia. They offer a video presentation, photos and engineering downloads to explain their system of construction. ZEGO Pty Limited is a Australian owned and operated building system company who manufacture the MAGU Building System under license agreement the same MAGU Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) in Germany. ZEGO (ICFs) are fully approved to meet all Australian Construction regulations and requirements necessary for full certification. The website shown many examples of this building system. www.zego.com.au ICF, Styrofoam blocks, concrete blocks, insulated concrete blocks, concrete foam blocks, concrete Styrofoam blocks, cement blocks. |
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